Previously, I catalogued my Explorer’s Gear for the trip and also, gave reviews on the country’s foods, hostels, and people.
Destination: Costa Rica
Dates: December 21–28, 2011
When my friend Phil, a linguist from New York (by way of everywhere), suggested we backpack across Costa Rica, I thought it was insane but I said “yes, please” and booked my flight immediately.
The couple of trips to the Mexican border as a cheeky tike doesn’t count as leaving the United States, but entering Costa Rica does. I hadn’t slept at all the night before because I decided to pack at the last minute, and the shuttle came to my house at 5am, and I figured I could sleep on the 7-hour plane ride. No. I was so excited the whole plane ride! I might’ve fallen asleep once or twice, but if you’ve attempted to fall asleep on a plane you know it doesn’t compete with a mattress.
I had an intriguing conversation with my rowmates, two female companions that travelled often together. They were a math teacher and biological conversationist duo that had been to 6 of 7 continents. They were amazing and had enlightening and funny travel stories to tell. It gave me more fuel for adventure, which I needed ’cause I was incredibly low on energy. After fumbling with the immigration agent, who wanted to know where I was staying while in Costa Rica (Phil made the reservations and I didn’t know), I made my way to baggage claim to get my backpack.
I had always known that traveling, especially by plane, doesn’t always go smoothly but I had hoped to get my bags and wait for Phil’s plane to come in without a hitch. I must’ve watched the same not-my bag go around the conveyor 20 times until I noticed that there were no other people around, except for airport employees leaving for the night. I started panicking a little. God, please don’t let me be stuck in Costa Rica without clean underwear! Surprisingly I found it in the luggage lost and found. My only guess is that someone may have picked it up by accident. Whatever! The dirty underwear crisis was averted. Phil missed his flight and waited for a later one, so I hung out at SJO for a while.
After meeting up with Phil, we took a taxi to Hostel Bekuo that night, and it was my first time staying at a hostel. I was slightly worried, but found out it was kind of like summer camp. A room with several bunk beds and a funky smell reminiscent of moldy shower towels with a hint of stinky shoes. It was awesome! It was also cool to share a bunk bed with Phil. He took the bottom bunk and I took the top, which looked a little ominous. It was sunken in the middle with the supporting board showing through. Miraculously it was perfect. I was so tired it didn’t even matter if I was sleeping on spikes. Give me a pillow and turn out the lights!
Stay tuned for part 2 of Treavioli in Costa Rica.