First week in Tamarindo

Eventful first week here in Tamarindo. 

Dreamsea Surf Camp is an unbelievable place set ten minutes into the jungle away from the hustle and bustle of Tamarindo. The people who work here are awesome. They are like a big family and welcomed Sam and I with open arms. Within days, I felt like I've known each of them for years. The camp began construction this fall and it is amazing how much they have accomplished. This place has unlimited potential and could be the next great traveling hotspot for surfers in Costa Rica. Howler monkeys, outdoor showers. "glamping" tents, skateboard ramps, a vollyball court and a treehouse are just a few of the attractions. 

Sam and I kicked off the week at a party called "Tope". "Tope" is an event where Costa Rican cowboys make an 80 kilometer trip from Liberia to Tamarindo by horseback. Costa Ricans line the roads and cheer for them as they ride through to Tamarindo. It was my first time hanging out with the local people and they did not disappoint. As much beer as we could drink, and as much freshly made salsa and guacamole we could eat. It was a great time. 

The rest of the week was spent working at the camp, surfing, and, at night, heading to "Via Real", a local festival that is held for a week every three months. 

Unfortunately, at the start of the week Sam was treated for heat exhaustion and severe dehydration. He was given an IV a couple days ago at the local clinic, but is still struggling to regain his strength. He will continue to stay at a hostel downtown with AC until he is better. I hope he can get well soon because there is nothing worse than being sick in a foreign country. 

Enjoy the photos and videos below!

                                                       

                                                             

                                                          

                                                 

                                      

                                                    

                                                     

                                                        

                                                               

                                                          

Few videos of the action:

                                                                         "Tope"

                                                                                       Monkey See...

                                                                           Monkey Do

Day 2 & 3: From the Jungles of Guanacaste to the Oceans of Tamarindo

Epic second and third days here in Liberia and Tamarindo.

I made a friend from Vancouver and we went on a ten mile trek through the jungles of Rincon de la Vieja. Rincon de la Vieja is an active volcano that most recently erupted in the fall of 2011. You are no longer allowed to summit the mountain, however the valleys below are full of a diverse wildlife population. During our hike we saw white faced monkeys, tropical birds, boiling mud pits, hot springs, and at the very middle of our hike, a beautiful secluded water fall that protected us from the scorching 100 degree heat. By the end of the hike I was so dehydrated that I could barely move. The price you pay to hang in paradise!

My friend Will and I awoke early the next morning to hitch a ride to Tamarindo. Besides getting scammed by the driver (always make sure you specify what currency you will be using to pay) it overall easy hour ride to Tamarindo. We arrived early in the day and quickly made moves to get to the beach. 

As the day began to wind down, we noticed people began to gather near the beach for the sunset. Breathtaking is not a word I use often and it doesn't come close to describing the scene that unfolded over the next 15 minutes. One of the most memorable sunsets I have seen and I am blessed to be able to see it every day for the next month!

Sam has been through a flight cancelation, 9 hour delay, and 3 connections. I'm sure he is exhausted and he will be arriving in Tamarindo sometime Wednesday night or Thursday morning. We will then go to start work at Dreamsea Surf! Lots of adventures to come.

Day 1: Liberia

After suffering through 18 hours in the airport, 40 hours without sleep, and two plane repairs I am happy to report that I made it safely to Liberia, Costa Rica last evening. I plan on being in Liberia for 5 days while I wait for Sam to arrive from Mammoth Lakes, CA.

      

The only upside to having 18 hours of down time was being able to work on my almost nonexIstant Spanish!!

                                            

I woke up this morning excited for the adventures that would ensue over the next few weeks in Costa Rica. I decided the best way to discover the small town of Liberia would be to walk the city limits. I spent roughly two hours in the 95 degree heat trying to get a feel for the town, quickly realizing that Liberia was not at all what I was expecting. Run down stores, dirt packed parks, and stray dogs and cats roaming the streets were the majority of what I saw during the day. In addition to this, I was the only American in sight. Not a problem at all, but much different from the touristy vibe the town appeared to have online.

              

Once I got back to my room, I found an unannounced visitor at my door..

                                                

As the day started to wind down, so did the heat. Just as I was about to write Liberia off as a town with nothing to offer, I heard the sweet sounds of live music from my window. I walked down the street to find this taking place in the center square. It seemed as though the entire community had gathered for a Friday night full of dance and music.

        

     

While downtown Liberia was not quite what I was expecting, I had a fun time exploring a new area. There isn't a whole lot to do, but the bottom line is that the people here are friendly, hard working, and willing to lend a hand to those in need. 

Tomorrow, I will be heading to Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park. The park is located northeast of Liberia. Volcanic hot springs, bubbling mud pits, and waterfalls are just a few of the sights I anticipate on seeing. 

        

As they say in Costa Rica, "Pura Vida!!"

Excited for my trip!

                           


On March 13th 2014, I will depart for a 3 month backpacking trip through Central and South America. I will be arriving in sunny Liberia, Costa Rica, leaving a permafrost Boston, Massachusetts in my rearview.

One of my best friends from college, Sam Dean, and I plan to work at a surf camp in the cozy town of Tamarindo.

We will be working for the Dreamsea Surf Camp

I will try to keep our weekly adventures updated on this blog throughout the trip! 

Ariel View of Tamarindo, Costa Rica