Happenings

Last Sunday was Guanacaste Day, the celebration of the annexation of the province of Guanacaste to Costa Rica from Nicaragua.  We set off on a bus to Liberia to go to the big local celebration.  When we got there it must have been in between performances because besides carnival games, rides and dance floors, the only celebratory event happening was a polo match.  We were surprised to find polo in Costa Rica but it was fun to watch.  On the way home our bus from Flamingo to Potrero (the third bus on the return trip) never came which is why we ended up hitching a ride home.  Our good samaritan was a very nice gringa named Julie and she got us back here safe and sound.

Costa Rican Polo

Todd and I were planning on leaving Potrero on Thursday to head to the Caribbean for the rest of our time in Costa Rica.  After thinking about it some more, we decided that making a 10 hour drive just to spend more time at the beach wasn’t worth it so here we are, still in Potrero.  In order to keep busy over the past week, we’ve spent a lot of time at the beach.  Our current favorite of the local beaches is Playa Penca which is a five minute walk from our place.  It’s a beautiful beach with nice warm water and plenty of waves to keep it interesting.  Here’s a panoramic view of Penca:

Penca Panoramic

You can see why we like it so much!

In addition to beach-going, one thing that’s really common here is housesitting.  Since many of the nicer homes are often only used as vacation homes, the year-round gringos often housesit for their friends when they’re not around.  Fortunately for us, Drew and Meradith are housesitting right now for a family with a beautiful home.  Compared to our current apartment it’s a palace.  Not only do they have air conditioning, a well-stocked pantry, a washer and dryer, an oven, dishwasher and a real stove, they also have extremely comfortable patio furniture, a grill, an infinity pool, two dogs – one of which is a very sweet puppy and an amazing view of all of Potrero Bay.  Meradith and Drew have been nice enough to let us lounge about at their pool, do a load of laundry and share a few dinners with them and it’s been so great to escape and have some of the comforts of home here.

Last Night's Spread

We’re both feeling ready to be home but Potrero is a great place to be if you’re waiting for something.  We’re really going to miss it here.

Sunset Overlooking Bahía Potreo

Coco Taking a Nap

I’m Looking Forward To…

With just over a week left in Costa Rica, I can’t help but dream of all of the conveniences awaiting me back in Michigan.  In the same vein as Todd’s last post, here’s a list of what I’m most looking forward to:

1 – A Washer AND Dryer: While Todd and I had a fully functional washing machine for our first month in Potrero, we had to line dry our clothes.  Since it’s hot here, that’s not so bad until you notice that your clothes are stretched out in strange shapes and some of your t-shirts are lopsided.  For once in my life, I’m looking forward to laundry.

2- Meijer (or any other fully stocked grocery store): The Super Ceimy and Super Catalina have served us well but I can’t wait to have a limitless supply of fruits and vegetables and more feasible dinner options than just pasta, tortillas with beans and a smattering of veggies or mac ‘n cheese.

3 – A Grill: Thinking of grilled chicken, burgers, grilled pizza and vegetables, heck, even hot dogs is making my mouth water.  Oh, I can’t wait!

4 – Food: I could write a whole post on the foods I can’t wait to eat but I’ll spare you.  I’m most looking forward to good cheese (sharp white cheddar, I’ve missed you!), fresh, quality produce (food standards aren’t that high here) and restaurants with menus different that all of the other restaurants in town.

5 – Friends and Family: Two months is a long time to go without seeing the people you love.  I’m ready.

6 – Wedding Planning: It’s been so hard to be engaged for five weeks without being able to really start planning our wedding.  It will be great to be able to do more than surf the internet looking for ideas.  I also can’t wait to spend time with my mom and sister planning the wedding instead and getting their advice instead of just emailing them constantly with questions and ideas.

7 – Home: I can’t wait to just be home.  For the past two months we haven’t slept in the same place for more than 5 consecutive days.  Living out of luggage can only be enjoyed for so long.

8 – Driving: Oh to have a car again!  There is such freedom in being able to get around easily without buses or car rentals.  Added bonus – the paved roads.

9 – Things to Do: Having nothing to do all the time is overrated.  Granted, we have our volunteering time but the rest of the day we have all the freedom in the world to just relax, go to the beach or read.  The problem is that without the limitations of productivity, relaxing can get quite boring.  Having to go back to work, people to see and errands to do will be a nice vacation from perpetual relaxation.

I’m really going to miss Costa Rica too though.