This, my friends, is called the Caribbean.

Last week, the day post bot-fly surgery (described graphically in the post below), we headed out to the Caribbean coast to this very small town called Cahuita, famous for its beautiful beaches (white and black sand!) and its lovely national park.  We had been told you could rent bikes and ride along a trail in the national park next to the beach, so we did (they were purple and glorious and at least 20 years old).  And it was gorgeous, next to the beach but in the trees; we saw a monkey!  However, due to the intensity of this rainy season the soil had sunk and we were forced to navigate a barrage of roots in the trail.  

We also managed to find the absolute cutest hostel.  Yes, maybe the rooms were hot and had bugs.  But it was right next to the beach – literally immediately outside of the door.  And they had a number of glorious hammocks right next to the beach, perfect for hours of enjoyment.  It was the perfect beach weekend.

My parents are coming tomorrow!  For a week in dear Costa Rica.  I’m really looking forward to it. We’re going to the beach, a national park, and to an active volcano.  And they are going to get to love some rice and beans.  Wish them luck, and hope my Spanish gets us through the week.

Pura Vida.