A Tale of Two Seas…

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Hmm, where to go? A sandy beach on the shores of the Pacific Ocean or a reggae- party island in the Caribbean? A tough decision, I’m sure you’ll agree. Little did I know, in my state of eternal ponder, that Costa Rica offers the best of both shores. For a taste of the Pacific, a diver’s paradise can be found in the Cocos Islands. Hammerhead sharks and dolphins dominate the clear waters. If that doesn’t sell it to you then let me tell you that the island used to be a refuge for pirates. Awesome! But, if you are like me and you don’t want the taste of salted water in your mouth, Totuguero on the Caribbean side of the country is definitely the place for you. This fun-loving region has preserved its Jamaican culture and heritage and is famous for the legions of turtles that lay eggs on the beach. So are you Pacific or Caribbean? The decision is yours…

I must admit, before I travelled to Costa Rica I knew very little about the place. I knew it was country in Central America, I guess that’s a start! I sort of knew it was famous for its array of exotic and colourful wildlife, but apart from those small pre-conceptions, I didn’t know what to expect. The first thing that strikes you about the country is its diversity. Extensive rain-forests back onto giant volcanoes which tower above winding rivers that slide along giant mountains that stand behind sandy beaches and green hills… pheew, need I say more?

The capital city, San Jose, lies in the central valley. It is also an exciting and cosmopolitan city to visit. And let me tell you, the city’s inhabitants certainly know how to enjoy themselves when the sun goes down. The Key Largo club and central Jazz café offer live music and the true Latin American party experience. It has been said that Costa Ricans love a good drink, but they don’t like drunks. So, for those of you that enjoy, for example, the sambuca- drenched culture of Tenerife nightlife (click here for more related articles), you may want to reign it in. The most popular drinks in Costa Rica are Pilsen and Imperial beer.

The Costa Ricans absolutely love their national parks. Why shouldn’t they? They have plenty to brag about! Having been to a couple myself, I can safely say that the scenery and wildlife is nothing less than spectacular. Here are my top five must-sees:

• The Manuel Antonio National Park
• Carara National Park
• Corcovado National Park

Whether you are searching for pirates, giant turtles or good beer, I would say you should look no further than Costa Rica.

Imogen Nation

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