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I had an option when I landed to head West to the built up touristic hub and surfing hot spots along the Pacific, or take the road much less traveled to the culture rich, laid back Carribean Coast. Come on, I am a photographer so what do you think I chose?

Driving for four hours with some insanely stupid drivers I was ready to settle in for the evening. Just as I was pulling into Puerto Limon, my shocks started making noise but with the last 5 minutes of daylight, I found my hotel destination. That night, there was a mechanic convention nearby, and as I made friends at the poolside bar that evening, they offered to help me fix my car in the morning. Seriously, what are the odds?

Upon getting my car fixed for the hefty price of a $20 tip, I made it into the Jamaican infused town of Puerto Viejo. Everyone has raved about this backpacker´s mecca and now I see why. The colors, the people, and especially the food were all so flavorful and made for a cozy first night along the beach. Upon exploring the coastline for photo opportunities, I discovered a place that brings out the boy in me. Picture a hotel burried in the Rain Forest with its hallways as boardwalks across the canopy´s floor. All rooms are built on stilts and hover about ten feet above ground like a tree house and an incredible restaurant and spa near the sound of the waves were all astounding. This morning I awoke to howler monkeys outside my treehouse jumping from tree to tree and sat and stared up at the canopy and wondering where else in the world you could get this experience. Only in Costa Rica. Pura vida.