Now It's Time ...

So sad...  It's soon time to say goodbye to Costa Rica and specifically our little piece of this small but abundant country.  I don't have an anecdote to relate.  I haven't felt motivated to blog.  But, then a butterfly fluttered through the house, the hummingbirds chased each other around the feeder, pelicans flew by over the beach, the iguanas chased each other around the lawn and a couple doves walked by the side of the deck;  all in the course of 30 seconds.

So, a list of what I've loved about being here.  Not in any particular order, since it's all good.

... The environment.
The density and diversity of plant and animal life in this part of the world is amazing.  We have bananas, limes, plantains, mangoes and much more food growing in the 4 acres that makes up Casa de Mike.  The flowers, who's names I am ignorant of are continuous and beautiful.  Daily, we observe more bird and mammal varieties passing through than we can count.  A wonderfully rich environment.

... Outdoor living space.

You've got to have the climate for this one and we've definitely got it here.  While it can be too hot during the day, with the fan on, the outdoor shower and trips to the beach, I've not been whining.  The kitchen is protected from any wind but is outside with a great fridge and a propane range.  All very comfortable.

... The casa.

We've been fortunate to have located in this house.  It's about 100 meters from the beach which is fronted by a very dusty road.  The house is close enough to have easy access to the beach but far enough from the road to keep us dust free.  Everything here is constructed to optimize outdoor living.  Exactly what you want in this beautiful environment.

... The beach

Tree lined and sandy, the beach is amazing.  The tide is quite severe here with a difference of about 8 feet between high and low tide.  We've found the good swimming spots and unless the tide is really low can enjoy a good dunk in the Pacific.  If the tide is low, we head to the "hot tub" and sit, surrounded by rocks, letting the tide push us around in our sandy surround.

... Ticos
The people here are great.  Friendly, proud and self assured they are a pleasure to deal with.  You don't find a lot of Costa Rican immigrants in Canada or the U.S.  They love their country and can succeed within it's borders, unlike many of their Central American neighbours.

... The food
Locally grown produce and seafood that is caught fresh daily means its easy to prepare delicious meals at home or enjoy great restaurant visits.  The chickens are all free range and their eggs are great.  Our little grocery stores are small and beef is not something they often stock but I've enjoyed some delicious steaks in the local restaurants.

... Monkeys

I could have covered these off under "environment" but they deserve their own spot.  We are related to these dudes so I find them as fascinating yet less irritating than my fellow homo sapiens.  The howlers are noisy, slow and prefer not being seen.  The capuchins (your basic organ grinder monkey) are active, fun to watch and more likely to engage with us.

And here's a list of things I've not liked.

... The Italian family's wolves
But they moved about a month ago so this list can now be considered empty.

I've enjoyed my time here.  In fact, more than I anticipated and am in no hurry to leave.  Duty and a return flight home calls.  There's also the 3 month maximum stay rule that Costa Rica imposes on visitors but a 3 day visit to Nicaragua is all it takes to reload for another 3 months.  Regardless, in a few more days, Jake, Tazy and I are homeward bound.  Earnest B. DeMille needs a new gig.  Help!!!!!!!