Halfway

Well, we are at the halfway point in our Costa Rican adventure. We're still having lots of fun, enjoying the adventure but at the same time we are beginning to miss home. I watched a sunrise this morning - its 5:30 AM right now. We don't see the sunset very often because of the rain every evening. Sunrise starts at about 4:30 and it is full daylight by 5:15. The birds are starting their morning activities - making a racket as they feed. I'm watching a tiny bird on the kitchen window ledge. She's eating bugs almost as big as she is. The early morning sounds in the jungle are amazing. I'll miss that when we get home.

We are planning to go to the feria (farmer's market) this morning and then to Palmares and Naranjo with Lynne and Ray. Actually, they are going with us - we are driving for the first time. We are going to a fiesta in Naranjo. Last Monday (lunes in Spanish) was a national holiday celebrating the country's patron saint La Negrita. The celebration is still going on - and we're going to take part. They say they have food, music and dancing in the streets. Should be fun.

Later this month San Ramon will be celebrating the day of its patron saint. The cities here all have a patron saint. And they have a fiesta on the saint's day. San Ramon has one of the largest celebrations on Aug 30th. We plan to celebrate with the people of San Ramon that weekend.

Yesterday we had a massage in the morning and then some young friends came over to swim and visit. They have two small children. We enjoy them all, but especially the children.

I better post this before I do something to lose it. I still haven't mastered this stuff. Some pictures below that I think are neat.

Kathy in from of Kay's Gringo Postres. We go to Kay's for breakfast after church on Sunday mornings. It was Kathy's idea to have her picture by the Bimbo sign.










Sunrise without flash.













Sunrise with flash.













Workers harvesting African Palm fruit. Palm oil is extracted from it. Palm oil is a major export of Costa Rica.











More of the beautiful flora of Costa Rica. This is the rainy season and the country side is beautiful with flowers and greenery of all types growing wild.
















The daytime view of the valley from our balcony (same as the sunrise photos above).












Kathy on the beach at Manuel Antonio. The monkeys are just out of the picture waiting for an opportunity to grab the backpack or something glittery.










This is Isla King. She is only 6 weeks old. Her parents have been here about 4 months so Isla is a Tica - she was born here. She is precious.