Study Abroad Costa Rica: Puerto Viejo

By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program

The Caribbean Coast definitely has its own vibe, much different from that of the Pacific. Immediately as I stepped off the bus, I felt the tropical heat saturate my face in rays of glory, heard the melodic pulse of Bob Marley’s One Love, floating through the open windows, saw the turquoise waves lashing at the worn surfboards through the crisp layers of palms, and inhaled the herbal scented air of Puerto Viejo.

The pirated taxis dropped us off at our weekend home, Rocking Js. I handed over my $6 to the receptionist and she handed me my locker key and a sheet. Next we found our room, meaning an open pavilion hosting 40 hammocks and lockers. Awesommeee! We locked up our backpacks and started exploring this crowded, huge outdoor habitat. Next to our pavilion was another wall-less hut fill with hammocks. Across from that and on the second floor were the rows and rows of tents for a dollar more. And if one really felt like splurging, they could acquire an inside dormitory for a whopping $8. And then of course came the personal cabinas, and then the Kings palace for the comfort priority. The bar/restaurant was packed with gringos and Ticos alike together dancing and waving lighters to everything from Pink Floyd to Oasis to DMX. Yes, the Caribbean has a vibe of its own.

The hostel seemed to be home to more then just tourists. Our new dog friend accompanied us to the beach the next morning, a 15-minute walk along the shore and through the woods where we must have passed through a tribal birthing ground of strange, brilliant-orange colored crabs. These tennis ball sized creatures showed of their flaming claws whenever we got too close to their nest of underground tunnels.

Of course the beach was magnificent, the sun sizzling, and the water very revitalizing. My friends rented surfboards and we all laughed at one another trying to even just get the board past the first set of 10-foot waves. When it was my turn I was glad that everyone had taken to sunbathing instead of watching…as I found it extremely difficult to even attempt to surf…in a bikini. After I half drowned just twice and was able to stand up a massive three times, I considered my efforts successful and retreated to land.

At the end of the day we packed up to return to the hostel calling to our dog friend, Big Mac, that it was time to go. She barked her approval and trotted ahead to lead the way through the fire-crab kingdom back to the bonfire that awaited us at that crazy hostel on the Caribbean.

Click for more information on AmeriSpan's Independent Teen program in Coronado, Costa Rica.