The day has finally arrived! Kels and I were packed and ready to go for our adventure to Costa Rica. We just needed to get through the next 13-hours of airports and planes before our destination was found.
Our three-leg stretch (Missoula > Denver > Houston > San Jose) wasn't full of long layovers but we did have some action. Upon landing in Houston, we had to wait an hour on the tarmac before our gate was cleared by a delayed plane. We made our way to the United Club Lounge to use our two free passes (thanks to a colleague for those!) and enjoyed spending our layover in comfy chairs with free beverages. I could get used to that!
As we neared boarding time, we made our way to the gate to find out that our flight to San Jose had been delayed by an hour and a half because we had no crew! We looked around at our fellow passengers and one man stared back, shrugged his shoulders and said "Pura Vida, eh?" That's when I knew we were close. Pura Vida is a common phrase used in Costa Rica and means "Pure Life" or live life. It became a well-loved phrase during our trip. With sleepy eyes we made it through a plane change, three gate swaps and finally, in our seats to sleep.
We arrived at last to San Jose in the wee morning hours of 3AM. Customs was a breeze and we were quickly greeted by Victor, our patient driver. The drive to the hotel was quick due to lack of cars on the road. Victor helped check us into our hotel before wishing us well and a "see you soon".
Kels and I made it!
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
2 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
3 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.