Off the Cuff

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AAA President & CEO John Tomlin  shares his 2011 President’s Adventure to Costa Rica in a daily blog. Join him and other AAA members who joined him for this exciting journey.

From John T... We have arrived at The Springs Resort and Spa in Costa Rica. What an amazing hotel. The rooms are full of hardwood, from floors to cabinets and ceilings. Hammocks are waiting outside with a view of the volcano.

The room is a welcome end to a very busy day. We saw Poas Volcano with the clouds and steam clearing enough to see the water in the crater. We spent several hours at La Paz Waterfall Garden with tropical birds, wild cats, butterflies and hummingbirds before seeing several amazing waterfalls. The day was a great cross section of things that make Costa Rica so special.

Meals have been delicious as well. The first night we were hosted at the Doka Coffee Plantation where in addition to a great meal, we also learned about growing coffee in Costa Rica and why their coffee is good enough to be the primary supplier for Starbucks. Everyone received their first bag of coffee to take home with memories of the trip.

And I would be remiss if I didn't mention what a delight it has been to get to know so many of the wonderful people joining me on this trip—each coming from different cities and sharing diverse interests. We all have one thing in common, we're here to enjoy this beautiful country. Also, a special shout out in thanks to Zack, our 10-year-old guest, who taught us how to use our electronic gifts. 

Now we're off to bed, getting ready for our activities in Arenal. (The Arenal Volcano is as one of the ten most active in the world.) The itinerary allows everyone to choose their own adventures...and later we will all meet up in the afternoon. For some, the hotel is so spectacular, that they're choosing to book spa treatments and use the hot springs.

Check back often to see and hear the latest adventures with John and friends! 

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29 passengers just returned from the canopy tour and loved it.  Others did horseback riding, hanging bridges and some just took it easy at the hot springs.  This place is AWESOME!!!!

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It was an exciting day again. Zip lining was the most popular with 11 different lines crisscrossing through the rainforest. Some got adventuresome and flipped upside down for the last run (very short, very low and safe). Another run did not have enough slope (at least that is my story) and some of us (me) had to be dragged to the next platform. The group ranged from 10 year old young man to his grandmother who even did the upside down run at the end. Others did suspension bridges, horseback riding or just enjoyed the property. That is what makes it so nice, everyone gets to "customize" their vacation. After lunch, a group of us went to the Arenal observatory to learn about the volcano from a volcanologist. After being dormant for 500 years, it erupted in 1968 killing 68 people. It then remained active until 15 months ago when it stopped erupting. (Blake and I were there in 2009 when it was still spewing boulders.) In addition to great insight on the volcano, many of us got pictures of birds (including wild Toucans) and several monkeys in the surrounding trees. After a nice soak in the hot springs, it is off to dinner, at the "fancy" restaurant. The nice thing about Costa Rica, even the fancy restaurants (air conditioning & table clothes) are still casual dress. Don't worry, be happy is quickly becoming the group's motto.

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Here are just a few of the native residents of Costa Rica we've seen...

                                       

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Another day in Arenal and another day of adventure. I was on the Canyoning trip which left at 6:45 in the morning. Although an early departure, I can promise you it is well worth waking up early. We rappelled down several waterfalls and had the chance to hike through an amazing rainforest. The drops were exhilarating and the views breathtaking. After an afternoon of relaxation, we went into La Fortuna to have a local Costa Rican dinner. The food was good (fish, chicken or beef) but the service was a little slow. I don't think they were used to serving 45 people at once. Tomorrow, it is off to Los Suenos.

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Hi Mr. Tomlin! 

My parents (JL & JL) are on this trip with you and having a blast!!  I have been getting emails w/ pics from them saying how much they are enjoying their time with this trip.  Thank you for the blog.  It's great to see that everyone is having a wonderful time!  Please tell them Happy 40th Anniversary from their daughters. 

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Our time in Los Suenos has been very busy with tours and the like. People did so many things like hiking in Manuel Antonio National Park, where we saw monkeys being their sneaky little selfs taking peoples sunscreen and whatever else they could sneak away. It was so cute to see the white face monkey's taking control of their natural surroundings. Others did some scuba diving, horseback riding, ATVing and much more.

Yesterday we spent the day on this island called Punta Coral. There were people kayaking, doing bananna boats, hiking or just relaxing. The BBQ lunch was awesome with coconut chicken. Then we had the family of one of the guides bring their boat from one of the other islands and Mama and Sister gave us a cooking demonstration of making tortillas and plantains. Fun was had by all. It was great to see both groups come together and make new friends.

It is sad to say, but John's group must go home today, while now Brent's group who arrived on June 22 at the Los Suenos will carry on to the Springs Resort and Spa. Definitely a favorite of John's group. Pura Vida!

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Yesterday was spent on a wonderful peninsula enjoying the water by kayaking, snorkeling, swimming and on the banana boat. We had a nice lunch cooked in the grill. Then Alvaro's ( one of our guides) family came over and showed us how ro make tortillas. Then back to the hotel, where some from the group went to town while others enjoyed the hotel amenities. It is now time to board the bus as we say goodby to the good friends we have made this past week. I can honestly say this group was unique. The chemistry clicked and each of us enjoyed the other' s company throughout the trip. It doesn't get much better thn this.

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Thanks to AAA, John, Matthew and JoAnn, plus our great guides Alvaro and Edgar and driver Pedro!  Joe and I had a wonderful adventure in Costa Rica and we are jealous some of you are back at the beautiful Springs Resort.  We have memories and pictures to last a lifetime and made special new friends on this spectacular trip!  This was our first organized trip with AAA and we are hooked, we loved relaxing while being chauffeured around getting educated about our surroundings, then hopping off the bus for a fantastic adventure.  We are looking forward to the next trip!

Teresa and Joe Young