Admittedly, I'm 100% confident I will call other places "paradise" along the way here, but it's hard to describe Uvita as anything but paradise so far.
Our morning started in San Jose. We ate breakfast at our hostel and, at Sarah's suggestion, walked the two miles to the local Dollar Car Rental with our backpacks. We're "real" backpackers now! Before leaving, we overheard a conversation at breakfast between the receptionist and another guest - the Costa Rican men's soccer team was having a parade in town today to welcome them home...and the streets we needed to exit the city would be closing soon. So what would've otherwise been a slower morning turned into a bit of a hustle to get across town. Luckily, we made it in time and got out of the city with no trouble - we were prepared for a hellish driving experience given all the guides we'd read online before coming down here, but it really wasn't bad at all. The traffic moves slower than in the US but there aren't any (major) unpaved roads or potholes to dodge. Plus the scenery can't be beat.
View of the Pacific on the way from San Jose to Uvita.
Take two.
It took about 4 hours to get to our hostel in Uvita, but it was well worth the trip. Immediately upon entering the Flutterby House we were warmly welcomed and felt right at home. This place is unlike any I've ever stayed at before though - it's basically a mini-compound, with an assortment of communal buildings / areas and sleeping quarters. To be honest, I felt a little like I was Leo stepping onto the set of The Beach. We are staying in "The Penthouse," but it's really just the name for the private room on the property: we have our own tree house to ourselves.
Our home for the next two days.
The reception / bar / common area (later in the evening).
After dropping our stuff off, we headed into town to get a bite to eat. We ate at Bob's Roadshack Deli, which was amazing. If you are ever in the area, please eat here. And order the Gringo 4x4. Trust us. Bob himself was very friendly too - he offered us a bunch of samples, including some new chocolate he just got in. Like our sandwiches, it was also amazing.
Then we grabbed a few things (most importantly, Sarah's phone for pictures) and went to the beach. I wasn't sure what to expect, but the views were absolutely breathtaking. Plus, as the tide went out, it revealed the whale-tail-shaped shoreline. Really amazing sunset walk.
Walk to the beach.
Sarah made a new friend.
Then I snapped this photo of her.
Clouds reflecting on the waves.
Sunset.
We returned for a group dinner, which turned out to be fish taco Tuesday. Really good and the perfect end to the day. We're looking forward to spending more time on the beach tomorrow!