Saturday, February 24, 2007

Back again. Intact.

Hey!
I'm back.
I have been down in the most loverly land of Costa Rica.
Really missed you guys too.

Actually, I read some of your posts while I was there and checked my email too. I just took a break from composing any written stuff for a week. I did not drink any alcohol or smoke anything (legal or otherwise). I didn't take any drugs either. I have returned to Houston -- clean and sober. This, my friends, is a miracle. I spent many years travelling and spending time in the world's finest bars, pubs, clubs and disco's. I know how to find weed in many languages. Fortunately, for me, today these skills are a lost art. I did go to a few AA meetings however.
More on that later.

Hayden and I spent a couple of days in San Jose (the capital city of 1 million) and then hired a van to take us on the 4+ hour road trip through the mountains and villages to the Pacific Coast resort of Quepos and Manuel Antonio. (click on names for more info) I'll post a few pictures for a few days with brief explanations, but if you wanna really know what Costa Rica is like, well, you know what to do ...

This picture was from the small patio of our hotel room of the gay resort we stayed at. The place had 24 rooms scattered throughout a rainforest, a pool and all the amenities (it was also clothing-optional; I will not post those pictures). The staff reflected the nature of almost all Costa Ricans - very friendly and helpful. They are really wonderful people.

I had countless occassions to put my recovery program into action these past days. I try to always do that, but it seemed that most events and situations were magnified. Maybe because I was out of my comfort zone. Certainly, the Steps of AA provided me with the way to handle all things, when I chose to utilize them.

12 comments:

Lee said...

Welcome back! Glad you had a good trip and all went well.

Hmm...I wonder. Another blogger (Jimbo in DC) was also supposed to go on a group trip there this past week but had to back out at the last minute. I wonder if the two of you were on the same excursion?

My adventures said...

sounds like fun!!!

lushgurl said...

Welcome back dAAve...Someday I too will be able to travel to beautiful places and come home to tell all about it, of course it will be because I am sober and able to remember it all! In the mean time, looking forward to seeing the pics ( my vicarious vacation!!!)

ArahMan7 said...

Welcome back, dAAve. Love to read about your stay in Costa Rica. The best part, returned to Houston -- clean and sober.

Mary Christine said...

Daave! I am so glad to see your post. I missed you more than I would have expected! Your trip sounds great. Love the photo. Can't wait to see/hear more.

Anonymous said...

I want to be in that picture please.wow.Lucky you and bf.
Good to hear you had a wonderful time! Thanks for sharing and looking forwards to more pics :)

JJ said...

Welcome home - I missed you. Your travels sound great and I want to be on the hammock right now.
Loves ya baby,
JJ

Scott M. Frey said...

sounds like a wonderful, relaxing trip dAAve,I am glad you made it back in one piece and sober!

Shannon said...

Its sounds like you guys had sooo much fun! and clothing optional...hmmm what was that like?
anyways get settled back in and looking forward to hearing about your trip and seeing some of the pics

An Irish Friend of Bill said...

yipes. the clothing optional part just makes me want to head off down the gym! very brave!
I like the bit about being outside the comfort zone. Being someone who is terribly used to 'bad' things, that can only ever be a good thing. For me, the scary unfamiliar stuff is nearly always a very healthy thing.
Anyway, glad you guys had a good break and all that. nice to see you back!

Meg Moran said...

So glad you are back and had a great time! Next time you go please leave us a better pic to look at instead of that guy with the laced up neck...YUK! Everytime I checked your blog...there is was STILL!

piglet said...

dear god you make it sound like heaven. as for the gay resort, can non-gay folks go?

clothing optional sounds really awesome, something i've wanted to try before i get too old :)

missed you lots and lots!!!