Costa Rica: Logistics and the Unexpected – 7 Travel Lessons

1. Laundry was harder to come by than we expected. All of the places we stayed had the option of sending it out with a service that charged by the piece. As every family knows, laundry multiplies when left alone, so this is no small endeavor. We planned to do laundry twice, but ended up doing it once, at a cost of $76.

2. My cell phone was a bit insistent that I unplug this trip, even though I was expecting to be reachable by text. Verizon told me I would have service and quoted me rates, but apparently my phone had different plans. We switched data off before we took off in Houston, and it was basically a brick with the ability to (sort of) connect to Wi-Fi once I turned it on in San Jose. I was appreciative of the Verizon text app, which did work when I was able to connect to Wi-Fi. Next time I think we will pick up a SIM card if we need to be reachable.

3. Google Translate is amazing – I wouldn’t want to be in the phrase book business these days. Be sure to “pin” the languages you need and complete the download at home so it is accessible offline.

4. Have your photocopies of passports on hand while traveling – police may want to check them (especially when near borders with Nicaragua and Panama), and you will need them for hotel check-ins. You might want to have your arrival hotel make a copy of the visa page, as well, since it shows your legal entry to the country. You will only need the actual passport at the bank or to secure equipment/car rentals, so store them in the hotel safe when not in use.

5. Wi-Fi is easy to come by, but not always in the places you expect. If it matters that you are connected, be sure to check the internet status when booking a hotel. We found most restaurants had a password protected network – just ask!

6. The country has two currencies – Colones and U.S. dollars – and both are accepted widely. We found it convenient to carry some of each. Be sure to have small bills, though. I wouldn’t bother with anything larger than a $20. Check out current exchange rates here.

7. Toilet paper. In the trash can. Seriously? There’s a request that is tough to get used to.

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Montana: Family Fun at Billings Brew & BBQ

We checked out the Billings Brews & BBQ festival at the Metra today – what a great family event. Yes, I said family event. There were families hanging out on the grass enjoying delicious treats and live music, plus there was a great variety of local beers. Learn more about the annual event here.

Held annually, the festival brings together brewers from all over the region to share their brews. It is a great place to roll out something new, but there is also lots of old standbys and favorites to enjoy.

Attendees purchase a glass (come early – they ran out this year!) and ticket package, and then exchange one ticket for each drink sample. It isn’t just about beer, either. Brewers brought along meads and handcrafted sodas, too. We tried several different versions of a Scottish ale from brewers around the state, and really enjoyed comparing the complexities of each. Is that mint I sense? What a surprise!

It wouldn’t be a festival without a variety of great local food, so follow your nose over the check out some juicy, slow-cooked barbecue, or opt for other choices from Subway to hot dogs to funnel cakes.

Local music and some great vendors rounded out the fun next to the lake on the Metra grounds.

To put this fun event on your calendar for next year, check out the Metra Calendar of Events. And don’t forget to drink responsibly!

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Costa Rica: Our Little Swimmer’s Big Life Lesson

It is one of the most amazing things to witness as a parent. It is that moment when something just “clicks” for your child.

We have exposed Bria to water since she was a small baby. She did a Water Babies program at six months old, and has spent time in pools every chance she gets. About a year ago we got her a swim float (similar to a life jacket), which allowed her a level of independence. She could kick around the pool on her own, but didn’t go far.

Things were status quo on this trip, and Bria was having a great time in the water, with and without her float. Then, one day at Los Lagos, she was playing in the pool when three little girls came over to play. One tried to pick her up, which she usually doesn’t like, but she smiled and went off to splash around with them (despite the fact they didn’t speak a bit of English).

After a few minutes, their mother said it was time to go, and Bria came over to us, where we were lounging in the pool.

“Watch this!” she announced, and put her face under the water.

We exclaimed – wow! It was so new for her to be willing to do that. And totally on her own? We told her how proud we were of her new skill.

“My friend taught me,” she said.

From that moment, it was as if a switch had been flipped. She was a swimmer! Over the remaining days in Los Lagos, she became more and more confident. She was swimming underwater more and more, and her form was constantly improving. Soon she was kicking her legs behind her and moving across the pool.

“Look, I’m doing the back stroke!” she announced, on the day we left.

Our next stop was RIU Guanacaste, and by the time she hit their pool, she was full on swimmer.

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Costa Rica: Mom and Dad Need a Massage

Let’s face it – vacation can be exhausting. With all of the hiking came a few aches and pains, and every once in a while, Mom and Dad need a break.

We decided Los Lagos was just one of those times (especially after the bike riding adventure), so we picked up a spa brochure. While everything sounded lovely and relaxing, we were on the fence about whether or not to pay the prices. So we decided to keep an eye out as we went into town for dinner.

Several options were available in La Fortuna, but we settled on one west of the Catholic church, where a pair of sweet ladies shared their brochure. Their packages were enticing, so we made plans to have dinner, then put the kids in a taxi and head over for some grownup time.

We chose the Natural Balance package, which included a natural massage, exfoliation, and reflexology for $50. They showed us to a simple open air room, with sheets fluttering gently in the breeze and soft music. Within moments, we could have been anywhere. It was an excellent experience, incredibly relaxing, and the ladies were well-skilled – all for about 1/3 the price of the resort. Check your options!

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