La Lotus e Blanco, Parte Dos

Perhaps because many of us just completed the third season of White Lotus, the similarities of our very luxurious vacation in Costa Rica, as well as some of the surprising insights, could not be avoided.

Let's begin, where we began. 

We were staying at the Punta Islita resort on the Guanacoste Peninsula. Like the White Lotus, it is incredibly secluded. It's a 3 hour drive from the international airport in Liberia -- don't ask. But it's only 54 miles, as the crow, or as the plentiful and always captivating Macaw flies. Lending it a certain similarity to driving on the 405.

As we approached the hotel, and a fitful end to a long, long day of traveling, I spotted a sign in the dark jungle bush saying Punta Islita only 6KM. But as our crazy over-talkative driver noted,

"These are six of the toughest km (thankfully just 3.2 miles for those of you who are not runners might know) you will ever be on. And it will take us 45 minutes to cover the short distance." (again, not unlike the 405)

And indeed he was right. The road was not paved, as it appears the Costa Rican government ran out of asphalt. And it was bumpy. And rutted out by merciless jungle downpours, which we got to experience on Night 3 during the hotel's famed beach BBQ.

Additionally, the place which we finally saw in detail, the next morning, was visually similar to the White Lotus in Thailand. A mix between tropical and jungle. I would share some pictures. And perhaps even grab some screen shots form the HBO hit series for comparison, but...

Barely, 15 hours into our much anticipated vacation and drawn like a moth to a flame, I could not resist the early morning draw of the hilltop infinity pool, as seen here in the resort's website page:

As I stepped further and further into the delightfully warm water, I submerged my body to approach Eduardo, who was manning the swim up bar. Americans love a swim up bar. With 10 AM cocktail, carefully crafted with coconut, lemonade and variety of Central American rums in hand, I slowly made my way back to our lounger and felt something solid in the pocket of my new Birddog shorts/swimming attire. 

You guessed it.

Apparently my iPhone does not enjoy pools as much as I do. Like the Ratliffs, I would have a complete Social Media Detox. 

Was it easy? No it was not. Was it impossible? Again, no it was not. 

In fact, it was refreshing in an unexpected way. Especially when observing many Americans, who paid a shitload of money to experience something unique, were so often seen NOT talking to each other, NOT soaking in the unmatched natural beauty, and NOT taking a vacation from themselves.

Besides it gave me more opportunity to practice my Spanish. And chat with Antonio, Jose, Elo, Mario, Eduardo, y los todos empleados amistados. 

Y mas importante, aprende el signifado de Pura Vida!

I think Ms. Esteves, my 10th grade Spanish Teacher would rethink my B+ grade.