Living in Tamarindo
Arrived Safe and Sound – Now Where is My Rain Coat Again?
Ok who forgot to pack my fringin rain coat. That’s one item I should have invested in. Or some floaties. It’s been raining non stop for the last few days. Enough complaining let’s get to some updating.
So I arrived safe and sound on Sunday afternoon. Somehow I made my 6:10am flight after waking up at 4:45 am. Luckily Kristina woke my behind up in the nick of time. I flew into the Liberian airport in the province of Guanacaste. Guanacaste is the northeast province of Costa Rica. Me and my 6 pieces of luggage were thankfully met by my new boss/buddy Mark Benoit.
He picked me up and drove us to our new home Tamarindo. Its about a 45 minute drive from the Liberia airport. To get to our place we had to drive up this ridiculous hill.
Our temporary apartments are located at the Las Palmas Hotel at the top of this mud slide. Below are the pictures of the front
Here is the inside of my place. Its actually real sweet. Got a 1br with water, electric, ac, internet, and stove.
Here’s what the back patio looks out to.
Yesterday I was out chilling on the patio and look what I saw. The neighborhood monkeys. Chase I swore one’s anus was a spitting image of your mug.
Here’s a pic of the pool. Been using this a ton after I sweat it out coming home walking up that fringin enormous hill everyday.
I thought this was pretty strange, or normal in these parts. Most of the homes in the area are fairly modest. Here’s what are neighbor’s place looks like. I’m getting pretty tempted to go over and start squatting.
After I got situated Mark and I went surfing on Sunday. The waves were pretty decent. Nothing too outstanding. It was definitely a treat to be in the water without a wetsuit. At night we all went out to dinner at one of the restaurants on the main strip. I got the blackened Mahi Mahi. The Mahi was good the blackened was not so good. They literally dumped whole peppercorns all over the fish. Let’s just say I did some scrapping.
On Monday I went for a two hour run. I ended up meeting an expat who runs a local BB down here. He’s from southern California and has been here for 12 years. He’s absolutely one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. He got me tied into the local scene helping out with a potential place to rent longterm as well as pointing me in the direction of all the local card games. I played with him and his buddies last night. It was definitely a sight to see. It felt great. They feed me and really made me feel at home.
On Tuesday I decided to make the trek to Playa Grande. You can see the break from Tamarindo however its about an 45 minute walk. To get there you have to swim across the mouth of a river that feeds into the ocean. Everyone keeps telling me there are crocs are in the water but after speaking with a local park ranger (guy on stool in a shack labeled park ranger) I’m fairly sure its okay to paddle across on my board.
After I walked for an hour I had arrived. The surf was definitely excellent. I went out for an hour and half. Needless to say I got my a$$ handed to me. I’m definitely out of condition for this type of surf. I’m spent by the paddle out alone. It’s a great work out though. While out in the water I saw my first sea turtle. VERY cool. Its head ( the size of bowling ball) just poppeD out of the water about 5 ft away from me. So cool.
Wednesday and Thursday were more of the same. I’ve been busting my butt on trying to find a place now. I’m going to close with a shout out to someone who has helped tremendously in the last few weeks.
Kristina,
Thank you for all your help and support. You have been the best friend, love, companion anyone could ever ask for. I’m very blessed to have had you in my life. I just take a look at my angel every morning and I know that things will be a ok.
I hope you all are doing well. I will be back very soon.
I’m embarrassed! I love you! I’m very happy for you and I can’t wait to see all of it fo’ real!
Hey Patrick, your blog looks great and Costa Rica Beautiful. looking forward to following your life adventure. Tigue scored one of the only two goals scored by his team in saturday’s game. kids say hi
Dude…sounds absolutely amazing! I hope you are enjoying the hell out of yourself down there. I gotta say it’s a crazy adventure you are on and I’m proud of you for taking it.
We miss you up here @ TicketLeap, but I know I’ll see you soon one way or another.
I’d ask for a second opinion on the river crossing – the crocs down there are like 10+ feet long.
Later man,
Chris
Hi Patrick,
The pictures are amazing and you will have amazing memories to warm you old bones someday!
Keep a journal and so you can tell your grandkids about your travels.
We miss you here at TicketLeap and hope to see you when you return.
Take care and remember you are loved here in the US!
Be safe and keep well!
Love, Mrs. S. (connie)
We stayed here back in 2005 and loved it! Thank you for sharing your experience and pictures…looks just how I remember it. We are planning another trip out this summer. Any chance you know how we can get a hold of them to book an apartment? Thanks!