__________________

Back in 2005, I backpacked around Costa Rica for 18 days.  In Montezuma, I hiked up to a series of 3 waterfalls.  The middle one is a good 30-feet high, but I didn’t have my camera, nor was I ever able to find a decent photo of it thereafter.

And then Christian from Around the World in 175 Days jumped off of it too, and posted great shots and video to boot!  So, to satisfy my ego and share this classic Costa Rican feat of adrenaline and adventure with the world, I offer you his footage.  :)

What’s the highest waterfall, cliff, or bridge you’ve jumped from?

Christan leaps (as I, and many others did before him)

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

Two nights ago I met up with my friend Stefan for some deep dish pizza and travel stories. We had only hung out once prior, in Santa Elena, Costa Rica about two years ago. Santa Elena is the little town outside the popular Monteverde Cloud Forest Preserve. No, the guy in the photo above is not Stefan. I just decided to snap that photo of some random backpackers because it was so typical of our lives on the road – acoustic guitar, beer, hammock, and a pollo (chicken) joint across the street from the hostel.

So it was a little over two years ago that we hung out in the cloud forest, toured a cheese factory after an unsuccessful attempt to find a giant waterfall, and dined at that pollo place. Since then, we managed to e-mail each other the occasional update on our respective lives. Earlier this year, he sent me some of his experiences from India, which I promptly posted. And after his internship in Germany wrapped up, he bought a car in Philly, and swung through the Washington, DC area on his way back home to Phoenix, AZ.

Unfortunately, this experience was the exception, not the rule. Despite the best of intentions, I’ve found it rare that I’m able to connect with the guys and gals with whom I share some really great experiences abroad.

For example, in Montezuma, Costa Rica, I stood atop a 30-foot waterfall, asking that a guy snap a photo of me as I jumped off. He took the pic, and I wrote my e-mail address on a piece of paper the size of my pinkie. Needless to say, I never saw that photo. In Belize last year, I spent several days with a group of friends from Richmond, VA (90 miles from me). We swam, drank, snorkeled, ate, and fished together. It was a blast. I gave one of the guys my contact info, and never heard from them again. Earlier on that trip, I hung out with a couple of guys from the British army during their R&R. Before their sad departure back home, Darren gave me his e-mail address. When I got home, I tried e-mailing him, only to have the messages bounce back.

Does anyone else find this happens to them?

______________

PS – Stefan initially planned to camp during his cross-country drive to Phoenix, however he has found the CouchSurfing options so numerous, that he’s taking that approach instead. In Alexandria, VA, he was staying with a doctor and his family (in the nice part of town). When I met up with him, he was using a mountain bike they had lent him for the day!

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

The following journal excerpts were written on Friday, May 20, 2005:

I’m at Don Rufino in La Fortuna, Northern Costa Rica. I took a 7 am bus from Puerto Viejo to San Jose, got to an ATM, and took a cab to catch the 11:30 am bus to La Fortuna. 9 hours on a bus today – glad I can only afford to do that once this trip. It also made me realize, Panama and/or Corcovado would’ve finished my trip. That’s what I think I knew deep down when I decided to head north. As it is, I’m surprised how tight my next week will be.

Yes, I’m trying to do a lot this trip. I should relax a bit, enjoy each moment, let go of the need to do every adventurous thing possible – I just don’t have the time. I have to set priorities.

I shall step back and catch up with what happened yesterday. I think it’s certainly noteworthy. I, for the most part, spent the day lounging around Rocking J’s hostel, reading, and listening to music as planned. I believe Alice met Anthony (English medical student) around 11ish at the hammock hut. We ended up going to lunch together with Anthony’s younger brother, Neil, and another American – forgot his name – works on DVD extras for MGM in CA. At lunch, I had the Caribbean chicken and mango y agua. Both were good. Lunch was at 3 pm. Beforehand, I returned the bike & surf shirt to Cesar. I asked him for a partial refund and he said he couldn’t do it. He offered to give me another lesson if the waves picked up or I stuck around.

After lunch, we went for a dip in the sea – a pool right off the hostel beach. We were there 30–40 minutes or so. It was picture perfect. Alice looked so good in that brown bikini. Geez. Meanwhile, I noticed her and Anthony getting progressively flirty as the day went on. He had a hell of a foul mouth. The things he said reminded me much of my old roommate Alex. He set up a game of “Asshole” that we started around 5 pm. I ended up drinking two 12-ounce Pilsens. I was President about 70% of the time. It was a rout – I was untouchable till the end where I lost twice in a row. The last round though, I won. Like I said, I rocked that game. By this time Jason (hippie guy from Colorado) had joined us.

We went to dinner at a restaurant that did sushi and Thai food. I had beef tenderloins with curry. To my surprise, I got a steak in curry, with rice. In effect, I had to cut it up. Jason’s chicken satay looked really good. After dinner, we went to one of the discotheques in town. Johnny’s something or other. It was fairly empty when we got there, and the DJ was blaring hip-hop. The building was fairly open, and there was a narrow porch that lead out to the beach. Plastic tables and chairs, and tikki torches were out. The sea was calm and sky partly cloudy. The toilet was, well, a communal urinal that you pee’d in, and water trickled away the pee. No stall.

Alice was drinking a good bit (19 years old), and I saw the body language and flirting escalate to the point where it didn’t surprise me to see them kiss. I guess she didn’t have a boyfriend after all. Oh well, he made the moves, acted the alpha male, and she went for him. I started well, and then faded quickly by thinking I’d be around her too much. In fact that’s what she needed and wanted. I know it all happened as it did for a reason – maybe to show me the suffering caused by clinging. Maybe to show me what basic element it takes to “hook up.” Who knows.

“Love Me Two Times” (The Doors)

As Alice and Anthony’s courtship continued, she hit the toilets and Anthony came over to me and said some kind words about me being a cool, kind, and honest guy, something like one of the best guys he’s met on his trip (2 months). I shook his hand, and mentioned that I know Americans can be overbearing, however it’s best not to stereotype. He had made a few disparaging comments about the lots of us, which annoyed me a bit. Well, more so they just made him look stupid, I thought. We’re all the same – humans – on this planet together, all connected, so why cast insults at one specific group. Every country has their share of dicks. I started going outside for a few minutes at a time. It was much nicer, less loud out there. A new DJ had come on by now.

So yeah, whenever I went outside, I got asked for money. When I went inside, Alice would grab me and start dancing and/or have me spin her around. I could tell she was quite drunk. By then I had had three more beers, so was riding 5 for the night. I was now drinking water. Eventually the two Oregonian friends I met at the hostel showed up – Chris and Aaron. They were funny potheads/drunks. Good fun. Earlier in the day, I got the benefit of hearing about the various bar fights they’d been in. Didn’t sound pleasant. At any rate, something about Chris seemed to click with me – he was a cool, laid-back guy. So he was dancing, and I started dancing again. Long story short, I left at 2 am. Said goodbye to everyone. Alice gave me a big hug. I walked back , hit the tent, and got like 2 – 2.5 hours sleep. I heard Alice and Anthony get back some 30 minutes later and wondered if they went skinny dipping (as Anthony suggested earlier) or shagged for that matter. I woke up at 5 am as usual, with plenty of time to get the 7 am bus out of dodge. It kind of felt good to pick up and leave.

It’s a little cooler in La Fortuna – still humid. On the bus ride in, I saw Arenal volcano – complete with steam or smoke wafting out of the crater on top. Definitely looked like your classic volcano! I was frazzled once off the bus. It was raining, I set up camp at Hotel Fortuna, $12 a night (own room with bath) for two nights. Later, walking around I saw another Inn that appeared to have a common area, with backpackers. Oh well, I will be fine. I’m excited to have a nice bed with clean sheets, privacy, nicest bathroom (private) yet. Hot water! Bath towel. Yes – good stuff.

Tired of writing, think I’ll go back, check email and put my feet up and read. Hit the hay (or try) early. Everyday of this vacation feels like an eternity. I think that comes from living in the present moment.

_____________

Read more of Backpacking in Costa Rica or just see the photos on Flickr.

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

The following journal excerpts were written in Cahuita, Costa Rica on Monday, May 16, 2005:

7:41 am

I saw some hummingbirds earlier. I was chilling in a hammock. Senses fully awake:

• Sight – the palms, sky, clouds, morning sun
• Hearing – the crashing ocean waves, birds chirping
• Taste – the salty air
• Smell – the sea air again, the plant life
• Touch – the feeling of the slightly damp hammock against my back, the light breeze, warm sensation of sun on skin

I imagine this is how it’s like on the beaches of Thailand, Bali, etc. I am reawakened to the possibilities of life, travel, community, humanity, compassion, companionship, love, laughter, present moment, awareness. So much to take in. An assault on the senses. One can only surrender and breathe it all in. Tactile – touch – important in travel and exploring. Grab the earth, take off your shoes. Feel, experience.

….And me? I’m working, though, reminded of unfulfilled time in the world, backpacking – freedom, independence, experience, trials, stories, camaraderie, and wanderlust. You only live once. I’ve yet to meet someone who has regretted their time off. Traveling, seeing the world. As I told Wes, I feel myself – inner core – self-esteem – strengthening with each day of this trip. I will follow through. Things are just as they are supposed to be. No need to rush, rushing creates anxiety, undue suffering. I am building a spiritual practice to sustain me, strengthen my core beliefs. The prospect of long term travel, discovery, so exciting. Life is impermanence, ever-changing. To travel long, will too end. I should not be afraid that it would. Life is about the journey, not the destination. So are all experiences, relationships. Grasping, clinging, leads to undue suffering. Mindfulness, awareness, recognition of this happening is my practice at work. Suffering is human, cannot be avoided, however through practice, can be avoided.

Breakfast was a big plate – 2 scrambled eggs, slice of cheese, slice of ham, slice of tomato, 2 pieces of toast, rice/beans, OJ and coffee. I wrote all this at the restaurant.

It routine a bad thing? Cahuita is wonderful, would more than two nights here lead to routiness, or lack of the same level of stimulation I am currently experiencing? These questions are ok to ask, though, I have to be careful not to allow anxiety to result. Anxiety about whether I stay or go. It would serve no purpose. I will have to decide when to go anyways, why worry about, why worry I can make a wrong decision. There is no right or wrong decision. I trust myself, and therefore the decision I make will be the right one – regardless of which direction it sends me.

I think there is condensation under the plastic face of my watch. I need to take a crap. Ants run on the tile floor, so busy, fast, and small.

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

1. The Snorkeler (Belize, 2006) – I’m literally a fish out of water when it comes to snorkeling, so I was in no position to argue underwater when my tour mate Andrea asked for my underwater disposable camera so she could snap this winner of me!

2. The Spelunker (Belize, 2006) – To preserve the 1,000 year old Mayan archeology sites within the dry chambers of Actun Tunichil Muknal (cave of the stone sepulcher), all visitors are required to wear socks. This photo was taken after we exited the cave, which has a stream running through it, and requires you get rather wet. And how about that hard hat!

3. The Seducer (Belize, 2006) – After a few nights of partying with British army troops on R&R, I snapped this photo of my new (very straight) friend Darren in a girl’s bikini and towel after he spent the night sleeping in her room (on the floor I might add). Yes, Darren was right, this picture was bound to end up on the Internet!

4. The Zipliner (Costa Rica, 2005) – I had this photo snapped of myself after spending an hour with SkyTrek, ziplining throughout the Montaverde Cloud Forest Preserve. It was exhilarating, and I proudly displayed the piece of metal that kept me tied to the cables. Notice how I’m still rocking the harness gear around my waist and crotch, along with another protective hard hat!

5. The Homer Simpson – Doh! (Costa Rica, 2005) – This is the view to the left of me on a quiet beach in Puerto Viejo. You might be wondering why I think it’s hilarious. Notice the clothes and sunglasses on the log? That’s what the beautiful 18-year old English girl Alice was wearing before she began to sun herself in a bikini farther to the right. I find it funny that I took a picture of an empty beach, rather than her, after she had me put sun tan lotion on her back. Doh!

Please share your thoughts and comments on these photos, I’d love to hear them!

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

The following journal entry was written Saturday, May 14, 2005 in Costa Rica:

6:42 am

I’m awaiting the pick-up by Exploradores Outdoors to go rafting for the day on the Pacuare River. I’m trying not to be anxious that it’s past 6:30 am, though if the tour company knows they have a person to pick up at hostel Pangea, I’m good to go. I checked out the adventure company website, to get a little background – looks reputable. I woke up at 5 am again today. I don’t even need an alarm clock. I’m not sure if it’s still jetlag or what. I keep losing track of what I’m spending. I bought a $22 Puma Italia Soccer shirt yesterday. Let’s see – I’ve cashed $150 in traveler’s checks, and withdrawn $100 from my checking account (really a net of $90 because I got $10 change when paying for the rafting). The rafting is probably the biggest 1-day expense I’ll have.

3:02 pm

The rafting has come to an end. We got in the river at 10:30 am and were out around 2:30 pm, plus 45 minutes for lunch in the middle. The mini tour bus was comfortable. I’m starting to get used to being driven around the edges of the jungles and cliffs and mountains. Just gotta relax and trust the driver. The ride here was scenic, lots of waterfalls. We stopped for breakfast – toast, eggs, fruit salad (really good), OJ. Then a short bus ride, 15-minute walk down to the river. River Pacuare. I was in a raft with 3 Southern Americans (Mississippi & Georgia), and a couple from San Jose, CA. I got their pic. Veronica and someone (I can’t recall his name). Our river guide was Fernando – he just stayed in a kayak – safety guy/photographer. Seemed to have a lot of fun too. Our raft guide was David.

I was wearing my Adidas sandals – not a good idea. First my feet haven’t been used to sandals; second there was no ankle strap. So one of the guys had to duct tape. I put two pieces around each foot. 30-45 minutes into the river, my right foot went numb. I realized the tape had cut off circulation to the lower half of my foot! I pulled the tape off and began shaking my foot, then switched sides with the other guy in front. My foot started to feel better, and then I realized the sandals were hurting my feet too. I realize I was wearing the worst possible footwear, and fiddling around with them in rapids was not smart. We hit two Class IV rapids and five Class III rapids. There were rapids quite often, with rests of calm water maybe one to two minutes long. Saw some butterflies, vultures picking at a dead sloth, and a few birds here and there. We saw plenty of waterfalls, and rode beneath a few. Lunch was tortillas with lettuce, onion, turkey, ham, cheese (burrito), trail mix, watermelon, pineapple, and lemonade.

At the end, I had an Imperial, water and another granola bar. I could’ve used more water, I’m feeling a slight headache – definitely need to pack more snacks and water going forward – just in case. For example, 45 minutes into the way back to San Jose, traffic jam. A car flipped over. The ambulance has already left, and we’re still parked. It’s been about 30 minutes. I’m starting to see my sunburn. We got out of the van, as many others got out of their cars. A car in front of us with a group of young men started playing soccer, juggling the ball with music playing in their car. It’s such a contrast to America in our traffic jams. I took a picture, I had too. It is a cool scene. The guys aren’t in a hurry, pissed off, talking on a cell phone. Just interesting. I’m feeling a slight headache. Probably a bit dehydrated. On the river near the end, we all jumped out of the rafts. I was floating on my back, looking at the forest from another viewpoint. It was wonderful. I felt very lucky to be there, at that moment, present to enjoy the splendor of nature.

Read more from Backpacking in Costa Rica.

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.

I wrote the following journal entry on Sunday, May 15, 2005:

4:50 pm

Kendall – Canadian girl I met at hostel in San Jose. I was in the common room, reading and watching The Apprentice. She was seated opposite me; I couldn’t help but notice her nice, tan legs as she sat with one leg over the chair arm. She asked me what I was up to a bit later and I had responded “reading.” She wanted some company on the five block walk to the supermarket. I picked up some empanadas; she got veggies and noodles for a stir-fry. I watched her cook it up at the hostel. A Dutch guy, Frederick, was staying in my hostel room so we talked a bit. I also met a Dutch guy on the rafting trip, Klaus.

I’m looking forward to some Caribbean food. Dinner y cerveza. The mosquitoes are starting to get me here. I’m in no rush. It’s nice. Not a care in the world.

The sound of the waves crashing is very rhythmic. Almost like a metronome, never-ending, dynamic, yet consistent, you can count on hearing a wave crash every few seconds. Without fail, nature is beauty. Beauty is impermanent, as are all things, thoughts, and feelings in life. I’m experiencing great personal and spiritual growth on this trip. It’s energizing, liberating and truly amazing. Freedom, independence, adventure, excitement, storytelling, pleasurable. So much to write. Words flow like raindrops down a palm leaf. Hammocks blow in the wind, waiting for their next inhabitant.

It’d have to hurt if a coconut fell on your head. The clouds are wonderful. Nice breeze. Air feels/tastes salty. Met Mark (USA/Costa Rica) and Evan (Canada) in Cahuita. Both friendly. Bananas, mangoes, pineapple, watermelon. It’ll be nice to wake up to the crashing waves. One love, one life, let’s get together and it’ll be alright. I’ve seen more travelers with CD players than MP3 players. $14 a night – what a deal.

______________________

Read more about my trip to Costa Rica in 2005.

Join Travel Blog Success today and learn to build a better travel blog.

Membership includes 12 core lessons, a community forum for asking questions and receiving personalized feedback, plus audio interviews and a blog.