At First Glance

I could probably write a novel about all of the things I've done and seen since I've arrived here in Costa Rica, but I'll save you the pain of hearing me wax poetic about how green the world is here and how I think this country is a little slice of heaven (albeit a very sweaty slice). Instead,  I'm going to give you the nickel tour of what has happened since my last post state side.

From above, the country was magnificent.

 

We arrived in CR around 1:00 p.m. local time (Chicago time) and promptly made our way through customs. At first glance the country didn't really seem all that different from anything I'd seen before. The city (not actually San Jose, FYI) we landed in was a bit dustier and run down than Indianapolis perhaps, but nothing stuck out. Our first official stop was for SIM cards and phones, and then we were on out way to La Virgen De Sarapiqui.

Thing started changing as soon as we hit the road. Traffic moves quite a bit differently here than in the states. Everything is stop and go and the stopping is usually so rough it warrants full body padding. But beyond the traffic there is something strange here that doesn't quite exist in the states. There were people everywhere- walking, waiting- there is no sense of hurry in this place.

Along the way to Sarapiqui (SAH-RUH-PEE-KI) we stopped in a lovely little restaurant to appease our rumbling tummies. We were greeted with strawberry water (a magnificent creation) and Casado.

It looks a little something like this and tastes like perfection.

The rest of our drive was spent with the entire group marveling at the abundant (and slightly overwhelming) beauty of the country side. I've figured out that you're never very far from the shadow of a mountain in Costa Rica.

We all arrived in Tirimbina, ate dinner, and I was promptly shipped off to meet my family. My family is made of five people. There's the father, Orlando, the mother, Xinia (CI-NEE-UH), and three daughters. Oldest to youngest the daughters are Camila (16), Florencia (15), and Maria Jose (11). What started out as a painfully awkward introduction has transformed into a beautiful camaraderie in less than a week. 

The whole family is very patient with my mangled Spanish and have accepted my weirdness in its entirety. The girls are wonderful and intelligent and most of all funny. The two parents are great. 

Xinia

Maria Jose

Florencia

Camila

 We spent the weekend at the beach where we hunted for crabs, played volleyball in the sand, and explored the shoreline. I, of course, burned like a forgotten piece of toast, but it was well worth it. Unfortunately my camera wasn't charged and I forgot the charger at the house so I don't have many great photos, but there are a few I'd like to share.

Costa Rica is ripe with wild life. Even now I'm listening to the various calls of the forest at Tirimbina. At the beach (a quiet little private thing) there were Congos (a type of primate), iguanas, crabs, snakes, and LOTS of birds.

Look at that sour face!

He climbed that tree pretty fast.

Ten points to anyone who can identify this species for me.

Unfortunately my connection is shorting out so I have to end the post here. I'll try to update again tomorrow to finish the tale of my wonderful adventure later.

Pura Vida!