Costa Rica

Welcome to paradise. 

Central America, may not be on the top of everyones list, but once out there it is super cheap, contains beautiful beaches and gorgeous blue seas. Also has lots of fun things to entice even the most relentless. 

I spent a month out there, hiking up spectacular volcanoes, looking at the local wildlife of monkeys and bullet ants. (Some animals more welcomed than others!) I got stuck in to the local life and every morning helped milk the cow and I even killed and plucked a chicken. I appreciate Waitrose so much more now!

Life here is simple, but fun and refreshing. I spent a couple of weeks in the heart of the forest with some local people, they had one shower and working loo and the rest was all hand crafted. Getting back to basics was surprisingly easy to adjust too, and trust me I am a girly girl. One panicky moment occurred when I found a tarantula in my bed…but my quick thinking friend popped him in a Pringles pot and named him Harry (pictured below). He soon became an emblem of how much I had changed. I am usually the person screeching so only the cats can hear her at the sight of a moving black dot, with eight legs that I presume is trying to eat me.

I also worked at a turtle reserve, patrolling the beaches at night from poachers. During the day helping injured turtles in the rehabilitation centre. A rewarding and very cute experience! As always Costa has its own flair, in the middle of the reserve is a runway where rickety planes land to drop of the next batch of willing volunteers and supplies. You are literally in the middle of no where with nature. 

Costa Rica will offer you everything, for the sporty type there are plenty of amazing scenery filled walks on offer. The volcanoes offer cool springs and waterfalls to cool down on expeditions. The towns and larger cities have rum filled nights for the party animal, drink are cheap and partying is encouraged. Still not tempted? Worlds best coffee.

The motto of Costa Rica is Pura Vida, and that is what you find there, a good pure life. 

Walking along the idyllic Beach

Harry the spider, now released and believed to be sunbathing with wife Sally.

The model shot. Jumping for joy at sunset.