Hotel Irazu

We went to the National Orchid Show and afterwards went up the Volcano Irazu, almost to the crater actually. This hotel is were we had lunch of delicious black bean soup and rabbit stew. The hotel was built at the turn of last century and then people had to come up the mountain on horseback to look into the crater. Nice and cool up here too!!

The last two photos show the view from where we were overlooking potatos fields onto the town of Cartago. There is almost always an awesome view in Costa Rica.

Puerto Viejo

These are some shots of the gang when we went to Puerto Viejo, my favorite beach town.
Sorry I don't have more pics of the town itself, but I will on my next trip. I did not have blogging in mind yet on this trip.

Dennis, Laura, Vicki, Kimberly, and Maria Fernanda on the beach just down the path from the house. Beautiful gardens, millions of birds and butterflies. And we had a very special visitor. Every time I have been in Costa Rica I have been looking for a sloth, mostly because they are so hard to see in the treetops. We were sitting on the porch and here came a three toed sloth down the vines. What a treat to watch....they do move SLOOOWWW.

View from the top of the Street....

This is looking south. The yellow-ish building in the center is our apartment building.

More Moravia

These are pics of the "Feria" (Farmer's Market) in Moravia across the park from our apartment. This market is smaller than the usual weekend market, but it is just across the street and the deals are to be had. Just about anything you can thing of in the line of fruits and vegetables, herbs and potted plants, eggs and cheese (homemade) are available as well.

Moravia

The actual name of our town is, San Vincente de Moravia. We are about 5 miles northeast of Central San Jose. We are noted for our great climate and for souvenirs. They bring them in by the busloads! The Main town square is pretty typical of Coasta Rican towns; pretty much on this principle of a church and park in the middle and usually a local soccer field very close by. We receive the fresh winds and rain directly from the Carribbean as it blows across the Baurilo Mountain Range. Many times the sun will be shining, but you feel a fine moist mist, almost like a fog you can't see - they call it "pelo de gato" or cat's hair.

The red cars are taxis. By law the taxis have to be red - one reason Dennis won't own a red car (he doesn't want to be mistaken for a taxi), but hey! at least everybody waves at you.

My first blog...

...who would have thunk it!! On the web and exploring new adventures and frontiers. Yep, that's me. Never could keep me in one place too long.
Well, I have been in Costa Rica almost 5 months now and am loving it. Lot's to get used to (again), but some good changes have come about as well.
Costa Rica is beautiful. Especially if you are here for a visit. Hanging around (anywhere) and one starts to see the rough edges. However, I dwell on the good as I am learning to do that with all things in my life. The crap is just crap....don't worry about it.
Since I have been here, I have lost 20 pounds, I eat a more nutricious diet of frest fruits and vegetables, I walk almost every day at least 3 miles, sometimes more. I am enjoying catching up on my reading and have read some of the best books ever!! Currently I am trying to become involved with some volunteer groups. As with most "new arrivals", all of that takes time.
I hope to use this to show you how great a place this is, to keep up since we all live so far apart and just general sharing of info and opinions.
Well....let's blog!!
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