Page 24 September 2012 A Costa Rican visitor at Tamarindo, better known for its incredible sur fi ng. Costa Rican visit provides a laid-back experience By Kaley Kalil Tyler Christensen, 33, has lived and worked around the Arcadia area for more than 15 years. He currently is general manager at The Little Woody, a neighborhood bar and hangout at 42 nd Place and Indian School Road. But, it’s not all work for Christensen. He recently returned home from a 14-day vacation with friends in Costa Rica. “I went to Costa Rica for the sheer natural beauty of the place,” he said. Christensen, who said he usually prefers traveling to bustling cities and major metropolitan areas, ventured to try a more relaxed approach this vacation. “We chose to rent a car. … We could stop when we wanted or take the road less Continued on page 25 One appointment. Expert doctors. Convenient services. 4350 E. Camelback Rd., Ste F100 Phoenix, AZ 85018 602.955.8700 • FPSAZ.com Because caring for your health has always been our passion, we’ve made the following services conveniently available in our office. • Excellent care for all ages • Same day appointments • On-site clinical laboratory and X-rays • Dermal fillers Perlane and Restylane • Botox and Obagi skin care now available Celebrating 43 years of family care Mark A. Wyse, M.D. Ira H. Ungar, M.D. Karin O’Clair, D.O. M.D. Allan Goldman, D.O. David Francyk, D.O. T.E. McCauley, M.D. Kate Montgomery, FNP Heidi Ungar, D.O. John Stathakis, D.O. (Dermatologist) Charles Levison, M.D. P e d i a t r i c D e n t i s t r y & O r t h o d o n t i c s www.camelback pedoor tho.com 44th Street & Camelback Road 602-595-3531 V isit us and see the the many ways we can care for your family. D r . J e n M i r a b e l l i B o a r d C e r t i f i e d O r t h o d o n t i s t D r . R o b M i r a b e l l i B o a r d C e r t i f i e d P e d i a t r i c D e n t i s t

Page 25 September 2012 Neighbor Continued from page 24 traveled if we wanted to,” he said. Christensen and his friends went zip lining through the jungle canopy in Jaco, dug their toes in the sand at the international sur fi ng mecca of Tamarindo and ended their 14-day journey at a private rental home called Tres Amigos in La Isla Palo Seco. “For a true off-the-grid experience, we stayed in a small three-bedroom bungalow steps from the beach where the sands are a deep, charcoal black and the softest beach I have ever walked on,” he said. When asked what he ate throughout the trip, Christensen responded, “I pretty much survived on Imperial beer and Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken).” “Minor, the groundskeeper at Tres Amigos, made me the most amazing ceviche I have ever had in my life. He had caught the fi sh that morning in the small estuary behind our bungalow. The food is fresh and simple in Costa Rica.” Christensen spoke little Spanish throughout his travels, but said most of the native Costa Ricans, who were friendly and welcoming, spoke very good English. He considered his time at the Rio Celeste River to be the highlight of the trip. Located in the Tenorio Volcano National Park and surrounded by rainforest, the Rio Celeste is a volcanic hot spring that merges with a natural spring, resulting in the phenomenon of clear water turning blue. “There are two major attractions along this one hike – the hot spring lagoons and a 60-foot waterfall into a deep lagoon,” Christensen said. “Howler monkeys were in the canopy above us and as soon as we entered the water in the hot springs, it began to rain as only it can in the rainforest. There we were, in the middle of paradise, in a hot spring, with the intense rain coming down in sheets. Amazing experience.” This wasn’t Christensen’s fi rst overseas adventure. He’s traveled quite a bit throughout Europe and all over the U.S. Croatia is next on his list. “I love Eastern Europe and would love to see more of it,” he said. Christensen said the whole Costa Rica trip was relatively inexpensive. He was able to buy his roundtrip airfare for about $600. The rental car for 14 days cost the group of four about $600, and cabin rentals went for around $50 a night. “I’d do it all over again,” he said. “Everyone should experience Pura Vida at least once in their lifetime. When you see other countries and experience other cultures, it opens your eyes to the beauty of the world and makes you realize the gift of life and your place in this world. Travel makes you appreciate people and this world.” Traveled lately or know someone who has? Contact Kaley at kaley.kalil@gmail.com. NMLS# 259199 / BK0902429 / NOVA NMLS# 3087 JASON WOJTYNA “Your Local Arcadia Lender” Call 602.568.8221 IS THE TIME TO REFI! 30-year fixed rates in the 3’s 15-year fixed rates in the 2’s www.NovaHomeLoans.com/Jason.Wojtyna A f t e r t e n y e a r s o n C a m e l b a c k R o a d , w e a r e m o v i n g ! Everything is on Sale! Up to 70% off our entire inventory H o u s e w a r e s & G i f t s A n t i q u e s & F u r n i s h i n g s A p p a r e l & J e w e l r y 4 2 2 5 E a s t C a m e l b a c k R o a d 6 0 2 - 7 7 8 - 9 7 7 7 w w w. t r o u v e h o m e . c o m i n f o @ t r o u v e h o m e . c o m O p e n Tu e s d a y - F r i d a y 1 0 - 5 S a t u r d a y s 1 0 - 2 Visit our new location in Old Town as of October 1st 7129 East 1st Avenue in Scottsdale