Costa Rica Unplugged: Day 11

The catamaran was the most expensive of the optional activities to choose from. It wasn't part of my original plan but Jackie convinced me because it was to be the last recreation we did together as a group. I was never worried about the boat ride; I felt I was a pro at riding through waters because of my experiences on this trip. I was actually excited for it, anxious for the ocean views and watching people splash in the water since I personally don't know how to swim. Little did I know it was going to be the least rewarding for me.

Before I got sick.

I was doing just fine at the beginning when the catamaran left the shore. But the further out it got, the more it rocked. I hadn't anticipated that at all. And that's how my sea sick journey began. 

I started taking deep breaths and focusing on certain objects to maintain a low level of sickness. I watched everyone walk to and from the bar and various viewing corners where dolphins and sea turtles were spotted from (had my camera still been functional, I would've captured the amazing shots, I'm sure). But I remained frozen to the hard plastic bench. The sweet alcoholic beverage didn't help me at all and I asked Jackie to grab me a soda or beer instead. The fizz in my drink helped a little but by the time the boat came to a complete stop, I was working hard not to throw up.

Do you see the turtle waving? My phone has terrible zoom so I didn't even bother. 

Some of the folks chose to snorkel and the crazies jumped from the second floor. I attempted to watch but the soft waves made it impossible for me. I slowly descended three steps to the bottom floor where the restrooms were hoping for some relief for my stomach and head. After struggling in the tiny compartment, I knew I was about to become a big baby by laying down. I had seen some girls sunbathing in one of the ends of the boat so I walked to the uncovered area where the mesh hammocks were. Positioning my body just feet above the water face up, I closed my eyes and focused on my breathing. I was alone for very few minutes before more girls decided to tan, including Jackie who annoyingly laid next to me. 

Lunch was announced soon after. I was hungry but didn't know how much my stomach could withstand. The meat reminded Jackie and me of carne asada but it was actually fish. I was worried. Sea sick + fish = no bueno. I picked at my fish kabob and pasta salad. Slowly but surely, the food consumption made me feel better. I didn't clean my plate but I at least my head felt clear again.

I still breathed deeply on our way to the dock but it wasn't as nearly as bad as riding out there. We waited for a bit for our shuttle and then Jackie and I changed for our Manuel Antonio National Park hike scheduled after we got back. 

I was excited for the hike because I was going to be inside a national park. But I was so sad that I didn't have my camera. I put on my big girl pants and did what my counselor taught me. I accepted that my baby was dead and that I had no choice but to try to make the best with what my phone was capable of. 

Park entrance.

Can you spot the little guy? No? That's because this was taken with my stupid phone.

Can you see the squirrel monkey against the sunlight? I tried, I really tried.

I was disappointed when we reached the end in less than an hour. At that point, our guide let us explore the beach on our own. Jackie and I hung around for about another hour, setting foot inside the forest just enough to make us want to go back again someday and explore the entire thing. 

Most beautiful park I've seen.

Can someone Photoshop that lady out?

Ascend...

Descend.

Jackie and I left when the sky was completely grey. It also turned out to be closing time. The rain came down as soon as we exited the park. I put on the hat I'd towed to protect me from the sun but it turned out to be waterproof too. We were soaked through when we arrived to our hotel room. Jackie and I relaxed a bit, showered, had dinner, and then headed out with the group to another local club further inland. Our Caribbean flare came out that night and we danced until the wee hours of the morning.