Thursday, March 12, 2009

Costa Rica: If you find yourself waking up there (part 1)

If you follow me on Twitter, or if you check out my tweets on my sidebar, then you know that Mr. Marvelous and I just arrived back from sultry Costa Rica. What a relaxing and rejuvinating time we had. And, what's even better is that we were ready and rearing to come home at the end. That's when you know your trip was successful.

Now tell me this. Who of you out there, have ever been on a vacation, only to arrive home and feel the need to vacation a few more days inside your home in preparation for the upcoming, busy, on the go schedule you prefer most for you and your 4under3?

Because I have.

[Phew] I'll be honest, I've found that since we've arrived home, the first thoughts that have entered my head each morning as I begin to wake, consist of lounging around the house with my little people, keeping my phone powered to off, and finishing off the scrumptious Peanut Butter cookies that a friend came over to make with the children while we were away. And, believe me, we're soaking it all in while we can. Once Monday comes, the children and I are movin' on out for a few weeks while our kitchen remodel kicks off. More on that later.

And speaking of waking each morning, if you happen to find yourself waking in Costa Rica:

1. It's probably around 5:30, since the sun rises around that time year round (and sets at 5:30 in the afternoon). But if you can't figure out the time change, or you're thrown off by what your husband's cell phone tells you, what your rental truck says, and what your bedroom alarm clock reads, then don't even worry about what time it is at all during your stay. In fact, when you arrive here:


for breakfast an entire hour early--because 5 days into your vacation you've still not figured out the true time, having moved clocks back then forward many times--just pull out your travel Scrabble from the back of your truck and proceed to beat your husband for the first time since your honeymoon, while you wait for 7 o'clock to roll around.

2. Do remember that the translation section in your Costa Rican hand guide might help when trying to communicate with Ticos who don't know a lick of English are usually left staring after everything you try to say in Spanish are soley Spanish speakers. Don't try to rely on the little amount of Espanol that you and your husband remember from high school Spanish class. That's when you'll be here:
trying to ask a young Tica how much a pineapple is, but mistakenly asking, "What time is it?" She'll probably look at her wristwatch and give you a dazed and confused look until you realize exactly what you just said.

3. And speaking of failing to understand, while you're out and about in Costa Rica and hearing fast flowing Spanish conversations, you might liken it to your twin 20 month olds' babbling language that carries on between the two. You just might miss them terribly at that point. Then, you'll think of Julia and Luke, too. And while playing in the warmest pool you've ever felt, your husband might make up a "L" and "J" hand sign for them, like this:



4. You'll want to go hunt down some Surf instructors who could teach you a thing or two about riding a wave.


You might chuckle at the fact that the surf dudes are really from Oregon and Houston (Hola Larry and Brett!) but prefer to reside in the tiny village of Esterillos Oeste, a community known for attracting diehard wave catchers from around the world. And you might want to brag about the skillz you picked up from your 2 hour lesson during high tide. I bet you'll consider yourself a surfer from then on.



5. You'll enjoy everything so much--down to the little crabs that were found scurrying across the beach each morning:that you'll want to blog about it over and over and over, leaving your blog community wanting to vomit tidbits of Costa Rica filled to overflowing with knowledge of this Central American country.

Stand by for part 2.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy for you and Mitch that you were able to take a vacation!!! Looks and sounds like you had a blast:) I wish my family and I could go on our planned vaca but not this year maybe someday...until then I'll just look at all your great pics
Michelle

Stacey said...

Wow. That sure sounded like a blast of a vacation!! I love that you went surfing. That is great tiff!! Seriously!

Alicia O. & the gang said...

Talk about making my whole being filled with excitement for YOUR vacation! Look's like you had an amazing time, enjoyed all things kidless, and were ready to re-enter the amazing world of 4under3! I am sure that on my first week long kidless vacation I too, will find myself "ready and rearing" to come home to the chaos as well!
And might I just add that your Beach bod is amazing! Call me slow, but just a question...did you just know to wear that cute little surf shirt or did they tell you?

~*Michelle*~ said...

oh wow! Super pics....I am just thrilled for you and hubby for the great getaway you were blessed with.

So happy you are home safe and snuggling in with your family....

Peace and love~
*~Michelle~*

ps. and look at you and your tiny little self...too flippin cute!

amanda said...

i have to agree with ~*michelle*~ look at your tiny little self. sooo jealous. :0) glad you had a fab time. wish i could wake up in costa rica.

Homegrown Tribe said...

sounds like you guys had an awesome time.... so glad you guys were able to get away! you deserved it! :)

britt

Aimee' said...

Looks beautiful!! Hubs and I are going to Vegas in the summer for a friends wedding...closest thing to a vacation we're getting until I graduate college. =/

gina said...

What a fabulous vacation!! Look at you surfing!! How cool is that?!! What a lovely vacation. :)

Jessica said...

So fun! I love how you likened it to "if you give a mouse a cookie." Clever. Cant wait to see more pics!

Erin said...

Welcome home!!! And yes...everyone deserves a vacation from their vacation.

And BTW - it's so not right that you have such a great beach bod with four kids...but really...running after everyone is probably quite the workout!

Anonymous said...

What a great vacation! If someone is thinking on going to Costa Rica, I know this website that can surely help you organize a great vacation. Just visit http://www.costaricanconnection.net where you can find great tips and info about CR. Happy vacations!

mrs boo radley said...

Surfing! Come here and give me lessons!
(por favor)
xo

Unknown said...

i likewise agree w/ everyone that surfing is too cool! And seriously, you with your lil cute self make me w/ my (not so little) cute self look ashamed w/ only 2 munchkins!

Laurel said...

Fun stories and pics. My twins (age 20) went to Costa Rica two years ago on a mission trip. They loved it!

It is GOOD for mothers of many to get away for alone time with their wonderful hubbys. Way to go!

I am off to Africa on Saturday ... so this got me excited for my next adventure. Sadly, sweet hubby has to stay home this time ... but the 2 of us went last year.

mama of 13
(with big kids old enough to stay home with all of the little ones when mama and papa go play)