Costa Rica Unexpected - Part 1; Getting There

My cousin had to travel to Costa Rica last week for work and I decided to tag along.

People that know me would never imagine I would willingly go to a Tropical place. Firstly, I am allergic to the sun, flowers, all grass and most trees. Secondly, I burn when I go outside and lastly, I hate sand - the thought of it creepy up in between your toes really creep me out.

Why did I go? Costa Rica is a neutral country with no war and conflicts - the Switzerland of Central America, its many rainforests are full of natural plants and animals that are quickly disappearing and I should not be control by my liabilities and learn to enjoy the adventure.

It was an adventure that almost never happened.. We checked into Continental Airlines at the airport and the staff told me to make sure my bags get on the ramp after she put 'standby' on the tag. As we made our way to security, I was sent to the US Customs office - by this time it was 7:05am and my flight leaves at 7:40am. I was told to wait there and my luggage is being brought up for inspection. 2 ladies with a trolley was slowly moving luggage up one at a time from the back. By 7:20am, I was worried I would not make my flight and finally, my luggage showed up. They went through everything and repacked my bags and the custom officer walked me to the door and told me to RUN... its now 7:35am and I have never had to run through the airport getting to the gate. So early in the morning with no water, I was hyperventilated and cramping by the time I got to the gate. My cousin, bless her heart, was trying to delay getting on so that in case I was detained longer, the airline would have to get her luggage out also. I was the last 'lucky' one to get on.

The flight was not long for the first leg - 4 hours and stop over at Houston Airport (IHG); it was quite new. The food we had a Pappadeaux's was huge and delicious. We shared the Catfish PoBoy and the Seafood Gumbo. There is a 2 hour time change, luckily I checked the clock or we would have miss going to the gate for our flight to Costa Rica.

The plane ride to Costa Rica was quite ordinary until someone announced over the PA system looking for a doctor. One of the flight attendant was very ill at first class luckily there were 3 doctors on board and soon the flight attendant was stabled and EMS met her at the gate as we deplaned. This is the first time I have ever heard someone asking for a doctor other than on TV Shows.

We finally arrived at Costa Rica at 8:40pm. The Airport is very new and it was very fast getting through customs. Some Tour Companies with a Special pass was at Baggage Claim looking for their clients; most other drivers was hanging by the door and sticky their signs against the window as you exit the terminal. The Airport Taxi stand is right outside the door. They all have an emblem with a wing on the door. DON"T get in any other cars. There are tons of people around; this is when you have to really keep an eye out for your luggages.

Luckily we met up with other staff member from my cousin's work and a driver was arranged to picked us up. He was surprised to see 4 people with a mountain of luggages. He drove a Toyota Prius; you can see him behind us calling for another car.