Thanksgiving at Punta Leona, Costa Rica

This Thanksgiving was very different than any other Thanksgiving we've experienced in the United States.  Let me paint the picture for you:

Playa Mansa, Punta Leona, Costa Rica

Playa Blanca, Punta Leona, Costa Rica

Playa Mansa, Punta Leona, Costa Rica

 Sand, surf and sun instead of sleet and snow.

Bathing suits instead of hiking boots

Racoons and iguanas instead of squirrels and foxes

But some things were just like home, including a delicious Thanksgiving meal with turkey, potatoes (baked and sweet!), homemade stuffing, homemade cranberry sauce, green bean casserole, pumpkin pie and pumpkin cheesecake.

Brian cuts the turkey that we bought (pre-cooked) from the AutoMercado.  Notice the decorations: grapes, oranges, and pineapple slices.

We had a great time getting to know some new friends, but we missed our family and friends back home too! And as much as I'm enjoying the experience of Thanksgiving (and soon Christmas) in another country and culture, there are still some things that I miss from home, like the cool feeling of fall, the crunch of the leaves, football games, Starbucks cinnamon dulce lattes, and sitting around talking with my family. 

All good things must come to an end, and after a beautiful two days at the beach, we woke up on Day 3 to rain.  Time to head home!

The rainy view from the resort restaurant.

Using a banana leaf to take cover from the rain. Goodbye Punta Leona, hello San Jose!