Dear Internet,
If I died tomorrow, I’d go out an immensely satisfied woman. Here lies Heather Hunter. She lived well. And she had the lava mud wrap.
We spent the morning speeding at 55 mph, five football field lengths above the forest floor on zip lines. I will write more about it later when we upload and post the video footage (you’ll get to see exactly what we did), but it was, without a doubt, the most thrilling experience of my entire life. I was in stunned awe. The thought crossed my mind that I could die in the pursuit of such an adventure, but hanging in the air with the world spilling out around me, I honestly did not care. And that was a strange realization to confront.
“We may not be sitting in the lap of luxury,” Jen said, later as we sipped frozen drinks next to a hot spring heated waterfall. “But we’ve got the seat next to it.”
This place is stupidly fancy and we’re paying Manhattan prices for it. We’re both relieved to be heading to the beach tomorrow where life is cheaper and, well, a little less dream like. Not that I can’t hang. But we came to drink in Costa Rica, and I have my doubts that Swedish Massage and lava mud wraps are at the heart of that drink. But so long as it comes with a pineapple wedge…
This afternoon, I fell asleep during my mud wrap. I’ve been just that relaxed. This is total serenity. I only woke up when I found myself dreaming of stepping into the hot springs and my foot jerked me awake. The therapist sensed I was conscious.
“Heather, would you like mud on your chest and tummy?”
Oh hell yes.
My skin is glowing and butter soft from all the rain (rainforest, duh), the near constant rain which hasn’t been the least bit annoying because every damn thing here is enchanting. The people, I have found, are the country’s most amazing treasure. I’m in love.
See you soon,
Heather
jealous.
work totally sucks without our fun banter…but i will let it slide since i am living vicariously thru you. live it up girl! be safe! cabana boys? he he he
It sounds like heaven. I felt the same way in Aruba.
Never been to Costa Rica, but heard wonderful things (both from you and others who’ve visited) and I think that needs to be put on my ‘Places I Want to Visit’ list.
Can’t wait for pictures!
Wow, now *I* want to go too!
Dang! I didn’t expect to see a post for about a week or so. I thought you had a gopher back stateside approving comments for you! =) And my friends gave me crap for blogging during the Lake Tahoe trip earlier in the year?
Glad you’re having a blast, and locating the nearest Internet cafe so quickly. My own private vacation starts in less than two days! Be safe. =)
So glad that you made it there safely!
What was the alcohol consumption like prior to the zipline? Sober?
Wow that sounds so good right now. We are stuck in a snowstorm.
Hey Heather,
I liked your story about “wising up” to men. I just have a few of my own ideas.
Is the problem with bad relationships that women aren’t wise enough, or just that so many men treat women like dirt? Doesn’t testosterone motivate aggressive tendencies in men (like fighting and competing) as well as promote their sex drive? Are men prone to being cruel?
Although I’m glad to hear about your resolution to set clearer boundaries and expect more for yourself, I hope you expect a whole lot more from men, because that’s why they continue to do what they do, because nobody really complains about it enough for them to change.
Good luck with dating.
I’m so jealous!!! But this is exactly what it seems you needed… enjoy every monkey, tucan and natural hot spring sauna.
I want mud………… hmmmmmmm I’m sitting here cold and bored at my desk – read your blog and now I’m a million miles away….. pass the salt, i want another tequila shot. hehe
This is the first time I have ever responded to a blog. I just read your 5 resolutions, it feels like I was writting it, some of what you say can apply to women in the way you want it to apply to men. A lot of us men go through the same things you have. I wonder why I keep running into women who are so demanding, or who weigh more than I do, and who are not what they appear to be from our initial interactions. So it goes both ways, with the right person it will work, don’t force it to happen, when it is not meant to happen. It’s okay to expect more than nothing from guys, but be carefull to expect too much, as they will always fail you. I don’t know how to find that happy medium, if I did I would tell you. So I hope this make sense, I’m sleep deprived today, as I am in Kentucky, on the road for my company, which is in Portland, Oregon.
That’s why I go every year, whether I can affrod to or not. It’s just too wonderful to resist. Glad you’re loving it also!
John, I DO have a gopher back home approving comments. Not easy to get my hands on the internet here. Fifteen bucks for a computer and wireless in my hotel lobby! Insane.
H…sounds like paradise…have fun…live it up…drink a couple for me…vacations are so much fun & when you look forward to it for so long…it’s wonderful when it doesn’t disappoint…I’m already counting down my next big vacation…it’s 9 months away…a week long cruise on the biggest ship sailing…I can’t wait…good thing I have mini vacations planned in between now & then…canât wait to see the pictures & videoâ¦
lava mud wrap…that sounds so exciting! and oooh so relaxing
That sounds like complete paradise.
I’m totally jealous.
I read an article of yours in which you stated that you have been dating the wrong person. I have also read that this apparently happens to many women. I have a solution for you. Give me a shot. I am quite comfortable that I will restore your faith in the concept that gentleman still exist. You just have to look harder, or sometimes, be fortunate enough for one to stumble across your name. I have stumbled your way. I will be more than happy to tell you more about myself and send a pic. Briefly, I have a great job, never been married, and don’t have any children, although I would love to some day. I am 37, and enjoy many activities. I would go to a bar with you if you so wished, but I think we’d have more fun opening other doors. I have a great sense of humor, but certainly corny jokes escape me too. This is the only way I know how to contact you. Sorry, I don’t even read you column. Like I said, I stumbled across it. The post man rings twice, I’m not so sure opportunity does. I’m at david151833@yahoo.com .
Wow, published on MSN. Bravo!
wicked lucky! have a blast!
Enjoy your time Heather…and yes…I’m jealous too.
I was in Costa Rica this summer, and I flew on the zip lines. It was the scariest, most beautiful, amazing thing I ever did. I never felt so alive (or so close to death,really!) It really made me realize I can do anything!!!
I read your 5 dating resolutions today and found this blog. It’s a great reminder that even though Im single…There is hope and I am worth the wait
Thanks for reminding me of what I also discovered, in your”5 Resolutions”.It’s been the integrating and concious behavior change that I find hardest to maintain.Keeping healthy with foods and exercise has been the best for me to maintain the level of energy I need to make these changes a part of everyday and make those moves forward.It’s great hearing from men, gives me insights not possible in one on one conversations and insightful.Thanks so much for your “5 Resolutions”.You made my day!!!Hanging on a Tropical Beach,in soft white sand,listening to waves, feeling the rhythum of the sea and energy of the earth is definately my favorite way to nourish body,mind&soul.You deserve it all!!!!Thanks again!!
Has your vacation been more thrilling than the time we made out? I bet not!
Jealous. So very jealous.
I did the rain-forest zipper line thing a couple of years ago. It was my way of de-stressing from a hellish semester. All through my finals that semester, I was like, “in two days, I will be flying above the trees in Costa Rica” and that got me through brilliantly! I feel you completely. I also agree with you that the Ticos are the best thing about the place, that and the food! I could go on and on, but I won’t because you didn’t ask for itinerary advice, so I will keep it to myself! Enjoy it, I wish I were there! Pura Vida!
I just read your article “5 Relationship Resolutions for 2007″. I have also read your statement about women needing men like fish need a bicyle. This reminded me of something Tom Leykis once said and it relates well to you.
A lot of people complain about radio stations playing the same songs over and over again. People say they “want” a station that plays a mix of music. Guess which stations always top the ratings? The ones which play the same songs over and over again.
Think about it. That is you.
(From This Fish: Oh, Mark. I’m so glad that after reading just two pieces of writing you have me ALL figured out! You’re amazing!)
My boyfriend and I went to CR last summer to celebrate our 2nd anniversary. It was all the things you’ve described – and more. So imagine everyone’s shock (including my own) when we broke up on our last night there! Ah well — we’ve since gotten back together and I still have the fondest of memories of CR (before the last night).
Lucky you to be enjoying such a lovely country. Enjoy!
My God, I love Costa Rica.
Oh, i love Costa Rica!! The people really are it’s greatest treasure. Talk to them– they’re amazing!
I was there a few years ago. My friend & I did white water rafting, while our other friends did the zip lines. Both crazy-fun. Enjoy!
I just discovered you, and your blog after reading your 5 resolutions on MSN. I love how music answers so many questions we have for ourselves, and just at the right time i.e. when we’re crying our eyes out while driving down the road, talking outloud to our steering wheel. Anyway, great advise. I’m still leaving my husband in my head after leaving him in life after many, many violations including the “Big One” several times. I’ve stopped excusing him, and making excuses for him. I’ve stopped believing that everything he says is true. That was hard. I’m working on making new grooves in my record. I do not want this to happen again, and I don’t want anymore chocolate! I want to feel real. I know I need ME first, and I am finding me, and what I want. Now I am in practice. I read once to be careful how much you do for a man, because he will let you. I’m ready for “NEXT”. I love that. Thanks.:-)
Hi
I just read your article on MSN (5 resolution). I don’t have the vocabulary to pen my thoughts but, this is what I think:
I agree with you but, only a little bit. A relationship should be based on trust and honesty. When either of them is lacking it is not a healthy relationship. Communication also plays an important role in a relationship. I wonder why so many men & women look at what other people have to say about relationship issues rather than figuring it out on their own. What is the use if you live your life by someone else’s advice. Make your own choices..fall down get up. Live life to the fullest.
Regards,
Guru
Ohhhh, the luxury of a spa. And the tropics. And driiiiiiinks. Living it vicariously will have to do, so count me in amongst those waiting for more!
P.S. It’s super cold in New York right now. Harrumph.
I have fond memories of zipping through the rainforest and repelling down waterfalls in Costa Rica. We stayed at the Finca Amanacer hostel in Londres and the owner hooked us up with private tours of everything (zip lines, repelling, etc).
If you get a chance, check out the Reserva los Campesinos in Manuel Antonio. You are missing out if you don’t go. Oh, and don’t forget to see the volcano in Tamerindo.
For drinking and debauchery, go to Jaco. That whole city is one big party!!! Enjoy the rest of your trip!
I lived in Costa Rica for a year and it is definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth! Im really glad that you are having such a great time.
dear ms. hunter,
i’m sorry to hear that you’ve had some dating disasters, as have we all. one minor correction: your remark about men and buses was not originally thought up by a woman. my father used to say that over 40 years ago. not that he invented it, just that its been around a long time. i looked over your dating resolutions. they make sense to me, and i operate with the same principles. one can only control what one has control over, and if people don’t call, or you’re “holding it in” rather than risk a break up or working overtime to keep something going, screw them; its not worth it. maybe its just me, but i’ve found that frankness and candor-about all things-right up front is the best way to go. its kind of a defense mechanism, so that your partner can’t come back later and say, “well, i didn’t know, wasn’t aware”, etc. yeah, you were. sort of a relationship version of a pre-nup, without all of the legal ramifications. lastly, relationships run their course. simple as that. i wish you the best.
Hey there! I just wanted to let you know that I saw your article on msn, and after reading a bit of your blog, I joined iVillage! Thanks for sharing your words of wisedom in “5 Dating Resolutions for 2007″. How were you able to write for iVillage, by the way? I would love to, someday.
Dear Heather,
I just read your piece about dating resolutions on MSN. I had noticed its headline several times and always scoffed at it. I kept thinking, “Who thinks they have the right to tell all women who or how they should or should not date?!” Today I decided to read it, and now I find myself thinking, “Was this written by some kind of alternate version of me whom I’ve never met?!” In other words, everything you said in that article could have been pulled directly from my own head! I’m also 27, and although I live in a different state, it sounds like we’ve been sharing a brain (or heart), or at least a large part of either, for several years. I have even begun to make some of same realizations/resolutions that you mentioned, and the others that you listed I find very inspiring and encouraging. Just wanted to let you know that someone else out there has had parallel experiences and feelings. Rather than seeing it as just an eerie coincidence, I hope you find it comforting. I do, and I thank you for sharing!
Well, Heath, looks like a slog but beware that the prize is a routine, the death knell of the soul of any risk taker. Enjoy the temporaneous construction of your he-she life but be careful to demand the discipline of reason, empathy and self respect. And, yes, I’m sure you are smokin’ in stilletos but how do you stack up in a pair of Nikes? Best of wishes. Will be reading!
COME BACK I MISS YOU I’M GETTING INTO ALL KINDS OF TROUBLE WITHOUT ADULT SUPERVISION!
This is my first time reading your blog, but I must say – very entertaining and fun to read! Good job
i’ll keep up with this for sure.
I saw your pictures, so jealous!