Illinois or Costa Rica?

My niece Sela's yearbook was just published.  In it she listed her favorite hobby, TV show, etc.  She also mentioned her favorite vacation spot- Illinois.  I was quite flattered.  Her mother said other kids had listed places like Costa Rica.

That got me to thinking.  I do not think Sela has been to Costa Rica so how could she really compare.  So I did a bit of research for her.  Here is how I think we here at the pond in Illinois would compare to Costa Rica.

According to the mytanfeet.com website there are 50 exciting things to do in Costa Rica.  I have listed some of them below and then listed a comparable activity here at the pond.

Number 1

In Costa Rica, you can go horseback riding.  Well you can do that here.  Our neighbors have four horses that can give you anything from a tame ride all the way to a more rambunctious ride.  As long as I ply our neighbors with zucchini bread (the kids love it) to stay on their good side, I'm sure they'd let us ride their horses.  And I have plenty of zucchini.

Number 3

In Costa Rica, the website authors say that going on a sunset cruise in Guanacaste would be item number 3.  We have sunsets here at the pond and a new paddle boat.  It will not be quite as relaxing as the sunset cruise in Guanacaste as you have to provide your own foot power but it is fun.  We even have a built in cooler and lots of drink holders.

Number 6

Golfing is apparently big in Costa Rica.  Well, we have a golf course really close to us out here in the country.  It is owned by our concrete guy.  Ask Heath and Suzanne about their experiences hitting a bucket of balls on this course.

Number 11

Costa Rica serves cops and churchills which are ice cream treats.  We can compare.  We have a Dairy Queen in town and we have been known to make our own ice cream.  Sela was here last summer when we sealed milk and sugar inside bags of ice and rock salt and tossed them around the room until we had a frozen treat.

Number 16

Kayak fish.  Been there done that.  Laura and Blackie fish from our kayaks all the time.  Of course, she usually has to come to shore to get Mike to help her get her fish off the line but still.

Number 17

SUP or stand up paddle boarding.  We have one of those too.  Just the other day Mike got on it for the first time.

Number 22

In Costa Rica, they highlight their sport fishing.  We have sport fishing.  Where else can you catch a fish nearly every cast and sometimes without bait?  Both Sela and Eli have had that experience at the pond.

Number 24

The website authors mention playing with puppies on the beach.  That is nothing.  We have four dogs and one puppy who not only play with you but they fish too.  Buddy, the golden retriever, actually caught one fish last year and is trying to top his record this summer season.

I believe I have made my case.  Sela would make an excellent travel agent.  She knows a good vacation spot when she sees one.