Expand your horizons!

Look what Santa left! Yup, that's all sea in the background..
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So, I finally took a break from my "busy" schedule to do some more traveling..A gringo [someone from the states] friend of mine has a place in Herradura, which is the 2nd or 3rd closest beach to me - so off i went.

I think I ought to qualify this right away: my experience was atypical. Unless you happen to have a fortunate friend with a desire to share his place - which lies within a private, tropical paradise & among the weekend-havens of the 'monetarily blessed' - you probably won't have a travel experience like this.

The view from the downstairs balcony - left me speechless.
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On that note..the place* was breathtaking, literally. I got there after dark, so though i could hear the ocean i couldn't see anything. But coming down the stairs the next morning, i was like a little kid at christmas: as soon as i was far enough down to see the goods - i stood, mouth hanging wide open, frozen in anticipation of ripping into everything* before me. WOW, what a view*! Beautiful, blue, warm, ocean water as far as i can see..if this is what it means to "expand your horizons," I'm all for it & highly reccomend it..!

Playa Jaco.
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After some breakfast, I took the time to enjoy the decor* [just a few of my favorites] & then headed to a public beach* a little down-the-way to learn how to surf*. Guess you can't ask for a better place to learn but the beaches of Costa Rica!

Later that same day I went & explored all the coastline had to offer during low-tide: rocks, caves, marine life, tidal pools & easily the best beach i've ever been to in my life. Unfortunately, I didn't bring my camera with me so i have no pictures right now..but my friend did, so i'll have them eventually. Anyhow, the beach was private, clean, white & empty. Furthermore, it backed up to a beautiful, transparent, blue, warm sea and was lined with vivid green palms. Come to think of it..this description wouldn't be so different for the rest of the beaches here in CR [the one we surfed at, in jaco*, for instance], but..i guess you'll just have to experience the difference for yourself, then!

Nothing like a little surfing before lunch.
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The rest of the trip mostly consisted of sushi, BBQin', playing in the pool with adorable children [who put me to shame with their bilingual abilities], billiards & some more surfing. Overall, it was a beautiful* time.