Costa Rica-- Check!

I just got back from a vacation of a lifetime in Costa Rica with my sister. It was the first time we traveled internationally, not counting Mexico, and it was the perfect choice that will definitely be hard to top. Costa Rica's rain forest was initially what attracted us to it; I promise P!NK getting married there had nothing to do with it. The tour description consisted of hikes, rafting, horseback riding, zip lining, and walks through the city. If you know me, you know I love the outdoors, which is why booking this trip was an easy decision. And then there was the whole we-already-know-the-language thing, so getting by would be a piece of cake. 

I was nervous, I will admit, the weeks leading to our departure, but then again, I get nervous if I'm going to Disneyland, so it might not be saying much. I was mostly worried about the flight, and this was before the horrendous plane crashes making the news. But I had my Lady Of Loreto, Patroness of Aviators and Air Travelers pendant protecting me along with a Guardian Angel my friend lent me. I knew I was going to be safe--the chances of something bad happening were greater on the road than in the air anyway-- once I was in Costa Rica. 

A 20'x10'x12' suitcase and one carry-on each later, we were headed out the door. Thankfully my mom didn't accompany us to the airport because she would've shed buckets as if we were never ever coming back (but that possibility is always there no matter what we do and where we go). After a minor scare at the American Airlines booth where they couldn't find our reservations, we were on our way to the most adventurous thing I'd ever done. But not before a pit stop at Friday's inside the terminal: Jackie and I were determined to kick off our vacation correctly.

As close as I'm going to get to Miami for a while (layover).

We had a four course meal! Drinks, boneless wings, a burger, and that delectable sweetness displayed above. Our layover was four hours, but between landing, searching for food, eating, and boarding again, all we had were 50 minutes to spare. 

Jackie spotted one of our tour companions at the airport. We got to know each other waiting for our luggage. My suitcase was the last to take a ride on the conveyor belt. First I panicked thinking it was lost, but then my mind did what it does best and started wandering. How did celebrities do this all the time, traveling for hours, living out of bags? Did they also have to wait around for their luggage? Probably not. I have to say, I was pretty disappointed with the Ellen DeGeneres endorsed airline. Unlike Southwest, they charge for checked bags and only provide liquids on the plane, no peanuts. I was afraid our flight would be delayed because they don't have good reviews but I couldn't complain about their punctuality. We arrived to San Jose, Costa Rica as scheduled and I guess that's what really counts.

When all of our bags were in our possession and checked with customs, the taxi game began. Since there wasn't a driver holding up our names at the exit, we had to determine which taxi was legit for our 20 minute ride to the hotel. We failed. Unlike the rest of the taxis parked alongside the curb, the guy we chose was stationed inside the parking lot. He had to pay like every body else to get out. His red taxi didn't have the yellow triangle our brochure said it should. But we were three girls and knew we could take him if need be. Jackie, though, mesmerized him right away with her Spanish. She interrogated him without being aware of it. Was he a real taxi? How long had he been a driver? Was he from Costa Rica? Had he traveled? Turned out he has a sister in Santa Barbara.

You're damn right I took of pic of his "license." I think I texted it as soon as  I could to my friend. Can never be too cautious. 

The only consolation we had was that our driver charged us the same amount as the real taxis our smarter companions took. We found this out the next day when our group met in the lobby the next morning at 6:30am for our twelve day adventure...