Hola!
Before we left for Montezuma, some of the girls and I went to a local bakery and grabbed some snacks for the drive over. In relation to the past few days, Tuesday was a relatively uneventful day. We spent most of the day driving through the lush mountains to Montezuma. At one point we had to get off of the bus and take a ferry and then get back on the bus. We got into Montezuma around 3pm and spent a few hours before dinner exploring the town and local culture. This was the first hippie town in all of Costa Rica. I believe it was established in the 1950s. Because it was inhabited by these free-spirited people, It was given the nickname MonteFuma.
Montezuma is absolutely beautiful. Our hotel is about a 30 second walk from the Beach and surrounded by trees and wildlife. Jason, Reena, Steve, and I decide to check out a nearby waterfall in our free time. We made it to what we thought was a waterfall, only to find out later that there was an even bigger one a little farther down the stream. Either way, it was very beautiful and we took some great pictures. On our way back we found a seaside restaurant that had a back area with hammocks and lawn chairs. We spent a few minutes relaxing in the hammocks and taking in the breathtaking views of the ocean.
After signing up for our excursions for the next few days, we grabbed a few Imperials and went to the beach to soak in our surroundings. Quique had us go around the circle and say what we thought pura vida meant to us. It was really interesting what each person interpreted it as. I can't remember everything that was said but we came up with the following: no regrets, just do it, living a stressfree and carefree life, and just living each day to the fullest. It was a very meaningful conversation and helped put a lot of things in perspective. I really feel like I've learned so much from the people here and I know I will take back a little part of it all with me back to New York. After awhile we went to a nearby restaurant to have a late dinner and I don't remember what we were talking about but I remember laughing so hard that night I cried. I can honestly say that I can't remember the last time that happeneed. After dinner we walked over to a local salsa bar on the beach. We were all so sweaty from dancing that we decided to jump into the ocean. After some hilarious pictures that will go down in the history books, we walked back to the hotel and collapsed after another successful day.
Each town we have been to so far has each been completely different from the other and has its own unique personality. San Jose is slightly more city-like while La Fortuna seemed more like the countryside, surrounded by mountains and volcanoes. Montezuma is the coast with beautiful beaches, palm trees and black volcanic rocks along the edges. It is so easy to feel at ease and carefree. The people here are so nice and our group has noticed a certain Costa Rican humor that they have. The men are by far the most attractive Latinos I have ever met and the women are (no surprise here) very beautiful. I've now realized why I haven't met many Costa Ricans in my life. There is no reason to leave Costa Rica. They are all extremely happy people. They find no reason to rush and just enjoy life the way that it is meant to be enjoyed. They are the most optimistic and friendly people and we can all learn a lot from these people, especially a place like New York!
Pura vida!!
E
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