Touristo Tour

While you Albertans celebrated "Family Day" we had "Mid-semester Break" which really means two days off of school so families can leave the country within their 90 days. We took the opportunity to travel about 1 and 1/2 hours (with a few wrong turns thrown in) to "Little Hawaii". Yes, mostly gravel roads with no signs, travel here...

is always an adventure! On the way back, not only did we drive through a river but a herd of cattle going for a drink (that explains the cow picture!) Anyways, we made it to the fancy-smanzy clubhouse in a nature reserve which you can hang out at for the day. The "hawaii" part is for the surf break that is in front of the clubhouse. Sadly, the swell also took a holiday so no waves for Terry. We all got too much sun and I mostly just wanted to hang out in the bathroom which was truly beautiful (it takes so little to excite me!) We did get a rare family photo though even though Lindsay is looking the other way (pura vida!)
After this we drove about 20min to Tamarindo, a popular tourist destination for Canadians. It is definitely a tourist town with lot's of gringos, cars and shops. The highlight of this trip was going to the Automercado a "real grocery store"! We enjoyed seeing some of the comforts of home but also realized we don't miss them all that much! Tamarindo is on yet another beautiful beach but we hope our cute little Nosara does not get quite so exploited. Speaking of exploitation, the more of Costa Rica we see the more I am surprised that there is still a vast amount of undeveloped beaches. Refreshing to say the least to see so much uncharted territory. How long will it last? Hopefully at least our lifetimes.

"Machete Man" by Carter

A few days ago, I chopped open my first coconut! Actually, it was a "pipa" which is really a baby coconut. We get "pipas" to drink the pipa water which is sweet, coconutty and refreshing. (In case you didn't know they used pipa water in place of IV fluid in some war.) Then we cut open the coconut, get out the meat and make pudding. My favorite pudding is mango, of course! Because my favorite food is mango!
Back to the machete, I really like to use the machete and I especially like to do a "whack"! It is really fun and not really dangerous. Next I am going to try to give myself a haircut (ha ha!)

Snake!

Don't know what kind but Terry got a good pic! We only have managed to capture an armadillo's butt but will keep trying!

Nosara Fiesta

Last weekend we went to the Fiesta, kinda like the stampede, Costa Rica style! It is a big deal here especially with the Ticos. I am pretty sure it goes all day and night as they set off bombs, yes I said "bombs" to signal the end or the beginning? Not sure which but I heard them at 2am, 400am, 530am so I guess this is the equivalent to fireworks?
It doesn't really get going at night until about 8pm so we left Lindsay at home tucked in her crib and monitored by our neighbor. Then we headed out with some friends to soak in the ambiance. We first tried the "comida" (food) as we heard it was really good so I told Terry to get lot's. Six plates later we were pretty full and I gotta say the highlight was the fried chicken. We then went on a few rides (see pics). Carter and I took a picture of us on the big swingy kinda thing to show you how much fun we were having!
The booth where we thought you bought ride tickets was actually wristbands for the "main event". They build stands and a ring for the "bolos". Yes, someone rides the bull for about 8 seconds but then it is about the "taunting of the bull". About 25 guys or should I say "clowns" try to make it chase them and not get "gored". This happened on Saturday night but not on Friday thankfully. There is literally a big red cross sign and a little slot to put a body through. Usually though the bull just gets tired after about 20min and then they start all over with a new one. No Terry did not partake we just watched from the stands. Which is how we became famous and got our picture taken for the "Voice of Nosara"! We are in the February issue if you want to check it out online.