2nd Postcard from Costa Rica - Life is good, or as the locals say, PURA VIDA!

2^nd postcard from Costa Rica

We awoke this morning to sunshine pouring onto our third floor balcony.  One of the most enjoyed features in the aptly named Sunrise Condominiums are the balconies  which offer a gorgeous view of the ocean and are big enough to double as small yoga studios.

So, with sunshine on our faces, we did our sun salutations (a popular series of yoga poses) literally greeting the sun as it rose over the hills to the East.  After we stretched, it was time to head West, i.e. across the street to the warm and welcoming surf, which was nearly empty (by surfer standards) since most of Tamarindo was out late partying Friday night.

Knowing that we would have a great surf day ahead and that high tide wouldn’t reach us until later in the morning, we fueled up the evening before with a delightfully tasty, balanced, and locally provided meal of carne asada, sweet potato, and salad.  We buy our food fresh each day, courtesy of our local market and cook our meals in a stellar, fully equipped kitchen.  Even an amateur chef like me can quickly put together a delicious, healthy, and inexpensive meal, which is handy when you want a break from eating out at all the wonderful local restaurants – lol!

The surf this morning did not disappoint; even the newcomers were riding waves in the early hours.  The surf here is perfect for beginners and more advanced surfers alike, with a slow-spilling, beach break along about a half mile of coastline.  The water is a comfortable 80 degrees, not so warm that it fails to be refreshing and warm enough that you can stay in all day, or until you run out of fuel.

One of the many conveniences of living across from some of the best and most consistent surf in the world, is that you can return two or there times a day, breaking for snacks, or a full blown typical Costa Rica lunch of fresh fish, salad, beans and rice.  You could hardly ask for tastier and healthier meals for an active body.  Stomachs grumbling, we did take a little break from the surf and enjoyed a delicious lunch at one of our favorite restaurants run by a friendly family and offering fresh fish caught by locals. 

Afterwards, we stopped by the Coastal Spanish Institute where I studied Spanish last summer and surfed with their instructors.  I did my best to impress my former professors with all that I had retained from their instruction last summer.  While I am still a bit rusty speaking Spanish, the teachers at the school were gracious, patient, and proud to witness any progress that there students had made.  This is a wonderful school with beautiful accommodations and, as I said earlier, some very kind and talented teachers.

Tonight we will probably taste a little of the night life in Tamarindo at the Monkey Bar, which offers wonderful both poolside service (You can actually swim to the bar at this club if you want to cool off!) and quality Saturday night specials.  But not too late, because another day of surfing, yoga, and sunshine awaits…J