mmack

Wow!! Just started reading about CR, planning a trip end of Nov./early Dec. My compliments to you vgirl! You make the place come alive!

volcanogirl

rp, you're right; I was so nervous about where to stay in Tortuguero. The reviews on tripadvisor swung me in the direction of Tortuga Lodge, and it turned out so great. I was curious what other people's experiences were like at some of the other lodges. When we got picked up in a big boat, and it was just the two of us, I was wondering where the heck everyone else was. When we left TL, they had us fill out a comprehensive survey giving them feedback. And just now I got an e-mail from them asking in detail what delighted me (their words), what disappointed me, etc. I think they're just wonderful. It all turned out to be such a nice surprise. I'm sorry your experience was disappointing. Maybe you can go back again some day, and I hope you get the experience you dreamed of.

volcanogirl

Welcome back to you too, hip! I feel like we got really lucky on this trip. When we went rafting, I thought, "I wonder what hip thought about this!" And the same with Tortuguero - we did a lot of the same things this time - lol. I can't wait to read your report and hear about your adventure.

mm, you're sweet. I am a true, diehard fan of CR; I just can't seem to get enough of it. Luckily my husband feels the same way. At the end of the trip, he said, "You plan the best trips ever!" My only problem is what to do next year - lol. We keep talking about Belize, but so far we keep being drawn back to CR. It's just so wonderful there. I hope your trip goes great!

Eressea

Welcome back, vgirl! I decided to wait and read your trip report in one fell swoop, installments just don't work for me. ;-) What a great trip. Thanks so much for all the wonderful details. With all the Fodorites coming back these past few weeks, it's been really hard to concentrate on anything else but dreaming of my next trip to CR.

Can't wait to see your pics!

volcanogirl

E, you offered me a lot of guidance for our trip. I think I remember reading about your trip to Tortuguero and also about the rafting that you loved. You definitely pointed us in the right direction!

parrmt

VG, it has been a delight reading your report,love it!! It's been quite unique to be reading yours, Hip's and tully's at the same time. I am so looking forward to your pics!!

shillmac

Enjoyed every word, volcanogirl. Thanks for taking the time--it's quite a project, huh?

Taking water on board the aircraft in CR--did you notice that the rule applies only if flying into the U.S. or Europe? I'd never noticed that before and thought it odd. Makes me think that it is a U.S. and Europe request, not a CR thing.

qwovadis

great stuff VG awesome detail.

volcanogirl

Thanks, p - I love this board, and all the great advice you guys give!

jill, I did NOT notice that - how weird! Weird that you can bring it one way and not the other. Hey, shouldn't you be writing your OWN trip report?! I can't wait to read it!

Thanks, gwo.

shillmac

It's going to be awhile. . .but did get the photos all in the computer today, and sorted. I hope to get something posted the first week of August. Hopefully I won't have forgotten it all!

As for the water, there was a sign there at Gate 3 on a little drink kiosk. I'd not noticed it before.

hipvirgochick

Great report vgirl. I've been consumed with work and life and haven't had time to complete mine...it's falling to the bottom... Hopefully, this week/weekend for sure and pics too! Yes, we did do some of the same things and I was just as enthused with rafting and Tortuguero as you...only one complaint really about Turtle Beach Lodge and it wasn't about the package/lodge itself, but about the guide who was sort of arrogant. The first time I've ever had a guide who annoyed me! Oh well...I can't really complain it was such a great trip!

volcanogirl

Our guide was Mr. Eagle Eyes; it was us who couldn't see anything. I think we amused him! A good guide makes all the difference, doesn't it?

volcanogirl

I wanted to do a follow-up post. I had filled out a feedback form for Xandari, and they just e-mailed me to say that they were so sorry about the DVD misunderstanding. Turns out the receptionist misunderstood us and thought we wanted to take the entire DVD player, and not just a DVD, back to our room! They are happy to let guests take DVDs so I wanted to clarify in case anyone stays there. It's a great spot!