The Story of guy and gal!

Found this post that had not been published -so thought before  we left I would post it for yo all to -ENJOY! After fifteen  hours travelling from San Salvador City through El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua we crossed the boarder into Costa Rica to familiar country.  The Tica Bus provided us with reasonable comfort, three meals and ease of entering and exciting four Central American Countries.  It did not take long before we made Friends with our fellow bus riders.  It is amazing even with our limited Spanish how easy it was to begin conversations.  The  little farms- fincas and villages filled with the usual tiendas- stores and centros that include a church and a parque-park --filled the window as  the bus made its way across the countries.  Their is beauty in that view if one looks closely; the spots of color amongst the old and broken, the early blossoms amongst the palms and regional vegetation.  Each region offering its own ...

It was an honor to be invited to stay at Nidea and Daniellos lovely large home on the main playa. It  was exceptional.  He is the primo, cousin of Xinias and an incredible couple they make.  We drove to the beach with him and were captivated by his story.......of living in Mississippi for over 20 years and returning to Costa Rica in 2005.  His is very busy with  a Finca in Monteverdi which includes champion horses a large coffee plantation and many other projects throughout the country.  Nidea hosts a B&B, the one we stayed at when we were there in December.  Together they have the beach house and two adult sons.  The weather was very warm, actually hot but the nice ocean breeze made it perfect.  Both Claes and I so enjoyed the smell and feel and taste and vision of the ocean and realized that we have missed it so.  Of course our hosts were incredible and we had a super super time.  Gracias!!!  We tasted an...

Nearly a month since we arrived and as mentioned we have toured again........extensively.  Our hearts are warmed by the friends that we are making and the many options that we have but down deep we still have the spirit of adventure that is not completely sated.  You know that we are folks that truly believe that everything happens for a reason:  early this morning after being away from the computer I quietly turned it on tyring not to wake up the Captain or the rest of the house.  Immediately the Skype tones were ringing and there was S/V Sea Turtle, our friends Jordon and Judy who we last heard were in Easter Island.

Nearly a month since we arrived in Atenas, Costa Rica and nearly have toured the entire country once again........actually the third time and still lovín it.  The last few days have found us lounging and catching our breaths.  It has been fantastic to tour around and be part of the typical Tico lifestyle; learning not only the language but the ways and traditions of these fine fine folks. A simple life is what we continue to aspire to and what continues to entice us to continue this adventura we call living.  We are pretty relaxed!!!! Just mentioned to Claes this morning over a cup of cafe negra......we are both drinking our coffee black these days....such a great taste we dont miss the milk... that I have no traces of stress in my life this season.   We are blessed. Today we walked to the Centro and after a few inquires and walking in a complete circle we found the Americano  Kays Panaria, where we met my sister in law Isabells' brother  John who ...

WHAT A YEAR IT HAS BEEN!  and what a year we are looking at from here!  From all the emails, Facebook entries and Skype calls it appears that many of  us are on the same page:  recharge, refocus  and realize what a great year we had.

DECEMBER 28, 2011 much has happened since I last left you - went off to have breakfast I did and a whole week has gone by.  Our few days at The Stone House was incredible.  Geraldo and Xinia did catch up with us and toured us around the ten acres of their retirement property.  They have grand plans for it and continue to insist that we plan to visit whenever we can....it will be amazing when finished with plans of another permanent casa being built - they hope to be moved in by the end of 2012.  Check out the photo galley for pictures.  We continued on to the east coast towards Limon with Geraldo as our most proficient guide.  His Ford pickup is amazing on these mountainous roads and though  he is a crazy typical Costa Rican driver we continue to arrive safely to these amazing places he brings us to.  Traveling in the mountains is an experience I swear I never will do again with him but I continue to agree to go along. ...

Two weeks has passed so quickly.  Gerald and his familia have been so warm and accommodating; our every need is met and each moment filled with such caring. Our Spanish vocabulary continues to grow and I am beginning to think in Spanish.  I LOVE IT!! Our first week included getting reacquainted with the town which after seventeen years was expected.  We did find the little Catina where we initially met Heraldo; repainted and with  up grade to the bano it remains one of the downtown gathering places for the fellas.  Zina, Geralds mom is so great at including me in her daily life.  Mind you I am not always certain what or where or who but that is part of the adventure.  Because of our minimal Spanish we are continually surprised.  We both laugh continually as one never knows--quite!!!  It is fantastic and keeps us very interested.