After a year and a half of being here in Costa Rica, I finally had the chance to go to the Caribbean side of the country. Isaac and I went this week for three days to visit our friends, Colin and Roberto, who live in Puerto Viejo.

I really can’t believe how long it took me to get there for a visit, since it only takes between three and four hours by car. But what was more surprising was that it was so much nicer than I had expected. For some reason, Ticos have a way of exaggerating things. And I’ve heard so much about how the Caribbean is more dangerous and that I’d never like it.

Well. I loved it. And I can’t wait to go back! Colin and Roberto were gracious hosts. They live right on the beach in their own little piece of paradise with their three puppies, Kira, Cody Linda and Pancho. And they are also building another house just down the beach on another piece of property. It’s going to be stunning.

The best part of the trip was when we rented mopeds and raced around the area doing some sight-seeing. Colin brought us to the various beaches, to visit some friends and to just get a general idea of what the area looked like. Neither Isaac or I had never rented a moped before, so this was quite the adventure! But we both did great. No trips to the hospital.

It sure was hot there though. I imagine I would get acclaimated to it soon enough, but coming from the cooler mountain areas of San Jose, the Caribbean weather was a bit much for us. (Hello? Where is the air conditioning?)

We ate at a great, authentic restaurant called Selbin’s. Here we were able to eat lobster, shrimp, and most importantly, coconut flavored rice & beans that are just to die for! Now you would think that having lived here a year and a half that I would be sick of rice & beans, eh? Well, you need to try these coconut rice & beans!

Did I say the best part was the rice & beans? I meant to say the best part was the homemade chocolate candy for desert. Or was it the bill? Isaac and Colin ate big plates of shrimp and I had lobster. Add to that four beers and a soda. Total? Just $12.50 per person, including tax and tip.

It won’t be long before we’re heading back to the Caribbean, that’s for sure. And from now on, we’ll be sending our guests that way too. It’s a "must see" on the Costa Rica list.

(Don’t forget, you can click on the photos to enlarge them. And make sure to see the Photo Album called "Puerto Viejo." There are some great photos in there.)