December 1, 2008 San Jose Costa Rica

We've just arrived back in San Jose from spending a few days in previously mentioned Tamarindo then Rincon de Vieja where we did get to see bubbling mud (see below photo),

lots of monkeys, a huge iguana, and much more before we headed to the Arenal Volcano area. 

For starters we had put off going to La Fortuna the town closest to the volcano because they had serious rains from the hurricane hitting the Caribbean side of Costa Rica when we finally did arrive the weather was very cooperative we were able to see the top of the two basins for the two days we stayed. 

Ricardo and I got a real treat when we saw a live toucan (twice) sitting in a tree. We also got an up close and personal look at a sloth in our friend's yard. Another highlight for me was going to the private natural hot springs with Ale and her mom - ladies night out - hmmm that pina colada was good! We were so relaxed we felt like jello. 

Afterwards we picked up Ricardo and headed to see the volcanic lava spewing from the top of the active side of Arenal it was like a fire works finale, very cool. To top things off this morning we hiked down to a 70 meter waterfall where Ricardo took a quick dip in the cool waters before heading back to San Jose. 

It seems like every where you turn in this country your eyes feast on amazing colours from the clearest blue waters to the brilliantly red flowers and the vibrant greens engulfing you it makes it very enjoyable even when your tired from all the hiking!