I&#39;ll bet you 5 dollars...

After we left San Jose, we boarded a bus to head off to the beautiful city of Tammarindo that is located on the Pacific side of Costa Rica. Just like every other time we boarded a bus we were prepared for the winding curves, but this time we weren't prepared for our air conditioner to break. About an hour into our trip, the AC decided to give us trouble, but after not having AC for a couple of nights we were able to tough it out. After a while longer, it was just way too hot. We were able to have another bus sent to meet us so that we wouldn't melt before we got to the resort. Once we got our bus, it was smooth sailing. We made it to the beach around the same time that we had originally planned, but we weren't able to make as many stops. Our first afternoon at the resort was spent sipping on caprinahs, swimming, and checking out the beach. We spent the next day hanging out by the pool, playing volleyball, and even did a little bit of shopping in town. Tammarindo is a pretty cool little town. It isn't like the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. Many Americans have come into Tammarindo and it has become somewhat of a tourist destination now. Later that night, we were able to watch the two main Costa Rican soccer teams play against each other. This was practically the Costa Rican Superbowl. I was shocked to see how into this game people got, especially Chris. Before the end of the night Chris had made 5 dollar bets on who would win this game with multiple people, including Fernando (even though he knew nothing about either team). I have to admit, it was a very close soccer game and people were getting excited. Needless to say, Chris ended up having to stay in his "safe space," according to Dr. Lanier, and even managed to lose 10 dollars. On Sunday, we went on an excursion where we could go ziplining, white water tubing, horseback riding, and even relax in some hot springs. The excursion was just as good as I remembered it being the last time I went. Our bus ride to the Adventure Tours center was kind of long, so to pass the time we decided to sing songs. We sang some of Fernando's favorite Garth Brooks songs. I think we made a few people at the back of the bus angry because they were definitely trying to sleep. Once we got back to the resort, things "got weird" as Sonny would say. Even though no one was quite sure what "getting weird" meant, we certainly figured out a way to define it. We ended up playing a trivia game at the amphitheater. This game proved to be very competitive. Pants were ripped and dance moves were interesting! The winners ended up getting hats, so I guess it was worth it! Haha! After the trivia game, we headed to the little club at the resort. We begged the DJ to play American music and once that happened, the dance moves continued! We had SO much fun! The next day was our last full day at the resort. We ended up being lazy by the pool and even got caught in the middle of a rain storm. Even though it rained for a good bit of the afternoon, Rebecca had packed games so we were able to continue with our fun! We woke up Tuesday morning and packed up our things to leave the resort, then head to the Liberia airport. Once we got to the airport, we had to tell Fernando and Gabby bye. I must admit I was pretty sad about saying goodbye. I was so lucky to have Fernando as a tour guide for both of my trips to Costa Rica and to have Gabby organize both trips. This trip was definitely one that I will never forget. I learned so much and appreciate what I have that much more.

I'll bet you 5 dollars that I'm missing Costa Rica already...

I'll bet you 5 dollars that I'll have dreams about that amazing French toast...

I'll bet you 5 dollars that I'll never be able to watch a Costa Rican soccer game without laughing...

I'll bet you 5 dollars that I'll have to "get weird" again with my new friends...

I'll bet you 5 dollars that I've made friendships that will last a lifetime...

I'll bet you 5 dollars that this trip has forever changed my life...