My wife and I were fortunate enough to win a trip to Costa Rica to a resort called Latitude 10. We had a wonderful time hanging out at the resort, relaxing and adventuring into the surrounding area. Latitude 10 describes themselves as follows:

It was designed to be small with beautifully arranged private casitas, so that guests may purchase the whole resort and enjoy with friends or families, and individual guests and couples can come knowing that they will feel like they have their own room on the beach with every amenity they could wish for, close at hand. Set on natural gardens, the whole eco-resort was created around the principles of sustainability so that you can enjoy this level of luxury while knowing the surrounding wildlife and nature is being protected. No trees were cut down to build Latitude 10 and we will be happy to show you our sustainable initiatives that guide our operations.

I would sum it up as “luxury camping.” Your casita is completely open to the elements and hidden from the other casitas. The shower and toilet are outdoors (which is pretty nice once you get used to it). They clean your room twice a day including setting up your mosquito net and lighting candles at night. There is a fridge in the room and a nice couch to relax on.

But… you are definitely outside. At night they close panels to keep the elements out, but you are still very close to nature.

Here are 10 tips for enjoying your stay at the Latitude 10 Resort:

1. Fans – This is the most important tip. As soon as you book your trip, request a fan for the duration of your stay. Our trip was really divided in to two parts – the nights we slept and the nights we didn’t. Costa Rica is hot. It’s also very humid. The fans on the ceilings of the master casita we stayed in did nothing to move the air. Once we got the bed-side fan (they only have a few) it was 100 percent different.
2. Itinerary and the beaches – The folks at Latitude 10 are great about staying on top of your activities during your stay. Lean on them to help you find plenty of things to do. They were always prompt at returning my emails before I went and kept us on schedule while we were there. Also, you can’t really swim on the beaches at the resort (see rocky shore pictures below). At high tide it looks harmless enough, but at low tide you can see why it is so dangerous. Make sure you talk to the Latitude 10 folks about where you can go to safely swim or surf.




3. Internet Access – There is very spotty Internet access at Latitude 10. They told me they are improving it soon, but currently they share access with the resort next door. Bad Internet access is actually a bonus, allowing you to enjoy your vacation by sucking up nature, rather than surfing Facebook. If you do need the Internet, the best access in the area is at a cafe called “The Bakery” in town. Latitude 10 offers safes in the room, and my 17 inch laptop easily fit.



4. Look out for flying fruit and lizards There are really funny red squirrels who hang out in the trees near the “clubhouse.” They like to take the fruit/nuts off the trees and throw them down at the people hanging around the pool. Also, were tons of lizards all over the resort and throughout Costa Rica. I ventured around the resort taking lizard photos and put a few of my favorites below.



5. Order a “Pina” – One of the gentleman who worked the bar/restaurant made awesome pineapple smoothies. I had one or two a day, a great way to relax by the pool (pictured below).



6. Get up early – The best pictures come of the resort and the surrounding area happen during the “golden hour” (an hour after sunrise). As the day goes on, the air becomes very steamy and sight-seeing and photography becomes much harder (not to mention that it gets very hot). If you get up early enough you may see these funny little orange and purple crabs (picture below). During the time we were there it was egg laying season. You can see in the picture all of the eggs this crab was ready to hide in the sand.



7. Bring mosquito sting relief – The resort provides natural/organic bug spray and sunscreen. Unfortunately, the bug spray didn’t work too well for Amanda and she ended up spotted like a Dalmatian. Be sure to bring some sort of lotion to combat the bites you do get.
8. Bring several good books – Amanda and I typically run all over the place when we are on vacation. Now that Parker is around, I’m sure we’ll spend much of our vacation time bouncing between zoos, aquariums and amusement parks (all good by me). This vacation was different. We spent the majority of our time sitting on the beach, swimming in the pool and generally relaxing. There isn’t a ton to do in the area if you don’t like surfing, so take advantage of the quiet time to kick back.



9. Rent an ATV – Amanda and I had a great time driving from the resort to Santa Teresa and then around the horn to Montezuma. This is a scenic route on mostly dirt roads (all of the roads in this area of Costa Rica are dirt and poorly maintained). From Montezuma to Mal Pais you can either go back the way you came or take this very adventurous road with tons of very steep roads and treacherous drop-offs. This route is NOT for the feint of heart, but is fun if you want an adventure.



10. Eat at Koji’s – This was easily the best restaurant we visited in Costa Rica and probably the best sushi I’ve ever had. Order the “Koji Roll.”

The last “tip” would be to get to know the people who work there. They are all very nice, speak clear English and can tell you all about this fascinating section of the world.

Latitude 10 was a great resort to relax – I 100 percent recommend it. Check back later for more posts about our experience in Costa Rica.

Here are some tips I have after a week of driving around Las Vegas as a tourist for 7 days this Summer:

1. Take your GPS – everyone has one, and they are expensive from the rental service
2. Don’t take the gas option – gas just off the Strip is cheaper than airport gas
3. Get familiar with the following North and South running streets:
   • Paradise Rd gets you from the Hilton to the airport with not too many stop lights
   • The Strip – besides 8p to 2a, this is a fun and exciting way to get around
   • Koval Road – this is the entrance road to most of the casinos on the Eastern side of The Strip
   • S. Valley View Road – a little more “seedy” but still useful for travel on the West side of the strip
4. Get familiar with the casinos on the strip and utilize the roads named after them including: Sahara, Desert Inn, Flamingo, Harmon and Tropicana
5. Be sure to pay close attention to the “self-park” signs for each casino, most are behind the casinos, but a few (like the Wynn and City Center) are right off of the strip
6. Stay in your lane – unlike in most cities, Las Vegas does not use paint to divide lanes, instead using round reflectors – this took me a day or so to get used to
7. Remember that half a mile from the strip, Las Vegas is a normal city. Make use of the restaurants, gas stations, Walmarts, Walgreens, etc.
8. Take your rental car back early. The complex is a bus ride away from the terminal and can take as much as 45 minutes to return your car and get to the airport.

Renting a car is a great way to see all that Las Vegas has to offer. I highly suggest renting one on your next trip.

On our first full day in Las Vegas, Parker, Amanda and I spent a good deal of the day at the pool at the Las Vegas HIlton. We rented a cabana to avoid some of the heat (it was 106 degrees). Here are some benefits of renting at cabana at the Las Vegas Hilton:

1. Avoid the direct sun light (especially if you’re as pale as me). There are other cabana like structures, but none with the sun blocking ability of the cabanas.
2. Flat-screen tv in the cabana for watching sports, catching up on the news or to provide noise to nap to.
3. Twenty free non-alcoholic drinks are including with choices of Coke, Diet Coke, Cranberry and Apple Juice, Sprite, Diet Sprite and water. It was hot, and we still ended up bringing some back
4. Soft couches to sit on including a few lounge chairs to drag out into the sun
5. Privacy to pull shut the cabana door if you need to change
6. A ceiling fan to blow around all that hot air
7. Plugs for your computer or cell phone
8. A lockable safe to protect your stuff

All of this for $125. For a few bucks extra you can rent a cabana that overlooks the strip with more of mesh walls to let the breeze flow through.

After spending the day in the pool, the three of us ventured down to the MGM Grand Casino to eat a the Rainforest Cafe. We figured Parker would love it – unfortunately, he slept through the whole thing.

Below are some more pictures from Day 1. You can see the whole set by visiting my flickr page here.

Pool at the Hilton Las Vegas

Parker going for a swim

Parker sleeping with the fishes

Sunset at MGM Grand Casino

Sunset on Day 1

This post (for the most part) is being written at about 18,900 ft on a flight to Atlanta. We’re flying through a storm and this is keeping my mind off of the turbulence. Typically, I use my Jedi mind tricks to keep the flight smooth, but the Claritin is blocking the pathways.

There has been a lot of talk lately about the air traveler’s bill of rights (protecting passengers from airlines), and new legislation surrounding wait times on the tarmac. Below is my manifesto on airplane etiquette (protecting passengers from each other). If everyone would follow these simple ten rules, no one would mind a little extra wait on the ground.

1. Know how to go through security – This is the fastest way because it lets you put everything back together (from the ground up):
   • Shoes on the belt first
   • Then carry on
   • Then liquids in a bag, in a “hat bin”
   • Then your computer bag
   • Then your computer in a bin
   • Then your jacket, sweater, etc.
2. Security applies to you, too – Yes, you have to take your shoes off, no we don’t care that you have to completely unpack to remove your liquids. Have you been living under a rock for the last nine years? Just do it.
3. Carry-ons – A few simple rules here:
1. if you can’t lift it over your head, and you’re less than 70 years old, leave it at home.
2. It’s called carry on because you need to carry it on to the plane. Your roller board will not roll down the aisle, and you will hit me with it.
3. Put your computer bag under the seat in front of you. I don’t care if it is your only bag, no one wants to have to put their luggage behind them or have to check it.
4. Personal Music – I appreciate that you purchased headphones that are loud enough for me to enjoy, but I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t. Simply remove your headphones and if you can still hear the music, it’s probably too loud.
5. Head Phones as a Signal – If I’m wearing headphones, I don’t want to talk to you unless I have to. I’ve probably had a long day, I’ve probably been on multiple flights, and I’m probably trying to avoid listening to your music. Don’t bother trying to talk to me, I’m ignoring you.
6. Please don’t touch my seat – Use the arm rests to stand up and the overhead bins to balance yourself in the aisle. And, for the love of God, please tell your kid to stop kicking me.
7. Stay in your seat – If you don’t fit in your seat, buy two or sit in first class. You can also call the airline and ask which flights are partially full and then you can typically sit by yourself (I call this “Poor Man’s first class”. If you do fit, stay off of my side.
8. Get out of your seat – Be ready to deplane as soon as possible when it is your turn. Have your under-the-seat-bag ready and have a light enough carry on to be able to pull it out on the move. We all have connections to get to.
9. We all have connections – Don’t bother asking to get in front of me in the aisle as we deboard. One – you don’t fit. Two – it will save you about 12 seconds. Three – I have a connection, too. Four – the guy in front me of is going to ignore you.
10. Have a nice day – All the above rules aside, just be nice to your fellow passengers, and treat them the way you expect to be treated, and we’ll all get there with our sanity. (Also, don’t take your shoes off and pick your toe jam – the guy beside me is doing that RIGHT NOW.)

 

Like my rules above? Think I’m ridiculous? Put your own stories or additions to the rules in the comments below.

]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/airplane-etiquette/feed/ 2 http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/john-wilsons-current-reading-list/ http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/john-wilsons-current-reading-list/#comments Sat, 30 Jan 2010 23:32:55 +0000 John Wilson http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/?p=439 by John Wilson

 

Inspired by my friend Lauren’s Website about Books I wanted to list a few of the books I am reading now. I’m typically a nonfiction book reader, but every once in a while I’ll pick up a classic. Mostly because it makes me feel smart. I also have a habit of reading more than one book at a time. So here is what’s in my “library” currently:

 

I’m on page 150 of 900! of Ayn Rand’s Atlas Shrugged. This is one of those books that I’ve always wanted to read, and had heard great things about, but have never taken the time to pick it up. The story is great so far, the lessons (at least 1/6 of the way through) are timely and the characters well-developed. I’m looking forward to knocking this one off, as it was one of my New Years Resolutions to finish it.

 

Another one of my resolutions was to read the Bible. You can read my adventures of purchasing a Bible here. Instead of plowing through it from page 1, I found a great website that guides you through it depending on your interests. Go to Bible Gateway.com to choose your path. I am using this one.

 

I recently finished Glenn Beck’s Arguing with Idiots. Regardless of how you feel about Beck’s politics, his books are always humorous and well written. This book shines a very bright, conservative light, at subjects such as the economy, unions and the public school system. I believe it’s a strong read for folks on both sides of the aisle.

 

And, with only a week or two to spare, I’m reading Caveman’s Guide to Baby’s First Year: Early Fatherhood for the Modern Hunter-Gatherer. I’m only a quarter of the way through this book, but it is very informative and entertaining. It leans a little too much on the caveman history side, but the baby-content is very useful and friendly.

 

Lots to read, and coming soon, probably very little time or energy to read.

]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/john-wilsons-current-reading-list/feed/ 2 http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/go-away-in-2010/ http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/go-away-in-2010/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 17:04:21 +0000 John Wilson http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/?p=354 by John Wilson

 

These are 9 things I hope go away from my TV in 2010:

• We are… – No, you ARE NOT. You are NOT Marshall. They came up with this, it has deep meaning there. Stop stealing it. It’s rude and disrespectful.
• Verizon vs. AT&T commercials – They’re not funny, and AT&T’s commercials are horrible. When was the last time you needed to talk on the phone and surf the web at the same time? Being able to surf is meaningless if you don’t have a signal.
• ASPCA Commercials – I have to change the channel every time. If I donate, will they stop sending the signals to my TV?
• “Now more than ever” – This is trite, boring, lazy, over used and adds nothing to the conversation. For the love of the animals, please stop.
• “If you call in the next five minutes.” – Please stop insulting our intelligence. You don’t know when these commercials play, and there’s no way your operators in India are sitting around with stop watches.
• Kidz Bop – Creepy
• Mac vs. PC commercials – There are 100 reasons here, but frankly, the PC guy is way cooler than the geeky kid from Ed.
• Drug Commercial Disclaimers – I’m pretty tired of these commercials that tell what the drug does for 12 seconds and then spends then next 48 or 78 seconds telling us all the different ways it will give you diarrhea, mood swings, and possible death. Driving could do each of those, but I don’t have to listen to a disclaimer every time a Toyota commercial comes on.
• “Outside of the box” – If you have to tell someone your thinking or your policy is “outside of the box,” it probably isn’t. Inside the box is the new outside of the box.

Picture thanks to videocrab via Flickr

]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/go-away-in-2010/feed/ 4 http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-9-sites-i-used-in-2009/ http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-9-sites-i-used-in-2009/#comments Thu, 31 Dec 2009 12:00:32 +0000 John Wilson http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/?p=319 by John Wilson

To wrap up the year, I thought it would be interesting to look back through the logs and book marks and figure out what sites I used the most in 2009. Here are the unscientific results. This list does not include application based sites such as gmail, google calendars, etc.

 

1. Facebook
2. Netvibes – RSS Reader
3. Metacritic – consolidated movie/games/DVD reviews
4. Gamespot – Video Game News and Reviews
5. Sherdog – all things MMA/UFC
6. Flickr – picture storage and community
7. ESPN
8. Hulu – catching up on Hell’s Kitchen, and many others
9. Rotten Tomatoes – consolidated movie reviews
]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-9-sites-i-used-in-2009/feed/ 0 http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-10-geekiest-gifts-you-didnt-get-for-christmas/ http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-10-geekiest-gifts-you-didnt-get-for-christmas/#comments Wed, 30 Dec 2009 12:00:32 +0000 John Wilson http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/?p=314 by John Wilson

 

Here are the top 7 coolest geek presents you didn’t get this year for Christmas:

 



Hunk-a-Junk

1. The Arkeg – 50% Kegerator, 50% Video Game, 100% cool
2. Sharp 3D Computer Monitor – Just Say No to goofy headwear
3. Legos Millennium Falcon 5,000 Legos and it does point five past light speed
4. Alien Gnome Bandits – as seen in SkyMall
5. Name a Species – Name a species of bug after a friend or family member
6. 108 inch TV – Mario. Life-sized.
7. $55,000 Foosball Table
]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/top-10-geekiest-gifts-you-didnt-get-for-christmas/feed/ 0 http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/lists-top-10-movies-of-2009-i-need-to-see-in-2010/ http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/lists-top-10-movies-of-2009-i-need-to-see-in-2010/#comments Tue, 29 Dec 2009 12:00:06 +0000 John Wilson http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/?p=304 by John Wilson

 

In an effort to write more, and my enjoyment of Top 10 lists, here is my first entry:

 

Top 10 Movies from 2009, I Need to See in 2010:

 

10. Zombieland
9. Paranormal Activity
8. Star Trek – This will be my first Star Trek movie, ever.
7. Taken
6. Nine – Simply for the star power.
5. The Blind Side – I hope the movie is better than the book.
4. The Hurt Locker – Super excited about this one.
3. Avatar – Despite James Cameron.
2. Saw VI – One of my favorite movie series.
1. Up in the Air

]]> http://www.whereisjohnwilson.com/lists-top-10-movies-of-2009-i-need-to-see-in-2010/feed/ 1