So here I am in the beautiful Manuel Antonio! Literally feel like I have landed in paradise, could not be more different from San Jose. Everything is so much more chilled out, it is very safe, and everyone seems to hang around in hammocks drinking cheap cocktails all day. Not to mention that its literally the most beautiful place you could imagine. White sand, warm crystal blue water, and acres of unspoilt rainforest.

Today we went to the national park which was a very surreal experience. Monkeys swing through the trees all around you, even running onto the beach to steal your food and play in the dunes. We also had a close encounter with a racoon which seemed rather fascinated with Julias sandwich and came a little too close for comfort. Two favourite bits were when I spotted a monkey nearby cvarrying a baby on its back (photos to follow) and an incredible encounter with a sloth. It was crawling down a tree as we walked past and we were literally within touching distance. THey are so adorable! Just like a big fluffy teddy bear and such expressive faces. The forest itself was so beautiful too, with birds of paradise growing naturally everywhere.

Tomorrow we are here until early afternoon so have coughed up to go on a dolphin and whale watching catamaran. We will sail around the tiny isalds around here and then get dropped off to go snorkelling near one of them before heading back. I cant wait to see one of the many dolphins around here. Then we are getting a public bus to our new village!

We are staying in a cabin with all 11 of us in bunk beds which is very good fun. Tonight we are going out for dinner and the brave among us are risking seafood as the selection around here is incredible, apparently the special is Marlin!

Just to add, the weather is suitably beautiful, and we are all nicely burnt! Hope you all feel suitably jealous!