Costa Rica

Actually, this blog isn’t about Costa Rica at all. It’s about why I do this job. Which is neither for money nor glamour. (Points previously made in past blogs.) No, I do this job to go to new places, to stay in fabulous resorts for free, and to be surprised.

I just laid over in Liberia, Costa Rica, at an all-inclusive resort. What? Never have I ever. 

When I walked into my room, I ran into this.

And then this.

Before I even changed out of my uniform, I poured myself a vodka soda. 

Never have I ever had one of those either. It was awful, and never will-I-ever have one again. I tried a gin and tonic. Better. 

Then I ordered room service and ran a bath in my jacuzzi tub for two. Because that’s where I would be dining.

Room service is such an extravagance. Flight attendants rarely order it. Keep in mind, we’re not on vacation; we’re working. (sort of) And while nachos and cheesecake at midnight don’t align with my New Year’s resolutions… whatever. 

In the morning, I hit the ground running. I only had 18 hours to take full advantage of this place. 

Well, I wasn’t exactly running.

After breakfast buffet, I walked down to the beach. The lounge chair attendant asked where I would like to set up camp. I pointed to a patch of sand under a shady tree. This turned out to be the perfect spot. It was far enough down the beach to eventually be filled with locals but close enough to still be on the waiter’s radar. I was there on a Sunday, so the beach became crowded with Costa Ricans: friends and families hanging out and cooking. I was treated to a soundtrack of barking dogs and “Spanish” music. Which I loved.

I also shared the beach with this guy -and some of his friends and family. 

After a swim in the ocean and several mocktails, it was time for the lunch buffet. There, I ran into my flying partner at the salad bar. She was having as much fun as me and had just come from the pool where she’d befriended a chatty five-year-old girl. She told me her new little friend had confided: “I took a covid test, and it was positive. So we have to stay for 10 more days.” Kids! There are no secrets with them. I laughed at her story, but this news did make me pause. And then I wondered; Is buffet a good idea? 

An all-inclusive resort kind of feels like a land-locked cruise with an open bar: lazy, comfortable, indulgent. Personally, this isn’t the kind of vacation I prefer. But, as a layover…!

Am I getting paid for this?