July 15-the final post

So we're home now. We got up at 2 am and took a cab to the airport. All went well as we connected through Denver.

Some other pics I wanted to post are below.

Lighted Hoola Hop pics w Sarah Beth twirling
Chickens on a fence
Really big bug
WOrking girl

July 13

Today was another over cast day in Turrialba, which made it perfect for the pool. We took a taxi today; the boys thought it was such a treat. At the pool there were some caged birds and some Ticos hanging out. Aaron and I swam, we ate and then walked around the grounds. Everyone I meet here is so open to talking about anything and sharing there family, stories, ideas, etc.

For some reason the bus didn't show to take us home so we called for a cab.

Later we walked around town to finish up some things before I got up at 2 am for the taxi to the airport. I went to 6 ATMs and my card wasn't working. I was just about to give up. On the last machine, it worked. I was wondering if Cheney was playing a not so funny joke on me.

We watched Sky High in Spanish and finished up packing. We tried to get to bed early, but it was at least 9 before we were in bed.

Buenos Noches Costa RIca for the last time on this visit. So many wonderful and growing experiences.
Gracias por todos!

July 12

We took the bus to my friend Olivia's brother's farm outside of Turrialba. He grows organic coffee there and nothing else. He does have goats for cheese, milk and fertilizer as well as some other animals. It was over cast, and it felt good.

We had a tour and great conversation. Later we ate lunch and talked some more. I love that the people here are so nice and patient with my Spanish. I am able to understand most everything we talk about. Unfortunately, my responses are always slow.

July 11, My Birthday--Don't ask about #'s ;)

Today we are going to the river. We need to take the bus and then walk about an hour. We brought lunch with us. It’s definitely warmer here than on the farm. It rains a lot here but not as much as the farm.

The bus ride was not eventful. I think I'm gaining back some of the weight I lost at the farm :( Mostly, I am eating the same amount but working less. We still walk everywhere.

We walked a ways up to the farm. There were horses and attack dogs and lots of fruit trees. The farm is a hotel/lodge and it's beautiful. It's handmade out of local woods and stone--amazing. The owner is Don Carlos, a very common name here. Lots of big local lizards live here. We also saw a butterfly that looked just like a leaf.

We ate lunch and swam in the river. Later it rained hard as could be. Rivers formed every where, but we still had to catch the only bus home.

Another AWESOME day in CR!

July 10

Coco made us breakfast in the morn and we walked across the street to the bus. We took the bus to San Jose-3 hours north. San Jose is definitely the most dangerous place in CR and the boys, especially Ethan, don’t like it there. We took a cab about 1 km to the next bus station because we have too much stuff to walk around.

We bought tickets for the Turrialba bus and waited 30 minutes to take off. It was 2 hours to Turrialba. Olivia, a friend of Laurel’s, picked us up and took us to the place we were sleeping—Sucaro’s house.

We talked for a while and I love that we are only speaking in Spanish. The only time I can’t understand is when the two women talk to each other very rapidly using little Ticaisms—ito added on to the ends of the words.

We had a nice and rather large dinner. Later we walked at night to get some ice cream—if the boys learn no other word, it will be helado-ice cream. Sucaro bought them ice cream and a slice of pizza. I have a feeling that all the weight I lost on the farm will be gained here.

July 9

I had to finish a wooden box I had been building with much difficulty. Some of the wood is very hard here and challenging to work with. I received help from a number of sources and the box looks like it was made by a kid, but it’s done and I made it. I forgot to take a pic so I hope someone on the farm sends me one.

We decided to travel today and are heading to San Isidro to stay with a friend of ours, Coco, who is an amazing cook w an amazing restaurant called, “El Gato sin dueno-the cat w no owner.” He also has an incredible GF who’s a fire spinner and eater, Sarah Beth. I think I’ve talked about both of them before.

We got a ride w Tiffany and bought our bus tickets for the morning. The time we wanted was already sold out. We shopped and walked around the city. Later we had another delicious Coco dinner followed by Sarah Beth hoola hooping w a lighted hoop. I’ll post some pics soon.

July 8th commentary

We shopped at the Feria-local fresh market and went to the coffee shop so I could download my pics. I hope you enjoy them.

We came home and dug up a water pipe that needs repair.

the other women and I made empanadas for dinner. We all hung out and talked. It's our last night on the farm. Tomorrow we take off for a night in San Isidro before we head out to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano.