After two weeks, events have settled to the point that an entry signaling this phase in our Costa Rican adventures is possible. Elizabeth and her daughter Ania arrived in San Ramon on December 31 to find the gate locked with an extra key and the house a bit of a disaster. With the help of our neighbors, Alfredo and Kattia, they were able to track down the key and enter the house. It was a mess! Having been unoccupied for 8 months, the walls, bedding, clothing and furniture in the three bedrooms were covered in mold. I thought I had left the place in safe hands, but, apparently not. They spent the better part of two weeks, scrubbing, washing and scrubbing. Not a great beginning.
When I arrived on January 15, the casa was shining. A few days later 2 Polish couples arrived: Kaz, the man who renovated Elizabeth's apartment, his wike Yolanta, and their friends Gregory and Irene. Seven people, constant activity and lots of conversation, most of which eluded me. And I thought it was difficult not understanding most of the Spanish I hear.
Last Wednesday, we drove to Samara, a Tico beach community on the southern tip of the Nicoya Peninsula. We spent two days and nights, marveling at the natural, unspoiled beauty, basking in the 32 degree temperatures, and waking up to the ferocious roars of the tiny Howler monkeys. On Friday morning, Elizabeth thought it would be a great idea to walk to the nearby beach and see the sunrise. In my wisdom, I opined that it might be better to take the car. Not really a good idea. Large 4x4, pitch dark, backing out of a narrow driveway into an even narrower gravel road with ditches deep enough to thwart even the power of the aforementioned 4x4.
After a half hour wait, a kindly young fellow on his way to work noticed my problem, attached a rope to my vehicle and freed me from my ignominious predicament.
We made it to the beach the second the sun rose.
Elizabeth and Ania arrived in Vancouver last night. I will miss them greatly. I am here until April 2, and undoubtedly will be able to share more humbling adventures with you. Enjoy the pictures of Samara.
