I went on Faith!

So, one of the little misfortunes, was getting one of my Visa cards cut off, after a mis-connection on a Skype call. The company mailed a new card to the address in the states. A lot of good that does me in Costa Rica. After many rounds with the card company, I decided to just have the card and all my mail sent to me in this foreign  country, with no addresses. The package went by express mail. The locals here told me afterwards that once it leaves the U.S. it may take six weeks. As you can see from pics it took two weeks. So it has been here for 12 days now and I just got it 2 days ago. Because I had been going to where I had it mailed to. It went to the Post Office. I was so shocked that it was here I didn't open it for a day. Anyway, I activated the credit card  asap.

Chicken Bus

Baby chick on the bus coming form Uvita today.

One of many on the bus to Sierpe today.

We often joke in our part of the world, about riding the Chicken Bus (most of the time slow and stops at every stop). Today, there were chickens on both buses of my journeys.

San Jose to Uvita

Well, my goal was to go to EPA (maybe Home Depot of Costa Rica) I got ancy and decided to just my journey to Uvita from San Jose. Arriving early looking at the schedules online, thought I would get a ticket for three hours (coast route haven't been that way before) for 10am. However I was offered 9am same deal trace horas. Very smooth, lots of tolls on this road though glad I'm on the bus. And I ask for the best place to get off because the bus also goes to Manual Antonio. So Quepos it is from an very helpful Tico, who spoke very good  English. However, I'm here at noon and have to wait till 3:30pm. for the bus. Yeah, I get to see part off the town (not from the window in the airplane). Nice town, Central Park and walk along the beach, the tide was out, pics. Sat there and had lunch, cool, nice breeze. Anyway get on the bus, still have to figure out when the last bus goes from Quepos to Uvita. Okay, got it figured out (again more help). It's getting late by now, just push on now. Had figured out a couple of days ago where to stay, opps didn't put it on a note in my phone. Of course I ask the American on the bus, she knows the place, tells the driver where I should get off. And just happens the son of the owner of the Hostel, is going that way, now I have an escort. Get checked in and all is topped off with a wonderful FRESH FISH diner, that started with FRESH BAKED BREAD! Of course it's an Italian place, the food is always going to be good. This place is a must on my way back through next month when I go back to Monteverde and check out La Fortuna. Wow, had to reload that one pic.www.tucanhotel.com

Friend's Meeting

Well today I went to a Friend's Meeting. Monteverde, Costa Rica is a Quaker settlement. I have never been, all is silent for about half hour to forty five minutes. Individuals will stand as the spirit moves to say a few words.

Local Garden

While visiting a local, I went to visit the local Trejos Los Pinos Hydroponic Garden. It is part of an old family farm which has cabins and beautiful grounds. They raise fresh produce for local restaurants.

The area

The wind blew all night, talked to a local at breakfast this am. he indicated this is the weather for Feb. and March. He lived here in the early 90's. Has dual citizenship, now lives in Florida. He gave me a lead on a private research place that is not so over run with tourist. May come back to check that out at a later date. The weather here is much cooler, hard to battle the wind though. Walked up toward the cloud forest, quite a ways up the road, had enough of a walk. May take a tour later.

Adventure

The day started at 5am, after being out at a bar the night before. Up, quick breakfast and off to the bus station. I still missed the street the terminal was on and had to back track (even I though I practiced getting there several times). I'm glad I always leave time for the unexpected. I was still a half hour early for the time of departure for the bus. However, there were others there waiting, I learned that, yes you do have to check in, or they might sell your seat. Of course the bus was late (I'm on no schedule, oh well) I watched someone else (usually me) ask the agent "que paso?" ( what's up). Agent's response "traffic in Managua, Nicaragua. I'm learning how to relax more in my retirement. At the border the agent collected our passports and charged us $6 and took care of the paper work getting out of Nicaragua. Going into Nicaragua, three days ago we paid $28, of course being the newbie I just went along with it and nobody was challenging it. So he was a scalper. Anyway that's taken care of, then the bus driver announces that Costa Rica requires some info. ticket or plane reservation when you are leaving the country. Well, guess who doesn't have a hard copy. I had already erased the copy of when I was leaving (plane reservation) off the phone, but still had it on the computer. Well he let me power up the computer right at the counter, and that was good enough to let me in the country. The next little part of the adventure would be not going all the way to San Jose and doubling back to Monteverde the next day on the public bus. (schedule indicated 6am and 230pm daily from San Jose. With the driver and other attendants on bus where to get off and then for me to find where to catch that bus going up the hill. So with the help of another passenger I figure out how to say where is the bus station for Monteverde? So got off the bus almost in the middle of nowhere. Big step for this one. So I was going to have to wait about 2 hours for the bus. I asked a couple of people at the corner gas station if they were going up to Monteverde, they didn't have room or weren''t going that way. Then as a Tico (Costa Rican) and his went by where I was waiting I just kind of yell at the passenger "Monteverde?" they stopped and I got a ride. I have a new friend Gilbert, he's a dairy man with a small farm. Of course we both practiced our second language. He admitted he is a "Poco Loco driver" Crazy Driver, we had a lot of fun and silly-ness coming up the hill. When my kids were growing up I used to crazy drive with them, memories, had to share that with my new friend. Got some amazing pics of Gulfo Nicoya and a double rainbow, full arch, from one pot of gold to the other. I got his number, hope to visit his farm before I leave. The weather here is of course cooler, man the wind really blows. Glad I'm settled in for the night. Next big investment a better camera.

That's how they do it!

Well yesterday while sitting in the park, I observed how the trash can were emptied. The Nico came along with his two wheeled cart. The trash cans are on a swivel with no plastic liner. So the trash was dumped on the ground and then swept up. The expat and myself were somewhat amused. "That's how they do it." Comment from expat "That's not how I would do it." Different cultures different ways of doing things.

Connection-community

Well today really is the first day of the rest of ours lives. I knew where I was going, however didn't know where the small journey would take me.So I leave the Hostel to go to the Pali (Wall Mart Centro America). What I didn't know when I left was that the small vendors (marketeers) would be out on the street today also. Thought it was just a Sunday thing. All I wanted was a loaf of bread. So I took the little detour to see if I could get close to what I wanted locally. Yes I can. After my fruit and bread purchase, the bill I had was a little large for first thing in the am. Being a trusting (sometimes too trusting) person I was trying to explain that I would come back later for the change. At first she misunderstood and was fine with not giving any change. So "Uncle Sam" (a bystander) told me she speaks English. While we were conversing she came up with my change. Anyway he can use to practice his English and I can use to practice my Spanish so we'll meet later and practice. That put a little smile on my face on the walk back to the Hostel. I felt the same connection on the bus from Costa Rica yesterday. One of the passengers played a little guitar, and when he got off he stood at the front of the bus and turned and said good bye to all, and of course we all bid him hasta llego. It was like saying good bye to a close friend. So of course when it was my turn to get off, with another passenger, we were both bid a big farewell. On another note, skypeing with my daughter yesterday we were talking about the culture and how some of the garbage goes everywhere. I told her after purchasing an ice cream on my walk I held the wrapper for a good part, till I found a garbage can. She mentioned that it's some ones job to clean up the street daily (at the time I thought to my self really?). Then this am, yes the street were being cleaned of all that garbage. Again, another little silly smile. I found myself keyed up before the trip, was more relaxed after booking, planning, reassuring my self what's the worst that can happen, miss a bus have to spend a night somewhere? WHOA!!!

!8th Century town of Granada, Nicaragua

I can see the draw, real community going on here. Pedestrian areas with eateries, large central park with music and other activities. I expected the tempature to be warmer (we'll see this evening with only a fan in my room) anyway had a nice off the lake breeze most of the day. Easy to walk around town, very comfortable and feels safe.

Here's some power

On the way to Granada, Nicaragua these appear right after you cross the border coming from San Jose, Costa Rica. They have the wind coming off Lake Nicaragua, so good placement.

The Bridge

Just thought I would share part of my walk to Base Camp. As you can see I have mastered the suspension bridge.