Sunday in Poasito

Dennis had heard on the news that the people of the earthquake area were asking people to start coming back. They rely on tourist dollars to make a living. There are many coffee shops, restaurants, souvenirs and the like in this damaged place. Coffee, strawberries, vegetables are a mainstay of the region.
This was as far as you could go, Poasito. You can see from the signs that the crater of the volcano is still a little ways up and Vara Blanco and La Paz Waterfall are still off limits to all but rescue workers and residents of the area. Many people are still living in camps, here in Poasito. I chose not to take pictures of the camp or to post a couple of pics of homes which had been destroyed. You may find those on your own with a google search.

This was the turn around point to all but rescue workers and the delivery of supplies.

We had lunch here and it was really good, old fashioned food. The store carried strawberries (the best I have ever had), souvenirs, and was also a distribution point for donations. While we were there, several families came by to get milk, food donations and clothing. Sadly, these sorts of disasters affect in the worst way, those who have so little to spare in the first place. It was heartbreaking, but encouraging to see the amount of donations which have been given to the people of this area.

Jams, cookies,candies, and all mostly homemade.

This was not for tourists. This is a way of life in this region. Oxen are used to haul coffee, crops and whatever else is necessary.

We had coffee at a really cool coffee shop. It was very colorful, and fun. This is sign a tourist had painted for the cafe. It is true, Costa Rica has had no military since 1948, instead they voted to put that money into health care and education.

Afternoon coffee break......