COSTA RICA. San Jose 18-1-13, La Fortuna 19-1-13> 22-1-13, Mal Pais Beach 22-1-13 >25-1-13.

Well it has now been 8 nights in beautiful Costa Rica. Trying to speak a little Spanish and probably causing more confusion than anything else as it is coming out a garble of Italian, Spanish and English- but its fun. Costa Rica is very scenic, packed with wildlife everywhere we go, clean, organised and full of friendly people. It is however, a lot more expensive than we were expecting and a bit more touristy in some places too. Prices easily equivalent to Australia- b*****! We started with 3 nights in a lush, green and mountainous place called La Fortuna to see the very active volcano and hopefully tick off the wish-list of seeing a little eruption or explosion. Unfortunately (or maybe fortunately!) the volcano was quiet whilst we were there. Our cabin was supposed to have a full view of the volcano but we could only see the base because of the clouds. It was a little disappointing but it would have killed us if there were some activity and we missed it due to the weather. Had a lovely visit to an ecopark though where they have converted farmland into this beautiful wildlife park where most of the species have just come of their own accord for the environment. The only fences are for the butterfly enclosure. We saw an amazing array of colourful birds, butterflies and bright red and highly poisonous red frogs with blue legs- tiny- like a five cent coin. Saw a caiman a few feet away with 2 little babies (like alligators) which was a little scary. Had a fabulous guide to explain all about it and Zoe just soaked it in which was beautiful to see. Also saw a sloth with a baby in a tree by the side of the road- its wildlife central here! Spent another day in the volcanic hot springs which were really pretty. Researched hard to find one that was natural that was not too hot for children. The one we were initially recommended was like a nightclub- concrete indoor pools, disco lights, music blaring and a bar in the middle- YUK. Found one outdoors, with lots of little waterfalls, lush ferns and steaming pools. The kids again were in heaven. Zoe kept practicing her swimming back and forth (with help) and loved leaping in. Took the bath toys too!
After a long, hot 8 hour trip involving 2 buses and a ferry we are now happily unwinding at a beautiful little beach spot called Malpais. We didn't realise that the minibus didn't go onto the ferry and continue on the other side so had to lug all of our 12 pieces of luggage and the kids on and back off again. Luckily, the other people on the bus were child free and each helped take a bag for us! Meeting some really interesting people and travellers living very unconventional lives. Costa Ricans love children and one taxi driver even scooped Zac up and gave him raspberries on the tummy to stop him crying. Worked a charm too!

Weather on the coast here is very tropical- warm, usually 30 degrees and a little humid. Malpais is a bit more off the beaten track too which we prefer- with dirt roads, occasionally full of cows. We are going to be based here for 2 weeks so it will be the first time we can really slow down and relax after the hectic last few months. (I bet you guys are rolling your eyes in disgust that we are tired from holidaying!! In our defense though, leaving the country was hard work!). If it wasn't for the little ones I think we'd just lie comatose in the hammock all day.

The kids are finally now getting into the right time zone too which is great. Might put a dampener on the dinners out and night shows though.

Our accommodation (Pachamama) is a self contained apartment beautifully fitted out with solid timber bench tops, tree trunk poles and yellow rendered walls. Only catch is its 2 storey and the beautiful stairs are open with no lower railings to stop the kids falling off the edge or off the upper landing. The view from upstairs balcony is gorgeous but again- the railings are spaced so far apart that Zac could fit right through. He tried his best to crawl onto the roof yesterday!! I was there to stop him but he could have done it given a few more seconds! Hence- we have barricaded the staircase and are all camping out at the bottom. At least its cooler downstairs!

We are across a dirt road from the beach with cool little rock pools teeming with hermit crabs and fish and just right for the kids to paddle in. Haven't explored further yet but have been told there's surfing beaches close by. We have monkeys in the garden- howler monkeys and cute little capuchin monkeys. I'm normally not a big fan of monkeys as we are usually harassed by them trying to pinch our food etc but here they just keep to themselves. Kids loving watching them. Have been told they can get a bit mischievious though and throw their poop at people which Zoe gets fits of giggles about. Lots of colourful tropical birds to watch too and saw an iguana doing "push ups" on the way to the beach. Zac spiked a fever yesterday but all back to normal now thankfully. They are doing really well with the travel overall and Zoe even saying a few words in Spanish. Zac seems to be going through a developmental explosion with several new words coming out everyday. "MINE!" seems to be the latest but at least it was later followed by a "thank you". Zoe proudly toiletting independently now and rushes between Adam and I full of excitement to tell us the latest thing she's seen or discovered. I am aiming to drop Zac's night feeds whilst we are in a stable spot for a few weeks which I am sure Zac, Adam and the neighbours wont be thrilled about but hopefully it wont take more than a few days. Fingers crossed! I know its cheesy- but it has to be said... ADIOS AMIGOS!