15 days in Costa Rica

Time runs. Yet we have seen a lot already. After leaving Escazu on Day 6, going up to Monteverde, we had a few very beautiful days in the Cloud Forest. Relaxing and with a very almost 3 hour hike through the Forest.
From Waterfall to tropical rain and a nice hanging bridge which allowed us to be in the canopy area of the cloud forest overlooking the top of the trees. Endless beautiful orchids, birds and vines. Only Tarzan was missing...
The rain keeps up well. Mostly in the afternoon and early evening although unpredictable. Mostly the rain is very welcome to either cool down a bit in the Guancaste area or to just listen to it and chill in the Central Valley area.

The combination of the roofs in Costa Rica and the really heavy rain makes you believe you'll spend the night in a tent. But you wake up to lots of different, beautiful animal sounds.

Our beach time was clearly incredible. The beaches are gorgeous and the water is warm. We visited Playa Grande (north of Tamarindo) and it was completely empty until we found out that a young surfer (15) got killed through a shark attack a couple of days earlier.
Tamarindo is VERY VERY touristy town and the prices are as steep as we know them from the US in a touristy spot. We only went into town once and found a very sweet Pizza place but the rest was just annoying.
On the way to Tamarindo is a cute little Cafe called "Cafe Cafe". Free internet, books, some games and good coffee.
Mosquitos are present in those warmer, humid areas. I ended up with over 70 mosquito bites in 2 days. Max followed with 40 and Sasha ZERO. Wonder why...
The roads are all very good here. Crazy drivers and dogs walking on the streets you'll find everywhere though. Buses don't even break anymore for dogs. One got killed in front of our eyes. Driven over by a bus. So sad. The bus didn't stop to pull the dog to the side.

We found ourselves getting tired of packing and unpacking and staying in Hotels. So I went online and tried to find us an apartment which we could use as our base and travel out as wanted or needed but at least we would have a temporary home. And yes, I got sooo lucky.
We are now renting a 3br house ($550/month) in Grecia (40 min outside of San Jose) in Central Valley from a german-dutch couple with kids of their own from today on. One is Sasha's age (7 month). We have everything we could ask for. Hammock, swing, washing machine, a garden, a patio, a blender and a beautiful view. And the best is a sweet Lady, which comes and helps me with kids 2-3 times a week and we learn a bit Spanish as she doesn't speak any english.
This I call luxury ;-)

Photos will follow. I need to get my stuff arranged in the house and find my cables back.

Hasta luego!