Our short visit to Costa Rica culminated with my cousin Mirta's wedding on Saturday night.  If you have been reading Beyond Voyage for a while, you may remember Mirta from when we randomly found each other in Barcelona one night. Fast forward one year and she is marrying the love of her life in her hometown near San Jose, Costa Rica.  After hours of dancing, laughing, eating, drinking, talking and smiling, all I can say is that there is no party like a Costa Rican party!  This fiesta was phenomenal! 

Firstly, we dressed up in formal attire which is always fun, especially when in another country.  Being Mr. & Mrs.  Type A, we arrived at the church in Escazu a half hour early.  No one was there and I had a slight panic attack that our navigation led us astray.  Soon we spotted a few dashing wedding guests in their formal finery and confirmed that we were, in fact, at the right place. We were also informed that in Costa Rica, weddings rarely start on time so we were WAY early. While we waited,  we strolled around the church, greeted a few nuns, and took this selfie in the garden:

The ceremony was in a beautiful stone church in the center of the neighborhood plaza.  There were gorgeous flower arrangements of lilies and hydrangeas lining the aisle and covering the altar.  I also loved the twinkling candle-lit chandeliers hanging over the pews.  Since we were there early, we watched an attendant light each candle individually. It was a nice change of pace from the battery powered "candles" we saw in all the European churches. 

The processional began just as the sun was setting, casting a gold light through the church doors.   The church was packed and, although we didn't know most of the people there, we could tell there was a lot of love in that room for the couple and families. 

After the ceremony we drove back to the hotel for the reception.  We had no idea what was in store for us that night! Having worked in the advertising & media world,  I've been to my fair share of nice parties and this one rivaled some of the best.  Not just because of the beautiful decor, the amazing band, the DJ, and delicious food  - but because of the people and the incredible energy in the room. Everyone was so much fun!  We enjoyed catching up with family we hadn't seen in a long time and meeting new family and friends.  Honestly, in Costa Rica, everyone might as well be family because they are the warmest, nicest and happiest people (which is no surprise CR is considered the happiest place in the world according to the World Database of Happiness). I wish I had taken more pictures but I was too busy dancing!  Here are a few Chris captured on his phone:

[Pictured Above] The newlyweds - Mirta & Mariano!!!! [Pictured Below] My cousins Angie & Jessica

[Pictured Above] Our table "Joy".  [Pictured Below] One of the many fun traditions that was new to me - all the girls joined the bride on stage for a sing-a-long.

One thing you may not know about Latin American weddings is that they last all night long.  Sometime after midnight, the party turned into a carnival theme.  Not the kind of carnival we have in the States with clowns and cotton candy - but the carnival they have in Brazil or Spain, complete with crazy hats, party favors and...wait for it... body paint. GLOW IN THE DARK BODY PAINT!  Black lights emerged from somewhere and the dance floor was aglow with swirling colors. They also passed out plush slippers for the ladies and served another round of food (including chifrijo!!!) to help sustain us through the next phase of the night.  The band signed off, the DJ tower came on and people literally started dancing on tables. 

[Pictured Above]  Signs of a GREAT wedding: body paint, boas and crazy head gear. I was glowing, literally!
[Pictured Below]  Flower power body paint down my back. Every wedding should have body painters! 

[Pictured Below]  We were dancing on couches at 2am. The last time I did this might have been the last time I was in CR ten years ago.  Also, you may have noticed that the body paint is not quite as fabulous without the black light...

Not surprisingly, we didn't make it to the end of the party.  Around 2am we retired to our room upstairs and slept soundly with full hearts & bellies.  

MUCHISIMAS GRACIAS to Mirta Sofia, Mariano and our Costa Rica family for an unforgettable evening. Our only regret was that we didn't stay in town longer.  Next time we will take more than just a couple of days off for our visit. Hasta la proxima vez! 

In my last post, I raved about whitewater rafting in Costa Rica.  Since it was my first time rafting, I wasn't sure what to wear, so I read online reviews, all of which recommended shorts, water shoes and a quick dry top.  With the exception of water shoes, I followed this general recommendation. However, after rafting, I learned a few things that would have been helpful to know beforehand. Had I known then what I know now, I would have packed differently. 

This is what I wore on the boat:

Pictured Above: 1. Old Navy Quick Dry Top  2.  Nike Pro Sports Bra  3. Lululemon Running Shorts  4. Merrill Barefoot Dash Glove Running Shoes  5.  Puma Ankle Socks  6. Nikon Coolpix Waterproof Camera

Pictured Above: 1. Old Navy Quick Dry Top  2.  Nike Pro Sports Bra  3. Compression Shorts  4. Keen Water Sandals  5.  Sport Sunglasses with Croakies   6. Nikon Coolpix Waterproof Camera

I'd keep the dry fit top, sports bra and camera per my note above. 

I'd replace the Lululemon running shorts with a pair of compression shorts that won't ride up the leg or threaten to stretch and fall down when swimming (or jumping into the water).  Important: If you have sensitive skin or allergies to rubber, wear longer shorts or sport leggings. You sit on the rubber raft for two hours, so take care not to irritate your skin.  The brand of shorts really depends on the person. I'd probably buy a cheap pair from Old Navy since they are going in the river.

I'd leave behind the sneakers and pack a pair of sturdy water sandals. These could have been useful for the entire trip in Costa Rica as they are sturdy enough for hikes and and canyoning  and quick drying after swimming in rivers and waterfalls.  The covered toe protects your feet from rocks and other sharp items at the bottom of rivers  and lakes.

I didn't wear sunglassses on the raft for two reasons - 1.  It wasn't sunny  2.  I didn't have croakies and I was afraid of losing the glasses.  I wish I'd worn them because the water was constantly splashing in my face and getting into my eyes. I wore contacts so I was regularly closing my eyes or making a funny face trying to adjust the lenses. 

Also, remember to pack waterproof sunscreen, a plastic bag for your wet clothes, and a change of clothes. 

For the guys:
Guys should avoid cotton clothing and go with a quick dry shirt, board shorts/swim trunks and water shoes.   Chris wore a cotton shirt and it stretched out quite a bit.  

White water rafting has always been on my bucket list and I figured I'd try it at some point during our trip around the world.  However, I never checked it off the old list on our big trip, despite being in destinations with large raging rivers like South Africa and Peru.  We were recently in the Arenal region of Costa Rica, and it being the rainy season, the rivers were roaring.  What better time to try rafting?!?!

We chose to go with Desafio Adventure's class 3/4 rapids based on user reviews and they did not disappoint! We boarded a bus with a group of giggly teenagers on a group trip and a four 20-something passengers, which made us us the bus elders. The rain was pouring over La Fortuna, however we drove two hours to the Sarapiqui River, which was a little less wet. It didn't matter though, we were about to get thoroughly soaked! 

At the river, we met up with a another tour bus and the crew started inflating the rafts. We threw on our gear (helmets & life vests), grabbed an oar, divided into groups and went through a safety briefing and quick tutorial with our guide, Jorge.  Thankfully, Chris and I were on the boat with the four 20-somethings - making us a group of six, plus our guide. Later we learned that, had we been on a raft with the lanky teenagers, we would have been rescuing them from the water the entire time! They regularly fell out of the boats because they collectively weighed about a hundred pounds. 

Here is a picture of our tour bus, shortly after we arrived at the river:

[Above] Rafts are inflated, ready to go. [Below] Our raft group! 

Little did we know that there would be several thrills on this trip. The first we expected - the rafting itself. Our guide, Jorge, took us through the first rapids beautifully and in no time we were all laughing, screaming and loving the thrill! We got pretty wet at first, but just in case we weren't fully drenched, Jorge poured a helmet full of water on each of us. 

Then we encountered bigger rapids, which initially elicited this kind of response (that's me screaming in the back):

We quickly got over the fear and powered through, paddling per Jorge's instructions. Look how hard Chris is working in the picture below:

At the end of each rapid, we would raise our oars and celebrate our survival by shouting "PURA VIDA", the Costa Rican mantra meaning pure life. 

At the mid-point of our trip down the river, we stopped to have some fruit and relax.  Chris spotted some people across the river jumping off a cliff into the water.  The funny thing about Chris is that he has a fear of heights (which is ironic since he is 6'5"); he won't bungee jump and it took a ton of convincing to get him to try a canyon swing.  But cliff jumping? He LOVES it.  I joined Chris in his insanity, and swam across the river, against the rapids and over to the path that led to the cliff. First Chris jumped. That blue blur in the left picture below is Chris mid-jump and the person in pink above is me.  I blew up the picture of me so you can see my terrified expression watching my favorite person jump off a 20 foot cliff into rapids.  

After ensuring Chris resurfaced, it was my turn. However, I was hesitant and little scared.  Then a 10 year old kid told me nonchalantly "It's really no big deal, I've done it twice already". I succumbed to the tween's peer pressure, and I ran, jumped, flailed, screamed, hit the water, swam as hard as I could to land and then...laughed. It was scary at first but most of it was insanely fun! 

After our jump, the sun came out and we relaxed, eating especially sweet pineapple and watermelon while taking in this view:

Post cliff jumping:

If you haven't noticed from the pictures already, class 3/4 rapids are really fun. I think anything less would be a little boring. After cruising through some decent drops and snaking around rather large rocks, I felt pretty comfortable at the half way point. Jorge decided to change that sentiment when he suggested that I ride on the front of the raft, holding the rope "like a horse". I thought it was a joke, but he was serious. "It will be fun" he said.  So I made my way to the front of the raft, expecting him to withdraw his offer before I sat down. He didn't and so I took my position, figuring we wouldn't go through any major rapids while my legs dangled over the front of the boat. 

Boy was I wrong. We DOVE into a rapid. 

Luckily for everyone else, I broke the wave.  In the picture below, that black and orange thing in front is my shoe. The rest of me was on the floor of the raft, in the laps of total strangers. WICKED AWKWARD! 

I attempted to pull myself back up:

I REALLY tried to pull myself out of this terribly awkward situation! Notice Chris laughing at me in the back.  

Eventually I gave up, accepted my plight and enjoyed the view from up front.  This was when Jorge and Chris yanked me by the vest into my back seat position. Out of awkwardness; back to paddling. 

After we finished the course, we drove about five minutes to a restaurant where we changed and had a tasty lunch. Then we slept on the two hour ride back to La Fortuna. We had a blast and would definitely do it again! If you are a reasonably good swimmer visiting Arenal, try Desafio's class 3/4 rapids and get ready to experience multiple thrills and, of course, pura vida! 

Last year, it seemed like everyone in Boston vacationed in Puerto Rico.  This year,  Costa Rica is the popular choice.  A few friends have already visited and all of them returned home with a huge smile on their face. It's hard not to love this country.  

Although I visited almost 10 years ago, it remains one of my favorite vacations of all time. There aren't many places where can you watch a volcano erupt outside your cabin, observe  monkeys & SLOTHS on your walk to pristine beaches, sip Imperial with friendly Ticos, zipline through the jungle treetops, stumble upon a jungle rave after dining in a historical airplane, hike a cloud forest and (in my case) finally meet amazing family members in person. Costa Rica is truly special.   

The Ticos have a saying - Pura Vida - which literally means pure life but really means full of life or this is living!.  People often use it when greeting each other or saying goodbye (kind of like the way the British say cheers). These two words perfectly sum up Costa Rica and it's easy to adopt this philosophy when you visit.   Check out Beyond Voyage's Costa Rica review for more information. Pura Vida!