McDougall Adventures

Costa Rica McDougall Adventure February, 2007

- Joyce and Al, Henderson, NV

Ken and I had the time of our lives in COSTA RICA! We had been off and on vegetarians/vegans but this trip but us solidly, irrevocably into a healthy McDougall lifestyle that I believe will improve our health and well being and GIVE US MANY MANY HAPPY YEARS TOGETHER. THANK YOU!!!!!! Well, I could go on and on, I haven't even mentioned the MANTA RAYS!!!!!!!! AWESOME!!! THANKS AGAIN for an incredible, adventurous vacation as well as PRICELESS info on how to live long and prosper!!

- Madeline, Chandler, AZ

My only regret was that I did not have a chance to thank you personally for the "Perfect Holiday". It was obvious how hard you had worked to make sure it was wonderful for us all. One of the best ones I've ever had. The most fun and the best people (I made a lot of new friends). I also really enjoyed your lectures. I left the week with a bigger commitment than ever to live a healthy life. Did I mention how wonderful the food was?

- Rita, Gilbert, AZ

I knew very little about what I was getting into! I had never heard of Dr. McDougall or his passion. I too am passionate about life and went as a willing participant. I have been blessed with a second chance to get life right in other areas of my life, and thought fish and veges was a superb diet for a meat and potatoes gal. During this adventure, not only did I get the physical activities of a lifetime, I was very "educated" on health and good diet. I learned a lot, saw a lot, did a lot and met some lifelong friends. I am truly grateful for this opportunity to have the education and memories of my best vacation ever! I have "rearranged my refrigerator" for the McDougall way!!

- Molly, Huntington Beach, CA

Thank you very much for putting together a truly memorable vacation. We are delighted to say that this trip exceeded our expectations and we are heartily recommending it to our friends. We came back feeling refreshed, invigorated, educated, and inspired. My wife and I are both very healthy to begin with, but the changes we have decided to make as a result of your good example will certainly add many years to our lives and for this we are most grateful. You are both beacons in a world of darkness.

- Ken, Chandler, AZ

Nick and I would like to thank you SO much for providing us such a wonderful vacation experience as you did with the February 2007 Costa Rica trip. Last year's trip was so much fun we had to come back and do it again this year! We don't even know how to describe how fabulous it is to, well, just show up and not have to worry about a single detail. Truthfully, we're not sure if make the trek to Costa Rica for the fun, and the food is a bonus; or if we do it for the food and fun is the bonus! Either way, we get a much needed break from work, from the sameness of our day-to-day lives, and the chill of winter. Your evening lectures are the icing on the cake. Somehow you have managed to turn a couple of water-phobes into snorkeling fools who can't wait to dip into that warm ocean water again next February.

- Sue & Nick, Morgan Hill, CA

WOW!!! Whoever said that you could not be a kid again has definitely not been to Costa Rica! Everything was fantastic: the lectures, the very friendly group of new friends, the food and the fruit was out of this world and all the trips. I especially enjoyed the snorkeling—it's an underwater treasure hunt. Top of my list was seeing the little southern ray and the sea horse. My husband had a hard time getting me out of the water. I'm hooked! The sunshine was awesome. Everyone at Ocotal Resort was so friendly and helpful-especially Lucinda: her smile lights up the day. You can sign us up again for next Feb 2008.

- Lenore, Hemlock, MI

The 2007 Costa Rica adventure, our first McDougall experience, was a wonderful week. The efforts of the McDougalls, Tiffany, and others and the quality of the guides and staff were first rate. Between snorkeling, manta ray and whale watching, rafting near crocodiles, zip-lining, mud-bathing, etc., we never lacked for new experiences. Having all the meals provided and guaranteed as McDougall-safe eliminated one of the common time-consuming parts of a vacation. We were able to focus on enjoying the setting and meeting wonderful new people who care deeply about their diet and its effect on their personal health and the health of our planet. And despite eating too much of the delicious food, we did not gain weight. A highlight for us was to meet Dr. McDougall and to hear him lecture. His wise counsel on the importance of achieving good health via good diet is based on the best available science. We can only wish that more people could hear his message and that more medical doctors would follow in his footsteps.

- Earl & Mary, Lincoln, NE

The trip was incredible! I think I have a good two weeks of relaxation stored up to help me through the next few hectic work weeks. We went on several snorkeling excursions, saw schools of tropical fish, humpback whales, dolphins, eels, and manta rays. One of our friends had a sea horse hover right over the palm of her hand! We went on a river rafting trip, and saw crocodiles, howler monkey families, iguanas, birds, birds, birds, and bats, too. We swung all over the tree top canopy on zip lines. I will NEVER forget the image of your 83-year-old mother climbing up several series of steep steps and hills, and swinging from rickety platforms 60 feet up in the trees on zip lines. There was wonderful local entertainment every night, salsa lessons, a beach right down the hill, brilliant nature guides explaining the flora, fauna and culture to us. Good, good stuff! We were so impressed with the buffets, and I was certain that I had gained at least 10 pounds because I had to taste EVERYTHING at each meal (and "everything" was a LOT of food). But, instead I shed a couple pounds that I'd gained over the December holidays! Your presentations each evening were incredibly educational. We learned so much, especially how easily nutritional change creates almost instant health! My husband stopped taking his blood pressure meds the first day there, and upon returning, his blood pressure and pulse rate were that of a 20-year-old! We met families with kids raised on a plant-based diet who never had ear infections, strep throat, or allergies. It was amazing how you could literally see the health level of people based on how long they'd been eating this way. Now, we just wish someone would set up those gourmet buffets for us every day!

- Donna, Tucson, AZ

Thank you so very, very much for one of the best vacations ever! I never expected to meet so many friendly, kind, generous, funny, and intelligent people. My daughter, Dina, and I went on our daily excursions with one group of fantastic people, and then got to enjoy our dinner with another group of fantastic people. In between adventures and meals, we had the opportunity to meet and socialize with even more fascinating and friendly people. I especially miss all of the friends that we made. How wonderful to savor three scrumptious and healthy meals every day, plus a snack during Dr. McDougall's evening lectures. It was especially nice not having to worry about where to find healthy food for every meal while participating in daily trips that were such a blast!

- Terry & Dina, Chula Vista

Costa Rica 2007 was my first adventure vacation. My experiences and feelings were all good. I enjoyed myself immensely. The hotel staff, guides, waiters and others onsite and offsite deserve every bit of the gratuity they received. They were all warm, friendly, professional and with a good sense of humor. My warm feelings will last for a long time. God willing I will see you again on another adventure vacation.

- Zelma, Lauderdale Lakes, FL

What an experience! Waking up the first morning, after arriving after dark, and seeing the fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean set the tone! The adventure tours were excellent and the guides were knowledgeable, friendly and very helpful. The people had to be the highlight of the trip! We met many new friends that we expect to stay in touch with. It was great being with others who have the same goal of living a healthy lifestyle by adhering to a plant-based diet! Speaking of diet, no one would have thought any of us were on a diet judging from our plates all loaded down with the freshest of fruits, vegetables and an incredible array of main dishes prepared the McDougall way! The before dinner lectures given by Dr. McDougall were not only informative, but truly inspiring. We are motivated to bring the truth about healthy eating to our friends and family. On Sunday after arriving home on Thursday, we hosted a house blessing gathering in our new home for 30 or so people. All the food, which included a variety of salads and 2 soups were McDougall-inspired and every one of the carnivores there raved about the food! We can't say enough about the trip! It was a vacation bargain from beginning to end.

- Vince and Judi, Lago Vista, Texas

What a trip! I'm still thinking about it. Our adventure to Costa Rica will stand out in my mind as one of my all time favorite vacations. We saw and did more in the short time we were there than we have in years. The countryside itself and views are spectacular. The Ticos couldn't have been nicer. In the 2 ½ weeks we were in Costa Rica never did we run into an "attitude". The people were warm and welcoming with beautiful smiles and just as nice as they could be. The staff at El Ocotal Resort were amazingly congenial. The adventures were fun, fun, fun. The guides were most knowledgeable and fun to be with also. There was even time to relax. Those buffets were incredible and the presentation absolutely beautiful. I ate WAY too much. (I think I broke your record). I DID gain a few pounds. Last but not least, were the people we met, with whom we shared our meals and with whom we spent our group time. They helped to make the trip what it was, a great deal of pleasure. I know for us, some of those people will be in our hearts for a very long time and hopefully, even though geographically distanced, we will stay in touch with each other. Events like this do not happen by chance. We realize that much time and effort on the part of all of you is what helped to make this trip such a success for all of us. A huge thank you to you and Mary for even thinking of putting on such an extravaganza, to Tiffany for all of her efforts to make sure we were all where we were supposed to be, or not! To your family (children & grandchildren), to your mother (what a trooper she is in her 80s), and to all those who played a vital role in making this a very memorable trip.

- Pura Vida! Carol & Bill, Naples, FL

I have to say this was the best vacation I have ever had. The only thing that would have made it better would have been if my boyfriend could have joined me...but that gives me an excuse to go again...I know he will love it as much as I did. The adventure in Costa Rica was amazing but what made the trip the most memorable to me were all the wonderful people I met, some of which I will keep in touch with for life. The vegan food was amazing and I enjoyed and learned a lot from the nightly lectures. The other aspect of the vacation that I appreciate so much is you and your wife and your staff did all the hard work, the preparation, the planning, and the organizing. All I had to do was show up and enjoy myself. I feel refreshed and rested, not exhausted like so many vacations tend to leave me. The resort was beautiful as were all the Costa Rican people working at the resort. I felt very special because of the way we were all treated. God willing I will be back in July of 2007 or February of 2008. Thanks again for all your hard work and the Best Vacation Ever!

- Jo-Ann, Long Beach, CA

The rays were far from the only reason we loved the trip. We were

• wowed by the views,
• happy with the daily adventures (all of which were FUN!),
• thrilled with the food (which we didn't have to make for ourselves, even though we enjoy cooking * * * what a treat!),
• pleased to meet the other participants (such nice people!),
• engaged and motivated (as always) by your lectures, and
• impressed with the hospitality of the "Ticos."
• It was a perfect way for the 2 of us to spend a week together, including our evening star-gazing ritual without the light pollution of the big city.

In short, the trip was magic.

- Beth-ann and Richard, Fairfax, VA

The Costa Rica McDougall Adventure had (1) beautiful panoramas; (2) warm waters teaming with life; (3) fabulous food (once more thank you Mary for your guidance); (4) new friends; (5) John's lectures with all that useful information; (6) activities galore; and a good time was had by all. Thank you Tiffany for your organization and keeping all of us in line, Mary and Heather for the food; Heather and Brent for sharing their beautiful boys with us (Ben has large shoes to follow in Jaysen, but he seems up to the task); John for our health and his caring; the staff at El Ocotal Beach Hotel for serving us so well.

- Lynne and Roger, Bozeman, MT

Thank you McDougall Family! I had such a wonderful time in Costa Rica. I have wanted to go with you on a trip for several years so it was a much anticipated event. It fulfilled my every expectation and beyond. It was such a joy to be on a spectacular holiday and not have it marred by wondering where my next meal was coming from and what my choices would be. The food was tasty and I'd love to know how it was made, especially the flan and the corn soup. Yum! All the adventures were great fun. The accommodations and location were delightful. The staff and guides were the best. The talks given by Dr. McDougall were enjoyable and informative. (I certainly learned a lot.) And…I'm running out of words to describe it all. My husband is new to the McDougall Plan and he was very happy and satisfied with the trip. He loved the food and found the talks interesting, logical and "right on." All in all, it was a fantastic experience.

- Linda & Gary, Smithfield, NE.

Just wanted to say thank you for the great McDougall adventure. It was a great stress free family vacation. We have to say that we were very impressed with how organized you all were! One of the best parts was not having to worry about where we were going to find something to eat. How awesome to just walk (OK, we rode 3 times!) to the top of the hill and find a whole array of healthy and great tasting food! We also enjoyed all the adventures (those planned and not planned!) Each guide was so kind (especially to our children), humorous and knowledgeable. Each one of us had the time of our life from rafting down a river with the crocodiles (remembering that this is not a show but the real thing!) to swinging through the trees with the white faced monkeys! And we never heard "I'm bored " from our 3 and 7 year olds the whole week! Also, we feel blessed to have met the interesting and wonderful people that were part of the group. It felt like we were leaving part of our family. Thanks again for the awesome trip!!

- David, Angela, Arielle and Zachary, Wilmington, NC

I booked your adventure trip for a solid week of vegan food, warm climate and comfortable rooms. You exceeded my expectations with great lectures, great adventures, great food and even evening entertainment. To be surrounded by so many health conscious, friendly, fellow participants eager to share life and companionship made it truly a wonderful experience. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

- Ed, Rock Island, IL.

Oh! what a GRAND Adventure! It's really hard to put into words what the Costa Rica trip did for us...more than we could have ever imagined. We have traveled around the world and this trip is on the top of our list of favorites. The daily adventures were so carefully organized and exciting. Our naturalist guides were so well prepared and informative. Their evening talks were excellent! The vegan buffets were not only beautifully presented, but oh, so delicious. The entire staff at The Ocotal Resort were so gracious and ever present to attend to our every request. It was so wonderful to be in a group so well informed and interested about the importance of eating healthy foods and taking care of our bodies. And, the best part of all was the afternoon lecture from you, educating and reminding us that it is up to us to keep our bodies healthy and free of harmful medications.

- Frances & Bill, Houston, Texas

We had a great time in Costa Rica. We loved the food. I learned a lot at the lectures and am looking forward to learning even more after I get some other lectures that are available on DVD. Of course I enjoyed the adventure trips, and thought our guide were outstanding. I also was really surprised by the people of Costa Rica--they were genuinely friendly, much more so than here in the US or in the "tourist trap" along the Mexican gulf cost. It was such a pleasant country to be in and we are seriously considering returning next February if another trip is offered then.

- Debbie, Bolivar, OH

Quite an experience! We loved it! The views were awesome God had made for us to enjoy! The food delicious, and I didn't gain any weight, (I always do on cruises) the animals God prepared for us to see where fantastic! Thank you for all the hard work of both you and your staff.

- Ron Blain, Tulare, CA

This trip to Costa Rica was the most wonderful vacation of my life! I cannot say enough good things about it! Not only was the locale gorgeous & the scenery spectacular, but Dr. McDougall arranged the most amazing daily adventures, the food was heaven-sent, and the other people on the trip were very friendly, interesting & kind! Every tiny detail was pre-arranged beautifully! But the most appreciated benefit, as far as I am concerned, was the opportunity to ramp up my motivation 1000% to continue McDougalling in my own life because of all the inspirational people I met who have been eating this way for years & WOULDN'T DREAM OF DOING IT ANY OTHER WAY!

- Barbara, Farmingdale, NY

Thank you so much for all the hard work you put into this event. We thoroughly enjoyed every aspect of the adventure. Photos of us zipping through the tree tops are sitting on a coffee table, to prove we actually did this and didn't just dream this achievement. Octotal is a beautiful spot and we thoroughly enjoyed watching the wildlife, including monkeys, crocodiles, snakes and lots of beautiful birds. The variety and quality of the food were much appreciated and enjoyed. Meeting people from all parts of the U.S. and even from Canada was an extra enjoyable bonus. The positive dynamics of the group transformed the atmosphere of the whole resort and the staff's performance was 1st class. Having spent 2 additional days relaxing at the hotel we can attest to the difference. We are looking forward to receiving the DVD of the trip as a reminder of the fun we all had.

- Frank & Margaret, Hamilton, Bermuda

It was extremely hard to go back to work after such a wonderful and relaxing week in Costa Rica. Thank you for throwing one of the best holidays I have had in many many years. Plus, I'm committed to maintaining contact with friends I met during our week. So, all-in-all, it was a most beneficial week for me. Also, you wanted to know if I lost/gained weight during the Costa Rica trip. Since I had been a very very faithful follower of the Maximum Weight Loss program and walking an average of 30 miles a week, I was worried I would gain weight while in Costa Rica because I indulged in breads, tortillas, pasta, desserts, and fruits. And while we were "active," things like Zip Lines are not really very aerobic. Anyway......I maintained the same weight. That tells me that when I finally have lost all the weight I want to loss (another 50#), that I will hopefully be able to maintain it and allow myself to once again enjoy a broader range of starch-based foods.

- Gail, Orlando, FL

I just want to make a few comments on our February, 2007 "Adventure Trip to Costa Rica". It was enjoyable, beautiful, educational and interesting. The vegan food was marvelous. I cannot believe how much I learned, in addition to having a good time and meeting some very nice people. The adventures I enjoyed most were zip-lining through the rain forest canopy, snorkeling, horseback riding and white water rafting. Your lectures were very interesting and educational. I will see you in April for your 10-day program.

- Ray, Irvine, CA

We thoroughly enjoyed our Costa Rican McDougall Adventure. The activities were lots of fun and we enjoyed the great variety of food and the inspiring lectures. It was a wonderful way to introduce our sons to the McDougall lifestyle. They had a great time and now have a better understanding of how diet affects our bodies and our planet. Many thanks to you, John, Mary, and your staff for all of the thoughtful planning that made our vacation a joyful experience.

- John & Samaya, N. Vancouver, BC Canada.

My wife and I had a great time on the February 2007 adventure trip to Costa Rica despite having some concerns that the adventures might be a bit much for us. In the end, however, we did it all and enjoyed everything. The other 'adventurers' were great as we met many other nice 'McDougallers.' And the food? Some of the best I've had on any trip. My best moments? Zip
lining through the canopy and relaxing by the pools. My worst moment? The cold showers after the 'mud bath.' Yikes! It was all great fun!

- Bill, Russellville, AR

Hope I'm not too late with this feedback. As you may know, I still had some more Costa Rican adventuring to do with my folks, and have been playing catchup since I got home. Thanks again for a wonderful experience. Here are some of my thoughts:

Dr. McDougall's Costa Rican Adventure is ‘edutainment' of the best kind. The entertainment part is supplied by a wonderful Costa Rican travel experience. There you'll see one of the highest concentrations of biodiversity on the planet; this country is simply bursting at the seams with animal and plant life. Daily adventure trips ensure you will get to see a good sampling of what Guanacaste Province has to offer, and Ocotal Bay Resort is a beautiful spot to come home to after a satisfying excursion. Even evening entertainment provides you with a taste of regional music and dance. Of course the food is fantastic. Maintaining a vegan diet while traveling can be challenging, but the Costa Rican / Californian fusion menu offered on this trip was a treat I won't soon forget! All of this is handled deftly buy the McDougall family, who have over the years honed this trip into a fine art.

Dr. McDougall's inspiring and heartfelt lectures supply the educational part of this trip. Topics on health and longevity through lifestyle change are balanced with insight into what is making increasing numbers of us so unhealthy: misinformation and commercial interests. There is plenty of ‘food' for thought here and it was invaluable to be able to discuss the lectures with our fellow adventures. Everyone is at a different place with his or her health and awareness, and there was a nice atmosphere of friendly (and occasionally heated) debate. The time and space this trip gives you to ‘digest' McDougall's message is I think where it succeeds so well. What better time to reflect on lifestyle changes, than when you are seeing and doing new things, and meeting new people? I learned a lot on this trip, but best of all I got to see the positive effects it had on my family. I had to give my head a shake a couple of times and ask, "Did I really just see my mom zip through the tropical canopy suspended by a cable?" "Did my brother really just say he is going to stop eating meat?". Fantastic stuff! So, thank you McDougalls and Crew for doing this good work, and helping to make a smarter, healthier planet.

- Marc, N. Vancouver, Canada

What a terrific vacation! The week in Costa Rica was one of the best vacations I have ever had. I also made life time friends! The ocean views from the hotel are stunning! Thank you for all of your hard work in putting together an adventure tour that operated so smoothly and efficiently! The food was great, and I loved being able to eat as much as I wanted and not gain a pound. (Even eating guacamole at almost every meal!) Your lectures were very informative and interesting. I will certainly recommend this trip to my friends. I enjoyed the scuba diving also and getting a little of your valuable time on the boat ride.

- Marylou, Houston, Texas