It’s official. Our tickets have been purchased. We’ll be in Costa Rica on the 10th of August. Here are the details:
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Leave LAX 7:20a; Arrive DEN 10:45a
Leave DEN 12:35p; Arrive IAH 3:53p
Leave IAH 6:00p; Arrive SJO 8:40p
So we’re going L.A. to Denver to Houston to San Jose. We’re flying on Continental and United, so if you’re trying to fly with us, make sure the times match up, or email one of us for flight numbers. Why one-way? Because after this incredible tropical fiesta, we’re headed south to Buenos Aires to see what trouble we can stir up in Argentina. Our departure date is tentatively set for August 30th, a few days after the wedding.
What does this mean for you?
For those of our guests who a) have never traveled outside the country, b) don’t speak a word of Spanish, or c) just want to spend as much time with us as possible, we’ll be in San Jose at certain times to meet people as they arrive, help them get their bearings, and shepherd them around as need be. The first of those times will be when we arrive on Wednesday the 10th and for a day or two after. The second will be on or around Tuesday, August 23rd, since we’ve gotten word from a number of people who expect to arrive on that day. Thus, if you fit into one or more of the above categories, try to arrive in one of those windows. It looks like many people will be leaving Costa Rica on the 30th. Some of those with less flexible work schedules will leave the 28th.
So, to recap, here are some suggested trip dates:
3 Weeks
Arrive: Thursday, 10 Aug; Depart: Wednesday, 31 Aug
1 Week
Arrive: Tuesday, 23 Aug; Depart: Wednesday, 31 Aug
Weekend
Arrive : Thursday, 25 Aug; Depart: Sunday, 28 Aug
Of course, if you’re comfortable getting around on your own, you can come and go when you please.
Accomodations
We’ve had a lot of people ask about lodgings, so we’ll address those concerns briefly here. First of all, please RELAX. As I write this, the wedding is still several months away. Costa Rica is a backpacker mecca, meaning it is overflowing with cheap, quality accommodations. Also, August is in the low season, meaning it’s not necessary to book ahead. In fact, we probably won't know where we're staying until the minute we arrive in Puerto Viejo. For the most part, we expect people to take care of their own accommodations. It is 100% OK for you just to show up in Costa Rica and figure out where to stay from there. It’s easy, we promise. We may suggest that people stay in certain hostels/hotels/cottages so that most of the group is together, as that would make for a nice festive atmosphere, and would make logistics much easier. Just to wet your whistles, here are couple of places we’ve been looking at (many of these are ideal for small groups of 3-6 people looking to split lodging):
Pagalú
Hotel Puerto Viejo (Cheap and good—we’ve stayed there)
Check out other options on Wikitravel, or look at a current Lonely Planet guidebook at Borders or Barnes & Noble. Let us know what looks good to you.
But again, there is plenty of time for all of this, so don’t freak out just yet.
R.S.V.P.
Please let us know as soon as you purchase your plane tickets by sending an email to leiamuzette@gmail.com with COSTA RICA WEDDING – YOUR NAME as the subject line. In this email, please include the dates you are arriving and leaving Costa Rica and the number of people coming with you.
