Costa Rica: A world of nature that 'feeds the soul'

Our adventure began with the earliest bus charter ever — 2 a.m. on Jan. 17, the day after my 76th birthday (which still seems impossible to believe). From Jan. 17-29, we conquered Costa Rica one exhilarating adventure at a time.

The local saying “Pura Vida,” which translates to “the simple life,” couldn’t be further from the truth — there was nothing simple about the incredible challenges we faced. Yet, we tackled them with joy, laughter, and endless encouragement for one another.

My clients ranged in age from their 40s to well into their 80s, and they absolutely crushed every adventure with newfound confidence and enthusiasm— giving me minor heart attacks on a daily basis.

We journeyed through torrential rains in the cloud and rain forests, hiked the jungles near Arenal and its volcano, and crossed eight suspended bridges in the canopy, gasping in wonder at the breathtaking flora, fauna, and wildlife. The climb to get there was steep, but the reward was worth every step.

Costa Rica is the birthplace of ziplining, and we made sure to honor that legacy. We soared through the jungle canopy at neck-breaking speeds, navigating eight thrilling zip stations with long, fast runs.

“Coming in hot” became our motto — though there was barely time to get the words (or screams) out before landing. The most inspiring part? The oldest members of our group tackled every challenge with boundless energy. When I grow up, I want to be just like them — though, truth be told, I think I’m already there.

Age, after all, is irrelevant if your mind and body are willing. Some might call us crazy, but I say, “Well done, everyone — thank you for sharing these adventures with me. You are all amazing!”

Our journey took us deep into Tortuguero National Park, where a two-hour boat ride through jungle waterways led us to the Evergreen Lodge — an incredible experience in itself.

The park was teeming with wildlife: sloths hanging lazily in the trees, vibrant scarlet macaws, an astonishing variety of birds, and the unmistakable, colorful-beaked toucan. While we never spotted any jaguars, conservation efforts have helped their numbers grow, which is wonderful news.

We did, however, see massive crocodiles floating near the riverbanks, along with their smaller relatives, the caiman. Although manatees inhabit these rivers, we didn’t spot one — perhaps for the best, as swimming with a manatee remains a bucket-list dream for me.

A visit to the Sea Turtle Research Station was a highlight, where we learned about the conservation efforts to protect the endangered green sea turtle. These incredible creatures can lay 80-200 eggs at a time, but only a few make it to maturity. In the wild, they can live up to 90 years.

Costa Rica is deeply committed to environmental preservation, ensuring that future generations will have the chance to experience its natural beauty.

Though Costa Rica is a small country, it boasts coastlines on both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Traveling between the two takes time, but each side offers its own unique charm. The Pacific coast is famous for its white-sand beaches, surf towns, and diverse ecosystems, while the Caribbean side is lush, vibrant, and rich in culture. One thing’s for sure — the Caribbean coast gets a lot more rain.

One of the most memorable experiences was visiting a cacao plantation in the Tirimbina Rainforest. We learned about the cacao bean and its transformation into chocolate, often called “the food of the gods.”

Floating down the Peñas Blancas River on a safari, we stopped for lunch with a local family. The two elderly sisters who hosted us had never married, greeting us with warm hugs and toothless smiles.

Their simple yet joyful way of life was inspiring. Their dirt floors were spotless from constant sweeping, their meals were made with love from homegrown ingredients, and their Christmas decorations were still up — because, as is their tradition, they stay up until the entire family gathers to take them down. There was no date set for the gathering, so the decorations remained, adding to the warmth of their home.

After a week of adventure, many of us indulged in spa treatments at Hotel Lomas del Volcán. The open-air massage rooms, nestled in the jungle with soft raindrops falling, were the perfect way to unwind.

With only two nights left, we made our way to the Pacific coast, staying at the stunning Los Sueños Marriott. This beachfront resort featured a marina, golf course, and a massive lazy river pool. The humidity was intense compared to the Caribbean side, but we didn’t let that stop us from enjoying games of LRC, golf, and Five Crowns.

Our final night was spent back in San José at the DoubleTree Cariari Hotel. As is tradition, we ended our trip with a heartfelt celebration, expressing our gratitude to our incredible guide, Marta.

In true Danish fashion, we sang our Skal song, gave a card filled with words of thanks, and presented a well-deserved tip collection. Marta was deeply moved by our appreciation.

The trip had one final surprise in store — proof that the world is indeed small. As we wrapped up our farewell dinner, I suddenly heard a familiar voice calling my name. To my astonishment, Mark and Robyn Massie — dear friends who had lived in our valley for years before moving away — were standing before us. They knew several people at our table, making for a joyous and unexpected reunion. It was the perfect ending to an unforgettable journey.

As much as we loved Costa Rica, seeing our friends from Solvang reminded us of the comforts of home — our town, our families, and our way of life. There truly is no place like home.

Costa Rica was a world of adventure, nature, and heartwarming connections. Until the next journey — Pura Vida!