This is the back yard (well, part of the back yard) of the home in which we spent two amazing weeks in Atenas, in the central valley of Costa Rica. Atenas boasts the world’s most perfect climate–the temperature is always perfect, very few bugs, moderate rainfall, etc. This home was just amazing. The pool was even perfect–52 feet long so 100 lengths is a mile. Perfect for my triathlon training! We also put it to uses for which it may or may not have been designed. But, hey, it is a very private estate and this is Costa Rica.

A typical day was: 1) Up at sunrise for yoga and meditation on the pool deck. 2) Breakfast, which always included a smoothie made from local mangoes, bananas, guanabana (a really weird and unbelievably delicious fruit), these lime/mandarine hybrids that grow all over the property and beat the heck out of any limes we’ve ever tasted, and various other fruits. 3) Read & swim and be lazy. 4)  Go to town for lunch. 5) Shop for dinner at the open market (fresh fish, local fruits and veggies, local cheese, etc). 6) Read, lounge around, make dinner and watch the sun set off of our balcony.

The property included a little “Rancho”–basically a beautiful little pavilion out near the pool with a full kitchen, bath and a big bar/lounging area. We usually cooked dinner out there on the grill. Our favorite? Fresh dorado and chicken marinated in white wine and garlic, encrusted with pecans and grilled with fresh herbs from our garden.

We did a couple of day trips. The La Paz waterfall area was amazing. I got a toucan to perch on my arm, which was cool. And Susan had her head shrunk by a native witch doctor. Other than the, just a normal day.

We were sad to finally leave Atenas, but the surf/party town of Jaco needs one more fun-loving couple. Actually, they’re getting 5 fun-loving couples, since 4 of our kids and spouses will be meeting us there for a week. Off to Jaco!