DoorDash, Dreams, and Coffee: How We Brewed Up a Costa Rica Escape
It all started with a dream. A dream to get out of the dry rugged climate of Colorado and into a thriving ecosystem. Costa Rica caught our attention as one of the worlds most ecologically diverse countries and one of the cheapest to travel to!
The problem? We had no money. Despite Costa Rica being an affordable destination, we did not want to compromise our financial goals on this dream. My wife was pregnant, therefore saving for birth and its expenses was the priority. Could there be a way to have both? An exotic trip and the savings needed to expand our family?
We tried to let go of the dream. But we couldn’t. After pondering and prayer, alas, we had an idea? If we set a conservative budget for this trip and made it a family trip allowing us to split expenses, why couldn’t we earn the money we needed through side jobs.
DoorDash offered the perfectly opportunity to generate some additional income while being flexible. We could DoorDash whenever we were able to or had the motivation. And so we did. Two evenings a week, for two months, the two of us (my wife and I) DoorDashed for the chance at a trip of a lifetime.
When we stepped off the plane to the tropical climate of Costa Rica, we jokingly said, “We DoorDashed our way to Costa Rica!”
The trip that followed was not anything short of spectacular; jungle adventures, coffee and chocolate tours, catamaran tour, and more! But in this blog, I will focus on the calming experiences that have forever set my expectations for relaxation.
I remember the first morning waking up in this jungle home Airbnb referred to as “Glass House.” It was 5:30am and the light was beginning to seep in through the cracks in curtains. I excitedly got up and headed out to the balcony. As I opened the door, I was met by a flood of sensory inputs. The cool humid air embraced my skin, the earthy aroma filled my lungs, the chorus of insects and exotic bird welcomed me like a cheerful greeting. This was my paradise. I sat down on the tile cladding balcony soaking it all in. As soon as I did, two colorful macaws flew over my head their long red tail feathers training behind them. I was instantly captivated. Every morning that followed I was sure to be out on that balcony bird watching. One morning we even observed several sight toucans in umbrella shaped trees near by.
I was excited to make breakfast each morning for my wife and her two twin brothers. Why? Well, it wasn’t because I liked to cook, but more so because I got to cook my favorite simple foods. Many mornings it was fresh orange juice, scrambled eggs, sliced banana, avocado and of course… coffee. Simple yes, but fresh and delicious.
One night during our stay in Monte Verde, my brother-in-laws and I decided to take a dip in the local free hot springs. The morning had been crowded and difficult to navigate. So our thought was that after dark, we would have the river to ourselves. When we arrived we were surprised to find a quite unusual sight. As we approached the river, we observed some flickering lights through the jungle overgrowth. We heard talking and laughing and music drifting through the foliage. we approached to see candles mounted on rocks around the stream like something from a fantasy scene. It appeared to be locals were having some kind of celebration or gathering. It was a mystical experience to see. Joyful people soaking in the warm water, laughing and talking with joy. Mist rose and was illuminated by the full moon. Just a moment of watching and a dog soon came to defend his territory. So we swiftly went moved along downstream to a place where there were no other visitors. We enjoyed the magic of steamy river, surrounded by tangly vines and leafy plants. I will never forget that experience.
Another memory that marked our time in Costa Rica was at our final destination of the trip. Our last Airbnb of the trip was located in BLANK. Up on a hilltop overlooking the ocean. From a small pavilion out on a ledge we could see the rocky coastline with giant sea stacks and what looked like tiny islands occasionally popping out of the water off the shore. It was like something from Pirates of the Caribbean; you felt like a dark and mysterious ship was about to sail around one of the outcroppings any moment, brandishing the infamous scull and cross bones.
Again, at this location, mornings were spectacular. A cup of coffee, the sound of sea waves, and a chair for my morning devotions overlooking the water; pure bliss. But one morning was especially unforgettable. Believe it or not, it was the morning when the weather threatened to ruin our plans for the day.
I woke to the rumble of thunder as my alarm clock. I slipped on my rain jacket, grabbed my coffee, and stepped out onto the covered porch. Rain fell softly, but the choir of birds refused to let the drizzle dampen their song, they sang on, bright and joyful. Somewhere in the distance, a howler monkey called out, its voice echoing through the trees. The waves still crashed against the shore.
All these sounds and sights wove together into a rich tapestry that made my heart swell with gratitude. The jungle chorus, the ocean’s roar, and the soothing rhythm of the thunderstorm filled my ears and revived my soul. I sat there as long as I could, letting it all wash over me. This was a moment no camera can capture and no recording can replay. Some things must simply be lived.
My constant companion on all these adventures? Coffee. Oddly enough, it wasn’t even good coffee. At least not at first. On our coffee tour, we discovered that while Costa Rica grows some of the world’s finest beans, the best harvests are reserved for export. Locals are left with the leftovers, so the grocery store brews were nothing to brag about. (More on that adventure in another post!)
It wasn’t until we visited a local coffee plantation that we finally tasted Costa Rica’s true treasure; rich, smooth, and bursting with the flavor of this paradise. Naturally, we stocked up
Want to taste a sip of Costa Rica for yourself? Bring home a bag of paradise below and let every cup take you back to the jungle, the ocean breeze, and mornings worth waking up for.
