Today I am packing for a 9 day trip to Costa Rica. Keeping our costs as low as possible for this trip, as it is not really in the budget, but it is time to celebrate 25 years of marriage. What better way than the two of us going to our favorite place on earth. Our anniversary is in May, however we are blessed with much work in the coming months and an open schedule this week, it makes it the perfect time to get away. Cheap air fare, hostelworld.com and $8 public bus transportation is making this trip a true adventure.

I consider myself a minimalist. When compared to articles in magazines like REAL SIMPLE or Martha Stewart’s LIVING, maybe not so much. But, we have pared down from what used to occupy a 5,000 sq ft house and a 3,000 sq ft photography studio to now a 2 bedroom 1 bath ocean view apartment. So, yes… by many standards, I have become a minimalist, a little crazy, or both.

Packing for 9 nights in one backpack for the two of us might be a bit of a challenge, but I think we can do it.  Two of our nights will be spent on an airplane, so that’s easy. Five nights will be in a hostel that is a seashell’s throw to the beach where the highs are 95 degrees and not many clothes are needed. I figure a bathing suit, couple tank tops and shorts should do it.  Our last two nights will be in the small town of Grecia, just north of the capital city of San Jose. Two sundresses will be plenty here. Throw in a couple headbands, flip flops and maybe a tube of lipstick and I am ready to go. I have found that the less I carry, the more I can focus on the experiences and people around me.

On past trips, I lugged extra camera bodies, a variety of lenses and other photography essentials, only to be concerned about them during travel. Slowing down the process of going through security, finding room on the plane and then making sure nothing gets broken or stolen. This adventure, my gear will only consist of my Samsung Note 4 cell phone camera. I have enjoyed photography in a new way with this ultra portable equipment, that is always in my pocket. (see Icelandic Adventures  where 80% of these were taken with my cell phone) I cleared the extra sd memory card, so that I can shoot at the highest 16 mega pixel resolution.  I might not get the close up white faced capuchin monkeys, or a sloth wrapped on a branch, like I did on other trips, but I am ok with that.  This is not a photography expedition, but a time to swing from the trees and celebrate with the love of my life. Follow our journey through the week on my facebook page.