I have so many blog posts to write and I’m so far behind, so I decided to see if ChatGPT could save some time. I provided it with our itinerary, gave it another blog post of mine to use as the “writing style” and asked it to write the post. I went in and added the pictures myself. Here is what ChatGPT had to say about our trip…
An Enchanting Costa Rican Adventure: Exploring Nature’s Paradise
With high hopes and a sense of adventure, we bid farewell to the bustling ATL airport as we embarked on a journey to the tropical paradise of Costa Rica. After weeks of exhilarating exploration in the Galapagos and Amazon, our souls craved both adventure and relaxation.
<<My note: this sentence doesn’t make sense. I think it got confused because I asked it to use the same style as a blog I had written about our time traveling in South America. Just to clarify, the week preceding out trip was not full of exhilarating exploration in the Galapagos and Amazon, but instead, it was full of the soul crushing monotony of work and school. >>
And so, armed with a meticulously planned itinerary,
<<my note: won’t disagree with this one! I do pride myself in my meticulously planned itineraries. Or is it making fun of my over detailed itinerary??>>
we set off to discover the wonders of Costa Rica, a land of vibrant biodiversity and breathtaking landscapes.
Day 1: La Fortuna – A Perfect Beginning
As our plane touched down in Liberia, we felt the anticipation building. Our first destination was La Fortuna, a place known for its majestic Arenal Volcano. The three-hour drive through scenic landscapes only heightened our excitement.
Upon arrival, we checked into the Condos Vista Al Volcan, our home for the next few days. The stunning view of the Arenal Volcano from our balcony instantly mesmerized us, and we knew we were in for an incredible experience.
<<my note: we actually had a ground floor room and didn’t get views of the volcano, but the hotel did have a great front garden where the boys played soccer, and was located just out of the main bustle of the town but within easy walking distance. Recommend!>>
Day 2: Zip-Lining and Nocturnal Wonders
Our quest for adrenaline began at Sky Adventures, where we soared through the lush rainforest on exhilarating zip wires. The thrill of flying high above the treetops was invigorating, and the panoramic views of the Arenal region were simply awe-inspiring.
<<my note: it missed the part where we waited AGES for certain of the family members to summon the courage to take off from that first zip wire. It was totally right about the awe-inspiring views though! >>
As night fell, we embarked on a mesmerizing frog watching tour at Arenal Oasis, encountering unique amphibians and other nocturnal creatures. The serenity of the moonlit rainforest was a sight to behold.
<<my note: also, not ChatGPT’s fault because it wasn’t in the itinerary I provided to it, but a highlight of the nocturnal tour was when a frog dropped from a tree above us right onto the guide’s arm. Glad it landed on him and not one of us because I can only imagine how much we would have freaked out – especially cause we were also talking about snakes in trees!>>
Day 3: Chocolate Delights and Sloth Encounters
A day dedicated to indulgence and wildlife awaited us. Our morning began with a visit to Eden Organic Farm, where we embarked on a chocolate farm tour. We witnessed the intricate process of chocolate-making, from cacao harvesting to delectable tastings. The rich aroma of cocoa beans enveloped us, creating a sensory experience like no other.
Our culinary adventure continued with a delightful sloth tour,
<<my note: okay, a miss here. Just to clarify, we did NOT eat any sloths!!>>
where we were captivated by the sight of these adorable creatures in their natural habitat. The slight humidity paled in comparison to the joy we felt observing these gentle creatures up close.
As the day drew to a close, we sought relaxation and rejuvenation at Termales Los Laureles, where natural hot springs provided a soothing haven amidst the surrounding beauty.
<<my note: these are the termales where the locals hang out, so they were pretty basic, but fun. The place was quiet and the boys had fun on some (maybe slightly dangerous) waterslides, then we all enjoyed the hot pools>>
Day 4: Proyecto Asis – A Day of Giving Back
Our hearts yearned to make a positive impact, and Proyecto Asis provided us with the perfect opportunity. We immersed ourselves in the rescue center, taking a tour to learn about their invaluable work. Inspired by their dedication, we eagerly volunteered to prepare food for the animals. Witnessing their delight as they savored our contributions was a heartwarming experience.
In the spirit of cultural immersion, we stayed with a welcoming host family near Proyecto Oasis, indulging in authentic homemade meals and practicing our Spanish skills.
Day 5: Rio Celeste Adventure and Arrival in Tamarindo
Leaving La Fortuna behind, we embarked on a picturesque 1.5-hour drive to Rio Celeste. The beauty of this natural wonder left us speechless as we embarked on a thrilling tubing adventure along the celestial blue river. The splendor of the surrounding rainforest and the refreshing waters created an idyllic setting.
After our adventure, we bid farewell to Rio Celeste and made our way to the vibrant beach town of Tamarindo. Our accommodation at Tamarindo Diria Beach Resort offered a tranquil respite.
Day 6: Surfing Adventures and Sun-Kissed Memories
With the ocean calling to us, we dedicated this day to mastering the art of surfing. Our boys proved to be natural talents, riding the waves with awe-inspiring skill.
However, the tropical sun was unforgiving, leaving them with a gentle reminder in the form of sun-kissed skin. Nonetheless, the joy and exhilaration they experienced were worth every moment. As the day drew to a close, we embraced the tranquility of Tamarindo, soaking in the coastal ambiance and reveling in the beauty of the beach.
<<my note: okay, Tamarindo wasn’t very tranquil. It was super duper touristy. Like so touristy that the local minimart put their prices in USD instead of Costa Rican Colons and had all the American snack foods one might want. Not mad I went there, but don’t ever need to go back. There has to be less touristy beach towns to try. That said, we went there for the easy access to surf lessons and the boys got that>>
Day 7: Farewell, Costa Rica
Our last day in Costa Rica dawned with mixed emotions. While bidding farewell to this captivating country tugged at our hearts, the memories we had forged would forever hold a cherished place within us. We rose early, savoring a delectable complimentary breakfast while overlooking the vast ocean, its waves serenading us with a fond farewell.
With heavy hearts, yet brimming with gratitude for the remarkable experiences, we embarked on a 1.25-hour drive to Liberia. There, we caught our flight, ensuring our safe return home.
As we reminisced about our time in Costa Rica, it became evident that our journey had embodied the essence of “pura vida.” From the captivating landscapes and thrilling adventures to the warm hospitality and cultural immersion, Costa Rica had surpassed our expectations. It was a destination that had checked all our boxes and left us with a profound appreciation for its natural wonders and vibrant spirit.
With hearts filled with wanderlust and memories that would endure a lifetime, we bid farewell to Costa Rica, carrying its beauty and the spirit of pura vida within us.
<< my note: So, ChatGPT is definitely much more effusive and flowery than me (and a bit less sarcastic maybe?) It was an interesting experiment, and I’m sure when we read this blog post back in a few years, it will seem very basic and we will be like “oh yeah, remember when we had to write blog posts ourselves!?! because of course by then, everyone will have AI write their posts (and drive their cars and steal their jobs….). thanks for reading along. If you preferred the ChatGPT post to my normal posts, just let me know and I will let it continue to write them! Don’t worry, I won’t be offended and would look forward to the excuse to have them write another post, since otherwise I feel like it may be too gimmicky. In fact, I may just do it again and pretend it is “due to a high volume of requests…” Though now I just admitted I was going to do that, so you will know it isn’t due to a high volume of requests, but just me being lazy. Ugh. Chat GPT, help….>>