Morning sunrise at Pura Vida and day trip to the hot springsw

This morning I woke just before the sun so I decided to watch it rise up from behind the mountains. It was so quiet and serene. Just the birds and I in the early morning light. I wandered around Pura Vida taking in the natural beauty as the sun rose to warm the air. There are so many beautiful plants, flowers and trees on the grounds of the resort.
Today everyone is off for a full day excursion. They offered 4 options: a day at Jaco Beach, White water rafting, a canopy tour combined with a boat ride and a day at the hot springs. We chose the the hot springs. After yoga, hiking the water falls and zip lining we felt our bodies deserved a rest and the hot springs seemed to be the best place for this. We headed out about 730am for our 2 1/2 hour ride through the central valley and up into the mountains. The scenery was breathtaking. When you start climbing you feel the difference in the temperature. The air becomes crisp and cool and clouds are so low they dip down into the valleys. There are many dairy farms up at the higher altitudes. The grass is sweeter up there so the milk is richer and tastier. I wonder how the cows like living on the slope of a mountain. Seems a bit uncomfortable to me.
Along the way we stopped in the town of Zarcero and walked through a park which had beautifully sculpted cyprus trees. There trees were shaped into archways, animal figures and some shrubs had faces carved into them. This was a very unique park in the middle of the busy town.
Upon our arrival at Termales del Bosque we followed a river through the rain forest to the hot springs. There were various plants with leaves that seemed like they belonged in a giants world, beautiful blue butterflies and a small waterfall. The various pools are situated along side of the river. Each one is a different temperature from tepid to what seemed like boiling. One was so hot it took a few minutes to immurse yourself completely, but once in the sensation of the hot water was heavenly. Immediately melting the tension from your stiff, sore muscles. There were only five in our group, Sophie, Bonnie, Mario, Lori and I. We relaxed, shared stories and I talked them through an energizing chakra balancing meditation. By the time we finished at the hot springs we were all extremely relaxed and ready for a nap. After a relaxing for a couple of hours in the healing waters we enjoyed a delicious lunch of grilled chicken, rice and vegetables. Then we boarded the bus for hour 2 1/2 hour journey back to Pura Vida. The scenery was so beautiful and the small towns interesting that the time seemed to pass by quickly.
This evening we will enjoy another fabulous healthy meal at Pura Vida and go to sleep early. Our 630am yoga class comes early.
Tomorrow we are taking a hike through the coffee plantation. This should be interesting. Stayed for more.

Costa Rica - Yoga and Zip Lining

The sunrises early in Costa Rica, 530am. So do the birds. What a sweet sound to wake up to. Our first yoga class of the day is at 630am. Such a great way to wake your body for the adventures of the day. This morning the hour long yoga class stretched into two. That's the way it is here in Costa Rica. If it feels good, keep doing it. The instructors are so knowledgeable and patient. Each person gets the attention they need and everyone comes away feeling great.
Breakfast is a wonderful feast of fresh fruits, farm fresh eggs, juices, beans and rice, fabulous coffee and much more. Delicious. Everything is organic and grown locally. Costa Rican coffee is primo!
After breakfast we are off to the rainforest for a zip line ride through the trees. The excitement on the bus is mixed and the chatter constant. Some of us have done this before and others are going to experience it for the first time. I am one of those and my nervousness and doubt is showing. My fellow adventurers remind me to tap into my yoga and centre myself so I can conquer my fear. Yoga is a great practice which provides us with the tools to move through the unknown.
We arrive at the Monte de Barva facility located in the Braulio Carillo National park. Located about 45 minutes from San Jose and 7000 feet above sea level. The air is cool, clear and crisp. Our guides are very knowledegable and immediately make us feel safe and secure as they slip us into our harnesses and pass out gloves and helmets. We begin with an orientation and lesson then follow the winding path through the rainforest to the first platform. During our walk the lead guide tells us about the cyprus forest we are in and points out many species of plants and trees.
Here we are, all 9 of us perched on a platform above the floor of the rainforest. I am a little anxious and watch intently as they prepare the first person for their leap off the safety of the platform. Off he goes, smiling and excited. It looks easy and he makes it safely to the other side. I'm ready. The first line is an easy one so now I'm ready for more. We gradually make our way through the 11 lines. Some fast and some slow. Each one offering a different view of the forest and some longer or higher than the others and some slow or fast. Now that I have settled in to my new sport I look forward to the fast long lines. What a thrill. Who would have thought that at my age I would be zipping through a rainforest. Life is great! Some lines end up on a lower level and we walk through the forest admiring it's majestic beauty. Costa Rica is certainly a magical place to visit.
This afternoon we enjoyed another scrumptious lunch and relax by the pool.
Tomorrow we are off to the forest for a hike to the hot springs. Ah, how relaxing. Just what my tired body needs. Stay tuned for more.

I have already taken so many photos. Too bad I can't share them all with you. Here are a few to wet your appetite.

Costa Rica's beauty is exceptional: flora and fauna, wildlife and rugged forests. Today we had the pleasure of viewing all of these in one location, Lapaz Waterfall and Gardens. Our group took a tour of the wildlife centre to view the native animals of Costa Rica, various bird species, butterflies, humming birds, wild cats, monkeys and more. The gardens were spectacular with various shapes and sizes of flowers, ferns, orchids and flowers of every size and colour. The beauty is too great for words. Hopefully the pictures will help to tell the story.
After the gardens we began our decent through the rain forest and down to the waterfalls. They were beautiful. The forest was cool and damp and the sound of the waterfall was like music to our ears. Stunning, rugged natural beauty.
Viewing the waterfalls was a delight but the walk back up to the top was ardurous. I am sure we lost a few pounds sweating our way up. The waterfall trip is now renamed, The Buns of Steel tour.
Returning to the resort was a slow, hot, winding and bumpy ride but viewing the scenery made it worth it. The mountains surrounding us were covered in rows and rows of coffee plants interspersed with bananas, flowering bushes, strawberry fields and cattle farms. I am not sure what altitude we climbed to but it must have been quite high as we were in the clouds.
Costa Rica is a small but very diverse country and is only 22,000 square miles in size. Bordered by two oceans, the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, and two countries: Nicaragua and Panama. They have two seasons, dry and rainy and the rains come from April to December. Their largest industry is Intel computer chips, then coffee and third is tourism. Each person is is entitled to a free education and health care and recently they just voted in their first female President.
Tomorrow we are going to take a canopy zip line tour. Hmmmm, I'm not sure about this. Hopefully I will be able to snap some photos as I zip through the air. That is if I'm not frozen with terror. Wish me luck!

Pura Vida Yoga Retreat Costa Rica

Monday morning, 6am
I am sitting by the pool watching the sun come up and listening to the birds. It's so peaceful and relaxing. Soon I will take part in an early morning yoga class. Such a nice way to wake up.
Yesterday was my first full day. Breakfast at 730am, orientation at 930am and then our first yoga class. Our Yoga Instructor was gentle on us as she knew it was our first day after a long flight. I guest she figured she better ease us into it slowly. Next, lunch and relaxation near the pool. It's 80 plus degrees but it doesn't feel like it as there is a cool mountain breeze. The altitude is over 5000 feet and the air is crisp and clear. A tropical paradise. Everything they do is focused on health. Organic healthy food, relaxation, wellness centre with spa and amazing therapists and healers. Yesterday I had a healing massage. It's like nothing I have ever experienced before. The spa menu is extensive and all services are focused on wellness. I am sure I will feel like a new person when I return.
Today we are off to the waterfalls for a hike.,I am sure there will be plenty of photos on my next post. Well, I must sign off for now as Yoga is about to begin.

I'm off to Costa Rica for a glorious week at the Pura Vida Yoga Retreat and Spa. Follow my blog daily as I will be posting photos and stories about my journey.

Travel themed movies and books.

I like to prepare for a trip by reading travelthemed books or watching movies that are set in the countries I will be visiting. Over the winter months I had the opportunity to view a couple of my favourite movies: Under the Tuscan Sun filmed in Tuscany Italy, Angela's Ashes set in Ireland and The Davinci Code which travels from Paris to Rome . All of these movies offer a view of the cities and towns WTN will be visiting this year.
What is your favourite travel related movie or book?