Day 2: There's no place like home. Especially this place.

So we spent a good part of yesterday and today trying to convince ourselves that everything is going to be fine here in our beach home. With a front yard that is literally a massive, empty, soft sand beach and the sound of the waves singing you to sleep, how can you not think you’ll be fine?

BUT…that was before we had to battle the swarm of termites in our living room, our second palmetto bug (bug #1 is still on the loose somewhere), and the return of Creepy Crab and a few of his friends. Each room has been home to some type of creature with the exception of our bedroom. But I’ve already determined we aren’t sticking around to see what might show up.

The bugs aren’t the only issue with the place. It’s location across from the beach is pleasant enough but probably not the ideal location for tourists that want to explore a new country. We’re so secluded and remote that it feels like Costa Rica really is an island…and we’re the only ones on it. Our walk from the dirt road that leads us from our house to the main road to get to town takes a full hour. And that’s not getting to town yet. We still have close to another hour after that to get groceries, take a bus, hang out at an internet café, or eat at a restaurant. We haven’t gone hiking yet but we’ve used our Camelbacks the past 3 days just to get into town (for those who aren’t familiar with a Camelback, it’s a mini backpack with a catheter type bag that holds water with a hose that connects to your shoulder strap for easy hydrating on a hike, bike ride, or some other type of strenuous activity that would need hydrating…this qualified). We bought bikes yesterday thinking it would make the commute better but since the road that connects us to civilization is not paved and is filled with gullies and rock mountains, we can’t manage to actually sit on our bikes again for a least a week. We’re trapped. Yes, in our beach home (which sounds ridiculous, I know). But don’t forget, it’s infested with insects (either big in size or in number) and creatures that we didn’t welcome. And it’s about as comfortable as a tent. For a couple that wanted to relax and actually travel to see and experience new things…we’re in the wrong place.

So, we’ve opted to relocate to a place that doesn’t make us violently swat at the air when something happens to touch us (that poor fan pullcord is taking a beating). A place that leads to other places we want to see without an hour hike just to get a ride there. A place that will allow us to relax if we want to. We’re not abandoning our “travel shouldn’t always be like home philosophy”…we don’t need the TV, don’t really need the internet, and can handle the spotty cell service…those are things we’re just used to and we get that. But we’d like to be able to at least sit comfortably and sleep well. And maybe take a lukewarm shower…

I know I sound spoiled, and maybe a bit whiny, but I guess I can’t do a great job at describing this experience to you. For those who know us, you know we adore the beach. The sun, the waves, and the palm trees equal our heaven. This morning, we sat outside our front door and watched all these things only half a football field away and said, “I never thought I’d look at a view like this and say we need to get out of here.” But we do.

Tomorrow’s plan is to get some real wheels and find a new location. Wish us luck.