Costa Rica & Home!

We are back!  After traveling throughout 3 continents and 7 countries for just shy of 6 months, we are so thankful to be reunited with our friends & family.  

Costa Rica was wonderful!  We met up with Sarah & Mark on August 12th in Manuel Antonio.  During daily beach excursions, 4-hour hikes, and afternoon downpours, Sarah & Mark graciously listened to our endless tales of African adventures.  

In Monteverde we zip-lined through the cloud forest.   I won as the loudest screamer during the "Tarzan Swing".  The guides pushed us off a 50-ft high platform - we plummeted toward the ground and then swung out into the trees.  Volcan Arenal towers majestically over the town of La Fortuna.  We hiked through the forest below the active volcano, getting soaked by a sudden rain strom and trekking through mud-lakes along the trail of volcanic rock - so fun! The decadent Tabacon hot-springs, sitting at the base of the volcano were a highlight.    

We spent 5 days in the small town of Brasilito, in Guanacaste (the northern region of Costa Rica on the Pacific Ocean side).  The 10-minute walk down the black-sand beach, up and over the hill into Playa Conchal was amazing!  Playa Conchal (shell beach) is covered in tiny white shells and fine white sand.  We tucked under trees to get out of the sun, talked and swam in the clear blue-green super warm ocean water.  

These past few months have held a time of tremendous learning, challenge and fun.  We are so grateful to you all who have been thinking of us.  You have encouraged us so much, and we are so thankful for your care!  We look forward to catching up with you!

Love,

Crystal & Ryan