Why now? Why Tamarindo?

We thought – let’s travel Costa Rica while I’m on mat leave.  It won’t be easy, but we can manage 1 baby between us, right?  …. then we learned that we were having twins.   See you can pass 1 baby off to your partner during a long plane ride, strap 1 baby on your back while your partner carries the supplies and go for a hike.  You can take 1 baby into the ocean while your partner takes photos or sits with your belongings. It’s not easy, but traveling with 1 baby means 1 parent is able to “support”.  2 babies means sitting in different rows of an airplane because there aren’t enough oxygen masks in each row for 5 people.  It means each of you carries a baby AND a backpack everywhere you go.  You both have a baby in the water so no photos and your belongings fend for themselves.

So when J suggested we still do our Costa Rica trip I think I cried, then laughed, then sobbed, then apologized, then fell asleep (unsupported fact: it takes twice as long for your hormones to regulate after having multiples).  The idea was overwhelming but (if you know J) he had a plan and was determined to make it happen and I was needing to believe that I could still be fabulous with twins.

So we began researching Costa Rica.  When you’re a single traveller you want excitement, adventure, nightlife, off the beaten path unique experiences that take your breath away.  J and I have each traveled parts of Europe, the UK, Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Cuba, Mexico, the USA and of course Canada.  But planning for this trip was entirely different.  Our “must haves” became very ON the beaten path, close to hospitals and airports, little to no language barrier (aka Expat community). We also wanted to surf and that led us right to Tamarindo.  We had friends who recommended it (thanks Ash, Dan and Laura).  We met people online who offered suggestions (thanks Michelle and Tara) and we read lots and lots of blogs, articles, Facebook pages and travel reviews.  J had been working from home for the past year and had recently started his own business Upstream Flix and so the final requirement was a place we could call home and potentially stay in long term.

So here we are, day #4 and blog entry #1.  I wanted a way to keep our family and friends updated with our adventures and a place where I could essentially journal my thoughts as a new mom, as a foreigner and as someone who is open to opportunities.  It’s trial and error, and I thank you for sharing this with me.

Cheers,

Kendahl

(I make no apologies for grammar or spelling errors)