A busy week

We’ve been a bit lax about our blogging this week. My time is growing shorter at the center so that I have to start choosing what to finish, and we’ve been spending time with our guests, revisiting favorite experiences or having new ones – including doing some tourista things. There’s been snorkeling on the coral reef, hikes in the jungle, and a significant amount of beach and restaurant time.

One of the coolest things we did this week was a visit to a Bribri village, followed by a hike to a waterfall back in the jungle for a swim. Several pictures are included here, including Dianne getting to know a turtle. You can see how impressed our guide was by the look on his face.

The village seems to be a communal farm with a couple buildings, many animals, traditional construction methods and kitchen, and several people including a 107 year old man. Technology has intruded here as well, as in one of the shots you can see the electricity wires and a dish for satellite TV. Access was by a suspension bridge that would be at home in a midway – definitely a fun ride, or walk as the case may be.

The Bridge

We celebrated my birthday this week. Dianne arranged a cake with one of the restaurants. This is not something usually done here, so it took a special arrangement and it was an excellent treat, even if it was the most unusual birthday cake I’ve ever had – chocolate, served hot with fruit on top. Of course, we are in Costa Rica, so it was a day late. This was Dianne’s fault – we’re not sure if she’s completely become Costa Rican (Manana), or if she’s still confused from the date debate last month. (She’s not used to being right, you see)

The Waterfall

Yesterday we got a computer lab back up and running at a school near the Panama border. Eugene had his first bus experience, including having to pay more because our stop was the one AFTER where we bought our ticket to. Those Spanish lessons are still badly needed.

This morning the howler monkeys got us up early. They were particularly loud because they spent the night in the tree outside our window. I blame Dianne – she put a mango in the tree to attract them.

Careful what you wish for!