Summer's Shenanigans

Okay, I'm FINALLY blogging about my trip to Costa Rica. I know it's been 10 days since I've been back, but I had to deal with my least favorite holiday, "Bastardized American Christmas" (more on that later...). So any who, Costa Rica is an incredibly awesome place and I decided to plan a trip to show my friends the Costa Rica goodness (or "Pura Vida", if you will). Surprisingly enough I talked 11 other people into going on this trip!! So it was definately a handful. Here is a pic taken in Tamarindo after we met up with Carrie, Diza and Kristen:

From left to right we have: Matt "Guaro" Armijo, Karrie "Stealth Puker" Noble, Erik "Spider Hunter" Hatchett, Summer "The Tour Guide" Hogan, Diza "Croc Bait" (hmm, I don't know her last name!), Carrie "The Smuggler" Madariaga, Kristen "Sleeper" (another unknown last name), Heather "Paparrazi" Vallentyne and Doug "Sleepwalker & Doog Fresca" (why the hell am I blanking on last names?!). Oh wait, I just realized we are missing Josh "Girl Scout" Lanahan for this pic.

December 10th, 2004 - Day 1
We arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica at 11pm. San Jose is a shit hole, so I wanted to flee that town ASAP, so I picked up the rental car and told the rental agent that I would be driving to Playa Hermosa that night. He looked at me like I was crazy and told me there was no way I would make it to Playa Hermosa. Hmmm, great. Thanks for the vote of confidence! So, I started driving towards the coast I definately realized why he thought I wouldn't make it. It's fucking DARK in Costa Rica. If you're lucky enough to happen upon a street sign, you don't even see it until you've passed it. Plus, the freeways don't have directions. There is no 26 North or 26 South, just 26 towards (enter obscure little town here). Luckly, I have been to Costa Rica before and we DID make it to Playa Hermosa by 3am. Unfortunately, every hotel was closed, so we had to go into Jaco and stay at a resort for $100 a night (which is REALLY expensive for Costa. Most hotels we paid $6 - $9 per person per night). In the morning we had our 1st Costa Rican breakfast and DAMN they have some good food down there. Then we hung out at the pool, got shitfaced and went surfing at Playa Hermosa. Playa Hermosa is the most consistent break in Costa Rica and I can say that I have NEVER been disappointed when I have surfed there. As a matter of fact, I got some of the best waves of my life. It was insane...TOO BE CONTINUED!