I didn’t fully realize how many of us we are until we were on the Park SFO shuttle with all of our luggage and kids. We filled the bus with excited chatter and drew laughs from a guy traveling to NY – he left the kids with grandparents! This trip took a lot of planning time and I hope it all works out. The kids were very excited and full of energy!
The plane was half empty and many passengers had rows to themselves but we were with kids and I was between Ela and Zoe so couldn’t move and leave Ela alone. The 2 youngest had some trouble falling asleep, maybe a red eye wasn’t the best idea? The other alternative was early morning with a 3 hr layover in Houston. Isaac and Robert slept the entire way. Ela had this blow up airplane bed someone had given them which worked pretty well but Ela doesn’t fall asleep easily even at home so it was a struggle.
We were greeted and whisked off through San Jose up the lush jungle hills to the Peace Hotel up at 5,200 ft. The clouds lifted and the scenery at this eco hotel is serene and pristine. The staff is so kind and friendly. Our rooms were not ready since it was early morning but they greeted us with drinks and had our rooms ready quickly. We were entranced by all the hummingbirds feeding at the feeders, the beautiful bromeliads and the misty clouds floating by. The setting is truly heavenly.
Our room had a garden jacuzzi inside the oversized bathroom which Ray said was our “ghetto jacuzzi” with 6 in it. It was too cold for the outside one. I am beginning to think we packed incorrectly. The guidebooks didn’t mention waterproof shoes but said insect repellent. We brought so many insect proof clothing and were told there are no mosquitoes because it is too cold!
Costa Rica is located in Central America between Honduras and Panama straddling the Atlantic Ocean on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west.. The cloud forests are basically in the middle where the 2 weather systems meet, resulting in rain almost all the time. This area in Costa Rica was developed early on for its access to quinine, medicinal in treating malaria. Not many crops can grow in this climate so small dairy farms are more common.
At the registration balcony, Ray spots an owl butterfly. The staff said they have been waiting 3 weeks for it to come out of its cocoon.
Zoos are not permitted in Costa Rica and the property serves as a sanctuary for animals-birds, butterflies, frogs, snakes and large cats. The aviary has several colorful toucans, peacocks and parrots. The butterfly garden is amazing with so many varieties.
We walked the grounds and the kids got to milk a cow. Carmela and Carmelita were patient cows. The cart was the type used in the olden days.
Fishing on the trout fun was fun for the kids! Isaac was so excited in catching a big fish and had to use both hands to pull it in! Maybe Ray has a budding fishing pal?
An end to the first day and kids are all getting along and enjoying the place. Ela wants to do everything and eat exactly the same things as Isaac. Isaac is excited about any new knowledge. Kira and Zoe just love being with Ela and Nina. Nina wants to be a part of the kids and has pretty good attention span at mealtime.