I wake up early in Costa Rica on Day 3; the lodge is quiet and I sleep well. I open the windows and barely believe I’ve peacefully slept near a majestic volcano.
I feel more grateful than ever for taking a leap of faith on this solo trip.
There’s a light mist in the air at Hotel Campo, and the birds hum this morning.
Costa Rica is a whole different time zone and seems seas and universes away from what I know and how people know me. Away from deadlines, I see my true self; it’s a better version of me, a calmer person I don’t see often because work never stops and news never sleeps.
It feels good to be free of any responsibilities or expectations. I’m happy, and there’s a buzz within me too. There’s something pure and authentic about this lifestyle in Costa Rica, and it seems without my normal rushing, the adventure is timeless.
I eat breakfast with other travelers on the grounds, another delicious feast. I pack up and drive.
It’s nearly a 5-hour drive from La Fortuna to Playa Grande, which is on the Pacific coast in the Santa Cruz, Guanacaste region.
About 2 hours in, I’m tired. The car ride across dirt and gravel roads feels exhausting because there’s much more mental focus needed to stay safe.
I switch from listening to “Super Soul Sunday” interviews with Oprah and “Light Work,” a podcast with Desire Map author, Danielle LaPorte and instead turn on my Upbeat music playlist to stay awake.
But my eyelids feel heavier as the long drive to the coast continues.
In the corner of my eye, I see an exit sign for coffee, and I pull over. It’s my first taste of Sun Burst coffee — a family-owned shop, and their coffee is divine.
I walk around exploring the place, learning more about the many coffee farms on this island.
I chat with the staff, and more-or-less just ask them to please give me something to wake me up, because I have another near 3-hour drive to my next destination.
They whip me up something special; it’s cold brew coffee with some extra espresso shots, and just like that, I’m on the road again. I take small sips to really enjoy the flavor. I especially enjoy the caffeine.
And now I’m more awake and excited than ever. Caffeine really helps.
It’s nearly a few hours close to the sun setting when I get to “La Marejada Hotel” — a beautiful spot, and it runs me about $85 a night. I chat with the hotel owner and find out she used to live where I want to college, Tufts University.
It’s funny how big … and small our world is.
The beach is a 3-minute walk from my room. Amazing. I change now into my bathing suit — different than the hiking clothing I’ve been wearing — and make that short walk over.
I am awestruck by the beach. The coast of Costa Rica is more beautiful than ever.
I sit down for a bit, and the waves and ocean sounds wrap around me; it’s refreshing, calming, and nourishing to my soul.
I give it a few minutes and run for a dip in the ocean. There are a few other people nearby swimming and floating, I duck under the water with each wave.
The water is calm, and as it washes over me, that long drive, my worries traveling solo, and the initial stress seem to wash away too.
I’m so happy and filled with joy.
I have three days booked for this coastal area in my hotel before I head towards the rainforest and the mountains and I can tell already this is going to be a great one. It will be nice after all the unpacking and packing to give myself these three days to be in the same spot.
After some time playing in the ocean, I take that quick 3-minute walk back to my room.
This is where I notice it.
I’ve been wearing my knee brace for the last two months after a knee injury. I wore it on most of my volcano hike the day before, only taking it off here and there to try and build muscle strength.
I realize as I grab my things and head to shower and change, it’s the first day I forgot to put on my knee brace.
My walk feels nearly normal. It’s not 100 percent, but it’s improved enough overnight that I unknowingly leave it in my luggage and forget to put it on.
So here’s my chance to loop back to yesterday. There was some truth to all the posters about the thermodynamics of the hot springs with volcanic water and sulfur and the healing properties of that water. I’m surprised it’s made a big change.
I’m writing this about two months after my trip, and I haven’t touched my knee brace since then. There’s some Mother Nature volcano magic for you — part hocus pocus, part science.
I’m giddy realizing something about Costa Rica, and this trip is incredibly healing — in ways I can and also cannot explain.
I shower, change and head downstairs to a cute, cozy outdoor restaurant at this small hotel.
On this quiet stretch near the beach, there are only four other hotels, but with the help of TripAdvisor, and following the delicious smells coming from the kitchen, I know I chose the right one for my first night here.
The dinner is amazing. And every meal I have after, including many breakfasts, are just as memorable. Extra points that it’s also right near my room, which is also right near the beach.
Trip Advisor tells me to order the homemade pasta — it’s crafted from scratch from start to finish. I decide if I eat this pasta for the next three days, I won’t complain.
The small, family-owned restaurant has a mix of local people and travelers. It’s easy to sit alone at the bar (I bring a book), but it’s also easy to ask what everyone ordered and to get recommendations.
The small talk is friendly — I usually like to ask where everyone is from, and where they’re going in the morning. I get a few recommendations for beautiful beach stretches and fun towns to walk around and browse little shops. I take notes and feel excited for the morning.
Finally, as the restaurant begins to wrap up — most restaurants on this coastal stretch close at 10 p.m. — I order their famous chocolate cake, also made from scratch. It is so good, I take another slice to my room.
The evening closes with some reading, and of course, an hour to listen to music while I write in my journal.
I pull out two angel cards for the morning, they are: Confidence and Beauty.
I’m convinced now it’s a clear sign tomorrow will be a good one.
I realize Costa Rica Day 4 nearly touches the halfway point on my adventure. I feel a little sad, and instead, decide I’ll make the last 5 days unforgettable.
The adventure continues,
