The arrival

I know a country with a heart of gold and goodness.

The animals, so colorful and exotic,

- They look like part of a dream;

The mountains that breathe fire

- Like hot-tempered, scaly dragons.

The restless land that shakes and shudders

- Letting the people know it is alive.

Bright red berries that sprinkle the coffee plants at harvest time;

- Drops of blood on a green garment.

Sandy beaches snaking around the country:

- Ropes preventing all that beauty from spilling into the sea

- That already has its fair share.

Coral reefs that grow just as dense

As the rain forest with its endless showers

- As if it was trying to wash the evil from the world.

And the people who smile as if life is good.

Because it is.

Katherine Ridley, 13

23November 2021 at 550 PM we landed in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica 19 hours after departure from Arlanda. The first thought was, how did Smilla managed the trip? The Dog cage was there at the baggage claim, and Smilla was super happy to see us, seemed rested and not stressed, rushed out and immediately started running around and sniffing on all the new exotic smells around. The cage was whole and clean and dry, she hadn´t even peed! Imagine if we ourselves could travel as comfortably! DOG - Business Class ...

With so much bagage, it was out of the question to fit in a rental car or a Taxi. So our friend Andy offered to meet us upon arrival. (We got to know Andy and his family on our first trip where we spent the night at their amazing Airb&b), they live about 1 hour away from the airport, we are eternally grateful for that, and we got a place with all bagage, dog and dog cage in his Landcruiser. Central Valey where San Jose is located are at 1400 m above sea level, has a comfortable climate like the Swedish summer at its best, average temperature of 24 degrees, the smells from the greenery outside the terminal, the sound of the cicadas, and all friendly faces waiting expectantly for arriving travelers, felt welcome, first day of new life in CR! (The airport in Costa Rica is the size of Bromma airport, with few landings per day.)

Vi stayed a few days with Andy & Migellas house before traveling down to our house we rented at Hermosa Beach in Uvita - on the South Pacific coast. Their house is situated on a ridge with an incomparable view of the Central Valey

Andy & Migella´s House i Sarchi

Amazing healty breakfast!

Krisina, Anrew and Migella at their waterfall

Andy & Migella´s waterfall

In the kitchen preparing Costa Rica Meal