Posted on Dec 31st, 2010 by Allison (Costa Rica, Family/Friends, Travel)

Ahhhh, Costa Rica.

I left this scene on Wednesday morning.

After a very full day of travel involving 6 hour layovers, conversations with interesting strangers (now friends), and very little sleep, I arrived at 6:30am CT on Thursday to this:

I’m here for a three week visit with my son, Brandon, and his family who have lived here for a year. I’ll have to do a little work while here, but I plan on enjoying a lot of vacation and relaxation time. If you’d like to know how and why they moved to Costa Rica, visit his blog.

Ashley & family will be coming down for a week vacation and be here the last 4 days of mine. Really looking forward to having all of us together again – and in such a beautiful place.

Brandon met me at the airport and we made our way through the lovely countryside to their home in Grecia. They actually live about 15 minutes outside of town on the side of a volcano.  The drive was lovely. I’ve arrived about a month after the end of the rainy season so it’s still pretty green, but not too hot. Though we did enjoy a light rainfall while in town late afternoon.

Here are Brandon & Emily on their front porch.

Marie is looking so much like her mom. I love her sun-kissed freckles.

After taking a long tour of the beautiful gardens (photos later) we all enjoyed a traditional Costa Rican breakfast – gallo pinto with eggs, fruit and juice.

Can I mention here how delightful it is to have someone cooking for me? I’m going to eat more nutritiously in the next three weeks than I have in a long time, I’m sure. And it’s so delicious!

Thanks, Jen – you’re a fabulous cook!

After the opening of the Christmas gifts, I took a much needed 3 hour nap in the guest cottage. I drifted off to sleep to lovely birdsong.

Speaking of birds… Costa Rica is known as a bird watcher’s paradise. I’ve seen quite a few interesting varieties – but was especially thrilled to have seen the beautiful and exotic Blue Crowned Motmot – on my first day here! Isn’t he gorgeous?

We headed into town to do a little shopping, stopped for an ice cream cone, and were treated to this beautiful purple sky as we headed back to the car.

The drive back up the mountain was very foggy – we could hardly see the road. I love fog, but it was a tad scary…

Brandon was disappointed that we wouldn’t be able to see the city lights from the veranda. But an hour later, the fog had all lifted, and this was the view (one direction).

These are the lights of San Jose. Simply stunning.

All in all, a fabulous first day. I was exhausted again by 7:30pm. But after a good night’s sleep, and enjoying the company, hospitality, food and incredible view – I think I can say I’m really going to enjoy this vacation.

As my final treat for you today, here is a video I shot just before I started writing this. Same veranda from where I took the city nights photo.

I really should learn to not talk while I’m shooting video. Next video you can look forward to a musical background.

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Comments

Ashley Rae on December 31st, 2010 at 2:47 pm

BEAUTIFUL!! I can’t wait to be there with all of you. 🙂 It looks gorgeous and I know we will have so much fun!

That bird is stunning. That’s a very electric blue!


Michelle on December 31st, 2010 at 3:17 pm

Lovely, lovely, lovely! Thanks for updating pictures so quickly. Glad you are enjoying yourself, happy new year my dearest friend.


paul on December 31st, 2010 at 4:40 pm

Yes I do wish I were there. I looks absolutely awesome. 3 weeks? You’ll practically be a local. How cool.


Brandon on December 31st, 2010 at 4:56 pm

We’re so happy to have you here, Mom! We’ll have a lot of fun, and I know you’ll continue to take some amazing pictures, especially once our gardener comes to clean up the yard and trim some of these plants. 🙂


Robert on January 1st, 2011 at 5:13 pm

I have never been to Costa Rica but eat Costa Rican food nearly everyday being as I live with them…. And in the breakfast photo above I see some Salsa that I am quite familiar with. Amazing how that makes a dish…


Robert on January 1st, 2011 at 5:16 pm

Also, we all plan to go to Costa Rica next December…. the photos are so nice to look at given the blizzard we have endured that I look forward to it..


Jennifer Pearce on January 1st, 2011 at 7:07 pm

I totally resonate with the “Ahhhh, Costa Rica” part. I feel that way whenever I see the beautiful views or experience the warmth and kindness of the people here. 🙂

It is my pleasure to be able to cook for such an honored guest in our home, and I am very glad you have been enjoying the fare, even despite the occasional undercooked or bitter menu item.:) It’s great to have you as a kitchen helper and chatting companion as well. Thank you!

Good eye on spotting that Blue Crowned Motmot for all of us! That was my first time seeing one in the wild, even though I have lived here for almost a year. Beautiful bird, and so nice to see him so close up with your awesome camera.


Kristin on January 1st, 2011 at 11:18 pm

I’m happy you could go for a visit! I wish I were able to go too. Have a fabulous time, take lots of pictures and do regular blog updates — if you have time!! Give Brandon & Jen both a hug from me!


Margie Aliprandi on January 2nd, 2011 at 2:24 pm

OMG, What a beautiful place. How awesome to have that stunning view from Brandons veranda, and to wake up to the sounds of the jungle. The photographer in you must be going crazy !!! That bird where did you find him? The purple sky, is that for real…no photo shopping? Anyway so glad you are resting and relishing the time w kids, grand babies and good food. Jenn thank you for feeding her well 🙂


Irene on January 3rd, 2011 at 8:04 am

I’m so happy you can be there enjoying a relaxing time with your precious family. The pictures are great and that bird..wow. I sure wish I had that kind in my back yard.
Jen sure makes a delicious meal and it looks so pretty as well. I’m looking forward to your blog updates and pictures,videos and experiences. Give each of the family a big hug from me and tell them I love them.


Emily on January 3rd, 2011 at 9:46 am

I like that your here withe me. I hop you have a grate time. In Costa Rica.


Jean on January 4th, 2011 at 6:56 pm

How wonderful that you get 3 weeks in paradise with your family .. So happy that Ashley and her family can join you as well….PERFECT

ENJOY every minute !


Allison on January 5th, 2011 at 12:01 am

Thanks Emily – I am having a great time!

@Margie – I spotted the motmot right outside Brandon’s dining room window. Just hanging around in the garden. I wish he’d come back!


blue morpho butterfly on January 6th, 2011 at 10:52 pm

That is so beautiful. Costa rica has always been a beautiful place to visit.

Thanks for sharing the experience.


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