Brothers Visit, Part Two: Around Town

One of my favorite things about having visitors is sharing my daily life with them. Everything from where I shop to where I go when I carve a really good piece of meat. I loved letting them see my world, meet my friends, and get to experience the no-so-touristy day-to-day life in Quepos.

To the right, is the local fish market. I go here to get the freshest fish, usually caught that morning. We picked up a kilo (about five fillets) for less then $8... it was amazing!

The pictures below were taken at Ronny's Place (the same place I went on Valentines day). The restaurant is owned by ticos, and serves pina coladas in a hollowed out pineapple. We caught an early sunset, and enjoyed the unique view! Cata joined us for the night. And of course, we managed to get in a couple of games of cards and played by candlelight





Plino Tower, you've seen pictures of this before. Still a great view.





On the hike down from the tower, Jonathan spotted this two towed sloth! He was hanging out fairly low in the tree. Sloths only come to the ground to defecate, and that is quite a trip for this slow moving animal. He was quite active, trying to get to the base of the tree. We also saw some poison dart frogs. These are small frogs, about the size of a quarter. They are neon green, and if touched omit a poisonous liquid from their skin. Don't quote me on that one... I may have made that up. but there they are poisonous... somehow.








We played a little pool... well, quite a bit of pool. I don't have the patience for this game... ask Jonathan. Our team suffered because of it.

Bambu Jam is one of my favorite places to go out, because they have a band that plays live Latin Music. Salsa dancing anyone? Every Tuesday and Friday night this place packs out. And while there are a lot of people who don't know what they are doing, there are a couple of dancers who never disappoint.

The guys were into it... until they felt threatened by some locals who were tearing up the dance floor. Even when I dont dance, I love to watch. Salsa, Marenge, and Cumbia!

We also stopped by Bobby D's. Is this the world's smallest bowling alley? Well, Im not sure. But they have great American munchies. And the boys had their hand at setting up the pins themselves.

Above: some of the favorite local restaurants. La Cantina for fire grilled kabobs and ribs. Agua Azul for the Big Ass Burger... and the server at el Avion showed us this little guy he found in the bathroom. This is the first scorpion I had seen in Costa Rica! (though I hear they are pretty common) This one was dead, thank goodness. Just a local appetizer. Just kidding.

We also made it to the Feria. I let the guys try Guava... they didn't love it. The furry texture kinda wigged them out. I still love sucking on this odd fruit. They also tried Pipa, or coconut juice. For 200 colones (20 cents) they will serve you fresh juice, straight from the coconut. It is supposed to be great for digestion.

Brothers Visit, Part One: Mi Casa es su Casa

The first week of March, my brothers and Zac came down to visit! I was so excited to have them and share with them my "new" life. They got to see my new apartment, meet my neighbors, and see some different parts of the country.

Below... while they were in town they rented a car (really the best way to go) so I met them in San Jose and rode back with them down to Quepos.



We took the normal stops... to see the crocodiles and snap some pics of the countryside.



And we ended up at my new place. Like I said, they met the neighbors. The ones who sing Karaoke alone in their living room. The one who lays in the entry way tile to stay cool. The old man who moves his tv onto his porch every morning and watches soccer every day. And even the local dogs who rule the neighborhood.



And there were hours spent on my front porch as well. Tico Style.



I had a chance to cook some of my favorite meals for them... including pollo con salsa in burritos and fresh Mahi Mahi with pico de gallo ensalada.




And, we spent a fair amount of time playing cards... translated into Jonathan and I suffering an agonizing run in Euchre and Elliot failing miserably at up and down the river.



Above, Elliot, the master shuffler with a bum wrist.
Below, Z staying hydrated during the game, and me playing my role as scorekeeper...

Valentines Day 2008

Happy Valentines Day!

Okay, so I know that I am only a month and a half late in posting these... but as I looked back on my pictures, trying to decide where to begin on catching up with my blogging, I couldn't leave these out.

I look back on this Valentines Day with fond memories. And I guess not that much happened. Cata and I had made plans to get drinks at sunset, before moving on to dinner and desert and one of our favorite "splurge" spots. While we were contemplating calling a taxi, Bill and Debbie (co-pastors at our local English church and leaders of local pastor seminars and english classes) picked us up and gave us a ride. We headed to Ronny's place, a locally owned restaurant with a beautiful view and great sangria, off the beaten path. And, instead of just dropping us off, they forfeited their plans and joined us for dinner!

It was a beautiful sunset and the perfect night outside, looking out at the ocean. I was blessed by the company and the conversation, being reminded again that we can celebrate because our heavenly Father is our first love, and the one who loves us fully, completely, and perfectly.

So, a month and a half later, I hope that you will receive the best Valentines wishes on my behalf. I love you, and praise the Lord who has loves us first!