Costa Rica Day 3: Zip Lining on NYE

New Year's eve stated early with a trip to the Arenal Park Ecoglide zip-lining playground, complete with Tarzan swing, and complimentary Imperial (or beverage of choice) when you're done.  Other than almost taking one of the Ticos off the Tarzan Swing ledge, it went without incident and was completely exhilarating.  It did rain on us through a few of the cables, but that's how it goes when you're in the jungle!  Our lead guide, Enrique, was great with the whole group and it was hilarious to hear a Tico humming to some LMFAO!


         

         


We grabbed lunch by the pool back at the Kioro, and noticed that though the hotel was full, it always seemed empty and secluded.  There was probably one other table while we got lunch, leaving us feeling like we had a VIP rain forest experience that was just for us!

We took a cab over to La Fortuna-- about a $15 (7500 colones) ride from the hotel.  We strolled the downtown area, through the central park and checked out the tiendas, hit up the grocery store to buy our Cacique, and had dinner at the Lava Lounge. It was here that we noticed that every storefront and restaurant seemed to be open-air, which we found to be nice and refreshing.  The rain comes down pretty straight and for only a few minutes, so it wasn't as though the storefronts were in danger of getting wet as well.

Our hotel threw a New Year's Eve Party, complete with DJ, laser show, fireworks, and traditional New Year's grapes at midnight.  They definitely knew how to make a memorable fiesta!


                            
                               

                                           

NYE in Long Beach: Don't Say I Didn't Let You Know

Sure sure, I'll be in Costa Rica (Arenal to be more specific) for New Year's, but I couldn't help but share when I came across this little flyer for Saturday Night's activities in the heart of downtown LBC.  I've walked by this place dozens of times and am always intrigued by the look from Ocean Blvd.  Haven't actually been to Sip just yet, but based on the layout, ammenities, location, the online menu, and the below flyer, if I were in town, this is where you'd find me on Saturday night.  Anyone who goes, let me know what you thought of the event and venue; I'm gonna need some LBC haunts when we move down here!

Costa Rica Count-Down Clock Ticks Under Two Weeks!

My wife and I are going on our long-overdue Honeymoon exactly 2 weeks from today.  Flying in to beautiful San Jose, Costa Rica, then off to Arenal for 4 days, and later to Manuel Antonio for another 4 days.  The excitement is mounting; I've never been out of the country for New Year's!  We're definitely going canopy-gliding, and I'm sure some snorkeling is in order, perhaps even a hike on the volcano.

But one of the things I've noticed most since telling people we're going to Costa Rica for our Honeymoon, is how many people have been or know people who have been!  It seems as though this is going to be one great trip, but does anyone have any activity suggestions to fill some of the rest of our time there?  Other than the obvious Honeymoon obligatories, of course!