Isla Tortuga (Turtle Island)

While we saw no turtles, we saw many other great visions. 

A forty five minute boat ride along the east coast of the Nicoya Peninsula took us to a secluded white sandy beach with crystal clear, bright blue water. There we spent a good portion of the day submerged in snorkel gear with tropical fish, almost as if we were in our own life sized salt water fish tank. We swam around massive rocks and small bodies of land taking pictures underwater with all the fish and reef and friends.

It was the best forty dollars we’d spent. It included the most awesome boat ride two ways, snorkeling, swimming, fish lunch, drinks, fruits, and a few hours on a beach far away from the rest of the world. Travis, Dylan, Brandon, Rhea and myself finished up our day trip sunbathing and swimming on the the virtually waveless shore. It was a slice of heaven on earth. 

Some of the greatest parts of the day were realizing that we were so far away from any worries and stress and on such a small beach where all the people around, we would never see again. Peace. We also played a game of volley in the water which turned into simple throw and catch with three young spanish boys that spoke not a word of english. Everyone had smiles on their faces the entire time. We also found the neatest sea slug that changed shape and color while in our hands and we passed it around between three of us and a spanish family. The ability to share the experience of something so unique between one culture and our own was such a spiritually uplifting moment.

The feelings of that day exemplify the definition of Pura Vida. The feelings and time we shared almost cannot be expressed in words but will be remembered for the rest of our lives. 

Sadly, all good things must come to an end and ours is approaching quickly. After much debate and consideration, we’ve decided not to travel to Panama for it would cost over four hundred dollars in just travel fees. Our main goal is to come home with a small chunk of money so we’re not in the hole when it comes to beginning to save again. So we remain in our town, our home forthe past six months without a complaint of not leaving. Soaking up the sun and the remaining moments we have to live it up here. We’ve definitely been making the most of our time by spending money (ha-ha) on more touristy things such as Isla Tortuga and also we rented a four wheeler to go to the Montezuma waterfalls once more. 

Our flight out of Costa and back into Florida departs on Wednesday, February 23rd… a week from tomorrow. While I have been spending too much time dwelling on our sadness of leaving, Travis continues to encourage me to live in the moment instead of worrying about the end. I’m glad I keep him around. 

Until next time, Pura Vida!