The Jungle is Loud (and Other Keen Observations from Costa Rica So Far)

We’ve been in Costa Rica for two weeks! Some thoughts:

The noise // While staying in a dirt-cheap hotel near the airport on our first night, chosen solely for its free breakfast and shuttle, E insisted that he heard monkeys outside. I think I was too dead asleep to notice anything but my pillow, so I can’t fully support this claim, but I can tell you that hearing strange noises from the jungle has been our norm since then. There is a constant hum of life coming from the jungle, mostly from the cicadas (which give me serious Sichuan province flashbacks). Apparently there are more than one kind of cicada? We also have heard many birds and monkeys moving through the trees and the famous Howler Monkey, which really should be called the Roaring Monkey if you ask me (with a name like “howler” I figured it would sound something like a wolf–but I think it sounds more like an angry lion). Then, there are the storms. The crazy thunderstorms that wake me up in the middle of the night are exhilarating but also I cannot imagine sleeping through them!

The rules of the road // There are endless warnings about this when you research renting a car in Costa Rica. E and I aren’t generally the type to rent a car when we travel, except for that one awesome time my parents visited Europe and we road tripped around Austria & Germany, and usually I am pleased enough with the cheapest public transportation we can find. However, on our honeymoon, I wanted this piece of luxury, dammit! And so, despite the many warnings (there are plenty of good stories too, though!) we decided to rent a car. It’s gone fairly smoothly–and we got a very decent deal through Budget–but these roads, man. Not just insane traffic and mysterious signs, but, they are ridden with pot holes and some that are really just muddy trails. It’s been an adventure, for sure! Still, I love our cute little SUV.

The weather // Oh yes as usual I did poor research regarding the weather and it shows. I think I was resistant to the fact that I would be leaving autumn, my favorite time of the year, for the tropics. Well I did leave fall behind (don’t remind me, I’m in mourning) and I’m boiling alive. Luckily it’s rainy season (I did in fact know this one!!!) and that helps cool things down. I guess when I pictured us in Costa Rica, I saw us frolicking through the cool and misty jungle, not fighting through a muddy, sweaty rainforest. For such a thorough researcher, t’s funny that weather is always the part I forget to care about.

The food // I thought people were exaggerating when they said it was always “rice and beans or, to mix it up, beans and rice.” They weren’t. But, we’ve also had the most delicious drinks, we’ve tried new fruit and have had the best pineapple, bananas, watermelon ever, and had some amazingly fresh seafood, like tuna. So it’s not ALL beans and rice or rice and beans!

The lies // Okay this one is dramatic and mostly intended in jest. When I went to Latin America for the first time I was warned that the polite thing to do in this culture is to tell someone what they want to hear, even if it’s not strictly true/quite a stretch. Now sometimes I can get behind this, when I ask someone how I look or if they think I’m brilliant, for instance–but when I need directions somewhere? Not so much. It doesn’t help that my Spanish isn’t nearly as good as I think it is. It’s interesting how many people we’ve encountered that seem like experts in what we’re talking about–from the turtle nesting season to the possibility of whale watching to where a certain waterfall is located. I always forgive them for not knowing, though, because nearly everyone has been so sweet and friendly. Specifically, they call it “a la Tica” here, or the Costa Rican way–basically it is the goal of everyone here to  keep the peace as much as possible. I guess in a country that doesn’t have a military you can understand this value.

The diversity // Since we arrived two weeks ago, we’ve seen so many different types of animals, millions of plants and flowers, and a few too many species of insects (like a scorpion and spiders that could eat me–apparently it’s “spider season”, who knew such a horrid thing existed–and a locust the size of a bird). I have to give this country major applause for their commitment to biodiversity and preservation. We’ve criss-crossed the country (already!) and I’m amazed to spot new, different species everywhere–did you know there were two different types of toucans, at least? And cute little birds called toucanettes?! And more than one kind of sloth?! And that sloths might be the most awesome and adorable and hilarious animals, ever?!

Married life // Oh yeah, E and I have been married for almost three weeks now! Do I feel different? Hmmm not too much. But I do like seeing him in his wedding ring. 🙂 We have been existing in mostly a state of bliss since our amazing wedding.

The prices // Why did I think Costa Rica was “so cheap?” And why do I always think I’m better at being frugal than I actually am? We have found some great deals, don’t get me wrong–gorgeous Airbnbs and lovely little inns and quirky little hostels. It’s the food and activities that get to me–so pricey! Luckily there are always ways, if you know where to look (and I’m learning and when I do I will share it with you!)

The hammocks //  I guess this is the country of hammocks because they are everywhere. I am loving it and I’ve become kind of a hammock connoisseur–I can instantly spot which ones will be afternoon reading/nap spot perfection.

The packing // This must certainly be the BEST I have ever packed for a trip, in terms of weight and organization. Mostly because E raided his father’s travel gear from their recent trip to Europe and he fully engaged his sometimes ridiculous love of little tubs and bags and packing cubes. I admit it has made everything so much easier, but this also means I wasn’t able to indulge my pack-for-any-contigency attitude that has become somewhat famous, er, infamous. (Oh, the sacrifices of a wife). For the most part though, I feel pretty prepared for anything–but I am already sick of the four shirts I brought and we still have a month to go!

Have you been to Costa Rica? Anyplace I need to see? Are you the type who only brings the necessities, or do you overpack?