steph270

Hey Chris,
Thanks...actually it's really funny you ask that about the cameras because i have a panasonic lumix (can't remember the model but it zooms to like 420...i lent it to my girlfriend) and i have the new canon rebel (12 megapixel). My pics from 2004 and 2006 are from my older canon rebel (6 megapix) and the 2008 are from my friends canon....(my new camera didn't arrive on time...) Last trip '08 I took both panasonic and canon so my husband would have a camera too. I used my 100-300 lens with image stabilizer...very helpful for me since i'm lazy w/ the tripod. The lumix is convenient, esp. b/c of the weight if you are hiking...
if you take the canon...i'd recommend taking the lens, esp. for wildlife...you'll need it....i would definitely recommend an extra battery due to the humidity...my friend took a camera that used regular alk.batteries and used several....

steph270

oh and you probably know this but the little silicon packets are great in your camera bag due to the moisture..

parrmt

Steph, better late than never. Wonderful report . I enjoyed re-reading and "catching up".

And the pictures are so good. Where was the cave/arch picture with the light shining? Nice one.

We are heading back to CR in 3 months, cannot wait! Thanks again for the Bosque fix! Loved it. Toni

steph270

parrmt,

i'm pretty sure that was playa ventanas (i'll have to double check that) when we stayed at villas gaia in playa tortuga...thanks!

Have a great time...i'll look for your trip report....although i'm not sure about this new setup for the forums hopefully it will just take some getting used to!

steph

parrmt

Yeah, I can't seem to find anything either, it doesn't look like what I envisioned. It will take all of us a while to get used to it I guess.
I'm so glad you loved Casa Blanca! In a post earlier I mentioned for this trip we are in a cabina, not CB. Just 2 of us this trip (Our first 2 times have been in CB) anyway I mentioned that I may become great friends (actually just show up and sit on the deck!! ) w/the CB guests just so I can hang out there! hahahaha Toni

steph270

LOL....that sounds like something i'd do....
i've been trying to book a trip to belize but the airfare from phl is crazy!! considering the rest of CA (panama, CR, and guat. at least) is under 300. r/t....even south america is cheaper than belize right now!! who knows, we may end up in cr last minute again anyway!!
is the new site slower or is it me??
steph

steph270

when you show up on their deck...be sure to bring them a few imperials

Melissa5

<b>steph270:</b> I'm enjoying reading your trip report! My husband and I are probably heading for Costa Rica for our 2nd trip in January 2010. We are invited to a destination wedding at Villa Caletas. Sounds like you had a good time there. Can you tell me which rooms you prefer at Villa Caletas? It appears they have rooms in main building; private villas; and suites with private jacuzzis or swimming pools. We won't want the most expensive rooms at Villa Caletas since we're also heading to Bosque del Cabo on the Osa. But I'd prefer a nice room at Villa Caletas which is quiet enough at night for sleeping, and isn't the furthest one away from the lobby/restaurant/parking lot etc. An ocean view would be nice if not too expensive. What do you recommend about the rooms? Did you have bug problems in your room? (Tripadvisor reviewers have sometimes noted a lot of bugs in their rooms.) Thank you for considering my questions.

steph270

melissa - we have stayed there twice (in 2006 and 2008) - ironically we had the same room. i'd have to go on their site but i think it was the second category - a standard deluxe?? i was a nice size w/ small sitting area, partial ocean view, small deck...no jacuzzi - we also went to bdc last year so didn't want to spend too much $$$ there -
We have NEVER had a bug problem - we did see a scorpion at breakfast on the sidewalk - but the rooms are spotless....it's a very nice, well kept hotel...the restaurant is good, the spa services are nice, and the infiniti pool is gorgeous!
my husband loves it...for a "type A" he is the most relaxed at this place....
take a tour of the villas if you get a chance...
wouldn't bother w/ their beach...too much of a hike and not that great....the pool makes up for it and the bar food is good...
the drive in to the hotel is worth the price of admission...haha
let me know if you have any other questions...i'll be in cr the 8th thru 18th woohoo