La Playa de Manuel Antonio

Manuel Antonio, I have heard from many Ticos, has some of the prettiest beaches. You can see for yourself!

 I think it's a world wide known rule that at every beach you go to, you need to pick up some cool shells and rocks. Rebecca warned us though that if we were caught with shells and rocks, they were going to take them from us because we can not taken them out of the park. Trisha, Danielle, and I walked around the beaches, picking up rocks anyways. We walked from one beach to the other with a big handful, and were so worried that when we walked past a few park rangers, they were going to stop us right then and there to confiscate our contraband. We avoided eye contact and nothing was said to us.
     
They didn't take anything. So we kept walking. However, we were planning ahead of how and where we were going to smuggle our shells, wondering if we would be frisked (Goodness, we hope not!) or if our bags would be searched. On our walk to the other beach, we began stuffing our swimsuits with as many rocks and shells we could that wouldn't add bulk. Thank goodness for curves. We added to both top and bottom swimsuit pieces. We then went to wash off the remaining rocks. And got nervous when another park ranger came walking our way. It was obvious he was coming for us because we were the only ones on the beach.

First, he told Danielle that we had to leave in 10 minutes, then told her that he wanted to speak with us.  In a sneaky exchange I still don't even know exactly how it happened, Trisha passed off her shells to Danielle and got a few 'throw-aways' taken away from her. When I walked up to him, he only holds out his hand palm up and says "Deme." (Give me.) I felt a little defeated that so easily he took away my treasures which included the biggest shell any of us had seen, and pink, and green colored shells.

But what he DIDN'T find was my collection of my favorites in my swimsuit. NOR the large rock that I smuggled out under my brand new sun hat sitting on the top of my head as we walked out. No, we were not frisked, and no, our bags weren't searched. But we figured those first two park rangers had called the other one to come take our shells. So at least we had a small something to give him so he could feel like he took all of them. I've never stolen anything in my life, but goodness, I felt like a pro. It was only nature, right? I promise, mom and dad, I will never do it again.

 I'm so glad I chose to come to Costa Rica, I mean, Where else in the world can you go "snorking"?


This heart shaped leaf was something else I was going to smuggle out, but I chickened out. I put it on display instead at the exit gate to cheer up everyone else's day. When we returned a few hours later when I had enough guts to roll it up and put it in my swimsuit, it was gone. At least I have these pictures....

 Us silly tourists, thought the only way to cross this 20 feet of water which doesn't get deeper than 3 feet, was to get in these boats provided. It was literally 20 feet and a 5 second boat ride, and we tipped them with some small coins, laughed about how exciting our boat ride was and realized later that day there is also a path to walk around. Well....when in Costa Rica, always say "yes!", right? Never turn down an adventure. Here is a picture of us getting in the boats, and just as quickly here is the other picture to show us getting out. You can see the other side behind us where we left the shore AND you can see Ashley standing in the water. Hahahaha....

 We, about six of us, stopped at an Italian restaurant on the beach. We found it a little difficult to understand the man at the cash register, and I had only guessed it was because his native language is Italian. When he brought out our food, I asked him, in Spanish, if he spoke Italian. He responded yes and began speaking in Italian to me. I was able to understand enough where I could gather what he was telling and asking me. And I began telling him that I was Italian and my mother's parents were from Italy (even though I believe it was great-grandparents..? I need to learn the correct story, Mom!)

I told him my grandmother was from Abruzzo and I was able to hear him pronounce it, and tell me that he believes it is the most beautiful country in the world. He told me he came to Costa Rica three years ago, and he is returning to Milano, where he is from and is not sure if he is returning to Costa Rica. He has this business in Costa Rica, but business in the wet season is slow, he is only open on the weekends and I felt that he was just missing home. He told me he is leaving at the end of October. When we left the restaurant, we said goodbye and he kissed my hand! I think finding another Italian in Costa Rica was really something special to find! (Not that it's rare, but just nice!)

Another thing that reminded me of home, was this miniature schnauzer!! I have never seen dogs like this in Costa Rica. Most of the time, they are all mixed breeds. Miniature schnauzer may be mixed breed as well (is that how you get the "mini" in miniature schnauzer?) but it was exciting to see a Meggie. Unfortunately, it was NOT friendly.

This is a picture of Costa Rica's version of Nutella. (Wow I didn't realize how much this weekend reminded me of home!) Costa Rica does have nutella, but here is Nutkao. I tried some, delicious!
Kiersten had this all to herself! She loves chocolate more than anyone I know. And she remains to be a  tiny little lady!

 On the way home we stopped at Pacific Bungee. I didn't do it. I considered it, and after I saw everybody do it, I am still considering trying it some day, but that day, just wasn't the nicest day either. Rain, and I heard it was cold up there. And they offered you the chance to do a "water touch" which if I would've gone, I would've done. But it was so cold that I don't think it would've been enjoyable. I heard the view from the top is beautiful, though. I found a video on YouTube of Esteban, someone in the international department at Veritas, receiving enough votes from students that he go to Pacific Bungee. So if you want to see the view at the top of the jump and watch what it's like: Click for the Video: ESTEBAN FINALLY JUMPED

 After picture of everyone who jumped! They lived!

Me and Danielle. After the weekend.