So I just got back from a week-long trip to Costa Rica with my family (who were kind enough to let my girlfriend come along too).

It was absolutely beautiful. Especially the surrounding jungle and mountain environments. We stayed away from the more tourist-y cities and beaches and that was definitely a good idea.

Highlights included some of the many hikes we took around Arenal Volcano and Monte Verde. One thing to note, however, is that if you intend to get anywhere you really do need a car, and the roads are bad. We’re talking some massive potholes here, people. The dirt roads were a relief from the paved roads. Especially for poor Michelle, who was constrained to the back seat of the car we rented and oftentimes got tossed around like baggage.

The local food, called “tipical food,” was sadly not very veggie friendly (mostly consisted of a spicy rice dish with chicken in it). Fortunately, we stayed near Monte Verde in an area with a few ex-pats that ran resturants with some extremely tasty vegetarian dishes, including these fantastic potato tacos served at a place called “Toad Hall.”

A really great but all too short visit. Here’s a slideshow of all my pictures if you’re interested.