If there are two words that sum up Costa Rica, it is “Pura Vida”. Literally translated as “Pure Life”, Pura Vida means much more than its basic definition. The saying can be used as simply as “you’re welcome” or “hello”. Or even as a statement or a response to “how are you”. Yet in my opinion, Pura Vida symbolizes an entire way of life that Ticos (the nickname for Costa Ricans) enjoy.
“The clearest way into the universe is through a forest wilderness”. – John Muir After two absolutely fantastic days in Arenal, it was time to head to our last destination for our week-long family adventure in Costa Rica: Rio Celeste. We had heard about the Rio Celeste Hideway, a gorgeous resort tucked away within the…
“We live in a wonderful world that is full of beauty, charm and adventure. There is no end to the adventures that we can have if only we seek them with our eyes open”. – Jawaharlal Nehru We decided on a whim to do something different and spend the afternoon tubing down the Rio Frio…
“Buy The Change You Want To See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place” written by Jane Mosbacher Morris (Founder and CEO of TO THE MARKET) with writer Wendy Paris, discusses how every day people can harness their purchasing power for good and make a difference in the world. Whether it be by purchasing ethically made apparel, coffee, chocolate or goods, consumers and businesses are becoming more aware of the importance of purchasing ethically sourced and made goods to help solve some of the world’s most pressing issues. Check out my review of Jane’s book in this post.
“Live, travel, adventure, bless, and don’t be sorry.” – Jack Kerouac We woke up early to the sound of chickens and life on the farm at our stay in El Castillo at Parrot Hill Ranch. The morning fog was rising over Arenal and the surrounding jungle was coming to life with the roar of howler…
“Life is not measured by the breaths you take, but by the moments that take your breath away”. – unknown We did it. Our first real epic family adventure and it was absolutely amazing. I confess that my expectations were a bit guarded when we finally agreed to do a big international trip with the…
“Every ending is a beginning. We just don’t know it at the time.” -Mitch Albom For our very last day in Costa Rica, we decided to take a full day tour to the Caño Negro Wildlife Refuge, a remote wetland known for its incredible wildlife, located about 12 miles south of Los Chiles and near the Nicaraguan…
“May your adventures bring you closer together even as they take you far away from home.” – Trenton Lee Stewart Planning our first big family adventure was no easy feat. Despite my Type-A personality, usually when I travel solo I just sign up for a trip and go. I rarely do any pre-trip planning except for the…
The Salzkammergut is one of seven regions in Austria most known for its breathtaking scenery of high alpine lakes (there are 76 lakes in the region), rugged remote wilderness peppered with lovely scenic villages and towns like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hallstatt and Daschstein. If you are one who loves mountains and lakes, then this is the region for you. Besides its aching beauty and endless opportunities to connect with nature whether it be by hiking, biking, boating, swimming or sailing, there are plenty of wonderful places to stay. We loved staying on a farm at the family-run Landgut Wagnerfeld where Austrian hospitality meets relaxation and peace.
“Only those who risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go”. – T.S. Eliot After our horseback ride and lunch, it was time for our next adventure: A two-hour guided tour of Mistical Arenal Hanging Bridges Park with a naturalist. The trail is about two miles long, and follows a footpath…
“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.” – Jack Kerouac We rose early on our last morning at Manuel Antonio not really wanting to leave but ready for our next adventure. We had planned a morning sloth tour at the Tulemar property before heading north to Arenal. We were grateful…
We met out guide Wilson early in the morning at our hotel and were on our way to Tenorio Volcano National Park. Although the park is only about a fifteen minute walk from our hotel, the Rio Celeste Hideaway, we drove and in the end it was a good decision due to the high heat…
