As I mentioned in my previous post, we’ve noticed some changes since we left a few months ago.

Some of the first things we noticed this time around were:

The crowds:

• Last time we were here it was considered the Rainy Season. We are now in the Dry Season (CR only has 2, as opposed to north eastern US which as 4). This dry season is marked by warm to hot temperatures, breezy to very windy conditions, and NO RAIN! It is Costa Rica’s perfect tourism season. And it shows. Our little town is overflowing. Cars and people are everywhere. Our condo complex is also bustling. Not a single empty chair at the pool. This is a struggle for Noah and me. I can admit: we were spoiled. We have to share now. All this being said, Playa del Coco on its busiest day is barely a fraction of what the Jersey shore is on a Tuesday in the summer. So it’s busy by Playa del Coco standards, but below average for us New Jersey-ians.

The animals/insects:

• Now maybe we just weren’t as observant last time, but this go around we have found a TON more birds. It could also be due to the fact that our condo is situated slightly higher and closer to the tree line. Regardless, there are some beauties out there!

• As far as insects go, well, lets say that some of them are BIGGER! And some are gone! When we were here last there were millipedes all over the place. Like, all over. This time, we haven’t seen a single one!

• The lizard situation is different as well. Before we had geckos all over the place. At this point, I haven’t seen one. And all our big lizards, who usually live on the rocks along our walk, have gone into hiding. That’s not to say we haven’t seen lizards, it’s just different.

• Lastly, the monkeys. These guys used to be in one place on our way to the beach. This time, we’ve seen them from our condo while eating breakfast! It is truly wonderful.

I’m sure there will be more, we just have been too enthralled with what’s right in front of us to notice. We’ll keep you posted as we continue to discover new stuff!