Good Food, Great Friends

May 15th: Us and the neighbors from the North packed up the Yaris (Roy Jaris) and headed on a ten hour journey (unbeknown to us) to Volcano Arenal. We successfully navigated our way to Nick and Dawn's with limited road signs, no GPS and maps made by five year olds. Lindsay and I gathered the rest of our things and we continued onward. Through fog and winding mountain roads, we arrived at Essence Arenal where Kelly warmly greeted us and Issac (the chef) had a three course French inspired meal waiting. Lounged around the hostel the next day with Abu (the trail dog), treating ourselves to some spirits at noon. Issac made us the most amazing club sandwich involving avocado, egg and tomato. When our new friends returned from ziplining the good times continued. Dinner was Moroccan themed and, as with all meals, we took part in a small hands on demonstration. It was delicioso! We were greeted with banana pancakes at breakfast and hopped in the van with Kelly and the girls to visit a local swimming hole. On the way we sampled a Costa Rican fruit, guava. Not what we are used to in the states as guava (please refer to picture). We also went to a natural hot spring which felt unbelievable and was as hot as any jacuzzi we've ever been in. It was so beautiful. Kelly treated us to a cup 'o wine while we were taking it in. Sushi night was to follow and boy were we pumped. As we were helping prepare sushi, the lights went out. Dinner by candle light. How romantic for our last night with Erin and Emily. It was a wicked good time. We stayed up drinking wine around the fire before the lights came back on. After parting ways at the airport we continued on our way. We're staying at Rocking J's in Puerto Viejo. We'll catch you up soon.

Much Love,
Lindsay and Michelle