Shutterbug: Costa Rica

The last of my Costa Rica snapshots. It’s funny how a picture can be so representative of something, that even though I’m back home, I almost feel more in awe of the landscape now than when I was present in it. After landing in San José two chartered planes took us (for one hell of a bumpy ride) closer to our hotel, by way of a Dole banana plantation where we witnessed a crop duster, hosing massive amounts of pesticides over Dole bananas…effectively luring me away from non-organic imported fruits from here on out.

We were never more than a few feet away from the Caribbean ocean or from our next 6 foot wave ride. We zipped by beach-goers, locals and surfers alike on the winding, traffic cluttered and semi-paved roads, as we made our way in and out of the closest town, Puerto Viejo. While the excessive humidity is something I could’ve momentarily foregone, the inherent beach vibe is something I don’t often get to witness and a coastline like Costa Rica’s is sure to draw it like none other. We ate some of the best (sea)food e v e r at this gem of a restaurant, El Refugio, located in a simple hut draped with white billowing sheets instead of doorways, that sat maybe 16 people max, across the street from the ocean, run by an Argentinian couple who went to CR for their honeymoon…and decided to call it home.

It doesn’t take much to live happily in Costa Rica, a way of life I could definitely get used to…at least momentarily in the name of the laid back pace, free of any time constraints or everyday anxieties. It was the perfect oasis from North America’s hustle and bustle– a sweet break from my Blackberry and the time of day–I literally spent those 7 days lost in a timeless daze. The perfect recharge for a strong start to 2012.