El Faro

Today, my friend, Gilberth, and I hiked up to el faro- the "lighthouse" of Quepos. It is the second time we did the hike, which is beautiful- through the rain forest and definitely a workout. The first time I wasn't prepared and did the whole thing bare foot. Needless to say, I was a muddy mess, but the view was incredible. The Faro is located at a point between the Quepos harbor and the Manuel Antonio beach. It is about a 40 min. hike up hill, but worth every inch of it. Below, you can see the "light" and the tower we had to climb to get up there.




The Faro is unbelievable. There are 360 degree views of the Manuel Antonio and Quepos beaches- panoramic horizons. We watched fishermen come into the harbor, boats head out on tours, and pelicans flying and diving for fish. The monkeys hung out in the trees around us and we put up a little tent to give us some shade (you can see it in the picture of the tower above). Every night the light is illuminated, powered by the solar panals you can see on the tower. It is one of the highest points in Manuel Antonio.



In order to climb the tower, we had to climb up three sets of ladders, only one of which was protected. Gilberth kept telling me to hold on tight or I would fall and go be with Jesus. A joke, but not completely untrue. Above, you see me on the second ladder, about 25 feet up, and the third ladder, which is a little more protected.

Gilberth and I, enjoying the best views in Manuel Antonio

Sarchi, Part 3: Roadside Soda

Since passing it the first time, I have always wanted to stop at the small roadside soda on the way to San Jose. It is nestled alongside the mountain in the town of Atenas, which claims to have the best climate in the world. It was right before the afternoon rains and clouds were settling around us, but it was still an amazing view into the valley below. We watched goats climbing the hillside as we sat eating casados and drinking coffee to stay warm. Ursula, a friend who works in the same office complex as I do, was in Gracia (neighboring town to Sarchi) for the weekend, so she hitched a ride home with me and we shared an AWESOME roadside lunch.

Sarchi, Part Two: Independence Day

September 15 is Independence Day here in Costa Rica. Its kinda a big deal. We celebrated by going to two different parades (each town has one). All the local schools are represented. Bands march. Batons are twirled. Flags are carried, and children do the traditional dances. Below are some pictures of the festivities. Everyone was out and about, and it was fun to see how similar our celebrations are (it was a mix between Tulip Time and the 4th of July... without the tulips or fireworks...) On my way to Sarchi, I had to stop for the "torch bearers" who were running through the streets. Apperntly, the tourch is carried accross the country by high schoolers. Both Elverth and Christopher had the chance to run.

Sarchi, Part One: Christopher, Family, Friends and Church

I know, I know. It has been seven months and I have just now made it up to Sarchi to visit the people who helped me fall in love with Costa Rica for the first time. (Don't worry, I got the guilt trip when I was there... "WHAT? you have been here 7 months! And you are only staying for two nights?" and "Why didn't you stay at my house" and "When can you come back for a longer visit"...) But I made it. And it was so good to be back in what I had remembered to be a small, one-street pueblo. The corner brings back memories of hackey sack and dogs peeing in my suitcase. Of cold water showers and gallo pinto. And while there are a few more strip malls and pulpurias, five years later, it all feels familiar. And as I walked down the street, people came up to me, giving me besitos (greeting kisses), asking me how I have been and inviting me over for coffee. Costa Ricans have a way of showing love and hospitality that always makes you feel at home. You are never imposing, only scolded for not staying long enough, eating enough, or not making yourself completely comforable.

While I was in Sarchi, I stayed with Chistopher and his family. Christopher was part of the youth group when I came down on a series of mission trips in high school, and he stayed with my family when their youth group did an outreach in Holland. His sister, Marisol, was about seven last time I saw her, but she ran up to me, showering me with hugs and besitos. His mom was a great host (and amazing cook who wouldn't stop feeding me) and his dad told me stories about different places in Costa Rica that I need to visit. (they already have my next few visits planned. We are going to go up to the volcano, and then up to a mountain town where Christopher's uncle lives). Miacol, his younger brother (in the picture below on the left) is studying English so that he can work at a call center (US companies forward their costumer service calls to Costa Rica- it is a coveted job that makes a good salary for a tico). And Christopher works in the call center for HP and is very proud of it.

While I was there, I was blessed to be able to go a church service before I headed out Sunday morning. I was welcomed from the pulpit, and people I vaguely remember came up to tell me things that they remember about me, about notes I had written them, and about how they were going to come visit me at the beach. Jose Garcia, their pastor who had been planting a church during my last visit but who has always been an encouragement to me, was back behind the pulpit and Braulio and Ivan were still leading worship. Below, to the left, I am with Sundri and her daughter Valoria- the family I stayed with my third trip to Sarchi. Sundri is expecting! and she insisted that I take her number, and call to stay with her next time I came up to visit. Below to the right are some of the ticos who were consistent leaders in the youth group. Merlin is teaching kindergarten, and lives across from Christopher. Ivan is studying to be an English professor (and his dad is still hilarious). And Braulio has a job with Western Union and is a leader in the iglesia.

It was a blessing to be back. To sit around the table, drinking coffee with Christopher's abuela y tias (grandma and aunts). To sit in church and be able to understand just how gifted pastor Jose is (amazing how language helps). And to walk up and down the street, not feeling like I had been gone for five years, but remembering how God had used that place and my experiences with these people to shape who I was and who I have become.

The Snake

Look what Hector found in our pool closet... about seven feet long and the width of an arm. It is "harmless", not venomous so instead of killing it with his machete, he let it go in the rain forest. The kids were enthralled. We have been warned that during rainy season, snakes tend to look for warm and dry places to stay. With that warning came the advice to look under our beds every night before we go to sleep. That's just great.

Ry-Guy?

Ryan is just starting to go without naps. Some days are better then others. Usually, he plays with a friend or entertains himself. Yesterday, he was told he could stay up. So I went to put the twins to bed and when I came down, Elle was laughing. She said that Ryan had gotten into some of Gabi's things. Now, this usually means barbies, markers, her new dry erase board or perhaps a pair of shoes. But when I called Ryan back into the house, he was shaking his hips, strutting his stuff... or rather, Gabi's stuff. He had on everything from the clip on earrings to the mini skirt. This kid cracks me up. He loved posing for the pics.



I never really know how these pictures will turn out. This one was especially sightly. Just Ry and I... skipping naps...

Victor's Birthday

Victor, a friend and beach vendor, just celebrated his 27th birthday. And since he doesn't have any family in the area, we decided to try and surprise him with cupcakes and balloons at the beach. So, Ryan, Cameron, Drew, Nicki and I piled into the car with 20 cupcakes, 10 balloons, and every intention of drawing a crowd. We picked up Christi and made our way to Victor's street front "store". While our attempt at singing "happy birthday" was anything but impressive, it was obvious that Victor appreciated the gesture. Feliz Cumpleanos, Victor!