campjulie

Can you direct me to that thread, Shillmac ? I am curious.

hipvirgochick

campjulie - That thread was actually deleted by Fodors admin and I'm not sure, but he's either on probation or just left Fodors. He mostly frequents Trip Advisor forum now.

volcanogirl

julie, he went by the name roadadvisor; if you do a search, you may be able to find some of his posts, but I think the most disagreeable ones have been deleted.

campjulie

What was the nature of the thread?

batson57

The thread involved some personality conflicts and some (unjustified in my view) jumping to conclusions about advertising on the forum.

Luis has driven me at least twice a year for about the last five years. I don't think you could find a better driver or a nicer person anywhere.

Carol

tully

There were personal insults made to 2 longtime and frequent posters here. That was the main thing. The disparahing remarks he made to other posters who dared to suggest something other than he were just mild annoyances.

If you get into any kind of bind, remember your hotel will be one of your best resources, so have their phone numbers handy. Also, BdC has a driver based in San Jose, so that is always something you could fall back on as well. There are tons of animals out right now as the rains ease off so have your camera handy at all times - you will have a wonderful trip.

campjulie

It seems to me that the folks who have had personal experiences with him, have good things to say. My experience through the emails regarding questions, planning and suggestions have all been very positive.
I am looking forward to the trip amd will post a report.
Thank you everyone.

Melissa5

campjulie: You are going to love beautiful Costa Rica! There are many of us in the "freaking out for nothing" club, so you're not alone! Before our first trip to Costa Rica, I pestered shillmac and others so much that I think I wore her fingers out on the computer keyboard! Shillmac, thanks for everything!

campjulie, a good hotel always helps you out when something goes wrong. It sounds like you have good hotels. (We loved the Lost Iguana in Arenal by the way.) I'm sure the Marriott will take good care of you.

I once had the driver I hired not show up, in Rome. It's a long story, but the short version is that the concierge of the hotel saw the problem, stepped right in and solved everything! I could have kissed him.

So, before Costa Rica, I freaked out about mosquitoes and malaria and rain and all sorts of things. I only got 1 mosquito bite and had such a fantastic amazing trip! We're thinking of going back to Costa Rica for a second trip, this time to the Osa. But we're not sure when.

Happy travels!

campjulie

Thanks Melissa5. The anxiety has really given way to all out excitement. It is like the feeling I had when I was a child counting the days to Christmas.

I have planned and am able to handle glitches - plus that is part of the excitement of travel. After all, we are not going to watch a movie about CR, we are going for an experience, and true experiences just happen! (How do you like that for my self pep talk?)

3 MORE DAYS!

shillmac

Hey Melissa5, how are ya? And you're welcome--I remember us having a lot of fun correspondence on and off the board. You've been a great source of help to lots of people as well--your Monteverde comment that made it into the Fodors 2008 was excellent! Take care. .

batson57

Don't let the last minute details drive you crazy.

Have a wonderful trip.

Carol