Foot loose and Fancy Free

Three admissions counselors. One Accountant. Four women, age 24, on a reckless adventure in Central America. We have arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica.

I am currently sitting under a short surfboard with a painted turtle on it that says "Costa Rica" in a random hostel in San Jose. Thoughts running through my mind ... Where are we staying and where is the closest Marriott? Also, who is this clown outside smoking and talking about his surfing escapades? The adventure has begun.

Our Thanksgiving was spent in the airport and our usual turkey feast was transformed into colorful goldfish, peanut butter and chocolate chips, granola bars, and fruit snacks. Myself, being the shameless coffee addict of the group, had to stop at a coffee shop in DIA to get my last American latte. Pathetic, but totally necessary. Regardless, we had our meal and are now thankfully in one of our destination countries without any major issues. The first blunder of the trip: I spilled half of our chocolate snack on the airport floor and Abby forgot her shoes. Its going to be a good trip. Amy the Accountant seems incredibly organized and I think she will be instrumental in our success.

The cab ride over was the perfect start to the trip. Two good ole boys ... probably age 50 ... shared a cab ride over with us into San Jose from the airport. Sporting loud, obnoxious Florida jerseys, they were the epitome of American tourists. However, they were perfect for a few good laughs, some traveling tips, and a couple off-color jokes which I asked them not to tell, but Stu decided that we had to hear them. Classic. When they asked us what we were doing down here and we told him, he was shocked. "Wait none of you are married?" Nope! We tell him. "Well arent you guys just foot loose and fancy free!" Quote of the day. Done.

Thankfully, my Spanish is coming back quite easily and I was able to communicate with our cab driver about all sorts of things. When he pulled up to the hostel, I asked him if we were in the right place because I dont think I quite prepared myself for hostel travel again. I quickly looked for the nearest hotel, but realized that we are doing this on a budget. Budget means hostels and hostels mean ... sleep with one eye open. Flashbacks to college and my time in Argentina are upon me. What would an adventure be without crazy hostel patrons.

We are off to bed. Tomorrow we are going to try to figure out our next destination. My main goal ... coffee.

Disclaimer ... apologies if my grammar is off and punctuation marks are missing, the keyboard here is bizarre and this monitor is the size of my cell phone.