Parades and flags....

Today we celebrated Costa Rica’s Independence Day! Alex, Karina and I planned to meet before the parade and enjoy a nice breakfast at Kay’s. Alas, it was not open so back to El Balcon del Café we went. That turned out to be a great idea. Here’s what I had for only $6.00 total, including tax and tip (which is always included in your check).

We finished just in time to walk the next block where the parade was forming. We were fortunate enough to land a spot at Gellys, the gelato place, perched right above the street but in the shade.

It was only about 82 degrees this morning but with the heat index it was more like 95 degrees!!! We could hear the participants long before we saw them….. police sirens and Red Cross sirens grabbed your attention. Here, the Cruz Rojas is a very active body: they are the equivalent of our EMTs.

One by one, each school marched through the street. Some dressed in costumes while others came in uniform. Children of every size proudly displayed their pride in their homeland. Here are some of my favorite photos:

more later....


All in all, it was a great day to be here. I don’t know how they ever get used to the heat and humidity, but then again, that is what people say when they visit Florida too.