rays.of.sunshines Blog on RealTravel

Quepos journal: Day 3

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:27:14 GMT

Although it was cloudy for the most part, it barely rained, and it made the humidity bearable. The snorkeling was so much fun! The little fishies come right up to your face and are really curious to see what you are, while they eat the crackers you give them. The only think I did not like about the snorkeling was that the water was full of nutrients, so it made it hard to see things in the water.

Quepos journal: Just Breath Taking

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:08:35 GMT

This villa is just beautiful. There are 3 stories, and there are ceiling to floor glass doors/windows everywhere so you can take in the full feeling of Costa Rica. The rooms are large, the bathrooms are wonderful, and the views are just unbelievable!! There is a sloth that lives up in the trees, and monkeys (or monos) travel through the trees every morning. The pool is an infinity pool, and it has a bar right off the side.

Quepos journal: Wonderful!

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:08:34 GMT

This is a great place to eat or breakfast or lunch. They have great service, AMAZING BANANA PANCAKES!, and a cat that lives outside the cafe that loves people.

Quepos journal: Day 2

Sun, 06 Jan 2008 13:08:34 GMT

Today we drove to Quepos, which was about a 2 hour drive from San Jose. On the way there, the landscape surrounds you. After we arrived at the house, we unpacked, jumped into the pool, and just hung out. The weather ranged from the high 70's to the high 80's, with a breeze here and there. We ate are Marlin's, which is a restaurant right off the Manual Antonio beach. Oh! and I'm not sure if it was because we were approaching Christmas, or if they do this all the time, but they shot off fireworks on the beach. Makes lots of fun to watch, but a huge surprise while you're eating haha.

San Jose journal: Definitely a Denny's

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:49:04 GMT

This is a Denny's for sure. I was a little disappointed that we didn't go some where else, but they gave us complementary tickets. Over all the food was pretty good, along with the service. For those who are concerned, the language barrier is not a problem. Mostly everyone speaks pretty good english.

San Jose journal: Day 1

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:48:20 GMT

San Jose is a very busy city. The drivers are crazy! But, it is a good place to start out. We stayed right by the airport, so I cannot venture to say what San Jose was like other than it being busy with crazy drivers.

San Jose journal: I wasn't too excited

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:44:07 GMT

Seeing as it was our first morning in Costa Rica, I was hoping for some real Costa Rican food. But, since we had a complementary breakfast at the Denny's right across the walk way, we ate there instead. Just like any other Denny's, the service was very good, and they speak pretty clear english, for those who are concerned with the language barrier.

San Jose journal: American Hotel

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:33:44 GMT

This is an "American Standard" hotel. The service was great, the showers are big, and they give you a complementary breakfast at the Denny's right across the way.

Central America / Caribbean journal: iPura Vida!

Wed, 02 Jan 2008 08:25:12 GMT

For Christmas my grandma and grandpa decided to take us all to Costa Rica. We flew into San Jose to stay one night in a hotel before we drove to Quepos, where we stayed for a week. The trip was amazing. Costa Rica was beautiful! There are bright colors everywhere, including the wildlife. The only flat part of Costa Rica is the Palm Tree plantations, which are abundant there; but don't let that fool you! There are mountains, rainforests, and beaches everywhere you turn. I am hoping to go back within the next year or two to help with sea turtle conservation, seeing as Costa Rica is the number ...

Florence journal: Peaceful way to see Florence

Sat, 17 Nov 2007 20:45:07 GMT

I went to this hotel as a part of a two week trip going into my senior year of high school. This place was very well put together, and the staff was incredible. Our flight was delayed, and they agreed to keep us one more night. The head boards are hand painted scenes of Italy, and the restrooms are rather large for a European hotel. The location is not as busy as when you get toward the Florence Duomo, which is nice, but it is a few blocks away. There is a fabulous gelato shop across the square, and pizza places that are great value for your money. Overall, I would go back to this hotel if I ...

Florence journal: ok, so shopping can be considered art and culture!

Sat, 19 May 2007 12:02:04 GMT

Shopping in Florence is plentiful. They had the biggest flea markets by far. As for the local guides, they are wonderful as well, and are very knowledgeable.

Florence journal: Heaven!

Sat, 19 May 2007 12:02:04 GMT

This place was gorgous! Three roommates and I receieved a room off the garden in the corner, so it was secrete. My friends in other rooms where just like mine, except they had beautiful views of the Florence Duomo and Bell Tower. The head boards are painted with scenes of Florence. The bathrooms are American sized. The location is beautiful. It's a few blocks away from the Duomo, but it is just far enough away that you don't get too many tourists. There is a wonderful little gelato shop in the square, and the pigeons are really friendly.

Florence journal: (DAY 9) My Third Home

Sat, 19 May 2007 12:02:03 GMT

Florence is my third home considering Sorrento is my second. Florence had great shopping (where I got most of the gifts for back home), and has the best gelato besides Sorrento. The streets are narrow, but not suffocating. There are lots of vespas (like mopeds, but way cooler), and they line the roads. The Ponte Vecchio was just breath taking, and I bought a little watercolor of it for 1 Euro. Beware of the watercolors, and make sure they are real if you want a real one. Sometimes you have to look really hard, but you'll be able to see the pixels if it's a printer copy. I have one and have ...

Rome journal: (DAY 7) Big Buildings, Under Ground Subways, and Good Food!

Sat, 19 May 2007 11:42:49 GMT

Rome, like I said in my highlights, was very hot in the month of June. It also can be very crowded, but you'll get used to it. The Colosseum is worth the wait in line, and they have a little gift shop that you can buy all kinds of things from. Beware of the "Gladiators" out front, because they will want you to take a picture with them and then expect you to pay for it. So, if you do not want to pay for it, don't take it :oD Oh! if you happen to lose your debt card or the machine you tried ate it (I forgot my password - stupid, I know), there are western unions around. They are pretty hard to ...

Rome journal: hmm...

Sat, 19 May 2007 11:30:11 GMT

I don't remember much about this hotel, because the whole two days in Rome was a blur for me. We only stayed for one night, but I do remember that it was beautiful. As for location, I have no clue. Sorry that I didn't help much.

Sorrento journal: (DAY 5) Be prepared Italy, I'm coming over!

Sat, 19 May 2007 11:13:26 GMT

Sorrento, I swear, is where I'm born to be. I can never say enough about it, but while I was there I felt a sense of belonging and purpose. I remember looking over railing by the main town square, Piazza Tasso, taking a deep breath and smiling, and it was all because I was where I needed to be. One of the greatest moments of my life...

The second day in Sorrento we took a half day trip to Capri, Italy and did some more shopping. Capri, as you will see, it just gorgeous

Athens journal: (DAY 1) How many white homes can you fit into one city?

Fri, 18 May 2007 23:17:13 GMT

On the second day we had an excursion to Mycenae and Corinth. Very beautiful and worth seeing! The third day we had one more excursion to Delphi, where we met up with our Italian guide for Italy, and ate at a wonderful little family owned restaurant. I do not remember what it was called, but they made the best lamb I've ever eaten! The same evening we took a bus to a port and took an over night boat to Brindisi, Italy.

Sorrento journal: Wonderful!

Fri, 18 May 2007 22:46:05 GMT

I have already written a review over this hotel, but it is one that I would go back to in a heart beat. Just wonderful!

Sorrento journal: Relaxing

Fri, 18 May 2007 22:46:05 GMT

After the morning visit to Pompeii, I really enjoyed spending the rest of the day with one of my friends shopping. Sorrento is such a great little town to get lost in, because you'll never know what you find!

Athens journal: So Much to Do!

Fri, 18 May 2007 21:17:09 GMT

The sightseeing was fun, just make sure you bring grippy shoes for Mount Acropolis, because sometimes the marble can be slippery! The Greek Dancing lessons were SO much fun! I learned them two years ago, and I can still remember them!

Athens journal: AHHH!!!

Fri, 18 May 2007 21:17:09 GMT

In this hotel, my room was crammed, my door did not shut/lock, and I had a view of a nasty alley way. On the other hand though, my teacher had a view of mount acropolis, and marble in her bathroom. My suggestion? Get the side with the view of Mount Acropolis!

Europe journal: 1st Trip to Europe

Fri, 18 May 2007 21:03:16 GMT

20 fellow classmates and I, two of our teachers, and five parents all took an "educational" (AP class) trip to Europe. I must say that any hotel willing to take 21 high school seniors chalks one up on my board. Also, after you've seen 3 days of ruins, they all look the same, but are still beautiful. Unfortunately I did not write a journal while I was there, although I intended to, so I will be writing short brief statements. Enjoy!

Sorrento journal: everything I could ever ask for!

Fri, 18 May 2007 20:42:10 GMT

This hotel has wonderful views, and pays immense attention to detail. The rooms are relaxing, and their bathroom towels are large!! Their service was fabulous, especially since I was a part of a school group going through. I recommend this hotel to anyone looking for a perfect stay in Sorrento.