This competition has now ended and alas I did not win.
I first read about NomadicMatt and Gap Adventures competition to win a free 2 week trip to Costa Rica on twitter because everybody knows I don’t do any work I just spam on there all day.
Immediately after, I began thinking of reasons as to why I deserved the gig. Then it hit me, I’m a bloody Aussie. We spread like the plague across the world invading every nook and cranny there is. From the comforts of Europe to the very bottom of South America your guaranteed to run into an Aussie swilling on a beer ready to shout you one and chat the night away.
It’s that adventurous all round good guy trait that lends us to travel so well. Once you add in our love to call everyone mate and the way we find any excuse to have a beer in our hand, its the perfect combination. What other reason would a country of people have to be willing to travel 10,500 mile’s to see London or to cover a distance of just under 7500 miles to make it to Los Angeles.
The way I see it who better to be reporting back on the sights and sounds of Costa Rica for 2 weeks. I know your all imagining Steve Irwin right now and hey if that’s the sort of enthusiasm your after well crickey mate I might just be able to pull it off. After all I’ve managed to survive the Australian wildlife with its list of deadly animals, Costa Rica should be a breeze.
Personally though I think that Costa Rica would be the exact contrast I need to balance out my current travel plans of seeing Europe. It will push my boundaries away from comfortable surrounds and into walking lava fields and river rafting through La Fortuna. I might even find my coffee feet and actually start drinking it, and where better to start than with a Costa Rican brew.
You could call me lucky to have grown up in Australia with our way of life, yet I find myself insanely jealous of the rest of the world. I’ve never experienced snow yet alone had the experience of anything like snow days where work is cancelled like my friends in DC have recently. Nor have I been iceberg hunting in Canada or been woken by the noise of howler monkeys outside my house in the middle of the night.
There are millions of other analogies I could make but what it all comes down to is this. As potential travellers shouldn’t we all strive to push the limits, visit locations that we may have once not considered for fear of the unknown. I can think of nothing better than to see the world through as many different eyes as possible. Some times it might be frightening, entertaining or even down right strange. Each moment though will shape us and I’m yet to meet a traveller than I didn’t love the moment I spoke to them.
One day I hope to be the traveller with a story from everywhere. A little piece of every town I visit imprinted on me weaving a tale of unimaginable joy. Then perhaps I can return the favour bestowed on me by a trip like this, starting someone else’s adventure just like Matt is. Now doesn’t that sound like a fairly tale to you?
good post, mate! and good luck.
.-= Johnny Vagabond´s last blog ..Vagabond Travel Tip #3 — Don’t Forget the Friendly Hat =-.
Thank’s mate I’ve been thinking and thinking how I can come up with something better than yours. Good luck to both of us because Abby has beers waiting at the end 🙂
I do, I do!! It’d be sooo fun if one of you boys were the one coming. Oh, this is Chris’ page — I hope you win, Chris, haha. Why can’t I be one of the judges?! Seriously, great essay, Chris!!
.-= Abby´s last blog ..Working and living in Costa Rica =-.
Thanks Abby I hope one of us can win it also. If not I’ll just have to add Costa Rica to the list of places to visit after Europe won’t I.
Hahahaha, “I’m a bloody Aussie.” GOOOD luck! Couldn’t even enter this one. Just don’t have the vacation time.
.-= Candice´s last blog ..Why Borders Are Difficult Concepts for Island Folks =-.
hehe thanks Candice. Not to worry your time will come soon and then you can come visit all us lovely folk you know all around the world.
Iceberg hunting!?!? really???? come on!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’ve never done that in my life! is that even a real thing!? hahaha
Chris,
I hope you make it this way…you would be a perfect addition to the barrio. The very first guy with all us lovely ladies!!!
Pura vida
Denise
hehe thanks Denise. I think even if I don’t win, I need to invest in a trip over. As I bound to give you all a laugh at my expense no doubt.