A Travel Photo Favorite

I am not sure when I will get around to posting the travelogue from our trip to Costa Rica in 2006, so I want to share the story of one of my all time favorite travel photos. In the weeks leading up to our trip to Costa Rica, I had promised my husband that if I had the opportunity to hold a tarantula, I would do it. I am terrified of spiders, so this was a brave plan. When we visited Monteverde, we went to a butterfly garden for a tour. In the midst of the tour, Stephen pointed to the guide and said, “what’s that in your pocket?” We all looked down to see a little face poking out. It was a baby variegated squirrel, and he was adorable! Happily, the guide passed the little guy to me, and he promptly fell asleep in my hand. I was in seventh heaven.

After walking around for a bit, we came to a room showcasing different Costa Rican insects and arachnids. You guessed it. One of them was a tarantula, which we were welcome to hold. Although my resolve to face that challenge was strong, there was no way a tarantula could compete with a baby squirrel. Stephen claimed it was almost the same because they are both furry. I was simply not going to give up the squirrel until it was absolutely necessary, and in my book, tarantula holding is not necessary. I held on to my new friend until he woke up hungry and was ready for a snack. I promise the next NEXT time I have an opportunity, I will hold a tarantula. Unless something cuter comes along first.

Check out more of Stephen’s pictures of Costa Rica.