Day 8 June 20 Homeward Bound

This morning we got up had our last Costa Rican breakfast and then headed to the airport.  Before departing for the airport we bid farewell to our guide Javier.  Everyone was sad but had hopes to return and see him again next year.  Our transition to and through the airport was very smooth.  I think it helped that we arrived three hours early.  That really helped with the crowds and lines.  The group had a flight departing at 12:45 and my flight left at 12:10 so Scott and I had to say goodbye to our new friends.  We sadly exchanged hugs and goodbyes and headed to our gate.  Leaving them was harder then I expected since we had made some really good friendships in the last week.  We boarded our fight and returned to Orlando tired but full of great memories.  It was an amazing experience, we learned and saw a lot and could not ask for better travel companions.  After such a wonderful week the only words that come to mind are Pura Vida!

Day 7 June 19 San Jose- Villa Tournon

Today was our last day in Manuel Antonio our last full day in Costa Rica. We reluctantly boarded the bus and headed back to San José.  After stopping for lunch we got on the new highway and in no time arrived at our hotel not far from downtown.  After checking in we set out for shopping.  This was the last chance for people to purchase souvenirs and gifts to take home.  I was good and only bought one little bag that fit my passport perfectly.  We also went to a local supermarket and bought coffee and hot sauce for Scott's hot sauce collection.  You can’t leave Costa Rica without buying coffee and the supermarket is the best place to buy it.  Ask Kelly who I think bought enough to support a whole coffee co-op.  Back at the hotel we had our last dinner together and then headed to our rooms to re-pack.  Somehow whether I buy anything or not, I seem to end up with more stuff going home then I came with.  Or maybe I just start out neat and every day get messier and messier. 

San Jose

View from my hotel room

Craft Market