Costa Rica

  • Waterfalls
    Costa Rica,  Travels

    Exploring the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica

    Finally getting my butt out of Jaco, I spent my last weekend in Costa Rica exploring Marque Manuel Antonio and doing a hike to a waterfall not too far from Jaco. Together with two other students, we had originally planned to take the bus from Jaco centre to Quepos, then take another bus or a cab to Manuel Antonio.  At the very last minute, Colin, a Texan with a big personality, decided to rent a car since he had to drive to the airport early the next morning anyway.  Perfecto, this gives us much more flexibility. The drive was 1.5 hours to Manuel Antonio from Jaco and a few tips…

  • Jaco
    Costa Rica,  Travels

    Spanish, Surf, and un poquito Sun!

    Wrapped up my two weeks of learning at the Escuela del Mundo today.  It’s been fantastic, and I’m a little bit sad to leave this little oasis in Jaco. This past week, I switched my photography class to surfing.  The school’s main focus is really on surfing.  The teachers are chill but professional and they really make sure to teach you at your level.  On Monday, my first surf class here, I was with C & K, a German couple, and J, another German.  The four of us were with Estanban, one of the instuctors.  It was a rough day at sea, with light rain coming down and fast choppy…

  • Surfers
    Costa Rica,  Travels

    Primero semana en Jaco (First week in Jaco)

      Hola muchachos! It’s Friday and I’ve just completed my first week of school at Escuela del Mundo in Jaco.  A few stories to share, to help paint a picture of what life at the school here is like. First class on Monday, I meet Lyda, mi professor de Español, and my fellow beginner class classmate, H.  H is German, just finished high school and on a gap year…as the Germans tend to do.  Oh to be so young again! We start slow and the pace is generally kept slow or slower, for the rest of the week.  I can’t say I’ve learned that much Spanish so far, but the…

  • Costa Rica,  Travels

    Packing for Costa Rica

    I’m going to be gone for at least a month, maybe more, so my backpack is stuffed pretty full of clothes and toiletries.  Here’s what’s in my carry on and in my backpack.  Amazing I managed to get it all to fit into the 50 litre backpack!  This is an old Macpac Pegasus I bought in 2012 when I did my ‘Round the World trip.  It originally came with a little 15L daypack attachment, which I’ve since left behind in Singapore as it was getting way too dirty and worn out.  That little gem had been with me through a lot and it was time to let it get some…