http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdAbnqcoqR8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmZvrwv3ESQ

Little did Jane Goodall’s and Dian Fossey’s colleague, Birute Galdikas realize in 1971 after arriving in the Borneo rain forest that 40 years later she would still be conducting the longest term research about these illusive red apes Indonesians call “Person of the Forest.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovW0CW4DITw

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i8oAH9joZIE

Get more Costa Rica Vacation Tips here.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfMcO5B5FF8

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVRUkG7t37Q

The Goldberger Family

San Diego, CA

“We thoroughly enjoyed our stay at the Discovery Beach House. Chef Desiree prepared exquisite meals that accommodated everyone’s desires and diverse needs. Juan and Cesar were very helpful and accommodating, even pointing out the local wildlife to our 5-year old. The housekeeping staff worked quietly and quickly to keep the house in beautiful condition, even with the seven of us living here. We’ll miss Diego & Frida and wish we could fit Diego in our suitcase.

We always looked forward to the “Monkey Hour” when we were entertained by their antics and acrobatics.

We highly recommend the Titi Canopy Tour! It was so well organized and run. Our 5-year old had a blast! Sancho’s and Agua Azul were delicious, and the only thing that surpassed the view from Rafael’s Terrazas was the food. Excellent! Thank you Susan for coordinating all of our activities.

Thank you David & Evelyn for opening your beautiful home to us!

Pura Vida!”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=flqGeZqE4xs

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XN6SJFJ2UoY

Brent & Bronwyn McFarlen, Allisa, Olivia, Liam and Glen

Oakville, Ontario, Canada

“What can I say about your beautiful home, wonderful staff and amazing country, I’m speechless! Today is a very sad morning that we have to leave here and return to the cold and snow of Oakville, Ontario, Canada (west of Toronto).

Your house was such a treat to stay in, the plants, the beds, the balcony, the pool & hot tub.  We had monkeys (white face) visit us every day, sometimes 3 or 4 times, one day we had 8.  Lizards, small rodents, which looked like guinea pigs [tempesquintles] and so many wonderful song birds.  Oh, and can’t forget our sloth friend.

Your staff were wonderful.  Thank you Susan for booking all of our amazing excursions (zipline, park tour, deep sea fishing, ATV tour) and for retrieving my lost Visa card. Whew! Your husband’s restaurant, “Villas Nicolas” was sooo good.  Thank you Juan for keeping the grounds beautiful, teaching us Spanish, helping us so, so much. Smiling Juan, you made our trip very special. Your guard dogs: Frida and Diego (in training).  Diego and I are best of pals, Frida not so much.  Cleaning ladies Lilliam (most of the week) and Gabriela (Friday & Saturday) were so great.  House was kept spotless, lots of fresh towels and bedding. They even washed our clothes, what service!

Costa Rica is now by far our favourite sunshine destination.  The jungle, the beach, the food (my new favourite cuisine, sorry Italy) and the people (nicest and most patient with our poor Spanish).  Thank you Evelyn for letting us switch our week from July to January. Oops, almost forgot Desiree, our chef for two days. OMG!! The food was the best we have ever had and such a wonderful lady.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-YksdmL8jpE

Chuck Zander

Tucson, AZ

“We thought after 2 weeks last year that a month this year would be just about right. Wrong again – no one wants to go home!

As “Desert Rats” from Arizona we again were amazed by the beautiful setting you have created for this wonderful home.  Susan the Concierge, the cleaning ladies and the yardmen were again just fantastic.

The consideration of a place similar or better than this is just downright impossible!

Our very best to you and yours and thanks again.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QyO_hJSLeZo

This video excerpt is from National Geographic. Watch the original here.

Sometimes Mother Nature commands your attention, gets you out of your head and for one brief, magic moment makes you a part of it all.

That’s exactly what happened this morning at the Discovery Beach House, our Costa Rica vacation villa. I spotted two Green Basilisk lizards sunning themselves by the pool. They’re also known as Jesus Christ lizards because of their quirky ability to walk on water.

Technically they run on water. They have long fringed toes on their hind feet.When threatened they stand upright and run across water using their tails for balance. They spread their toes and run slapping their feet hard against the surface of the water, creating a pocket of air between their feet and the water, which keeps them from sinking. The trick is they have to sustain a speed of 5 feet per second, otherwise, eventually gravity wins out and they have to resort to their excellent swimming skills to avoid predators.

Both Basilisks were males with distinctive high crests on their heads and backs. These crests serve to impress the ladies. I approached the first male cautiously to get a closer look. He quickly jumped in the pool and did his Jesus Christ thing. I had one of those “duh” moments and ran back for my video camera hoping the second male would still be there. No worries. When I returned Jesus Christ lizard #2 stood at the edge of the pool about 20 feet beyond but before I could get any closer he jumped in the water and bolted for the other side. I managed to get only the briefest long distance footage.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYCX-KjDKV4

There are things in nature so fascinating and wonderful they stop you in your tracks, like a Jesus Christ lizard walking on water. I’m so grateful to be living on a private nature reserve and so grateful to be able to share it with you from Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica.

Paradise Awaits!

Evelyn

Wild &Wacky Facts:

• Class: Reptile
• Scientific Name: Basiliscus plumifrons
• Aka: Plumed Basilisk, Double Crested Basilisk, Jesus Christ Lizard
• Family: Iguana
• Average life span in captivity: 7-10 years (less in the wild due to predators)
• Diet: Omnivore – eats plants, insects, fruit, and small vertebrates
• Measures: 2 to 2.5 ft.
• Weighs: 7 oz. to 1 lb. 5 oz.
• Habitat: Tropical rain forest