Adventure in Costa Rica

Costa Rica is a wonderful destination, especially if you like active adventures. Whether you’re planning on traveling on your own, with a friend or partner or going with the whole family, Costa Rica has something for everyone. Here are some of the top activities:


Mountains and volcanoes

Costa Rica has a number of stunning mountains and volcanoes to explore. Arenal and Irazu Volcano are quite popular and offer beautiful hiking trails and amazing mountain biking. The lush Monteverde cloud forest is an incredible destination for hiking and biking, horseback riding and zip lining. Monteverde is currently in danger of disappearing due to deforestation and climate change. If you have the chance, definitely go and see it before it disappears!

Water

Over time, Costa Rica has been shaped by winding valleys and canyons. This has made it a hugely popular destination for white water rafting and kayaking. Some of the most picturesque and exhilarating rivers include the Pacuare, Sarapiqui and Reventazon, which offer from 3 to 4 grade rapids. If you prefer surfing to rafting, be sure to check out Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast. Puerto Viejo is a really popular surfing destination for everyone from beginners to experts. If you’re an advanced surfer, the Salsa Brava Reef is one of the best and heaviest surf spots in Costa Rica.


Animals

Costa Rica is crawling with all sorts of critters and is, therefore, a great destination for animal viewing. For bird watching the best regions are Sarapiqui, Turrialba and Cano Negro. If you’re fascinated by the unique and slow-moving sloth, visit the Sloth Sanctuary and rescue facility in Limon (located on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica). For tropical butterflies, visit the Butterfly Conservatory in El Castillo (near Arenal). If you’re really enthusiastic about nature and have a few weeks to spare, the Sea Turtle Conservation Project is a wonderful project to volunteer with in Costa Rica.

Have you been to Costa Rica? What were your favourite adventure activities?

Prickly Pineapple Daiquiri Recipe

from A Taste of Elegance, Rudi Sodamin)

Feeling the cold this winter? Well if you can't get away to the tropics, bring a little piece of the tropics to you. This drink is a lovely treat - not to sweet, not too sour.


Yield: 1 Serving

INGREDIENTS

• 2 wedges lime
• 1½ ounces spiced rum
• 2 ounces homemade sour mix (4 cups sugar, 1 quart water, 1 cup fresh lime or lemon juice)
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce soda water
• Prickly pear puree, for drizzling

DIRECTIONS

In a pint glass, hand-press lime wedges with a muddler. Fill glass with ice. Add rum, sour mix, pineapple juice, and soda water. Cap with shaker can and shake vigorously. Pour into a pint glass and drizzle with some prickly pear puree. Serve with a straw.

What's one of your favourite summer drinks?

Touring Canada and New England

Our clients recently returned from a cruise tour of Canada and New England with a stay in New York and shared the highs and lows of their experience. The trip started with a seven-day coach tour that took them from Washington through Williamsburg, historic Gettysburg and onto New York. The couple had this to say about the coach portion of their tour:


“The bus tour was terrific - we thought it would be a bit of a drag, but we both enjoyed it! Washington is very interesting, Williamsburg is fascinating and Gettysburg was the highlight. We had limited expectations for the bus part but it was a VERY pleasant surprise. Most enjoyable.” They also commented that the tour guide was “very good - knowledgeable and helpful.”

After the bus tour, they embarked on a seven day Canada and New England cruise with Princess, visiting Halifax, Nova Scotia; St John, New Brunswick; Boston, MA and more. Unfortunately the weather was iffy and a few of the port cities were cold and wet, which dampened their experience. “Boston could have been great but it rained the whole day,” they shared. In addition, they didn’t enjoy the large ship experience, saying “I think we should stay with Crystal or Oceania or something around 1,000 passengers.”



The cruise disembarked in New York where they stayed at the Westin for a few nights, which was a real treat for the couple. “New York was fantastic - even though we arrived the day of the BIG storm,” they shared. “The hotel was well located and very good in providing service.” While they were in the Big Apple they caught two Broadway shows - Wicked and Memphis - which they both really enjoyed. “The theatre scene in NY is something special. There are nearly 30 shows on Broadway right now!!!”
 
Have you ever visited Canada and New England? Share the highlights of your experience below!

Berlin's East Side Gallery

The Berlin Wall's East Side Gallery is a 1.3 km long section of the wall and a memorial for freedom. The gallery has over 100 paintings by artists from all over the world making it the largest open-air gallery in the world. The artwork is moving, inspiring and powerful.

Here are some photos of the remarkable gallery.

Tips for Planning a Whistler Adventure

With 12 alpine bowls, 3 glaciers, 200 marked trails and one vertical mile, Whistler and Blackcomb are a must for skiers and snowboarders. Official opening day is just around the corner, on November 24, and many are gearing up for the new season. But if you have never been to Whistler before you may have a few questions. Should I bring my own equipment? Where should I buy my lift ticket? Here are a few tips to help you plan your Whistler adventure.


If you have a small car, renting your ski or snowboard equipment in Whistler might be more convenient than bringing your own. Its also quite affordable, especially if you book your rental early. There are numerous rental shops around Whistler Village. Price shop before you go and decide what the best option is for you. While rental shops rent equipment, don’t forget to pack the rest of your gear (gloves, jacket, hat, goggles, and snow pants).

There are several options for purchasing lift tickets for Whistler and Blackcomb. Tickets are available directly at the slopes, but are cheaper if you book in advance. Alternatively, you can buy your tickets online and receive a 10% discount. If you’re only skiing for one day, you can find single-day discounted tickets at 7-Eleven stores in Vancouver or Squamish. The 7-Eleven in Whistler does not sell discounted lift tickets, so make a quick pit-stop on the drive to the slopes. Other options for discounted tickets include EDGE Cards for BC and Washington state residents, and Season Passes.

Have we missed anything? Leave your own suggestions below.