Flamingo, Costa Rica

When we visited Costa Rica two years ago, I really wanted to see Flamingo because of its unique character, 

like the hotels we could see from Potrero beach, built into the steep rocky cliffs. 

But because of the limited time we spent in Potrero, we didn't have the opportunity, 

so that is one of the first places we explored when arriving in Costa Rica, this time around.

 And it did not disappoint! The rocky cliffs were the perfect backdrop to the beautiful beach better known as Playa Flamingo, or Flamingo beach.

 After wading up and down the beach, Matt, Brei, and Les couldn't take it any more and just had to jump in the water.

The waves were bigger than they appeared...

  and after taking a bit of a beating, and Les loosing his sun glasses,

they decided to come in out of the water.

Because of his surgery, 

Brad was not allowed to body-surf so Deb and I kept him company on the beach.  

Deb and I took some pretty cool pictures,

 and we all enjoyed feeling the warmth of the sun again!

 Right next to Playa Flamingo was Playa Conchal, which we also briefly explored, but it was a little more rustic and rundown. We did, however, enjoy watching these ladies do Zumba on the beach (which has always bees a dream of mine!).

 While at Playa Conchal we also enjoyed a wonderful dinner.

 Our waiter gave us ladies a flower to put in our hair, and had all of us wash our hands in a bowl of flower petals.

 

The flowers were so fragrant, and the ice-water absorbed the oils from the flowers and made our hands so soft. 

 It was very invigorating, and definitely a first for all of us.

 The food was also amazing, I ordered the Mahi, Mahi. I'm definitely not a fish connoisseur, but it was the best fish I have ever tasted! 

Unfortunately, during our brief walk on Playa Conchal, our rental car was broken into (even though we locked it) and Les' phone, $100 cash, and his credit card numbers were stolen. 

I have to give it to Les though, he was a real trooper and didn't let what happen ruin his dinner that night, or keep him from relaxing and having a good time the remainder of his vacation!