This morning Scott & I had breakfast beneath a troop of howler monkeys... Beginners luck...

Its only Scott's second day here, but the monkeys seem to like him. We found a small soda stand on the beach, which was really just a mud hut that happened to serve food. We relocated away from the mud floors to sit on their chairs out-front with a better view. Big mistake. The misquotes had us for breakfast, and we quickly moved back "inside", if you can call it that.

The owner of the place was thrilled to have a moment to talk with his customers, since apparently this is something he doesn't get to do a lot. He was extra passionate about his country's history, especially with the United States, and it turned into a very special moment. The man had tears in his eyes while describing the Peace Corps' efforts during his childhood. As far as he was concerned, JFK was his older brother, and he even gave us a discount on breakfast simply because we were Americans.

Let me digress for a moment, since I did not post yesterday. I might have spoiled Scott by taking him to Cafe de Playa for breakfast on his first day here. This particular cafe is a beautiful little hacienda style secret that is only noticeable if you wander down to my side of town. It just happens to be directly across the street from my place, but maybe I should have saved that for day two or three.

Anyways, later in the afternoon, I drove Scott over to the Four Seasons resort, on Papagayo Peninsula. One of Scott's favorite things to do is crash the lounge of a 5 star hotel, and there are few hotels in the world that compare to this resort.

After a 45 minute drive out of Coco, we arrived at a lagoon that literally stopped us in our tracks. We only made it about 5 feet into this palace when we pulled the car over and started snapping pictures. I have a great set of photos that I will turn into a large panoramic picture (aka: 140 megapixel picture)... But that will take some time... so stay tuned...

The Four Seasons hotel is "mind-bottling"... The first guard gate we came to asked us if we had reservations. Somehow we managed to talk our way onto the property, and slipped past the first gate. After another seven kilometers, we were greeted by the second guard, who again asked to verify our reservations. This is the most elaborate setup that either of us have seen, and it was truly impressive.

Keep in mind that we have visited several castles and churches in London, monuments and museums in Paris, many thousand year old temples in Beijing and Shanghai... These are global relics, such as Big Ben, the Eiffel Tower, the Great Wall, all of which did not have as tight of security as the Four Seasons in Costa Rica.

Along our drive into the resort, we were graced by some sort of mini-toucan, and a couple of anteaters, neither of which we could identify. Perhaps this hotel grows its own wild-life... it was that intense. We almost expected the peacocks to have the Four Season's logo ingrained into their plumage.

The lobby was an adventure unto its own. Although small, it was overwhelmingly beautiful. A short walk downstairs took us into the "Tico" lounge, where we had dinner. The sun was setting, and we quickly found ourselves on the beach that is unlike any other.

Whoever found this cove must be given their rewards, because the scene cannot be captured by any amount of photography. The sand under foot is plush and smooth, almost silk like. Walk a few dozen meters, and the sand changes into washed up coral. Another couple dozen meters, and you're walking in volcanic ash. Pictures do not do this place justice.

It was inevitable that we left virtual Eden on a relatively sad note. How can you leave paradise with a smile on your face? The drive home was filled with daydreams of the memories we had just lived.

Pura Vida....... indeed....