Hola from Costa Rica 2016

I have a cute winter decoration of 4 snowmen playing that sits out now to remind me that it truly is winter in my home state of Michigan. I Love Michigan, but got to say, I sure don't miss the cold and ice.  I look at snow at little different. Snow has a beauty like no other but living without being cold and trying to navigate ice...blessing!

Lindsay, Dan, John and Lauren

Our daughter Lindsay, our son-in-law Dan along with two friends, Lauren and John, came to visit us a week in December. From all reports, they love Costa Rica and now can comprehend our desire to spend retirement here. Dan would like to come to live here but finances will keep them working in Oregon. A Gringo can't work here at traditional jobs. Jobs are saved for Costa Ricans or Gringos that have put in the years to obtain a cedula and permission to work.  Yes, we refer to ourselves as Gringos and Gringas, easier than to say Norte Americanos. 

 

They rented a car to come down to the Southern Zone. Nothing like a car for freedom and ease to experience the beauty on a trip along the Pacific coastline. On a trip to the south you go through mountainous areas with vistas of great beauty, sleepy beach and coastal towns, miles and miles of palm fruit plantations, the unsurpassed beauty of southern Pacific coast and finally the thrill of 4 wheeling through the jungle up our mountain to get to our house.

 

 Southern Pacific Coastline

Southern Pacific Beach, not far from our home.

  It is not unusual for nearby beaches to be very quiet with few people. 

Next time Dan and Lindsay come to visit, Lindsay said she wants to arrive before Feria/Farmers Market day so she can pick out all the fabulous produce they will eat that week. I did have tons of produce at home for them, but she wants the fun of shopping la feria herself. Going to the San Isidro la feria is an adventure that shouldn't be missed. Almost every week we get to shop directly from the farmers at the market, 95% of our food comes directly from la feria.  Here in Serenity we also have 2 food trucks that will bring produce to your door.  We can even have pizza delivered now!  Pretty amazing! 

 

 

"Daniel meet Daniel", one of our favorite market friends at la feria

 

 

 

 

 

 In the Southern Zone, rivers abound.  Lindsay and Dan on a jungle river walk.

 

 

 

We have numerous waterfalls to enjoy 

 

Our Christmas celebrations consisted of a progressive dinner here in our village, it was a beautiful "summer" day and much fun.  We were also invited to our friend Christian Arce's parent's home on Christmas Eve day. Christmas Eve day is their biggest celebration day for Christmas. After the traditional Costa Rican meal they set up the rancho for their traditional tamale making. This is a huge family festivity in Costa Rica; most Ticos make tamales for Christmas.

In Costa Rica instead of corn husks as wrappers for tamales (like in Mexico) they use banana leaves. All the ingredients are lined up, the family members have their special position and down the line the banana leaves are passed with each person adding their ingredients, until the final job of tying up the little package with string. When 2 tamales are tied together it is called a “Pina”; which is strange because “pina” is Spanish for pineapple. Chris couldn't tell me why this 2 tamale-package is called “pina”. Papa had a wood fire going to cook the tamales outside in a huge kettle of boiling water.  Our tico friends were practically drooling to eat those tamales!

University of Michigan Bird, just the perfect colors.  Actually it is a male Spot Crowned Euphonia.

 

Praying Mantis

Insects in Costa Rica take on a look we are not familiar with, especially growing to humongous sizes.

 

Ox Carts and Oxen are a special part of Costa Rican culture

 and often they take part of parades and special events

Happy New Year to all our family and friends.  We love you and miss you all.  But don't hold your breath waiting for us to return, we are very happy in Costa Rica!