Costa Rica

Yoga Training

2008-04-01T07:27:00.000-07:00

Yoga Training here I come!

Tomorrow Dustin and I are headed to the Caribbean Coast. We will spend a few nights in PuertoViejo and then I will go to Samasati Lodge for my two week training!
More exciting news to follow.....

Tootsie Rolls

2008-03-30T12:00:00.000-07:00

This weekend was jam-packed with fun!

The Robert August Surf & Turf charity event was a big hit this weekend, raising over $10,000 for CEPIA! Robert is a legend down here for creating the surf video, Endless Summer, and opening the world to the great Costa Rican surf! Friday began the "surf" portion of the tournament where everyone hit the waves at Avellanas! The "turf" or the Golfing portion of the tourney was on Saturday and the ladies CEPIA team finished with flying colors, I had five par puts!!! We're headed to the awards ceremony tonight and we're hoping to take home best looking turf team!

Some friends from CA flew into town to see family and play some mad beach volley ball on Saturday...we had so much fun we're playing again today

Guanacaste Unido played the local Saprisa team this morning and hung in there against the older team. Dustin was proud of their efforts, aren't they so adorable???!?!??!

Back to Work

2008-03-28T13:54:00.000-07:00

Today started off like any other Friday....yoga class, a few massages and some quality beach time with the pup! But throughout the day, as I began to see each of my clients and friends I was overcome with gratitude for the peace, beauty and purpose in my life.

When we first moved to CR the biggest challenge was finding satisfying work and a healthy social network. I struggled to find my niche; my purpose in this beach community. Now just a couple years later, I instruct large Yoga classes and keep regular Massage clients in a thriving practise. AND while we were gone for our short trip North to Nicaragua, PEOPLE MISSED ME!

I can confidently say I have a thriving career and nurturing circle of friends.

I am thankful for every beautiful (and Ugly) light in my life!

The office isn't too bad either!

Busy Holiday

2008-03-27T19:35:00.000-07:00

We just returned from our Easter Holiday in Nicaragua and it was fabulous!
The fun began on Saturday on Playa Flamingo where Dustin and I played Bartender for a local charity event for Cepia! It was a night of great food and entertainment on the beach! Early the next morning Dustin and I drove to Liberia and hailed a cab to the Nicaraguan border to meet up with the Langston family (which was perfectly timed a 72 hour visa trip) for a few days of fun in the sun!
The border crossing was crowded and we waited in long hot lines, even when the immigration officer left and went to lunch w/o any notice? Three hours later we found ourselves traveling on a old school bus to the beach town San Juan del Sur to meet Eli and family at the Pelican y Olas hotel. Dustin and I arrived just minutes behind the family and we had a blast from that moment on!
Look for more pictures and fun details to come!
got to run

La Carolina Lodge

2008-03-20T17:24:00.001-07:00

Its that time of year when everyone comes down to the beach to celebrate the Holy week and our lives are tossed upside down...Bienvenidos Semana Santa:(

So we headed to our favorite mountain retreat, La Carolina Lodge, where we soaked in the hot tub, hiked along the river, road horseback and did a little unsuccessful fishing! We shared the big cabin with our friends Jamie and Christian (school teacher at Country Day and developer of Playa Punta Vista). They are getting married at Sugar Beach this May.

The lodge is a very rustic retreat lit by candle light and full of adventuresome spirit. The food is delicious, grown right on the farm and prepared with love over the wood stove! The owner Bill is from South Carolina and has been molding his property into one of CR's best kept secrets for the past four years! After this last visit Bill and I have decided to organize a Yoga retreat at the lodge so keep your eyes peeled for the next project.

March Madness has begun and the couch is calling....Go Duke (shanna)!

Love Always

Kim

Beach Trip

2008-03-20T17:10:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we took a the kayak to a small deserted beach, Dontita (in costa rica the ending "ita" is added to words to make them small, exp casa or casita)! We all loaded in to the car including our good friends Jimbo, Julia and Karmen's boyfriend Mingo and with the kayak on top we were off! The ladies ventured out to sea in the kayak while Dustin and Jim snorkeled the coast but the puppies had the best time chasing each other along the beach!

Ringing in the New Year

2008-03-20T13:59:00.000-07:00

2008 has brought many new and exciting opportunities to Guanacaste and our community!

Please take a moment to check out the lapazschool.org website.

This school was founded by our dear friends and is a huge asset to our community!

I have also joined up with other therapists to create and more well-rounded office. Check out handsonhealingspa.com

Dustin has formed an premier youth soccer team, Guanacaste Unido, and its a huge success!

2007

2008-03-20T13:23:00.000-07:00

Well it appears I haven't posted a blog in almost a whole year...so here's the recap!

Dustin and I tied the knot July 14th on Orcas Island!

We found, Karmen, the first addition to the Short family last April!

We won first prize for Halloween as a wet t-shirt contestant and judge! Isn't she HOT!

And last but not least we purchased our Costa Rican home in Huacas just 10 minutes outside Playa Grande!

So for 2008 I hope to be much more dedicated to keeping in touch!
Love Always
Kim

Friday Night Poker

2007-04-28T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night Dustin and I had played a mighty game of Poker at our house...Dustin almost won the whole pot but our buddy flipped an Ace on the river. Win or Lose it was fun by all.
Costa Rica is great at the moment...the afternoon showers are coming, cooling down the air, calming the dust and little sprouts of green are very where. For the next week all the fields will be full of millions of huge lightning bugs! Its an amazing sight.
This week Dustin accepted a PE teaching position for the rest of the year at the Gringo School and it looks promising for next year...keep your fingers crossed. Best part is he still get to dip into the real estate too.
I'm working hard on developing a master plan for the yoga retreat and smoothing out details for the big day in July. Karmen is good....growing every moment...more pics to follow.
Pura Vida Kim and Dustin

Its Raining

2007-04-26T16:19:00.000-07:00

The rain started yesterday but this afternoon the giant Costa Rican drops really fell! It feels fabulous!

CU Reunion Pura Vida Style

2007-04-21T14:03:00.000-07:00

Last month a few college buddies wandered down this way and we tried our best to show them a good time...by now you know the routine, beach, sailing, canopy tours in the mountains and did I forget to mention cervesa? It was a good time by all...

A Trip South

2007-04-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Some time in March we grabbed Karmen and headed south to meet a friend. We had a good time at the local beach bar the first night and I found myself perfectly comfortable under a palm tree all the next day while the guys toured around for Real Estate and played in the Surf. The next day we all headed North to Nosara to check out the waves and visit the local yoga school. I was very pleased with the yoga school and have decide to attend the session in November to become a certified instructor!

Nick and Norella Roll Into Town

2007-04-21T13:29:00.000-07:00

In December a couple of cool cats rolled into Playa Flamingo and we'll never be the same again. Bar hopping, sailing and a bunch of beach time....what more can i say.
We Love ya Nick and Norella

5 Month Summary

2007-04-21T13:25:00.000-07:00

Well its well past Thanksgiving and I'm sure many people are wondering "dondeestanmisamigos?"
So lets do a small catch up and I promise to be better about the blog!
After our fabulous turkey day we had some visitors...my daddy, great Seattle friends (Nick and Norella) and of course the Shull family for Christmas. We all did the tourist thing and drank too much and of course it was a blast as always. The new year rung in with some exciting possibilities which have since turned in to amazing realities. First, we moved into a huge house in the foothills of Flamingo and star gaze every night without a light in sight! Second, I purchased land with my dad in Playa Grande to build and yoga/surf retreat with extras like massage, acupuncture, and possibly spa treatments! At the moment we are working with an architect on the master plan before we break ground :) Third, Dustin has begun coaching at the local gringo High school and is hoping to land a permanent teaching/coaching position! Finally we have a new addition to the family, her name is Karmen, long for Karma and she is absolutely precious...can't you tell!

T-Day in Costa Rica

2006-11-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

We had a very special gift from the indian gods...

I got a WILD costa rican turkey...with no meat! We started to cook around 1230 until the power went out at one....with empty tummies and lots of vodka and beer we drank away our bordem (no american football) Until 4pm when the power returned, and we started cooking in a very drunken state. It was decided by all that we needed a dip in the ocean to sober up. When we returned from the beach,where I watched not one but two suns set, we found the dogs licking the oven! A whole in the tin for the turkey had leaked the entire juice from the oven to the floor!
The Dogs clearly had the best meal:)

THESE ARE THE TIMES WE MISS OUR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS THE MOST, ESPECIALLY OUR GRANDMOTHERS' COOKING!!!

We hope everyone had a special thanksgiving themselves, because we surely did.

Lots of love,

Dustin and Kim

CR

2006-11-22T20:45:00.000-08:00

Its back to the good life...Costa Rican style!

After work Dustin and I headed to the beach for some Boogy Boarding and Cribbage :)

Dustin took on the Big waves while I played in the sand.

Love Us

2 Months in Review

2006-11-22T20:10:00.000-08:00

Its been too long since our last log in, but now our play time is over and the High Season has officially begun here in Costa Rica!

At the beginning of October, Dustin and I headed to Atlanta to pay Jenni and Steve and little visit! They surprised us with an engagement cake:) Thanks guys.

Then it was off to Ohio where Dustin sat around miserably while I shopped for a wedding dress and talked wedding with all my family and friends.....I had a blast! My family gave us the most wonderful wedding shower to join the family together just in case some can't make it to Seattle.

And again we found ourselves in another plane headed to Seattle this time. Seattle was busy and full of fun and drinks. We did some more wedding shopping on Orcas Island and found our dream destination wedding.....PERFECT.

We traveled back to CR for a week and then headed to Jamaica for Jenni and Steve's wedding! Jamaica was full of laughs, drinks, dancing, swimming and tons of snorkeling....on account Dustin lost his Scuba certificate :(

Now its Thanksgiving and we're trying to cook our first Thanksgiving meal together with minimal ingredients...Wish us luck

Love Kim and Dustin

My Birthday Day

2006-09-04T09:17:00.000-07:00

For my birthday, Dustin took me up to the mountains to La Carolina Lodge! Its this fabulous self-sustaining farm that has horseback riding, natural hot tubs, beautiful rivers and gardens! Its my perfect idea of paradise. We spent the weekend eatting fresh organic food, noozing in the hamocks, soaking in the hot tubs and swimming in the most brillant waterful I've ever seen! Way above the fall, two rivers join and the minerals in each river create a chemical reaction resulting in brillant blue water! For my birthday we hiked all through the national park and finished the the afternoon off in the tubs soaking our feet!
On our way home to Flamingo we even caught a movie at the theater!!!!!! What a treat:)

The Rich and Famous

2006-08-29T19:27:00.000-07:00

Last week, Dustin and I had the opportunity to house-sit one of the biggest houses on the beach in Potrero! Unfortunately, in my excitement I forgot to take pics of the amazing house. I did however catch Dustin in the kitchen whipping up some fantastic fajitas with HOT chili peppers picked fresh from the garden! Dustin took a bite of the red one and suffered the consequences...first he washed is tongue off in the faucet for a few minutes, then he downed a gallon of milk with his dinner and when it was all over he wiped the sweat off his forehead and burnt his eyeball!!!!!!!!

I thought Barb, Charlie and Devin would find this quite amusing!

We're gettin wet!

2006-08-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I are working towards our new found hobbie....Scuba Diving!
On Monday Dustin had his first dive in the Flamingo Beach Resort pool! Unfortuanetly, he now has the ear infection from Hell, so our ocean dives will have to wait. I was certified years ago but need a refresher.
Its been a while since we've posted anything...mainly because nothing's really new. Dustin is playing, teaching and selling and I'm doing a whole lot of massaging! Life is Good!

Langostas

2006-08-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

You can't tell from this picture but I'm really not challenged, Dustin's tickeling me with the Langosta feelers! With the help of a couple of friends the other night, Dustin and I ate 3 kilos of Lobsters straight from the Brazilito Bay! We smothered them with Garlic and Butter and chowed down. I stuck to the tails but Dustin enjoyed them "head to tail!"

Pathfinder

2006-07-30T15:49:00.000-07:00

We did it! We did it! We did it!
We bought our 99 Nissan Pathfinder and we love her! After a little TLC she's up and running like a champ...
Over mountains, through rivers and along beaches!

San Jose

2006-07-30T15:36:00.000-07:00

Last week Dustin and I went to San Jose to buy our car! After 3 long days of searching used car lots, we went looking for a great restaurant serving food that we can't find on the beach. Our favorite was Lebnon, a Lebanese joint with fabulous food and a fun atmosphere! We chose the sampler...24 dishes of every Middle Eastern cuisine you can imagine.
Everyone always asks what I miss besides family and friends and the anwer for both of us is MOVIE THEATERS. Every night we were in SJ we went to the mall and watched movies!!!!
I can't wait to go back to San Jose for more great food and movie theaters!

Monday

2006-07-17T18:42:00.000-07:00

HI
Today our hard work in San Jose finally seems like it was worth it....after days of haggling used car salesman, en espanol, Dustin and I are proud owners of a Costa Rican Nissan Pathfinder...pictures to follow once it arrives on Friday :)
As for myself, I've gone and caused myself to get sick from the stress and dirt of the busy city. But now we're home and its back to work tomorrow...the healthy life of yoga, exercise, massage and long walks on the beach at sunset!
This picture was taken in Arenal when Dustin and I went exploring for the creator near the Arenal volcano. The hike was amazing and absolutely tested my grip on keeping calm while drowning in fear of the unknown. This weekend we're going camping with a family in our apartment complex....we're headed to the "real costa rica" as they put it; wild animals, deserted beaches, cool rivers and real people living off the land. I can't imagine a better weekend:)
Love Kim

2006-07-08T10:19:00.000-07:00

This morning, after a long night of fiestas, I feel like climbing a tree like this "big guy" and just chillin out! Yesterday we rented car and spent the afternoon swimming in Brazilito and watched an amazing sunset in Flamingo. The colors were outstanding because there was a huge thunder storm just hours before. The "Tico Carnival" came to Brazilito last night; covering the town with bullfighting, rodeos, cervesa, music and tons of dancing...Kyle was loving every moment. Of course we had to take advantage of our rented car so we headed to Tamarindo for an all night dance party. We met up with some friends, drank too much Guaro and Jager and ended up skinny dipping in the ocean around two! A fabulous night as always, but as I said:
Today...I'm going to find my tree and relax :)

Domingo

2006-07-02T19:56:00.000-07:00

The weekend in review was pretty relaxing but exciting at the same time. Our Saturday morning was spent watching futbol at home and after a quick workout Dustin and I met up at the Mariner Inn for the Brazil game...what a disappointment. During the game Kyle was sailing on a sunset cruise because THATS WHAT HE DOES! Yeup, that’s right, Kyle came down for a visit and one week later he's got a job sailing on our buddy's catamaran! His days are filled serving fruit cocktails, chatting it up with beautiful people and learning how to sail! Dustin and I are both thrilled Kyle has chosen to explore our beautiful country!
Sunday we all chilled by the pool and played some cards and such! Pura Vida

2006-06-29T14:02:00.000-07:00

HI
I wanted to say Thank You for all your warm and encouraging congratulations via our blog and the now famous myspace! What would we have done without this marvelous technology? Even though its wonderful here in cyber space, its not the same as seeing you all in person and I wanted you to know we miss sharing our excitement with you!
At the moment I have the house to myself; Dustin is at futbol practice and Kyle’s out on our friend’s Catamaran for the day! Kyle’s hoping to land a job on the boat for the next few months so he can extend his trip! I had a few massages this morning and then we ate lunch at the local “soda” and with a full tummy, I think its time for a siesta! Pura Vida
Love you

The Space Needle

2006-06-28T09:54:00.000-07:00

Last time Dustin and I were in Seattle, I took him up to the Space Needle for his first time! The weather was perfect and you could see for miles. We ate lunch for a full two hours to ensure we made it all the way around at least two times. After lunch we hung out on the observation deck to take pictures and play “I spy” with the various landmarks I’m familiar with throughout the city:)

Atlanta

2006-06-28T09:30:00.000-07:00

For everyone that does or doesn't know, my dear friend Jenni and Steve have moved to Atlanta, giving Dustin and I the perfect layover destination during our travels to and from Costa Rica! Last time we were all together we spent the day playing Marco Polo in the their pool, complete with a turkey sandwich picnic!

Its True!

2006-06-27T18:36:00.000-07:00

Yes, he finally asked the big question and it was perfect!
Last night Dustin and I went to Playa Flamingo to watch the sunset and catch a few waves. After about a half hour he asked if I wanted to take a walk...clue number one, he is seldom willing to walk the beach with me. We wandered down the beach towards a futbol game and picked a spot on a log to watch the final minutes of the sunset. It was beautiful as always, but the bugs were driving us both crazy so I jumped up to my feet and began to walk towards the water. After a couple of steps I turned to him and he was kneeling on one knee with ring in hand asking if I would spend the rest of my life with him!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I was so completely shocked and overwhelmed that it took about 10 seconds to say, YES.

It's Official

2006-06-27T17:51:00.000-07:00

We did it!!! We are engaged!!! I proposed yesterday during a beautiful sunset on Playa Flamingo. We proptly went back to our apartments so that Kim could show off her ring and tell everyone she knows. As you can see everyone wanted to celebrate, and celebrate we did. More detailes to come.....

Sugar Beach

2006-06-26T13:05:00.002-07:00

Dustin and his bro, Kyle, are finally back and I couldn't be happier. I waited for along time for them to finally get here:) Including three days in the Seattle airport and a sleep over in Atlanta with Jenni!
Our first night home was spent at the beach in Flamingo...waves, rain and beach futbol! Kyle's first two days were a special treat because I had to work at the nice hotel, Sugar Beach, which means Dustin and Kyle spent their days boogie boarding, swimming and eating gourmet food! The weekend was a hit and ended with a huge evening thunder storm, striking lightning into the ocean and sending thunder bouncing through the mountains, Fabulous!

Home Sweet Home

2006-06-19T11:50:00.000-07:00

After my promises of constant communication, I take off to the US and Mexico without a word, I'm sorry, but the good news is that I'm back home in CR and I couldn't be happier; actually I would be happier if Dustin was here....He's coming in on Thursday with his little bro, Kyle! We're going to have a great time! But first I'll tell you all about my trip back. Dustin and I went to Seattle for Kyle's graduation from High school, it was a blast and full of flash backs (white corvette, beach balloons, and a little bit of alcohol :) Most of the time I spent in Seattle was visiting with family and eating tons of food, although I didn't have enough time to see everyone as much as I would have liked. For the weekend I went to Portland to visit Shanna Banana! She was a trooper, supporting me through two days of straight shopping! I had the best time riding our bikes around the city, its truly a gift to have such wonderful person as my friend, Thanks Banana!
After a week in Seattle I headed down to my dad's in Mexico. At first it was a bit challenging to be surrounded by the new life he's created (girlfriend, house, new dogs and habits) but as the days passed he warmed my heart with his happiness and kindness. He's having a wonderful time with Juanita and she's really good for him...she's always smiling and laughing. My time down there was full of fishing, golfing and laying by the pool, I couldn't ask for anything more!
Now I'm home in CR, sitting at the Happy Snapper catching up with friends and watching futbol. I haven't stopped smiling from hear to hear since I got home.

Tamarindo

2006-05-28T08:42:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I went to Tamarindo yesterday for a fun filled day at the beach! We went surfing after lunch; with the sun shining down and the waves rolling in we tried our best. I wasn't too successful because I wasted all my energy fighting the current on my little board. But Dustin on the other hand, stood up for the first time and road the waves all the way in! He's a rock star!
Next, we set up the Volleyball court only to have the high tide wash away our lines. So we went surfing again and played volleyball until the sun went down. We ate a surf and turf dinner on the beach, while watching the remains of a brilliant sunset, highlighted by huge lightening bolts every 15 seconds. Dinner was followed with my favorite Expresso Martini at a client's restaurant and then a bit later we visited an art gallery to see an art show of a local photographer that takes nanked pictures. The show was nice and we chatted with some friends, drank some wine and then called it a night!

Wireless Internet

2006-05-27T06:34:00.000-07:00

This is an exciting day for us down here, we now have wireless at our apartment...life just got much easier here in paradise! This means no more hitching down to the restaurant only to find that you've payed for an over priced Hambergesa but the internet is down AND no more excuses for not updating our dear friends and family of each move we make!
As for today, I'm headed to Yoga class and Dustin has a English class in Brasilito. Afterward we're headed to Tamirindo for a day at the beach...volleyball, soccer and surfing!

Beautiful Sunsets

2006-05-16T17:22:00.000-07:00

Dustin and I are doing better than ever, each day my love for him grows stronger and stronger. Life here is great; more and more its looking like we will be here for at least one more year.
My massage practice at the gym is going well and I’ve been asked to teach Yoga as well!!!!!! I have to save some money for the certification but I hope to be instructing by next season ( the “season” is Dec-April when the Gringos are escaping the winter cold). I’m also starting up a wellness center with other healers in the area. At the moment we have a Chiropractor, Acupuncturist, and myself. Next month I will be offering facials, wraps and scrums and I’m researching how to sell vitamins, herbs and supplements at the center as well!
Dustin is teaching and most recently has gotten a job in a real estate office! He’s yet to sell is first property but the market here is wild, actually the hottest market on the planet….its just a matter of time. Most importantly, Dustin has been practicing with a professional futbol team and the team is competing for a spot in the first division league! The first game of the “Grand Final” was last Sunday and Dustin’s team won 3-2! The team and Dustin are headed to San Carlos, North of San Jose, this weekend for the final game. Unfortunately I have a wedding party coming to The Sugar Beach Hotel so I won‘t be joining him! The next season starts in August and he hopes to be playing in the games. It’s a dream come true for him!
We are truly living out our dreams and as scary and uncertain as that is, the joy and fulfillment we have each day, is a true blessing! We both love and miss each of you with all our hearts!

Granda

2006-04-11T15:58:00.000-07:00

We arrived in Granda, a very colonial style town, full of culture and good food! We spent our days walking through the streets and watching the people in the square go about their daily business. We bought some DVD's from a man in the park for buck fifty and they actually played! The rest of our time was spent hanging out in our hostel with fellow travelers and of course watching tons of Futbol.

Futbol

2006-04-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday Kim and I were invited to watch my team play. ( For those of you who didn't know I have been practicing with a Professional second division team every week) We arrived in Cartagena at 4pm to have a bite to eat and then catch the team bus at 5pm. After two wonderful plates of shrimp and rice, I noticed this large bus across the square and figured that it was probably our bus. Noticing the time I jumped up and ran across the square to investigate, while Kim boxed up the remaining food and payed the bill. I literally jumped on the bus while it was taking off and in my best effort told the bus driver we had to pick up my girlfriend... After several hand gestures and Por Favors he understood and we stopped and picked kim up. It was so interesting to see a huge, grayline like, bus carrying 20 or so players all seated, while all the friends, parents, girlfriends, and kids stood up or squeezed into the remaining seats. We arrived to Nicoya, our destination, in about an hour and were greeted with many cheers and boos from fans. We got off the bus and were escorted into my first Costa Rican soccer stadium, not much in American standard but very very real. There were grandstands on both sides, and 20 feet behind each sideline was a large fence with barbwire, meant to deter against crazed fans. While kim sat virtually alone in the stands, I was invited into the locker room for the pregame talk, which I understood a total of 3 words, but was exciting none the less. As the players listened I looked around and was filled with a sense of nastalcha, remembering all the prep talks in college and highschool and the excitement of playing in a big game. The coach finished up his talk and I took the que from the injured players that it was now time to leave. I found Kim on the top row at mid-field, perfect seats! As we waited and watched the teams warm up I was amazed how many fans were flocking to the stands, by gametime there was about 300 fans, and in all close to 500 fans... It was very fun to be a part of. During halftime, we joined the masses and walked outside to sadium to the little bar and the meat stand outside. We enjoyed two shishkabob like meats on a stick for $1 each, and just watched and listened to all people chatting away. I was taken back and surprised when I was stopped by two men that looked familiar, and they asked me if I played with Cartagena, and said I was a very strong player. We watched the rest of the game and sat with the rest of the family and friends from Cartagena, and watched our team score two spectacular goals. We won 3-2, remaining in second place in the playoffs. We boarded the bus after the coach, and the two goal scorers were interviewed by the news. On the way home we stopped at someone's house, and we were treated like royalty. They brought out chairs for everyone, and they fed at least 40 people, with a delicious plate of Paella. We finally returned to Cartagena around 11pm... and then had to find transportation back to Flamingo. Since only one player on the team had a car, and they were carrying 6 people we were forced to walk to the 2 or 3 bars in town and plead with someone to drive us 45 min. home to Flamingo. Finally, we found someone nice enough, and after almost an hour of silence we got home at 12:30. It was one of our most memorable days in Costa Rica.

Bus Stop in Rivas

2006-04-04T17:39:00.000-07:00

After a evening in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua, of drinking massive amounts of Flor de Cana (best and cheapest rum in the world) and playing darts at Dave's Wave, Dustin and I crashed at a local hotel. I woke up early for a morning walk on the beach, while Dustin slept off the half liter of rum, and then we hitched a ride to Rivas. Rivas is a town to simply pass through or catch the bus, but we thought the town was an amazing display of life in Nicaragua!
The streets were full of old school buses, horse and buggies and bicycle taxis. All the women and children were selling vibrant desserts and fresh tacos served in banana leaves.

Bienvenidos de Nicaragua

2006-04-01T16:52:00.000-08:00

HOLA
There's this silly little rule about visas in Costa Rica and ours is up, meaning we've been in CR for three months and now its time for us to take a trip for 72 hours until we can enter again for another 3 months! SO Dustin and I are visiting Nicaragua for a few days and have found an amazing hostel, The Brearded Monkey! We'll send more details laster!

Gracia

2006-03-27T15:33:00.000-08:00

After my little joke at Jenni’s expense, its clear to me that many of our friends and family have been checking in on us and I would just like to say,
Its wonderful to share our journey with you and thanks for all the comments!
With all the warmth in my heart,
Kimmy

Pura Vida

2006-03-21T14:40:00.000-08:00

So its been just about three months since Dustin and I arrived to paradise and we're hangin in there just fine. I was working in a spa that was a few beaches south of Flamingo, where we live, but the commute was killer....most un-pura vida. Now I'm massaging at our local "Jungle Gym" and traveling up the "hill" where the rich people live! I love it, when I work, but some weeks are very very very slow. The good news is that I'm trying to spend my extra time training to become a yoga intructor; I'm following in a very wise woman's foot steps! I'll practice as much as I can and then travel somewhere with central america for certification with in the next year or so!
Dustin is having great success teaching/tutoring English. Originally he was working with a school, CPI, but has recently decided to pursue tutoring on his own, mainly because he's working too many hours and not watching enough sunsets! At the moment, Dustin is working on a proposal to design and instruct a English program for a residential/developement company! Keep your fingers crossed.
We've had a few visitors and seem to always have somewhere or something to do each weekend. This weekend we're having a private surf-camp with our friend, Olivia, and I hope to God we actually stand up this time :) Don't get me wrong, sometimes its hard to be outside our comfort zones; learning a new language, not having a car, missing our dear friends and families, but thats what the two of us are all about...pushing our limits. And we support each other through each step.! PURA VIDA

Casita

2006-03-21T14:05:00.000-08:00

If anyone checks this blog, besides Jenni, I'm sure you're wondering where the heck we live and what we're up to. This is our casita with a tiny kitchen/living space, huge bathroom and "cozy" bedroom, but don't overlook our precious patio where you can often find me listening to the birds and construction guys battling over the peaceful morning breeze. Oh, of course the best part is the swimming pool and patio out back! Dustin and I have gotten into a habit of hosting Sunday afternoon poolside picnics. Our casita is a small house infront of a apartment complex of 7 apartments. There's a great mixture of surfing dudes and families with youngsters with in the complex.

A family visit!

2006-03-07T13:42:00.000-08:00

Dustin's mom, Charlie, and little bro came for a visit last week. Our trip began with long bumpy ride to the Tabacon Hot Springs at the base of the Arenal Volcano. Our first night we had a delicous dinner and soaked in the springs. The following morning we hiked to a huge waterfall and went swimming in the river! Very cool and just about the best waterfall I've seen yet. That night we ventured into the jungle with our flashlights and found never-ending trails of ants, spiders, and a SNAKE. That made Dustin's vacation! On the last day we ventured back to the river and rafted down a dozen class threes! All and all it was a good trip and well worth the drive.

The rest of the time was spent soaking up the rays on and off shore. We spent a couple of days in Tamarindo where Dustin, Devin, and Charlie played futbol on the beach. Barb often found herself happily froliking in the waves off Conchal beach. By far our best adventures were spent snorkeling and sailing aboard the Samonic, a beatuiful 50 foot sail boat, with all you can eat and drink!

We love you all,
Dustin and Kim

MI DIA

2006-01-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

hi everyone
we'll its friday and with the work week finished, i couldn't be happier! dustin and i have found our little spot here in costa rica...for at least a few months! you know us, we'll probably want to see something new soon, but for now life is great and having a routine to structure our time is just what the doctor ordered.
life here is amazing. i catch the public at 830 and head to tamarindo for work at Essence Day Spa. i'm working there temporary while a couple of girls are on vacation! its a great place to work and i'm making good money. best part of all, during down time we trade...my hair is nicely trimmed and my toes are sparkling. next week i'm going for a facial. as if it couldn't get any better, at five o'clock i walk 200 meters to the beach and have a nice dip in the refreshing ocean while the sun sets! i'm back in dustin's arm at our cute apartment by 730! i'm in heaven.
i love you
te amo

Montezuma

2006-01-23T12:26:00.000-08:00

our first adventure was montezuma were we simply chilled in the gorgeous waters!
i played jane while dustin jumped off a 50 foot fall...all in a days fun.
this place rocked and we wanted to stay so i traded my first massage for a nights stay at our b and b. the town its self is really funky and full of young and old hippies and partiers...of course dustin and i skipped the fiestas!

Soccer in San Jose

2006-01-22T08:14:00.000-08:00

Hi Everyone,

I know that its been some time since we posted some cool news and photos but we're finally able to fill all you wonderful people in on our adventure!

Our first night stay was in hostel in San Jose that was filled with more locals than out of town guests, so they invited Dustin to play soccer at the park. While he played futbol, I wrote a bit in my journal and went for a run. The park was huge, including a lake, 30 some soccer fields, six basketball courts, two tennis courts and miles of running trails. It was wonderful to get some exersice after traveling and spend time with our first Ticos!

Ok we'll get to the good stuff later, but now we have to catch a bus to the beach
Love ya

Pura Vida

2006-01-11T12:37:00.000-08:00

Hola,
We are having a blast and enjoying every moment! Swimming, hiking, hitching rides everywhere and dustin even got a great job. It´s a spanish school in Playa Flamingo, and they need an English teacher to teach their teachers.
We also found a sweet aparment to live in. Including a pool, cable, phone, maid service, deck, kitchen, and everything we could have hoped for, oh and it´s only 2 blocks from the beach.

We just had our first jungle experience, not too many animals but a lot of ants, plants, and muddy pants. Really cool though. The pictures were great, too bad we can´t show you.

Kim´s a dork!!!!!!!!

Thanks for responding to our blog. As requested the pics are coming very soon...

San Jose

2006-01-06T07:55:00.000-08:00

Hola sus familia y amigos
We have finally arrived in Costa Rica...only a week late but thats no big thing! Trevors aunt picked us up from the Airport late last night and pointed towards the wonderful Galileo Hostel! We love it already but tomorrow we hope to awake to the sounds of parrots and monkeys not motorcycles and autobuses. We are headed to Puntarenas to see dustins moms sen}cond cousin or something and then to montezuma. I have been told I wont ever leave this beautiful town! We love you all and best wishes for the new year