Introduction

In early 2005, I wouldn’t have been able to point to Costa Rica on a map if my life depended on it. Six and a half years had passed since my first, and only, backpacking trip (to Europe). My life seemed to veer away from international travel after 9/11 and the cancellation of my trip to Egypt later that year. I lost one job, gained another, and found myself able to afford a nice vacation. Initially, I was focused on Switzerland, as I had missed it during my last trip to Europe, and had visions of beautiful mountain scenery. I didn’t want to admit it, but my mom was right when she tried to steer me away from it, saying it’d be the most expensive country I could go to (and should save it for when I’m older). She suggested Costa Rica, as a friend of hers had been down there recently and enjoyed it. Soonafter, I heard the country’s name mentioned by several others as well, including a coworker who grew up there, and was returning in June 2005 for a wedding. 

After reading about Costa Rica in a few travel guides, and finding airfare to be at least half as expensive as Switzerland, I set the Central American country as my next travel destination. What follows is my travel journal and pictures from the trip in the May 2005.

Planned Budget

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