Impatiently waiting, VG? I want to see the waiter and the white clothed table in the middle of the jungle!!

That was pretty cool! Can you pretend this is mine until I get more tech savvy?

http://costaricaexpeditions.com/Gall...ignum=15&cat=4

WOW. Those are gorgeous photos. I have never wanted to go to Costa Rica (being a big Mexico fan), but now I do. Can you tell me where you went and where you stayed? I have about a day to plan a trip after Christmas!
Even if you don't respond to this, thank you for those photos!

Thanks Adam for the info on the gorillapod. What a great invention. Great photos, too. Gosh, I love these forums!

adam, thanks for the scoop on the gorillapod attachment.

Your photos are gorgeous. We are going to CR in January and I was considering scrapping Arenal this time...your pics have made me change my mind!

Where were you when you took the picture of the kids on a balcony with the sunset in the background...was that somewhere in Manuel Antonio?

Thanks for the photos! We have reservations in November for the Falls in MA. Can you tell me why you didn't like it and where you would stay instead? Thanks so much!

No need to reply - I saw your post on the Falls/MA thread. Thanks for your input!

Thanks again everyone!

west2: sorry not to get back sooner. In a nutshell We stayed at Arenal Observatory Lodge in Arenal. Which I recommend highly for the nighttime lava viewing! Also The Eco Termales hot springs was another highlight in Arenal that I photographed as well. Then Manuel Antonio. The park there is great for wildlife. Also Beisanz beach in Manuel Antonio was a nice quiet beach with excellent wildlife as well. Hope that helps. Let me know if you have any more specific questions.

TGolightly: Thanks! I think the photo you are referring to was taken at the bar/restaurant El Avion in Manuel Antonio.

Sactokab: The Falls was decent. I guess it is worth $70 a night. But if it is in the budget Mango Moon was an amazing place! We had a great dinner there one night and will definitely stay there upon our return!

adam, when we stayed at Mango Moon, they didn't allow us to flush toilet paper - it freaked me out a little bit. They said their sewer system couldn't handle it. My husband thought it was amusing. No big deal to most folks, but just in case...

that's strange....have you stayed since the new owners? The 2 girls? I only got to meet Rebecca and she joined us for most of our dinner. Come to think of it there was a bathroom in the lobby area and there was no mention to not flushing the toilet paper....Good to know though because I would question that before I stayed. What is the alternative to not flushing toilet paper??? No need to respond:)

Jumping in here a little late...wow, incredible photos! Thanks for sharing.

Hi: I am an artist & I was "blown away" by your photography. I travel a lot & do paintings of my special photos. Your photos would inspire a painting by me & I'll look more closely at them.... Thank You...can't wait to get to those areas... fairly soon.... Marjorie MacKenzie
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Adam, not flushing toilet paper is standard operating procedure in Costa Rica, so not always posted. The used paper goes in the trash - aren't you glad you asked! ;)

adam, yep, the trash can; I only mentioned it because you seem like you favor higher end places. I had seen it out in the little country stores and restaurants but never a hotel before.

VG - you cheated on that jungle picnic photo!!

Adam - Posted or not, high end hotel or budget, you don't ever want to put TP in the toilet. Arriving back in Houston, making my first stop I automatically was looking for the trashcan forgetting I could now put TP in the toilet! :-))

Standard operating procedure in the entire country? Posted or not? Well I flushed TP down the entire trip unknowingly and I'm sure most "tourists" all do.

This has to do with traditional Costa Rican construction using 1" pipe as opposed to the standard 2". As far as I know most newer(10-20yrs) hotels, condos, restaurants in Costa Rica are using the standard 2" pipe thus you can flush TP and they have no need to post it.

Thanks Marjorie, I appreciate it. Keep me posted on your inspiration!

Rule of thumb, Adam: if there is a trash receptacle next to the toilet, it is meant for toilet paper. If there isn't, then more than likely that hotel's system can accomodate the paper.

You are right, though, first timers don't always "get" this. We didn't. By the second or third trip we were used to it. And to this day, I do as Colibri mentioned, and end up dropping the paper next to the toilet in the floor my first day or two back home!

What? Really?! I've flushed everywhere else; the only reason I didn't there was because they had a note posted in our room. I think I've been being an ugly American.