Costa Rica

Steph and I are heading to Costa Rica on Sunday, and I can't wait!  I'm hoping to do a little more reading about the country and it's history before we go, but in the meantime, here are some of the things I'm most excited about:

Foods to Try

1.  Lots of rice, beans, meat, and plantains

2. Guiso de maiz (corn stew)

3. Elote (corn on the cob), patacones (giant tostones), empanadas, ceviche, tamales

4. Grenadilla and guayaba, because I can't get them here

5.  Zapotes- look like an avocado, but sweet orange-red insides

6.  Manzana de agua (deep red, juicy, pear-like fruit)

7.  Arreglados- meat puff pastries, Pati- meat pie

8.  So many delicious desserts (made of chocolate, sugar, coconut, in general) and sweet breads, queso blanco desserts

9.  Horchata, refrescos, cervezas Bavaria y Imperial, guaro (liquor)

On the Itinerary:

1.  National park, volcano, and waterfall hikes

2. Beaches (and possibly surfing)

3. Local markets, small towns, fresh foods

4.  Salsa dancing and zip lining

5.  Yoga, hot springs, and chocolate

Lodgings:

Villas Mymosa (Mar 8-12)

Arenal Backpackers Resort (Mar 12-16)

Hostel Urbano (March 16-17)