Costa Rica was lovely.  It is a prime retirement location, and I can see why.  Beautiful, lush landscapes and kind, friendly people.

I spent three weeks at a small hostel in Play Samara.  It was a 27-bed hostel that catered to young travelers.  I spent 4-hours a day manning the reception desk.  I checked in guests, offered directions, answered questions and scheduled taxi pick-ups for travelers.   This was my first experience working at a hostel, and I enjoyed the interaction with the guests and the staff was helpful when I wasn’t able to answer someone’s question.

In my spare time I was able to spend hours on the beach and evenings in the local cafes and pubs.  I will definitely return to Costa Rica.

Responsibilities:

• Front desk duties:
  • Guest check-ins (collecting fees, distributing keys, towels and taking reservations)
  • Providing directions and assistance to guests
  • Scheduling taxi pick-ups for guests
  • Recommending shopping locations and cafes

Extras:

• Aided a few potted plants in the reception area that were wilting
• Re-organized the collection of menus and brochures and laminated a small map for the front desk

Downtown Samara

The beach near the hostel.

The front desk where I spent my working hours.