Good Friends Always Equals Good Times

Jen’s been here for the last week. So, we’ve been having fun and partaking in the high school musical drama that is Manuel Antonio and Quepos. Huge thanks to Jen for being a sport. We ended up with a week of good fun, good food, good friends and good rest.

She arrived midday on Monday and I whisked her right off to a beach birthday party complete with a banana boat ride. We ended the day with amazing fish tacos and a brownie sundae that was even better at Agua Azul.

We slept late on Tuesday as I worked till the wee hours on Monday morning and she was decompressing from a hectic few weeks – a car accident, a kidney stone and traveling. I’d say a few extra hours of sleep was in order. Then we hit the beach, met Laura, Jersey chics are always cool, had a swim in the Byblos pool then got ready for a night of dancing at Bambu Jam where I worked off the afternoon’s pizza.

Early to rise on Wednesday for some must-have Costa Rican fun – ziplining! Flying through the jungle and taking in it’s views, and the rice and beans that came with the tour, started the day off right. We hung with Nic on the beach for a while then filled our bellies with some chalupas at Latino Lounge. At home it was a night of visits with my street level door open – Juanca, Lewis and Pan Dulce. And of course Pilsen was there, just a few brewskies to settle din midweek.

Thursday started early and was jam packed – errands with Juanca in Quepos in the morning and some gallo pinto for Jen before our hike to La Macha. The hike in was slow going, but so worth the peacefulness once we got there. Big waves, a cool breeze and just-us time at one of Manuel’s most beautiful spots. Later we got ready for a big girl dinner out. I even wore a dress! I figure we were going to a place with cloth napkins that a dress might be in order. At Marlintini’s we were treated like special guests – wine, ceviche, martini’s – all on the house. Elias rocks! Off to Byblos for a few rocktails (I had more than Jen) and hang time with Cynthia, not a Jersey girl, but always a good time nonetheless.

After sleeping in on Friday, and calling my mama for her 34th birthday, we hiked to Playitas. There were intentionally no priorities for the week, but we did manage to fit in a good amount of much needed exercise. Jen had an agua pipa and we splurged on guanabana smoothies too. Jen got her shopping in, I headed to work and Jen joined me there finishing the evening off with chocolate cake.

Saturday strolling in the national park was perfect post chocolate cake. We packed snacks and water then sacked out on the beach in the park. It’s no La Macha, but it’s still a calming retreat from the public beach – greener water, whiter sand, quiter patrons. We read, dipped, read, dipped, read, dipped…then, the clincher on an already pretty good day…a Colombian donut as we exited the park! I’ve been stalking this guy for months and haven’t given in to his calls “Doh-nhats!” But, having my first visitor was an awesome reason to celebrate, and, someone to share it with, a little piece of home even, made it all the sweeter. This crispy, but soft at the same time delight just oozed of caramel inside.

After a rest and a shower we put on more dresses. Fun! To my surprise my manager at the restaurant gave me the nite off at the last minute. And, to my surprise Daddy sent a little checkie-check in Jen’s suitcase so this was my treat to self – Kapi Kapi. Thank you Papa Faschza Roger for the best meal, Macadamia Nut Encrusted Mahi Mahi, I’ve had in a loooong time. Like a good friend Jen got the tenderloin so we could each have a little of both. Luckily they were out of the dessert we wanted so we headed next door to meet the other gringa ladies of Manuel Antonio – Cata, Katie, Josie, Charlotte, Lily and Riley of course. Some nice conversation and a couple drinks later we headed home in order to have a full day beach day on Sunday.

We beached and made plans to find Jen one more plate of pinto before she leaves. Monday was breakfast with Nic and Fede, doesn’t matter where they’re from, they’re just awesome. We dined and then down in the sand we went. Ah.

In the aft Jen packed up and we waited for her shuttle. A nice man nearby offered us a beer, gratis, as we waited. Nothing like an Imperial to make a perfect sendoff.

Thank you Jen for a week filled with just enough of everything – fun & adventure, bonding and reminiscing, support and smiles, fine food and wine, rest and relaxation, a little piece of home that goes such a long way.