I will have to write a long essay about my current emotional state regarding all these changes, and won’t that be fun??, but first, let’s discuss…

THREE MONTHS ON THE ROAD: BY THE NUMBERS 

THREE WEEKS in Costa Rica. I can’t even begin to cover everything we’ve done, really!

EIGHT NIGHTS (total) at one of the best Airbnbs in the world.

ONE MEAL in an airplane…on the ground. This is a common thing here, weirdly!

COUNTLESS headaches as I navigate the murky waters of Apple and getting my computer fixed (yes, it’s still a doorknob).

TWENTY DAYS with a car to explore! Loved our little jungle car. And although Costa Rica’s roads are just as wild as claimed, it was worth it to go wherever we wanted, whenever we wanted. 

AS MANY Pacific sunsets as we could manage!

FOUR VISITS to these hot springs near the Hacienda Guachipelin.

FIVE WATERFALLS. For swimming, for seeing, for visiting, and one even ridden down to via horseback.

SEVEN national parks visited.

SIX DAYS (three longer than planned!) in one of the best stops in Costa Rica: the cloud forest of Monteverde.

THREE DAYS of fighting sickness…hence the reason for our extended stay in Monteverde (that and it’s amazing). Not SO bad to be sick on your honeymoon when you get to snuggle up in a cute little cabin though, right?

ONE NIGHT with a volcano view.

SIX NIGHTS on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica.

THREE NIGHTS at the incredible Banana Azul. A home away from home!

ONE Caribbean sunrise.

TEN (at least) hanging bridges crossed.

SEVEN sloth sightings! Including one baby! Which was too far away to get a good picture, but I will certainly remember it for.EVER.

One Month on the Road: By the Numbers
Two Months on the Road: By the Numbers

Now, tell me…how was your month?! Since I missed out on fall, my favorite, share some of your best autumnal moments in the comments! 

The post Three Months on the Road: By the Numbers appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

We’ve been in Costa Rica for over four weeks now–we only have about a week and a half left! Our trip has looked rather different from it did when we first booked our tickets. Our ambitious plan was to fill our six weeks here in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. Then, our wedding planning, a year of extensive travel, and our actual (amazing) wedding happened. We got tired and the thought of traveling around three countries at a fairly quick pace sounded exhausting, rather than exhilarating. I also did more research on Costa Rica and realized how much there is to see here! So, we’ve spent these last four weeks just in Costa Rica, taking turns between adventuring and relaxing (and working). In several days, we will head south to Panama. I’m disappointed we won’t make it to Nicaragua this time around, so we hope to visit again soon! I admit it’s unnatural for me to travel at this slower pace, but it’s really what we need.

The benefit of this is that we’ve got a much more in-depth snapshot of Costa Rica than we might have otherwise. The laid back attitude and the dedication to peace at all times can be an adjustment to someone like me, who likes to know the when and where of things, but everything has worked out for us.

Costa Rica has also been, in many ways, exactly what we wanted. While my love of Europe is well documented (and is staying strong), we wanted to come to region closer to home since we planned to be back for the holidays. We also literally are not allowed in Europe yet! In addition, after a year of exploring some of the world’s greatest cities, we wanted a more adventurous/outdoorsy themed honeymoon, unlike anything we’ve done together. We’ve boogie boarded, gone in search of turtles laying eggs at midnight, spotted monkeys and sloths in the jungle, swam in the ocean at dusk, stayed in a treehouse, ridden horseback to a waterfall, swam in several waterfalls, bathed in volcanic mud, zip lined across a canyon, hiked in a misty cloud forest, relaxed on a Caribbean beach, and tubed on a whitewater river. It’s been fantastic! I’ve also learned that I’m not as brave as I think I am when booking these activities (read: zip lining), and that I’m allergic (and still terrified) of horses.

I’ll be on Instagram sharing some snaps of our time in Costa Rica and Panama over the next week, but we are also really focused on unplugging for the last days of our honeymoon. Pura vida, indeed!

The post Pura Vida // A Quick Update appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

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?  

The post The Jungle is Loud (and Other Keen Observations from Costa Rica So Far) appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

Remember me? It’s been awhile. I would apologize but…I was busy getting married and starting my honeymoon! And then, my computer broke, so it was pretty clear that the fates wanted me to take a little break from my blog. even though I did want to do a gushy wedding post, at least. Also, just as I was trying to load photos to this post, the power went out and hence, so did my Wifi. What is up, universe?!

Anyway, I wish I could say I was back for good now, but unfortunately between the lack of internet here, a still-broken computer, and the fact that I am supposed to be relaxing and honeymooning, I can’t make any promises.

My half self-imposed half-forced break from blogging, though, has shown me how much this little corner of the internet means to me. I missed all of you! I missed writing! I have so much to share with you! So let’s get started!

TWO MONTHS ON THE ROAD: BY THE NUMBERS 

ONE PERFECT (WEDDING) DAY that somehow came together after six weeks of crazy planning and stress. Even though we were engaged for seven months, most of the work happened after we came back to the States at the end of August. I admit that by the time our wedding rolled around, I was sick of it and ready for it to be over. And then, our wedding day ended up being totally magical. All the problems and issues (mostly) worked themselves out, the sun was shining and there were some changing leaves, almost everyone we love was there, and E and I got married! Can’t forget that detail. E and I were both exhausted and figured we would be the first ones to leave. The day was so incredible, though, that I never wanted it to end, we were some of the last to leave and now I miss it! All the clichés they tell you apparently are true.

THREE HOURS taking engagement photos in Seattle with our wedding photographer, a friend of mine since we were three! E and I both hate getting our picture taken, but it ended up be really fun and she got some good ones!

ONE EVENING with most of my favorite women. Bachelorette in the house! Did we even take any more photos? This is all I got..

TOO MUCH homesickness for Prague. Homesickness is funny, isn’t it? Our wedding was fantastic and now we are on a Costa Rican adventure, so a part of me feels like I have no right to miss Prague. I’m learning that you can miss something and still be grateful for what you have.

TONS of gorgeous flowers. A family friend of E’s gave us this gorgeous bouquet to celebrate our wedding week, from her garden!, and my aunt did an incredible job with the flowers for our wedding.

ONE FLOWER CROWN worn. I don’t have my wedding photos yet so I don’t have many photos to share…but flower crown!!! I was much more excited to wear this than my wedding dress.

EIGHT DAYS in Costa Rica so far!

TWELVE DAYS of having a husband. This is him:

THREE NIGHTS starting our honeymoon at the gorgeous Tortuga Lodge and Gardens in the remote Torteguero National Park. We saw monkeys from off our back porch, saw an endangered Green Turtle lay eggs, took boat trips in the canals, were intrepid jungle explorers, slept, relaxed, and ate!

TWO humpback whales seen, one of which was a baby! Life is grand.

TWO NIGHTS, so far, at this killer Airbnb in the small village of Dominical on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica. There’s a sloth that hangs on right off the deck, views of the ocean and jungle, a bathtub you can swim in, red bananas grown on the property, and more space than we could ever need. Feeling so lucky to be able to recharge here for the next week or so!

One Month on the Road: By the Numbers

By the Numbers: Prague

QUESTION:

Have you ever been to Costa Rica? Would you go there for your honeymoon? 

The post Two Months on the Road: By the Numbers appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

ONE MONTH ON THE ROAD: BY THE NUMBERS 

ONE WEEK with 30 kids under the age of 13 in the Czech mountains.

ONE birthday cake, Czech style. Along with “happy birthday” sung by all the kids and my fellow teachers.

FIVE DAYS in London.

TURNING TWENTY-EIGHT in London!

EIGHT HOURS in a spaceship, a.k.a. the Yotel in Gatwick Airport. A really cool hotel idea–and really comfortable–but also so tiny! Perfect for the airport, though, when you just need a place to crash before and early/late flight.

FOUR afternoon teas in London.

THREE HOURS at the Harry Potter Studio Tour! Maybe my best birthday present, ever.

TWO HOURS eating lunch with the lovely Jessi! My favorite part of blogging is the community, and especially getting to meet these people in real life. So far, Jessi and I have met up in Prague, Cologne, and London! How cool is that?

THIRTEEN HOUR flight from London to Seattle, via Frankfurt. It was my first international flight that wasn’t partially at night, and wow. Don’t want to do that again! Also, the airline we flew on did not give us free movies or TV shows…tell me this isn’t a sign of the future?!

ONE wedding dress purchased after weeks of research and trying on at least ten. I’ll be honest and say I never had that “moment” where I knew it was “the one”–but it was fun, it was on sale, and I was running out of the time. So, goal!

FORTY-FIVE minutes of cake tasting, hands-down the best part of this whole wedding planning experience.

TEN DAYS at home in Montana.

TOO MANY days steeped in wedding plans. As I keep saying, it’s rather hilarious that this completely uncrafty girl is throwing a largely DIY wedding. Things are getting finished, though!

ONE DAY sailing on Lake Washington, near Seattle.

TWO WEEKS of reverse culture shock. I guess it’s fading…until I walk into Target, a mall, or something of the like. It’s akin to the same feeling I had whenever I walked into the Czech grocery store: being overwhelmed and slightly panicky, yet also feeling the strange urge to buy everything and try new things/old things I forgot existed (like PopTarts!! Remember PopTarts?!?).

SIX WEEKS booked in Central America! Hard to believe the next “By the Numbers” post will be written from Costa Rica.

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THREE WEEKS until I get to marry the guy who wrote this:

Previous By the Numbers:

Twelve Months in Prague (By the Numbers)                                                                                                        Eleven Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Ten Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Nine Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Eight Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Seven Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Six Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Five Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Four Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Three Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
Two Months in Prague (By the Numbers)
One Month in Prague (By the Numbers)

QUESTION:

How is your September shaping up so far? 

The post One Month on the Road: By the Numbers appeared first on Amy and the Great World.

-Our wedding is in one month from TOMORROW. Cue dramatics!! For all of you, I don’t recommend this being-abroad-then-planning-everything-in-six weeks approach. However, it does mean that instead of waiting a year or longer to marry E, I get to do it in four weeks! So it has some pros.

-I can’t help but find it a little amusing that I’m ending up with a largely DIY wedding when every DIY project I’ve ever endeavored has turned into a disaster.

-Another thing I don’t recommend? Wedding dress shopping the day after an international flight. If there’s anything that will throw you into reverse culture shock, it’s wedding dress shopping (and rush hour traffic). There may have been some tears in the dressing room, but I ended up picking a gown that was the most fun. Since that is the ultimate goal for our wedding day, I figured why not have fun in my dress, too? And by fun, yes, I mean fun in the it’s-poufy kind of way. I can’t really remember it all that well at this point even though I picked out it two weeks ago…so hopefully when I try it on again I’ll still be happy with my decision.

-I admit that I’m having a lot of guilt when it comes to wedding planning. Or, really having a wedding at all. It’s a unique reason for most of our loved ones to come to one place, which is great since we’ve been living abroad (and will continue to be doing so). But, I have to admit that sometimes weddings feel so commercial and consumer-based. Everything is so expensive, from the food to the dress to the chairs. It also feels…socially irresponsible! Can any other brides relate to this?!

-It’s really nice to be back home, but now I am so homesick for Prague and Europe in general. America is just…gigantic! After arriving in Seattle, three days later I drove back with my parents and sister (who had come to meet us!!) to Montana. It was a full twelve-hour drive, and that’s barely a third of this whole country! Yet another thing I don’t recommend…a long-haul flight followed almost immediately by a long-haul drive.

-Reunited with my favorite pups and it feels so good.

-Not only is America the country gigantic, everything else here seems to be giant, too. The houses! The stores! The cars! The cups of coffee (there is nothing as wonderful and American as the bottomless cup of coffee.)! The serving sizes! The freeways! Dare I say…some of the people?! And I’m not even talking about the obesity epidemic…everyone here seems so tall!

-E and I officially booked our honeymoon!!! We are going to spend…wait for iiiiit…SIX WEEKS IN CENTRAL AMERICA! I am beyond excited, as I’ve never been to any of the countries and neither has E. We were looking for an adventure honeymoon close to home (read: cheap, cheap flights) since we will be back for Thanksgiving and Christmas, and we found an amazing deal from Seattle to San Jose. We are flying in and out of Costa Rica but otherwise we haven’t made any plans. So, for those of you who’ve been, I would love all of your tips for the area, especially Costa Rica, Panama and Nicaragua!

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-Now it’s your turn! Tell me what’s up with you in the comments!

The post Catching Up (+ Honeymoon News!) appeared first on Amy and the Great World.