This is the color of the sea from above, When looking down you can see so many different colors of the sea here. Yesterday was a different day than I have experienced. With the Moutian hike, to Going to sunami where I hooked up with Internet for Free, sitting and talking with a guy from New York who sells real estate here, seems everyone does this. He was nice and offered to buy me dinner, but I didn't feel so well. I just continued to work on the blog and emailing people left and right. Except for my son who I am curious right now as to why he has not contacted me. I want to talk to Brandon and as soon as I get the phone I am calling him.

Paul the guy from New York and I talked for about an hour, he invited me out , but I did not repond to his invitation. I took a taxi home and took a hot shower then ate some Ice cream and went to bed shiveriing. I think I caught a cold the other day in the rain. My throat is sore and my ears hurt. So I had a rought night hardly any sleep. The lighting was scary too.

I got up and made come chorizo and eggs and guacamole, and watermelon and one cup of coffee since the pot broke yesterday all over my feet and the whole kitchen. WOW THAT WAS A MESS.

The Apartment is really cute, I am finding I really feel good in that place, I cannot wait to return in December to make it more like my home.
I looked on line to see how much the ticket's were one way to here, around Dec 9th and I found one for $298 dollars, so I have to tell the kids I won't be there for Christmas. I am thinking we can do christmas early and or they all book and come back with me and we do it here! That would be so cool
I could rent a airbed they could all stay at my place, there is plenty room or they can have the bottom apartment, and we can split it. Its not that expensive then were all together!
I am going to try to work this all out with them.

I ate and got ready to come down to he beach to internet, riding my bike about a 1/4 of a block. ITs not bad today the wind is blowing and its cooler than it was yesterday. I do not feel well, but I have to go and drop of laundry,check on the phone, buy a few things then ride all the way back freshing up and then go to the dentist to have the teeth completed. I cannot wait although I am not in the best form today.
Right now there are three girls standing here with there suff boards, I noticed today allot of people going to surf, maybe the winds are causing all the waves and they are good for the surfers.

I am looking out and I can see lots of surfers from that spot I posted yesterday where the cement tables and benches are.

Trying to get ahold of Sharon is hard, I wanted to talk to her about my lousy Relator, he is doing nothing, I have a gal that is waiting to take over, but he won't respond to my mail or anything, I WISH SOMEONE WOULD GO AND TALK TO SHARON AND tell her to tell him to get the hell off the contract, I sent a letter to him but no repsonse. This problem is making me very frustrated about my home. IT should have sold a long time ago.

I heard from someone a total stranger that went to my house and mowed the lawn for me and has been watering and taking care of it. This makes me happy, but sad too that my children have no concern about it nor have they offered to go and help there mom. I guess what I am doing to them is stupid, but in reality its the best thing I could have done for myself, as I was in a state of mind there that soon I would have ended things in a very bad way. At least now I feel good about life, and I have reason for living doing things for myself is good and letting go of all the things that were such a burden there was the most freeing feeling one could have. I know that when you are motivated you move, you make changes, and those changes were not happening in Vancouver Washington, but now that I made this huge Change I feel good about me again and it is resulting in some facinating and exciting opportunities.
I know that everyone who surrounded me did not understand my reasons for Coming to Costa Rica, but I can say this... that It is a good thing and that I needed to do this to find the happiness that was stolen from me by people, and work, and clients, and more. Even my children stole it...

Mothersday this past year was so different, Both my sons gave me a present, and they were the same present a pair of flip flops, both gave different pairs. Ok your wondering what or where is this going.
I was so miserable, it was mothersday, my oldest son did not call, nor did he come by the younger called later in the morning and did take me to breakfast, giving me the flipflops, ok from him I could understand the small amount of money that he spent, because they have little, but the thought? and the idea that I knew I needed these for the new life was puzzeling to me. I was a bit shocked at the gift, thinking this is all?

I don't know its just my thoughts ok? I think Im worth more than a pair of flip flops? but whatever!!! then later in the evening after the older son and his girlfriend where done with her mom, called me and asked me to come by it was late.. I did and they gave me my gift, another pair of flip flops and some sun glasses??? the flip flops matched his boat. They were more expensive ones but not much.. then I thought How Ironic, they both gave me flip flops and where was the thought behind this.
For some reason I was hurt, lets say it was because not much thought was put into the gift, nor was mothers day important to them. I knew when i got these It was like a sign to really set out and go to Costa Rica... I was hurt, for some reason this offended me that they only thought of this? I can not explain why but I was.
Thinking I gave up my whole life earlier to support and raise these two alone mostly and worked very hard to do whatever I could to raise them alone. I would think that my birthday and mothers day would be a special day to them and me since I was basically there only parent.
It wasn't but boys just do not think like this. So now I say To be sad that there is no concern about the only thing I have left that is my investment that possibly they could help there mother with is an understatement.

I could use both there help at the moment finding out why this Realtor is not doing his job, since I have no phone and the only way to contact me is on the internet. Im rambling I see this but maybe there is a reason?

Today is filled with some chores, as I said the laundry and more then the teeth getting all fixed. I counted up my money this morning, I have only spent with the apartment food, giving amanda money the table some groceries lots of times and phone and the actually phone, plus items and clothes and more shoes and stuff only 1300 dollars. That is really not much, concidering when I hlived in Van. My mortagage payment was $1100.
I will be ok, if only I can work and make enought to live simply like I am now. But I do want a car, they are expensive here.Triple the amount. I really want a truck so that will be my goal when I return in Dec.
Maybe Miro or Carlo the land lord will help? they are great men. So I will ask

Whispering Palms, internet by the Sea, Susie the huskie!

Waking to Roster crowings, making coffee and have the glass bottom break and all fall out on the tile floor at 8:00 am is not my idea of Sunday Morning. First the Alarm went off on someones house or car, but before that I was awaking by the Loudest Brightest Thunderstorm ever. Now Imagine the loudest boom you have ever heard and magnify that by about ten. Wow I woke up scared, and I covered up my head.The Sky was lit up like it was day light but it was around 3;00 I presume. The thunder was ominus, so loud and so powerfull wow.
I suppose that the rainy season is why people do not come here so much. But the weather is hot and beautiful? maybe the lightening and Thunder scares tourists? It did me.. I never heard anything like that in my life or saw anything like it.

Falling back to sleep for a short time, then hearing the car alarm, or something like that and a rooster right by my window. Now I know how Clint feels when his chickens wake him up... I got up as I said made coffee while Eida and the girls slept. They spent the day and night at my house this time. I HAVE AIR CONDITION THEY DON"T!! and I have a most incredble view. Anyhow the coffee pot broke and went all over an hour later cleaned up and decided to go the soda down stairs to eat so we all did.
Then after we went to Miros Mountian. This is Miro the man I met with Carlos the landord this man is from Ugoslovia.. he owned fabric factories in USA, and in Ugo, he owns tons of moutians here and has done a work with the mountains such as botainical gardens, horse trails and a very incredible New Restuarant on the crest of the hill overlooking all the JACO!! WOW all roman / Greek style no road yet but he took us up there Eida the girls and I. We had an interest in the restuarant for me, and Eida property so her and I can build a house on the mountain. She is claiming the moutain for both of us. I mean SHES CLAIMING IT OUT LOUD... saying were going to buy the moutain. So after a breakfast pinto the gallo, with omelet, cafe and jugo de narajo, we walked around the corner from me and up the hill to Miros FABULOUS MOUTAIN!! I swear to you this was like an adventure you can not imagine plantings birds toucans, monkeys, and the most incredible Jungle tour... all our own noone but us. the trail was rough he took us in a small truck but when we got to the top where his Restuaraunt is in progress I BOUT FAINTED.. I wish I had a video Camera and I think when I return I am going to video things and try to find a way to publish this.

Miro is excentric, as most brillant genious types are.. He has so many projects and Might I say money? but for an example he told me he eats this broth with fideo for three days and that is how is sustained.. I was honoured to be with him and Eida was buggin him for the moutian asking over and over where is hers where is Marianna's? the girls all the while were being 10 and 9 bouncing and talking and interupting.. not a way to do business especially on his Sunday? I was quiet, observed, and said very little when I did he was mean for some reason, Eida noticed, but Ignored it I WAS SO USED TO MEN TREATING ME LIKE THIS IN THE STATES that I turned on my business mode and just listened making him more curious than her as she talked and talked and begged and begged. he finally sent us up this trail, were I broke and cried and told her he was testing us, and seeing if were serious? also getting us out of his hair by sending up this steep terrain alone.

AS we walked down I told her this was the moutain I dreamed of and knew this was the area were My house would be built, And I am saying this now. I have no idea how its going to be built BUT I WILL BE ON THE MOUNTAIN, Come hell or high water, I will find the way and she will too.

The walk or hike down was hot but so beautiful the views the jungle the breezes, the restaurant in the middle stages called whispering palms was so appropriately named. We walked the muddy trail all the way to the main road maybe four or so miles. It was fun, waterfalls and birds we ever saw a monkey.
Then we stopped and had a long conversation with Miro. We will go again only with a machete and cut a trail to the area where her and I want to buy the land and build the houses. We NEED CRIS RICHARSON HERE TO HELP US my friend in the states who is a builder, with Milo my love and Architect. We will have it made. So if any of you want to join us let me know.

We were thinking about renting a helicopter to view the area.!!! SO MUCH CRAZIENESS but hey I am game.

Lets go back a bit here thought the day before the girls came to stay with me all day, I had Eida help me the day before with furniture and things for the aparment and talke me into spending the night then the girls came to my place and stayed all day, we walked on the beach and found this sphere, and a great area right behind my apartment a really cool river and a nice wide beach. Only problem is someone is dumping garbage and plastic all over the beach. I plan on going and getting a bag and daily walk and pick up little by little.
I then took the girls back to nap, which was their Idea, then I walked to this beach around the corner called the del mar its a sweet club on the end of the beach. I sit at these tables and hook up the net free outside in the most beautiful Settings... Type and have a great view.

Came back talked with the girls after we went to the little store on the corner, but before all that we walked from Eidas house to mine which is about two miles. and it was blazing hot. with the dog susie, a huskie.

Susie was totally relaxed at my place doors untill these dogs in the down stairs apartment had to be let out. THEY ARE VICIOUS... I am frightened of these dogs and I have generally no fear of dogs. They remind of that one that ate that lady as she went to her apartment in the states, that story where she was attacked and the dogs ate her? YEP THATS HOW THEY ARE.
I made dinner, Tacos the girls first time eating tacos, boy there were questioning me left and right and doing all kinds of dancing in the kitchen,w hile I made the tacos. We waited and waited for Eida she never came, the dogs down stairs had to let out so the guy asked me to take susie up stairs.. SHE wouldn't go? afraid of stairs growling at me and snarling, I took her with jessica out of the gate and made them wait down the road while those rotten dogs went poop and pee... Kalin and I were upstairs on the balcony watching they caught their eye on us and the one Rot Jump so high that he hit the bottom of the balcony, sending me and Kalin flailing arms and running as fast as we could into the sliding glass door to my apartment slamming it shut and huffing and puffing then laughing. GOD THERE BAD... well it didn't end there.

We got tired of waiting and ate with out Eida it was around 8:15 so we ate, I had a feeling that she was going to show in in a Taxi, why II didn't know but I just knew.

Ok believe it or not, I have been in this zone lately of being in the right place or thinking things and they happen or waking up with Cris Richardson in my head to dicuss business with her yesterday, which I may add I have not talked to her in months, I do not know her phone or mail? and when I went to the del mar to internet out side she had written me a letter. So in saying that I knew Eida was going to show in the taxi should clarify that I am in this zone... its almost like Clarvoyant? I know some may not believe that, but they do say that the most people only use 1/4 of there brain so maybe I have tapped into a part of the brain that I never knew I had??? well its working anyhow, which most of the time my brain is not working! HAA

Earlier Eida had taken Susie, the Huskie home which I said was a couple of miles, susie found her way back to the aparment she knew the kids where there and I was there. So when Eida came she was shocked as well As I was.... the dogs again had to let out, I took Susie to the soda next door in my jamas, and slippers... she was fighting me the whole time and when I grabbed her colar she bit me on the leg... Eida was screaming the dogs then tried to attack Susie and Eida, lunging at both me and the dog and her.. We were scared. So after they put the dogs in, We decied to call a taxi and beg them to take us and Susie back the house, you see Eida did show up with the taxi earlier as I said I knew.

Eida was mad I was laughing, ME her jamas Costa rican taxi, and a huskie.. HAAAAAAA I WAS CRACKING UP... they do not take dogs but Eida has some sort of power here I tell ya she can do anything I like her Positive thinking and ability, SHES BUYING THE MOUNTAINA I TELL YA!! so with Susie sitting on top of me and smashing me and licking me we went to Eidas house and dropped her off, She being so Upset made the taxi stop at the store and got beer. We went back and sat oustide and talked till 2 am and drank a beer. We planned our attack on real estate sales, my design attack, my life and hers.

FUN!! Today was great what an exhilerating day. but oh I forgot to say that I found two of the spheres, I was facinated with them, both different sizes and right around where I live strange phenomenon, if you have time look it up. See what is said about Costa Rica Spheres.

Well I missed Milo this moring we were suppose to chat but I see him now so I will go and come back later.

My first day in the apartment

My first day in the apartment

Waking up around 6:00 boy I tell ya any day in the states would I wake up automatically at 6:00, there is something about this place that makes you rise and shine early. I read this but I didn’t believe it would affect me as I really do not like to get up that early.

But alas I am up daily not just because Amanda’s kids cry, but even here at my own place I arose early?? Curious to me??

The location as I said before is on the south end of Jaco, Pronounced Hocko. This area is sorta country it’s a very pretty and a soothing bike ride, an even more interesting walk into town which is about a mile. The road, I live on dead ends, just like the road I lived on in Vancouver, only instead of ponds, just around the corner is one of the best parts of the beach here in Jaco. There is very large and impressive club / hotel called Hotel Del Mar It’s the most impressive in my opinion in the whole area of Jaco. It sits on top of the ocean at the end of the beach right up against the mountains. These mountains are the jungle. My place is just less than half a block on the beach. There are only four apartments, they are only a year old, and are pretty Americanized compared to what I have seen. THERE ARE NO BARS ON THIS! Which is why I suppose I was thrilled to be in it? But on the other hand it could be scary from what I have heard. Although I am on the top floor so the likelihood of me getting broke into is less, than below.
We have high walls and a very heavy Iron gate to detour someone from trying.
The neighbor a younger half black half white guy named Terry is from Florida, he is part owner in a bar called Jungle soul in Hermosa. I am going there on Saturday because he invited me. They have Karaoke for the first few hours then dancing. I think it would be fun to see it at least; it sits off the road in the jungle not on the beach. He is really nice too and very helpful.
The apartment sits on the front of this lot just like my house did with the same amount of property almost but instead of the trees in the back it has palms and beach. In the front there is an older hotel in a coral color, around it and on the left of it and my front door is jungle and pasture. It’s a mix the terrain here is very different than anything I have seen. Its thick jungle then flat pasture with jungle plants mixed and then green green grass, occasional rivers and streams but basically flat.

Upon waking up I heard no roosters, even though the soda next door has a huge family of them. Big roosters too. I think its because they feed them early they really don’t crow? I dunno? But I didn’t hear anything It was the best sleep I have had since coming here. I opened the sliding glass door and looked out to the beach wow what a site in the morning the sun shining bright, it was warm that early and the trees softly whispering, the sound of the waves but not loud. The luxury of Air conditioning is the something I totally appreciate now, not having it for so long makes me see that little things here are now important. I was happy to get up and see the sun and the surroundings. I made the coffee, got dressed and rolled up the blind’s and took a deep breath and thought oh my I wish my kids were here to see this. Wow I thought this has to be ‘one of the best things I have done… now if jobs come through I will have no worries. It is so peaceful and so gorgeous how could one not love it aside from the heat.
And there were no barking dogs, like in the town. I watched the chickens eat down below and drank my coffee and made a list of things I wanted to accomplish.

Got my shoe’s on and walked all the way into town. I left the bike at Amanda’s and I had to walk in order to get into town. It took me almost an half hour. I walked very fast too. Today was pilates and yoga. God I am not sure I like this but I do it anyway. To me it was boring, if not repetitious and didn’t feel like it did anything??

Today the moves were really strange. I didn’t know I could some of those things, almost like a pretzel.
After class I asked leatha this Tica gal if she could give me a lift down to Jaco bell to talk to Eida and borrow Joeys bike, instead of Amanda.
I had a list of things I wanted to do for the day.
I found these bowls or platters out of wood painted just exactly like banana leaves I mean a very good replication of them so I got them. Eida had them in her shop, plus this container that I put sugar in that is in the shape of an apple made from The coconut.

We had a grilled cheese sandwich and coffee, and talked for a while outside Which is where everyone eats here. She took me to her house we got the bike and I left to come home. I ran in took a shower by this time it was 11 or so I was kinda antsy I wanted to figure out something’s, like Email Hilton to see If I got the job there in Vancouver, go to the bank, find a mirror, which Eida had! And try to figure out how I was getting wireless internet so I could use the computer here. Well I only got a few things done. With out a car it is not that easy to do these things, Never got to the bank.. But I did find internet. I had to disguise the computer, I had a back pack for my snorkel gear so I took all of that out and amazingly it fit I rather take the case but here someone would notice and may try to knock me off the bike and grab it. Instead my neighbor dropped me off in town and I went to the cutest Furniture store owned by Petra. I want this table in there for a hundred American dollars. I go there and work on the net for hours. I email people and tried to contact Milo but he was unavailable. God I miss him… I email Brandon but no answer. Then I got a message from the Hilton asking me when I needed a decision on the holiday décor? STRANGE??? IT said that all the other designers have been calling asking when they are making there decision? That she thought I should know this? And I asked when I needed the answer? I wrote back saying “when you give me the answer”
A simple but positive one I thought.
Petra and Jennifer were happy I was there talking with them. Petra and jenny use to live in the Turks and caicos, they have a furniture store there too so obviously they have money. They were allot of fun they opened a bottle of wine and drank while customers shoped in this small but very cool shop. I plan on buying this bamboo rug and a very cool table there tomorrow.

Here nothing really is out of manor; people do not care if you walk down the street with a beer or a glass of wine or a drink. They don’t care if you walk in practically nothing either, I should take some photos of the girls to show you which I think I will today. I was shocked at first but now I am Helosa because I wish I had a body good enough to bare my tummy at least everyone does. And believe it or not there are not very many fat people, people here are slim. I am fat in comparisons.
But I am working on it.

We had a lovely time, a man from Florida came and we all talked for a long while, and then he invited me to go to the Monkey bar later in the evening.
I asked the gals for a ride home and they drove all the way to my house and dropped me off. People here are so accommodating.

When I got home I looked at the beach out my back window and decided to change and walk down there. Here it gets dark at 5:30 so it was already getting dark.
I walked down and watched the waves and walked a bit a dusk. It was very pretty, but I noticed that the beach was littered with lots of garbage, plastic lots of it?? So I wonder who is dumping? Cruse ships? Who? It was sad. I know I can not do everything to make a difference but I did think I may on Saturday spend the day at the beach and at least pick up on my area of the beach. Its sad no one here cares about garbage. We are in one respects lucky in the states were kinda clean. They called it here

After I went to the soda al amistad next door and had there nachos??? Ok this was not nachos; it was bowl with weird cheese not melted over a stew like thing with beans and meat? It was good I ate it all but not Nachos? LOL I have to laugh, but I did have tamarindo naturals. This fresh drinks they make are like 75 cents and so good. The whole thing cost me $1.85 I am realizing that you should eat on the outskirts this is where all the locals eat and the prices are cheap.
Oh I forgot I met a man named MILO he’s a Yugoslavian man, not the Milo I talked about earlier, my Milo but a very interesting man that lives on the road across the way. I will take photos to show you he is a genius, He is building a restaurant up the hill and I am going to take the hike up there and see all the birds the parrots, the monkey’s and Toucans and more. He is something and I really think he and I will work together. I have so many opportunities here. I just need to get on them.

He is in his late 70s or close to 80 but a fireball; I will probably be like that when I am that age if I stay here. Not in the states, will grow old and lonely there. I do not know what it is here, but I have some many acquaintances already? My wish right now is that My Milo would find a way to come and stay and be a part of the Pura vida here, that my children would experience this, although I know they have no desire, but if only they saw and could feel it I know my boys, they would be laughing and digging it! Jordan has the opportunity now to work at possible four restaurant, I have that many people wanting to hire him. Nancy would have an instant Job at this huge best western or any of the larger hotels, I have talked to the Gm at the one here and he said tell her to call and he will hire her. Funny they like Americans with experience makes the customers very happy.
Brandon could do anything here and be fat and happy. For me I can’t even begin to tell you how many people want me to do things. I am over whelmed. I just need a car now… But I have to get this House sold.
I do not plan on buying yet, as Eida wants me to work solely with her on Real estate then our plan is buy a huge chunk of land on the mountain, I build with hopefully Milo as our Architect, and I am the of course the designer. We completely furnish the houses in different styles but all med. Tropical, and sell and do another one just keep turning them. So I told Carlos here at the apartment I wanted to rent this for the next year and just work out of here as an office. Besides, This may be the home of Bella Esperanza that’s a later story… but Its Ironic and yes it got offered to me by him. The property behind this apartment building is just like mine as I said, and he plans to put time shares and a restaurant and I will be involved with it, and it could be mine he said and Jordan can run it or be the head chef and manager.

After eating I came home and hung out for a while then took a cab into town and walked around looking at people, kinda quiet night but It was different.
I woke this morning to beautiful sun again and it was cooler this morning, I ate on the porch, swept the balcony and drank my coffee watching and listening to the birds and chickens, I could Macaws and parakeets but I didn’t see any, But I did see a huge Iguana, when I came back from work out.

Got dressed and rode into town with a flat tire, I had the biciletta muchacho put air in it. Then rode to class. Today was step, I HATE STEP, last Friday I injured my ankle in it and it still hurts. I just hate step its so damn boring, this instructor is Not like Sharon, creative and inventive. I wanted to cry I hated it I finally stubborn as I am threw the step back on the pile and did it without finding that I could actually make it more like Jazzercise, and I had some fun. So next week NO STEP FOR ME… I tried to tell Natalie that its outdated that in The USA no step. She kinda got mad, I couldn’t communicate well enough my Spanish sucks.

Came home saw the Iguana, and now I’m sitting in a towel with the air blasting the ceiling fan blowing listening to all the birds and looking out the windows which are huge the whole apartment is windows. It’s the best! I always loved windows, and now I finally have them. I plan on building a very cool house I think I have the whole thing in my head now, and its going to have lots of windows so you can see all over here! There is much to see. When it rains its still pretty here, and when it doesn’t’ its fabulous. The skies are so blue? And the colors of all the greens, kinda like the northwest but humid and hot.

Ok Shower time and off to the town, today is Farmers market, I think I will take Joey’s bike back have Eida drive me here, and then have my furniture delivered!
I ended up going to the bank waiting two hours for a teller and exchanging money, then to this little store where I bought some wine glasses, and some candles, and knife and a peeler.
Then I rode the bike down to the furniture store and paid for this darling table for the phone, later I will use it in the house I build on the hill overlooking the la playa.

I rode then to the farmers market were I bought all my fruits vegetables, and some eggs, sausage, and more!! Its so fun I love the market.. there is one man there that swears he will give me his whole booth I will go with him.. I laugh There is no way I would ever even think of it, but he always gives me something for free, I smile and say gracias, and move on. As soon as I was done it began to rain, WOW THE RAIN WAS HARDEST I HAVE EVER EXPERIENCED.. the thunder was so loud it was frightening. It rained so hard I as soaked to the bone.

I went to Eidas Jaco bell and she got the car, picked up my beautiful plants for the porch, a bromeliad, a antheirum in pink and a giant corn stalk. Eida and I braved the storm, and I mean to tell you it was a horrible storm. She helped me put it all away, we sat on the balcony and drank and imperial, and talked and laughed then I got my pjs, and spent the night with her and the girls.Eida and talked late last night and now today I am taking the girls on a mountain for a hike to see the animals, and then to the beach. Later they go to a party…
More to come and many photos

First Day in the Apartment

Thursday Update

Out side the front window of the apartment
This is the view outside my bedroom Window of my apartment
The Pepa Man rides around selling coconuts
KALIN and JESSIE Eidas Girls
Joey and Jessie, Eidas kid with the pet Squirel OH GOD!! I HATE THEM!!
Carlos the loud Italian, and Ron and attorney


Well its been a while, Allot has transpired since I was here last. I had a meeting with a man who is in charge of this huge development. At first they wanted me to be the designer for all there American clients which are allot, then after the meeting I found out they really want me to be a part of the team, that sells, and designs, and also designs a web pate for all there listings. It was a long meeting it lasted most of the night which included Carlos, and Ron Acosta, and the lawyer. We had sushi, and drinks the best sushi I ever ate, the place was Sunami, in the center of Jaco.
They had Wireless access there, so we looked at the site and checked things out. It looked it like it went well.
The day was filled with many events, it began with me going to the pawn shop to find a tv, they only had one it was tiny and black and old, he wanted 100 bucks. Nope not for me.I rode the bike with heels and a cute dress on in pink to the jewerly shop to fix my necklas that got broken while swiming at Eidas one day. They were siesta till too do no luck there. I rode across the courtyard to this coffee shop called movement and had a expresso, and a brownie and talked to the man there for around 20 minutes, then rode back to Jaco bell and then to Amandas house to freshing up.
I rode then about a mile to this development called La Flor, it is really cool, talked with the security guard while waiting for Ron Acosta, the man was suppose to me with to be a part of the company.
La Flor is a great little community mostly Americans modern mediterrainean style.
He told me about this tree that they took down, and well I decided through much talking that I would do a story on this very precious almost extinct tree. This one was over 300 or more years old. A prized wood. I may be obtaining it and having it go to a mill to mill the wood for the house I intend to build on the hills In Hermosa, overlooknig the beach. The hills are all lush and mostly jungle with parrots, and monkeys and tucans and more! GOD I HAVE SO MUCH TO WRITE.... right now I am sitting outside of the place that has wireless internet sweating like crazy trying to concentrate on this and I just want to leave and go find a place where I can sit in air.
Anyhow~~~~~~~ the day went on to meeting Ron and having a great sushi dinner, with drinks as I said and meeting up with Carlos my Italian friend whos a realtor, and his attorney. Carlos is a very ITALIAN MAN LOUD AND CRAZY, he says I look exactly like his older sister! so ahemmmmm no hope with any sort of boyfriend connection with him! which is fine with me hes too loud and crazy.. I like my Milo but if only he was here and not in the states.
We ended up having many drinks, and went to the monkey bar where Ron got too drunk and lef tme there, he had my keys. in his car. I was pretty upset that he just up and left, but the strong woman I am started walking at 1:00 on the streets,and ran into of all people CARLOS! He was drunk too and just had finish eating at the La Flor the soda around the corner from Amandas house. He saw me in the dark walking with my high heels in the mud and in a dress, almost crying, because I had no keys to have to bang on the gate and wake up Amanda and the babies that late I would be asking for real Hell... he took me under his wing and then called a cab he wanted to take me to his house, But I said no take me to Eidas, so we went to Eidas, and banged on her gate and she opened it up. I sat with her till 2:00 and talked then slept on the couch. The next morning Joey took me home. I met at 11:00 with another Carlos, my landlord of my new Apartment that is so darling sitting near the moutain on the south end of Jaco, right on the beach. It only has four apartments and I am on the top right looking at the moutain right in front of me, and out the back the beach and its right there, palms and all.
Carlos is From San Jose` he came to meet me after seeing my site, and wanted to personally find out what type of person was renting his place. We had a great day, he took me all over, finding the cable, setting up my phone, finding a phone, a radio, no Tv I can not afford it here.. Finding me pots and pans and towels. He even moved me to the apartment. Wow these people here are so kind and so warm and so helpful! I was so overwhelmed with the kindness.
The day was full, I think this decision to come To Costa Rica was the best thing I have ever done. The welcomeness of the community is so amazing.

Now, I should be writting for the AM Costa Rica, about this 300 year old tree that was cut down from and area that was untouched for a complex that is going developed, this tree is very prized wood, in the next post I will tell you the name. I do not want ot give it away yet. Anyway the neighbor in brief petitioned not to cut this tree, but of course even though it is near extinction the developer did not care.

So I talked to the owner of the tree, the developer, and some nieghbors, to get information on the area the tree and the feelings of the comunity. I will writing the story soon.
I am sure that the USA will be very interested in the thoughts of Costa Ricans on the eniviroment and there concerns on the effects of the depletion of the forest.

Be looking for photos of the Aparment and how beautiful it is! I can not wait for my sons and my friends to come and say and visit, there all gonna want to stay and never leave.
Or least be happy

Monday catch up

Monday, had to down load the photos from Sarchi to show the rest, I had a pretty cool weekend. With Milo leaving making parting sweet sorrows as they say. It was sad and bitter sweet, knowing that I met someone who really clicked with me , yet it was just for a moment. The day going back I flashed on the things we shared and how much fun we had, as I traveled in an airconditioned van, the tourista van which cost allot more around 21 dollars, but Milo really was great about getting me back. Thank's Milo I was safe and sound and cool no less, with a beautiful ride back to the WACKY JACO. I got back on Friday around 11:00 the bus let me right of at Jaco bell, which is around the corner from Rich and Amandas house. I came in to a clean house, Hot but clean, I set bags down and Gloria showed up how she does this I don't know but she does. We talked and I got my things together.

I Really enjoyed my time with Milo, it was a great memorable thing like something you would watch in a movie... I went over Eidas and Joeys later to fix dinner for her and the girls I made this pasta with Spinach, brocolli, olive oil garlic, and curly pasta, a little chicken cooked in some small amounts of garlic topped with butter. It was tasty, Eida and I drank some wine and talked outside while the frogs played a symphony for us. All sorts of frogs and birds, SO JUNGLE LIKE She loves it I was in awe, more like amazed at all the sounds. The rains came and you could hear in the distant as it moved toward us it got gradually louder and louder, a little thunder but not much. Eida was so entertaining to me telling all her stories of her world travel and her adventures to Indonesia. We laughed and drank and had a great time, She didn't want me to go home so I Spent the night slept with the girls. In the morning I got up early to the sound of extremely loud birds right on the porch chairs singing in my window A bright yellow bird I have never seen. Kinda large... they were all eating the dog food having there breakfast as they should .
I sat with the girls for a while it was warm an we watched Cartoons. I had rode my bike over and I was not quite ready to get up and ride back to the house. I made coffee while Eida and Joey slept in one of the girls rooms because the girl's wanted to sleep with mama in her bed. So when Joey came home after Closing Jaco bell they crawled into the girls room.

Eida finnally got up and we drank coffee and Kalin made pancakes.
I obliged, but I try not to eat too much bread or pancakes, its hard to keep your weight down when you have the body make up I do.
After I went home and began to blog and check emails and such , when I heard voices outside the door saying , Marianna, can we come in?? It was Eida, with two people.
It was Davide, and Alex a couple who have been emailing from the blog and a site, and wanted to meet me and stay here in Jaco. I invited them in and met them and we chatted then I made the beds next door and swept and let them have the keys.
I think they went walking around while I cleaned up and got ready to show them around.
When they returned Alex, a thin blonde blue eyed in her 40s was worn out from looking at property in the Central valley most of week. Decided to forgo any looking around and we just walked to the Soda in the Alley and had a couple of beers.
I Was a bit disapointed, as it would have been fun to go around in a car, but I didn't say anything to them about it. Davide was wanting to kick back too.
Later we walked to the beach tht is only a block away and walked in the water, came back and they went there way I went mine.
I ended up going to the store and getting somethings to make then a little dinner.
I swear I have cooked more in the time I have been here than I have in a year.
I made some fish chunks with a batter, sliced lettuce, tortilla, celantro, Onions, tomoatos, and blanched green beans in vinegar and oil, then stuck them in the freeezer to cool them down.
They Came and I made Casi casi for them and we ate, Gloria was here too.
Dinner was good, I was planning on going out dancing but I had injured my eye somehow when I took the contacts out and it had a huge blister on it. So I just stayed home and got on the computer and then went to bed.
I figured I better go early since this may be the last night of good rest since Rich and Amanda and the girls will be home.
I slept ok, not great I was too up early again, I got all ready I wanted to go to breakfast for the first time since I have been in Costa rica, I went to a soda type place and got the typical breakfast here gallo de pinto, sausage, So I thought and eggs, coffee. The sausage was like a hotdog grilled?
A little disapointed about the food I ate it anyhow, then I biked to Eidas she asked me to come over and swim all day then we were going to do dinner. she was still sleeping so I got on the bike and went a long bike ride. The Weather was incredible not too hot and the sky the bluest of blue.. WOW I was in a great mood, Rode like a hour or more. Can back to Eida awake and making coffee, I had to have some. She was cleaning like in a frenzy so I jumped in and helped.
We went to the store after getting things for dinner and drinks. I changed into my suit and she did to and the girls! we all jumped in the pool and louged most of the day, Joey was cleaning the yard and the pool so he was busy, while us girls played.
NOW THIS IS HOW IT SHOULD BE!! I went in and made The Casi Casi drinks, brought one to Joey an he was so impressed. He suggesgted I open up a bar. They were good and resfreshing I have to admitt. We swam and slid down the huge slide diving into the pool.

A few hours later some people came there, So I retired to the back bedroom with the girls Eida left and came back. I learned she had showned the Houses that Amanda and Rich live in to this million are?? Well after a long while of negotiations, Eida tole me they were interested in buying the houses that Rich and Amanda were leasing, meaing she would no longer be the owner, so whatever they had with her would be no longer.

I cooked dinner we talked again and this time Joey with us. As we watched the Thunde it showered the sky and totally lit it up. It crack and roared and was very loud, something I was not use to, but exciting to hear and watch. I forgot that Amanda was coming home, but didn't know they did not have keys to the house I had them. So they were locked out they called but I missed the calls.
Joey eneded up taking there keys over, letting them in. While Eida and I continued to talk.

She wanted me to stay but i knew I had to go an face the music over at the house. When I arrived everyone was alseep it was only 7:30 Jet lag I'm sure. So I went back out and walked over to Danis place and hung out there for a while till the rain when away. Came back to blog and talked to Milo for a long time on line. It was fun.

He is a different man, very tender, very emotional, I kinda like the guy. Maybe I am too strong for him, Time will tell ....TIME TELLS EVERYTHING, I mean everything...

coffee plants Cartera Wheel,at the Furniture store

Cornstalk plants 20-30 feet tall impatients growing wild and the instant car wash machine





Casicasi Drink some of the arrangements at the Marriots

Bus rides, San Jose, great fun, Sarchi

Ok Well I got on the bus right here in front of Jaco Bell, around 11:25, on Weds.
The bus is huge, not airconditioned and at the point of picking me up was not very full.
We rode around Jaco and picked up a few other people, then stopped all along the way picking and dropping till it was standing room only. I had a window seat near the back of the bus.. The bus attendant told me I had to sit in a certain area as this is where the people going to San Jose are suppose to sit. Soon the whole bus was full. I had not bought a ticket yet,so the bus attendant told me in a while he will collect. The ride was not bad actually it was pleasant, with the window open you could smell the air and the breeze was not that hot. Not one person on the bus smelled, in tha close of quaters, I actually could smell all their purfumes, trust when I say they like purfume! it wasn't strong but each time some one got a waf would come my way.
It took a little over two hours along beach, over hills and over huge moutians. Into rain forest clouds, as we traveled upward to the top of the mountains. Rolling roads potholes and many cars, motorcycles passing on any side of the road they can. We stopped in Orotina, a small agriculture town. At the stop, this man got on selling fruit's bagged green mango with lime, mango with salt and chili, Pepa, in a bag with a peice of pepa in it! Coconut juice with the coconut in the little plastic bag, reminding me of the gold fish you get at the store, when they plop them into a bag and you carry it home like this.. They do allot of things like that, always in some sort of plastic bag. No cups no cans, they do give you a straw if you want but most people tear a small hole in the bag and drink it like that. I watched intently as they all drank there pepa. I just drank bottle water. This man rode for about a mile and then got off on the next stop where we all got down and went to the bathroom, got something to eat or fruit, and got back on for the ride. It was a pretty ride, I did not mind it at all, in fact I was thinking the whole time this would be a good way to see things and learn all the road ways. Costing only $2.10 cents for the long haul. Very cheap.

From the moment of getting on though there was a problem, one man of course sitting right in front of me was on his cell phone and continued to talk as the attendant tried to get his attention so to move out of the seat. He was in the wrong area, but he ignored him causing this very nice young man with blonde surfer type hair to get red in the face. I was watching the attendant the whole time he continued peacefully to ask him to get up, the man ignored... he continued he ignored untill he got all the people who were suppose to sit in his area up and behind him as a back up to get him to move... He then rose his voice and wow he got really red. Ok I am thinking this is my first experience on the bus and the fight is right in front of me! OH BOY.. A bit nervious but not much really, actually I was amuzed by the whole thing.

I thought it was funny actually as the man on the cell phone had no clue how many people where thinking exactly what I was WHAT A ASS!

He did move finally after this big man came over with the attendant, all the while th bus is going . I did not have a ticket so eventually he had to come to me as I said, and I had no clue how much it was! this young girl, actually looked Italian sat next to me, she had her Ipod on and was singing rocking out, we said maybe four words to each other I aked her how much was the ride, she told me two dollars in spanish.

The cute attendant, kinda reminded me of david spade, came over and collect his money from me. When they all got off in Orotina, I sat and watched her bags and handed her a 500 colones piece, to get me more water. She brought back change. So I asume the water was less than a $1.oo since 481 colones is equal to a $1.00.

Upon arriving to the Air port which is where I told Milo to pick me up. I saw lots of people there getting on and off. I sat on a bench with my suitcase for maybe two minutes when I HEARD MARIANNNNNNNNNA with a roll.. I looked up in this little gray car ws Milo Smiling. His real name is Steven, Milo, Chavez, an Architec for Intel and lives in New Mexico.
I hopped in he asked what do you want to do, immediately I repsonded, EAT!! so we drove around finding nothing, untill we ended up near San Jose a place called PAVA, drove lost for a while but niether one of us cared, actually it was fun.. No worries just aimlessly driving. Although I had a heahache and was starving, I was still in a pleasant mood. I just felt happy to be with someone who was from AMERICA!

All of sudden I looked around and we were in the best area in the world to me! THe design district yeah!!! I was so happy, we found what I was thinking of doing which was trying to find out where the interior design people go, the furniture district, and the home accessory district, well we stumbled on it and it was way past my expectations! Better than Seattle and in fact very sohpisticated. I found the most perfect store called Octubre 54 Awesome furniture and accessories. Huge vases, very high quality furniture and the displays were surpassing what I have seen in Portland Oregon.!!! ok I was a very impressed woman at this point. Milo stopped because we saw a restuarant around there, although it was Chinese I did not want Chinese.
I wanted Mexican, mind you Costa Rican food is not like Mexican, Its Most like hmmm UMmm Not Mexican ha! So We went into the Octubre 54 which by the way has a site on the net.. and Milo and I both went nuts! we Both like the same things, very strange, Everything He liked I loved everything I loved he liked. We had fun.. just imagining what we could do with all that and how a house with that would be great on a hill over looking Hermosa la playa. The beach!

We continued to look at other shops, and then on the corner was this very nice very classy Mexican place.. Ya know I have to say this, believe it or not?? This was all divined and meant for the both of us. All the things I had said to him on the ride happened right before our eyes. Like we knew where all this was, but neither one of us knew where the hell we were???!!!! it was right around the biggest park in San Jose a very lovely grand park, HUGE, the roads run parallel to the park.

We got in the restuarant, and sat alone again, seems like every where we go we have the place to ourselves, yet there are tons of people around.. the place was dark for the most part but all open to the road no windows...I chose to sit in the back byt the sky light with the water feature little mexican pots all staggered, at different levels pouring water on both sides of the room. It was perfect, we orderd guacamole, patacones, fried bananas, fried yucca, onions, a beans, so yummy then we had jade Margaritas, and he had a beer. Our food came it was a large plate of three types of tacos, pork, chicken and beef all done very authentic style SO GOOD!! I had two margis, then we walked around and looked for more things.
Went down the road and found this pottery place with pots all outside, my head was still hurting so we rode down this hill and found a farmacia, and got some strong asprins, only took like five minutes to work. GREAT!! by this time the Traffic was gridlock.. so many people in San Jose. This is a huge busteling city, with cars along with bikes, trucks taxis, motorcycles all riding ontop of each other, CRAZY!! Milo suggests the moment I was thinking, no like the very moment, that we go to a baro... an sit and have another beer to avoid the traffic.

So we did, we we got there they were playing all American Music, there are a couple of stations here that play our same stuff plus, and there is one that plays all American Classics, that is what was on in this little cute partially out side inside restuarant and bar. Across the street on the top of the hill, was a wood maker, right on the edge of his house which sat on the hill looking at us, he had built a deck and worked on the deck overlooking the traffic and the bar.

We Talked for the longest time, we had good conversations, meaningful ones not trivial, but with my humor and now I found someone whos just as funny a jab here and there gets slipped in.
I got into this conversation about my sons, I kinda told Milo some things I wasn't going to tell but anyhow I did, it wasn't bad stuff just stuff about my life and the boys and how I felt. I was talking about Jordan calling, and moments later he did... then I was telling him all about Brandon, and how I see in him a hurt, a pain, and I knew why. I was thinking heavy about Brandon when Jordan called...he said he was talking to Brandon earlier and that he was depressed sounding. When I hung up I told Milo, we talked about Bran some more...then this song came on the radio I bust out in tears as it was one he made me play over and over when he was about four.. something about shawdows lurking up and down the blvd, At this moment can not remember the name but I know when he reads this he will, well I started to cry, thinking about him, mind you I had one beer at this point so it wasn't the beer! it was just the talk about him Jordan calling when Iwanted him too then the song... so strange. The whole day was as if I knew it before.
We left after that and went to this huge mall.. I WAS WILD IN THERE!! GOD I COULD NOT BELIEVE MY EYES... so many cool stores, designer stores and more, better than the malls I saw in Vancouver or In Portland. Wow I will never have to worry about being out of style here. Then I started staring at how people dressed..wow very classy very nice. The shoes , the hair, the clothes.. YEAH!! happy girl! we looked at all kinds of things it was so fun. But we did not buy anything. We decided to go the huge Marriots and hang out and listen to music and have something called Cassi cassi. A great drink with Cassis, and Cass. YUMMY AND WOW Good! The Marriots was very impressive, the setting was super tropical Mediterrian style, with a center courtyard that was open to sky looking up around 7 stories or more, music was playing as you entered, candles were lit in these huge stone bowls like troths, incredible everywhere you looked candles were burning, the amibience was just astounding. I saw thes people making large arrangements in a events area, Milo commented on them as well as I did, saying that was my life for many many years working on site and making so many beautiful things for hotels and parties it was fun to be on the outside looking in. Wow I was in a world here too, I laughed and almost cried to be so happy, honestly I have not felt this way in so many years that I didn't know how to contain myself.
Milo is a very sweet Romantic man, this was his idea to take me here to let me experience this magnificent place. We walked all through the grounds looking over the huge pool all lit at night with palms of all sorts sawying in the cool breeze surrounding it, including flowers and ginger, planters palms and many types of flora. We walked to the really big hot tub area and saw a couple having a nice evening in the tub we just walked around them and looked back at the grand hotel all lit up in the night like a glowing icon.

Walking back up the grand staircase which was outdoors had candles lit on the stairs and giant bowls made of stone everywhere with flowers and candles in them.
The Feeling there was pure romance. I could see where many people would want to come to this place and get married right in the hotel.
If only there was a place like that when I was doing all those big events in Portland.. God!
Milo and I walked into the Courtyard in the center and looked all the way up, the palms in there were so perfect as if it was painted in a picutre. The walls had a fountain that spued water out of them into a troth all inlayed with tile.
We then walked around the back of the wall up a huge staircase and walked around the courtyard looking down into it, there were groupings of Furniture with candles and flowers and great looking Bowls and Huge hand blown glass vases,and bottles all over with art and artifacts. Just incredible... I began to laugh incideously... because here I was thinking that Costa Rica was this primative culture with no luxury, no beauty as I knew in the states. Yet this was far surpassing what I could have ever imagined... there fore blowing my theory all the hell!! WOW this was so incredible.

The lighting was low and the atmostphere was nearly perfect, No music was playing but that changed quickly. We walked outside to the Veranda where there were lots of couches, and cushy chairs, with tables and sofa tables with large arrangements on them and candles on the tables. Milo suggested that we have a casi casi.. this tanish colored creamy icy drink, made with Guado, Casis, and cas. with a swirl of lime rhine on the edge. Really good display, and Really good taste. extremely yummy.

We had one and talked it was so nice I saw fireflies, and heard all the katydids,frogs and crickets. There were only a few people there, so it was pretty quiet. Then the music started, a mix of jazz and latino. Really nice.. I got up to dance and Milo took my photo, because I was dancing the band decided to play a little longer so Milo and I a dance together having a great time. We sat back down and ordered another, talked and laughed.. then as we were walking back he ran into the head of the project he was hired to come there in Costa Rica for. He and this man talked for a lenght of time while I listened on, not interrupting at all. Until Milo tell's him I am billion aire! I laughed so hard but is was kinda funny. Then we went to leave I saw a drunk lady very pretty, older nicely dressed in a dark flowing pantsuit, she had a huge bundle of Casa blanca lilies, you know the really pretty pure white ones? Then we came across two of his fellow workers at Intel we chatted and I watched the lady get into the car, I could smell the Casas, from way across the way. I took a huge sniff, You see these are some of my favs, I have allot of them I will admitt, but working events, doing parties and weddings I know all the flowers in the world, this one brings many many memories, even my sons, love these ones.. Jordan would always stick his head in the buckets of them when I was working on Weddings with these... so All those thoughts quickly flew threw my head while Milo and his workmates talked.

We walked to the back parking lot and lown and behold this car comes right behind us it was the lady with the casa's. I Mention to Milo that I could smell them from in the car, he said What?? I said the flowers she was carrying. We were already in the car when they pulled up, he got out of the car walked over to her in the car and said they were beautiful, and that his lady liked those and could he get one or so for his lady? she said of course and handed him a stem... they were the asiatic type not the huge giangantic ones. I smiled and thought was a chivirous man this Milo was. Something you do not find, in this day in most men. It was such a sweet thought, and believe me right now three days later I sit here typing away with music blaring and a bowl of Freshly cut pineapple and strawberries the smell of the Casa's are filling the warm room, and the sent with the pineapple is making me feel so happy, thinking about all this. This is truly a memorable week, one I will never ever forget! the casa had two blooms when he got it for me now it had three and almost the fouth is ready to open.. AWEEEEEI LOVE the smell of these.

We drove back the the hampton which was where he was staying, went in and he got on line, I got in bed and watched CNN and watched the Hurricane news, the first I had seen it because I do not have TV, I couldn't watch it I asked him to turn it off.

The evening was wonderfull and I really enjoyed all the adverntures of the day and night.. Milo is genuine, and I know he and I will ever remain as friends if not more.

He really attends to me, rubbing my feet, and my back.. something I really always loved. Clint my Assistant in the states, is Going to Massage therapy school and he would rub me completely, Milo could learn a little from him but honestly he does very well, better than I would have thought.

The next morning Milo brought me breakfast while I was still sleeping. He told me to take along hot bath and soak my feet, My aerobic shoes are bad and I injured one of my ankles he could tell when he rubbed my feet. So I followed his suggestion, because where I live in Jaco, there is no tub and no hot water.

I ran a big tub, and sat and soak, drank this good juice he got me it was guava, pineapple and orange. YUM POG!! ME LIKY... I soaked for about a half hour got ready and he was on line doing work, he was suppose to have a big meetiing about the new buildings for Intel, but he wrote and said he was not coming`~~~~~~~~~~ I wonder why :)

We Ended up going to the mall, where Milo and I walked and I went nuts again, I got this cutest top in Carribean blue, lime green , brown and white, strapless with one string about the neck, and the bottom had points on either side longer in other words on the sides. then I found a cute white skirt with double ruffles like the undies we wore as a child.. haaaaaaaaaaa then a pretty satin white cami with sparkles and a dip on the side on your hip.

I found cute Brazilian Green and white shoes that matched for only $14.00 the above cost me 28 dollars for all three pieces. Then Milo took me to this Argentina Siliver store, where he bought me this hand made bracelett of silver with a slit on the wrist, and some matching drop earings,and a pair of large silver hoops. Honestly I was going to buy these and he wouldn't let me he just jumped in and got them.

I WAS SHOCKED<>

It didn't stop there, We went on to find areobic shoes , I wanted New balance since Brandon always told me those are the best for me. so I found some, they were around 41 dollars on sale, so I asked the sales clerk to get my size which here a 7 is a 37, She came out and they didn't have any. But she did have some cuter ones that were higher of course! but Milo the Man he is bargined with her and got her down on the price, I went to pay for them and he made me put my money away.. AWE HOW SWEET IS THIS??? I was so happy this time I felt happiness about the shoes! We walked about and then eneded near the exit as We needed to go.We were suppose to go to Sarchi the artisans village above Grecia. As we left we saw the sunglass hut, and he got me a pair of cool sunglasses, the TCBY!! ok if any of ya all know me..TCBY I really like.. I had again that pina colada one its green here.Yummy and he had a peach one. Upon entering the parking lot, there was a man out there with a little machine looked like a rocket, it was a portable car wash strange thing but cool.. he offered people to wash the car while they were in the mall.WHAT A COOL IDEA.SoI took a photo of it and of Milo eating his TCBY.

We headed towards Sarchi looking all the way for a mamones stand but none, lots of other things thought.

We rode in Grecia a small community rather Nice actually not as many bars on the windows, nestled in a hillsides of coffee fields and sugar cane farms. Maybe even som pineapple farms. Completely different terran than Jaco and the jungle areas I have seen. More like hillsides with lots of terracing.

We rode through town trying to find the only road that leads to Sarchi, but to our bumbling we did not find it no matter how many people we asked we could not find the road. We did see wild Impatients,and l.arge cornstalk plants, you know the ones you have in the office or in the house? Well they make Fences with these and actually put them lined up like soilders all around the property. We asked this little boy on a bike if he knew the road it was a small road that ran through Grecia, was a part of Grecia, then it winds around the moutians and turns into Sarchi, the place where furniture and wicker, paintings art and crafts from the community are sold.

Really a great place, I loved it even though it rained the whole time.We found lots of goodies from a crafter making furniture and wicker as I said to a wood carver of fine designs on furniture, doors, or cabinets .Milo and I ate at this little place we just had a beer and some cevechi, it was sea bass not my fav, but the salsa and chips were great!

We roamed around and saw so many pretty hillsides. Untill I suggested that we go to a Soda I saw on the way in, that sat over a hill by itself overlooking the coffee hills.So he did, and I ordered for us one chicken and one pork Casada. It had the carmelized bananas I like so much. I also had guannabana its a tasty drink with milk and ice frothy and creamy and so good.

We ate and talked , the man and woman who ran the Soda talk to Milo Asking if he was A grngo, he said yes, she told us she was from Mexico, not Costa Rica. They also told me I as beautiful and that my eyes were so pretty. How nice I thought how sweet.. the son talk to us he was in colledge, looked gay to me.. probably was.

We decided to go back to the hotel rather than driving back to Jaco that night, as it was raining pretty hard , and it was becoming dark. I suggested that I ride the bus back instead of him driving me. That way Milo was safe, and I got to spend one more evening with him making our time together last a bit longer.He was excited that I suggested this.

When we got back he called about the bus they said it was all full, I got upset they said I had to take a cab to the coca cola station and then catch the bus to Jaco, well this area is known for mugging and robbing.So I was really upset.. to left there to fend for my self which I have before but I was not in the mood for danger

He called about the Private bus they said they were full too, but in the morning we called and it had an opening.So the hotel booked me.

Milo had to fly back to the states, and I back to Jaco. The time that Milo and I spent to gether was wonderful the best the most perfect and fun time. I really enjoyed him and felt so comfortable, he is very romantic, and so attentive.JUST WHAT THE DOCTORED ORDERD! needless to say I was bit teary eyed when we departed. I tried not to cry at all but he kept saying all this wonderfull stuff and making me just want to weep. I didn't know I held tight and hugged him and said its not the end, I know I will see you again soon. That Intel is going to call you back in a short time to have you handle all there affairs for the new buildings, He suggested he sell his house and the two of us build houses, and sell them here. Me being a designer and he being an architec, hmmmmmm what an amazing idea???? Sounds pretty darn good to me. But time will tell it always does. Ths advernture this week was a true milestone in my life.

One that will forever be cherished and smiled upon, many good feelings, happiness, and emotions were struck by both. Even the moments of tears that he displayed as he left me was a good feeling, to think that someone actually cared enough to show me that he could break his manly walls down and display his emotions to me meant allot.

His tears were soothing ointment to my ailing and sore emotions that have been in the past battered and abused. This is a very good man. I blessed God on the way back for him and prayed that he was every happy and that eveything he touched was profitable and blessed. That carried over into also asking god to touch my sons lives with happiness and blessings as well as my sister, whom I have not heard from in months... I prayed for her health and her happiness and her understanding in her sister, ME>

Taking the Bus to San Jose

Well today Is Wed. I decided to Go to San Jose for two days check out the big city. See the sights on the way, then on the way back Hit Sarchi and Zarchero, the place of artists, and topiaries... I will be with Milo, he flys back to the states on Friday so he will be driving me back to Jaco on Thrusday. I will blog when I return and show all the photos and my experiences. I CANT WAIT!! ADIOS< CIAO

Lamps and Sharon

Yesterday I chatted with Sharon on line, for some reason on Sunday all my friends especially Sharon was on my mind. I thought about her allot and prayed that god bless her and make her happy. She has to be one the kindest person's I have ever met in all my years.
Of all the people I have met, which is tons, I mean tons of people Probably more than the average person, Sharon has made the most impacted on me. I feel that we all have a purpose in this life.
When we are born, we are giving the gifts of life, to which some of us take years to find or to seek out what we were born to be. Other's are open to them and know immediately in childhood what we were meant to be or our purpose in life. Some of us go through life blinded, never knowing who or what we are meant to do or be, yet they complain about there lives... not knowing that in each of us is a special purpose. Open yourself up listen to the still small voice and allow yourself to see what it is that makes you and others happy. When I do things for others big or small, for example last night the girls here showed up, I had some Ice cream just offered to strangers the ice cream to be kind. The one girl I never seen before had such a smile on her face, because of my willingness to give and share.

From the begining, I knew what I was, A giver a inspirer, a helper, a instructor, an aritst, a comic, and a hard worker.

Sharon is a giver and gives freely, the true success to life is giving, maybe not monitarily but in wealth in your life, and your spirit. Sharon is an encourager, she always look's to the best in a person. Her purpose in life is to inspire others to be who they are and be darn good at it. She knew from the time she was young I am sure. A self assured woman who is a great help to many women now.

When I first met Sharon, She was not as assured as she is today... through friendships this became strong. This woman has helped me and continues to help even though I am a million miles away In Costa Rica. Sunday I was thinking strongly about her, to find out that Sunday was a day of sadness for her. Knowing her children are growing fast and that they eventually will leave the nest. All mothers go through this, but I knew she was on Sunday as I could feel her in m heart.

I say to Sharon, you are my best friend, a strenght to me and not to worry the boys will love you forever as you are a good mom, and good friend to them. Boy's are tough they can really wear you down, keep your chin up and know that eventually you will have Grandchildren. The proces never ends, So cheer up! You have many who love you Including me!

Today no work out, I felt sore and heahacy again God what is this five days now of headache..

I woke to men tapping at the gate. The were here to fix the drawers in the kitchen.. Long story short. The people who work around here are very different. Craftsmanship is not a term. Its more like bunglers, they do things in a half way mannor. These drawers where new, but they made them wrong and never fixed them. I told Eida about them and I guess she called the guy to come. you couldn't even open them they just looked good. HAAA oh well not my house!

I AM GOING TO THE DENTIST, HOPE THIS IS A GOOD EXPERIENCE! If it comes out pretty I will show you!

DAng there is some fiesta or something going on, there is Sirens and A loud band playing right now I have no idea who or what it is!! its loud S

Fish scale earings, pedicures and Fire flies

Daniela, before Work, half asleep Lamps made in Costa Rica















Helene, and Maris foot, Fish scale earings


Ok went to the dentist, much to my suprise it was a very attractive women dentist. She was reccomended to me by Eida , I been spelling her name wrong and I just discovered if so if your reading Eida I'm sorry. Earlier in the day I took a cab to the dentist. Cost all of .75 cents but we didn't go far. I wanted Gloria bell to go with me to explain in case I bumbled it up. But I did not need her anyway. The dentist was very nice, and assured me that she would fix both my teeth and make them all white!
She sorta quoted a price, but I will tell ya tomorrow what it actually was, Needless to say MUCH LESS THAN THE STATES.

Gloria had to go to work down the road so I walked her to work but on the way I found this cute little apartment that said Italians here! So I asked and they suggested I return around 7:00. continuing foward. We walked to Glorias work, stood outfront and chatted with one of her managers. Ok all the men here are flirty, GOD!! He just talked and talked, I was hungry and wanted to leave, the dogs at the pet store were barking and the birds in the cages were screaching. Thus making me very antsy to leave.
I did I walked back about a mile I think?
But on the way I stopped every here and there looking at things and actually taking time to see stores and where things were. I searched for a pedicure . I found two salons, with prices varying from 8 to 12 dollars for one. I also found several Internet Cafes. Along with a great homemade Ice cream shop, a new bakery, and a really cute clothing store.
I had a good time especially with the clothing store, it was airconditioned!!! Yep I stayed in there till my body cooled down felt great .

I saw several things I would love to have, I kept walking till I got to this Soda Called the bannana, I wanted Ceviche, so I sat and ordered it and a drink of watermelon in water with ice. They were all out, so disapointed and hungry I walked toward the house.

I knew that the tiny little barber shop next to the bycyletta shope. So I kept going till I got to that alley. I decided to eat a subway sandwich which was a very bad choice. Ok it was terrible I will admit. I order tuna thinking it would be fresh and good and um like the states. NOT! it was sour, well I have been sick all day since I ate it. They use some sort of dressing on it, no pepperocinis, I love those.
I did put avocado on it that was the best part. I ate it because I was starving but honestly Eat local food I learn a lession there.
I drank a big bottle of Moya and that as a mistake too since the acid in the black berry would really mix with the Tuna and make you Just want to ralph!
Pukey puke... EUWWWWWWWEEEE
By and by I went to the pedicure shop and asked if they could do it now. This place is all of about 8 foot wide and around 7 foot deep, With four people stuck in there at once, she did a pedicure but it was very simple. A pan of hotwater, and a towel on her lap while she sat on a milk crate and a pillow on top. Around Two hours later beautiful toes!! it was nice to just relax and not worry about any time or deadlines just let her work and work on the toes! she even put little rhinestones on them.. It cost me 3000.00 Colones around $6.00 American Dollars.

Then Iwalked down the road to the house, stopped to Show Daniela my new toes!! she was too buys with customers to look. So I just walked home. Waited a while and went back to see the apartment with Eida. Eida wanted to ride the bike with me to show me the apartments she knew of then all of a sudden the lights went out in the whole town, We jumped off the bikes and walked and Thats when I saw all the fireflies... First time ever I saw them.. how cute they lit up the whole field. I had to stop and watch. We kept going to the main road then the lights came back. I went alone to see that Apartment NOPE IT WAS ROTTEN! NOT for me a cracker box with only a hard cardboard bed practically. Came home worked on a bid and sent all my photos to tosh and then we chatted on line he likes my pics so hopefully soon we will be sending this to the states, Canada, and maybe Japan. If you like them let me know ok?

I been sitting working on Internet stuff for hours now when Daniela came back by after her work to visit and eat hocoyte's an ugly little verde ( green) thing that I do not like no matter how many times I eat them they remind me of something I tried to eat as a kid like green walnuts, they are really strange they put salt on them. She brought me Memones, but I didn't eat them yet. She left and returned with Martha her amiga... we ate hilado, ( ice Cream) There is Daniela! finnally you can see her.

Lunes , Monday, Bonito dia Wow a beautiful Day!

Yesterday was mostly filled with gray skies, and much rain, Uvia. Althought I wanted to go to Manuel Antonio, the rain was too much so I decided to stick around town and just ride my bike all over possibly looking for an Apartmenthotel for the next month. I got a skirt and a black tanktop on and my black sparkly sandals and jumped on the bike and rode. It was kinda hot not bad, actually it was the best weather I have seen since I have been here. Not too hot not to humid and some breezes. I rode from my house to the end of Jaco, where the jazz Casino is. I went in and asked how much for the month. It is a very nice place with grounds that are very manicured. Courtyards, fountains and ponds three restuarants, and two bars. Two pools . But WOW EXPENSIVE over $2000 for a month. Guess I won't be staying there.

I continued on my bike to a little strange store, where I saw two prostitutes hanging out one was very flacka the other was muy Gorda. One was REALLY SKINNY the other VERY FAT. They both were homeless one's you could tell very dirty and really worn out. Sad but I didn't stare a much just kept on pedaling. This road is very potholish, muddy and rough.. I still didn't feel well and the bumps seems to agitate my Kidneys and head ache. Turning around in the middle of the road and riding back toward town, noticed this man with his car open, and in it was memones, and some other fruits selling it right out of the car. I wanted some memoes, I crave those since there are no Sour gummy worms here, so I stopped and got off the bike to look. YUK all black, and old and rotten. NOPE I climbed back on and rode on, next to this security guard for one of the hotels. he smiled and I did too. I rode all over looking up and down the little short streets that lead to the ocean for anything.. I saw Chickens and old run down houses, and bars on the windows and piles of Garbage... groups of men sitting and laughing and doing there Sunday visit.

This is a Very Sleepy town on Sunday. Most of the business are closed on Sunday So the ride was much quieter than any other day of the week. I did see some new apartments Great color, kinda tuscan yellow but the location sucked. Right on the corner by my gym facing the Entrance to Jaco, not good too much noise. I dunno Maybe I will check it out later.

Keep riding, untill I see this shop that has all Tico souvieneers, so I stop to take photos and make a list For Tosh. When I pulled my bike in I dropped my umbrella right in front of this man who looked like he was an American, but Mexican decent. He stopped to pick it up and said In spanish you dropped your umbrella, then he said do you speak English I said Yes, he said Wow your a pretty lady. I said Thank you and went about my business and just smiled.

I talked to the little gal in the shope and asked the products in there and if they could buy lots? or if I could? she gave me the number of the owner and I took lots of photos, which I will post separately next.
I continued on and wanted to get some good coffee, I was hot but thought that the coffee would make my head feel better... but no there was only one place open Trabacone, and it had too many men sitting in the front. I felt uncomfortable to walk in too many stares. As I rode I saw this car with someone in it , he was waving by by to me.. I just smiled and wave then as I passed the car he got out and aked me if he could take my photo?? I said of course you can. He said I can not leave Jaco with out a picture of you. I said fine, I asked him where he was from??
He said New Mexico, and was working for Intel In San Jose. He took a weekend for a holiday in Jaco, actually a date he had in Parrita. But decided to come to Jaco for the afternoon. He then asked me where I was going?? I said Oh I wanted Expresso or Coffee. He then invited me to go. I said yes, he seemed like a nice person, a good smile and nice kind voice. I could tell he wasn't fake so I thought Why not? I told him I would meet him down there with my bike to Trabacone We met had a very good Cappucino, and talked about all sorts of things. He was on a project at Intel to deside where buildings should go on a plan for development there in San Jose. He is an Architec for the company.

Funny he showed me his photos, and it was like I took the photos? very similar interest in nature and living things. His photos were sellable material, really good perspective and an interesting person. He shared his life history of women with me, I tried not to say anything negative to him about it, but I was thinking that these were things to discuss at a later time. I didn't say that but it was ok he seemed comfortable telling me all his history.

We had a very nice time, finally our coffee's came, the little Tica waitress that was servinig us stepped on a cat on the way and the cat Scream loud! everyone in the whole place laughed. It was great!!! then as we were talking one of the waitresses, decided to see why the fan's were not working and flipped the breaker box, and it blew a breaked it was loud and she screamed and ran, we all laughed again.

He told me his name and we exchanged emails, his name was Stephen Milo Chavez, as we chatted he suggested we go and eat. The evening was still young and the weather was so cool for Jaco I couldn't resist his offer. He was so pleasant and so nice to be around. I suggested we go to this place up the road Called Susie Q's it was American BBQ, the gal was a friend of Glenn Wrights friend Paula, and Paula wanted me to tell her hello. So we walked the bike down toward the beach on this little one lane road, and Went to Susies.

The place was open and Susie was there, so I greeted for Paula, kissed her on the cheek as everyone does here when they say hello. She was happy that I came with Milo as we were the only ones that night.

She lit a candle at our table, mind you most of the Restuarants are outdoors with a cover over the top, so it was very pleasant. We talked, he loved the Gekos, they were kissing all the time we were talking. What I mean is the Gekos make this kissing sound, its so dang cute! he went to see them, I looked on. I have like 6 in my house so its familiar to me. Plus I saw them all over in Kauai.
As we ate dinner the conversation was good no pauses no uncomfortable moments at all. The I orded dessert, it was this Chocolate mouse with Nuts on top and some coffee flavor over the top with Coconut on the bottom and Rum poured all over it. We ate it together, then he began to feed me, I ate it and smiled at him, All of sudden I looked down the court yard of Susies, and I saw a whole group of Mariachis, walking in. They walked up playing a little and asked if we wanted to hear them? Of course we did we were the only one's in the place! they played a romantic song we he grabbed me and we danced. It was so sweet. I do not think I have ever had this happen in my life... it was very touching. After we took the bike just a half a block up the street to the ocean it was very dark the stars where shinning the tide was high. So we didn't have to walk far to walk in the warm ocean water. We played a little in it,and then walked to the river. He walked me home, we had a beer and then he left for San Jose. It seemed very dreamy this evening. I suppose it was meant that he went through Jaco as we both enjoyed each others company.
He did invite me to come To New Mexico, but till will tell everything.

I friendship to develop is what I say.

Great weekend this weekend... today nothing much took the garbage out early around 6:00 down the alley and around the corner. Then made toast in the oven and coffee, ate and computer. Got dressed and rode in the fabulous sun to the gym.
Kick Boxing today WOW HARD... I could tell I am not up to par, many stops, but a great work out.

I talked to the Transvestite, she is very nice and really pretty actually, kissed me on the cheek and greeted me Farwell.. I am making friends in the gym for sure. Although my communication is not that great, it feels like they like me???

I came back to Gloria sleeping and woke her up, now she is taking me to the dentist to see If Ican get my teeth fixed, so I have to shower and get pretty!! TALK SOON MARI