Today we went white water rafting with Becky and Lisa from the Spanish school. We got out the bus a little bit early so Izquiel (our rafting guide) could show us all the different plants and trees that were in the area (bananas, coffee, coco, lemon, cinnamon, spearmint, yuka and many more). We also came across a little hut that was used for drying vanilla. Becky tasted some vanilla from a pod and although it smelled amazing, she said it tasted like sweat...nice!

We got all our safety instructions etc and set off with the raft. Before we set off down the river, Izquiel suddenly started splashing us with the water which we were not expecting! He also crept up behind me and poured a helmet full of cold water down my back!! We were to learn that this would be a common occurrence throughout the trip. At one point we stopped for a little break, while we were sitting on the boat minding our own business, Izquiel had again crept up behind me grabbed my life jacket and pulled me into the water! Ian of course had clocked what he was about to do but didn´t warn me...such a gentleman! Lisa got the same treatment a little later (and a little worse I think!).

It was great fun though and every time we managed to get through some big rapids (and stay in the boat), Izquiel would shout "Pura Vida!" and we would high five with the paddles. Apparently the Costa Ricans are the happiest people in the world...and I can see it! They also seem very genuine, and although they want you to use their services, you get the feeling they aren´t trying to swindle you. They really want you to have a good time and enjoy Costa Rica. i.e. A guy on the beach tried to get us to take surfing lessons. When we told him we got them free at the Spanish school, he didn´t just walk off knowing we wouldn´t give him any money, he was really enthusiastic that we could do it, said that we had to try it, that it was a great place for it, we would have so much fun etc etc, all finished off with a "Pura Vida!"

We love Costa Rica!!