I know this is a shot in the dark, but...while we were in Manuel Antonio, there were beautiful fabrics being sold on the beach. I think they were actually to be worn as wraps over a bathing suit. I was rushed for time so only bought two of them. Now I want more to use to make curtains. Does anyone know an internet site that sells these same fabrics? They are so colorful and beautiful -- they remind me of Costa Rica.
Thanks,
Laurie

Hi Laurie,
Sorry I can't help you out with the beach wraps, but I was interested in your experiences in MA so I clicked on your name and read some of your posts! We are also a family of 5, sons 22,19 and 15 doing MA, Arenal and white-water rafting!!

Did the trip cost over the $6000 you were hoping not to spend? We are going at Christmas and even though we are staying in moderately priced hotels, I think it will end up costing well over that! Did you enjoy the Pacuare? I am a little worried about all the paddling and falling out.

Thanks for any info you can provide. Oh, if you want to wait until December, maybe I can get you the fabric! Jayne

When I was in Manuel Antonio all the batik fabrics being sold at the park entrance were produced in Indonesia for sale in CR

Hi, Jayneann,
I think we kept the trip to around $6,000. But we were only there six nights -- although we did stay at a couple of pricey hotels. Two rooms for two nights at Tabacon and two nights at Tulemar. My sons eat like they're starving so it wasn't cheap! Hiring a driver probably cost the same as renting a car. As far as the Pacuare, I was really worried about it, but it was truly incredible. I think a lot depends on how high the water is when you're there. The water was pretty low when we were there so it was definitely doable. The outfit that we used went over and over the safety rules. We were wearing helmets, and a kayak followed us the whole time, ready to grab anyone who fell out. Our guide was incredible, and he would always warn me when we were going to hit a fast rapid ("Laurie, get down and hold on.&quot To me, it was one of those once-in-a-lifetime don't-miss experiences that I will never forget. As far as the paddling goes, there were a lot of times when we were just kind of floating. It wasn't constant paddling. And again, our guide showed us how to paddle most effeciently so we wouldn't tire out.
Your kids (and you) will LOVE it!
Have fun,
Laurie

Thanks Laurie! We can't wait!! Our hotels will be Villas El Parque, Arenal Paraiso, and Orquideas Inn, but when you factor in Christmas time and 2 rooms in each location, it's pretty expensive even for these places.

We are hiring a driver to bring us from the airport to MA, then renting a car on the day we leave MA for the rest of the trip. Thanks again for all the great info about your rafting trip. My sons are really excited and I know it'll be a great family conversational piece for years to come!!

Jaynean - if you haven't contacted a driver for your Christmas vacation, we used Leo Rodriguez the end of May and he is a careful driver, a college grad, from San Jose but surfs and is familiar with all of Costa Rica, especially the beaches. He has a 2002 Toyota Van in great shape. He speaks English and French. He offers tours also but also transports people to destinations only if that is their request. His telephone number is (506) 378-0001 and his e-mail address is leratravelcr.yahoo He is a wealth of information as he drives you through the countryside.