Sunday, September 9, 2012
A new snack food….yummy
Yesterday Anita served up a totally new and interesting snack food (certainly new to me but not to them). The best I can describe it is this way:
Fry some plantains made into round patties. Salt heartily.
Spread some mashed up pinto beans on top.
Cover with shredded cueso.
YUMMY! Really, this could be a new treat in America. Wish I had taken a photo. If I see it again, I will.
The rains have finally arrived tonight. It sure cools things down quickly. Sort of reminds me of my childhood, pre air conditioning days…… Ahhhhhh, refreshing.
Rain, rain what else can happen?
Once the rain started yesterday, it got worse and worse. Lots of thundering and lightening. It made for a pleasant change and really cooled things off but the humidity is still extremely high. This morning it is 73 degrees and I am dripping… I pretty much stayed in my room yesterday and enjoyed reading a book, Broken Open by Elizabeth Lesser. I also “talked” to a few of you yesterday by Skype or messenger. That was a treat for me.
In the evening I watched some tv with the family. A Mexican comedy movie was on. It was easy enough to follow the plot and they seemed to really enjoy it. Later Anita and I watched the news. Seems there have been more aftershocks, the latest about 2 PM. I felt nothing…..what gives with that? We also saw that a volcano in Nicaragua has erupted somewhat. I think she was saying “better in Nicaragua than in Costa Rica”. It is north of us. Next Sunday some of us are planning a trip to a volcano and park here called Poas. Sure hope Poas is silent! http://www.costaricabureau.com/nationalparks/poas.htm
Later Anita’s two daughters came in. One had a worried look on her face. I sensed that they needed to have a private conversation so I retreated to my room again. I really enjoy this time alone. As the rain continued, I decided to get some sleep. Did I tell you I am sleeping in the bottom bunk of a bunk bed? It actually works out well: I use the top bunk for storage! My room is about 8 x 10, cozy but functional. No problemo….
There were a lot of night noises last night: not jungle sounds but car sounds. I didn’t sleep very well so I slept in until after 8 AM. Usually on a weekend, it is forbidden to call me before 9 or 10 AM! Here, people are up and about so early. When I got up, the house was empty. I am sure Anita went to church.
I decided to see if Kay’s was open today (she is open 3 Sundays each month). I ran into Guido on the street walking back towards the house. I continued on only to find this was not one of those Sundays. I thought I remembered seeing a small bakery nearby. Voila! (See how that French keeps getting in the way of my Spanish?) Sure enough, there it was. And it was open too! I bought a loaf of sweet bread and some orange juice. I want to contribute something once in a while so this was my treat for them. I walked back home and had breakfast with Guido and Anita. It was muy gusto!
Guido likes to trade Spanish words for English words so we had a mini lesson. I also enjoy this. It helps so much more than the classes did. And I am starting to feel more relaxed as I reach into my brain for more Spanish phrases. It’s about 10:15 here now, a long day ahead. I have no plans…just to see what unfolds again….
Oh yes! The street in front of mi casa is only wide enough for one vehicle at a time. It is interesting to see how the Ticos manage that. Imagine having to back down a street and not know if somebody else is coming up behind you? Apparently there is a swimming pool at the end of the road so it is quite busy. Remarkable...
Saturday, September 8, 2012
OOPs....watch your step
Rolando, the 20 year old of this family, sprained his ankle the other day. I hear he is a fantastic Latin dancer but I guess lessons will have to wait.... :)
Anybody want to sign up for later????
Anybody want to sign up for later????
Observations...
So here is the picture of normal life from my perspective: they are a very friendly and loving people. They want to help each other. They disagree and then agree to disagree. They rise early and stay inside after dark unless they have a reason to be out. They are respectful. They work hard. They are clean freaks! Lol… They are resourceful ( my dad would love it here…). The children are busy and enjoy the same kinds of things as children everywhere else I have been in this world. Women are not as valued as men here (it’s a latino thing) but they still have their say. Life is simpler here and slower too. They are not wasteful. Everything can be repurposed. They are creative. In Candelaria, I see old tires used as edging. They are painted bright colors and actually look very nice. I haven’t been able to get a picture of it as the bus is always turning then. Flowering plants here are pretty much the same as in Florida.
Most younger people have and use cell phones constantly. Anita does not and she seems not to approve of this change to society. Kids wear uniforms to school (an idea we still do not fully embrace in the USA). They watch tv and enjoy movies . The news is Anita’s favorite. Music is everywhere. Soccer is king here. They like and wear American style clothing. They don’t seem to wear hats other than visors or baseball caps. Keep your umbrella handy!
Cars drive around with huge loudspeakers on the tops to advertise special events. People rarely cross streets at the crosswalk. Cars and busses fully utilize the California rolling stop. It is important to pay attention when walking. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. If you have no car, no problemo…. They come to your door to get your order for what you may need (I think this applies to groceries). They have a truck taxi to carry large items to su casa. Neighbors drop by often but always announce or knock before entering. There are tons of tiny Chihuahuas here. And cats too. I haven’t seen much wildlife here yet but I know it is here. Today I escorted a very large black beetle outside…..he was happy.
I’ve been reading a wonderful book I brought with me. Sure enough, Anita found me outside and offered me some fresh pineapple. It was fabulous. She is calling me to lunch now……astra luego!
Most younger people have and use cell phones constantly. Anita does not and she seems not to approve of this change to society. Kids wear uniforms to school (an idea we still do not fully embrace in the USA). They watch tv and enjoy movies . The news is Anita’s favorite. Music is everywhere. Soccer is king here. They like and wear American style clothing. They don’t seem to wear hats other than visors or baseball caps. Keep your umbrella handy!
Cars drive around with huge loudspeakers on the tops to advertise special events. People rarely cross streets at the crosswalk. Cars and busses fully utilize the California rolling stop. It is important to pay attention when walking. Pedestrians DO NOT have the right of way. If you have no car, no problemo…. They come to your door to get your order for what you may need (I think this applies to groceries). They have a truck taxi to carry large items to su casa. Neighbors drop by often but always announce or knock before entering. There are tons of tiny Chihuahuas here. And cats too. I haven’t seen much wildlife here yet but I know it is here. Today I escorted a very large black beetle outside…..he was happy.
I’ve been reading a wonderful book I brought with me. Sure enough, Anita found me outside and offered me some fresh pineapple. It was fabulous. She is calling me to lunch now……astra luego!
Breakfast, busses and pencil sharpeners…
Yesterday started out with an unusual breakfast. Anita split a large roll (sort of puffy French loaf) and spread mashed pinto beans on it, sort of like peanut butter would be used. Then she added two ¼ inch blocks of the light queso cheese. This is a very substantial breakfast sandwich. It didn’t have much flavor but then again they do not seem to mind that here. My mother taught me to eat whatever you are served so I did….filling for sure. She then brought out a large, dark brown fruit. I have never seen this one before. She cut it in half and motioned for me to try it. It was a light yellowish and super sweet and had almond sized large dark brown beans inside. I wondered if my system would recognize this new entry. We always have coffee and I get water too. By now, she knows that is what I ask for daily so she just gives it to me. A more gracious hostess would be hard to find.
I wanted to check out the Friday market so I left a bit early for the bus. I walked past tables of wonderful smelling fruits, vegetables and flowers. A few tables had other items. I spotted some Guatemalan jewelry (just like some I already own!) and chatted briefly with the seller. She explained that the market leaves by noon. I wasn’t due back until after 1PM so I thought maybe I would see something at a market place in Palmares. No luck! They did not have their market that day. I will try next Friday…. Guido went out early that morning and brought back flowers for the house and some other items from the market. He was walking into the house about 6:30 am. These Ticos rise early!!!
I got to the bus in plenty of time. I found a seat where the window was already open. Oddly enough, oftentimes the windows on the bus will not open. Even though some of the busses appear to be equipped with a/c, it is definitely not in use. On the trip back to Atenas, I sat by a window that was clearly marked EMERGENCIA. It barely opened a crack but that is better than no air at all. I guess you are out of luck if you need that exit in any emergency… I also discovered it pays to notice who is driving the bus so you have some assurance of getting back on the correct bus. For the return trip, the driver was the same but the bus looked different. Alex had told me to always make sure you get on the right bus. She made that mistake and it makes for a funny story but a harrowing experience. Yesterday the bus was not a tall crowded in the morning but packed in the afternoon.
There is some kind of children’s festival that seems similar to our Fall festivals or Halloween. Children dress in costumes and there are games, treats and music for them. Apparently Spiderman and Superman are popular options. Girls chose princess or Cinderella outfits. Only two of the siblings at the hogarcito got to go. I don’t know why the others did not but the older girls, Anna and Maria were asking the Tia. She gave them an explanation and they had no choice but to accept her words.
Today I brought some colored pencils for the older girls and pencil sharpeners for the others. I bought a pack f six with clear covers from the dollar store. Fortunately I only saw six kids today. You would have thought this new item was a wonderful invention. I showed them how the top comes off to empty the shavings. They played with them for over 30 minutes. They sharpened crayons and colored pencils. Daniel, age 5, needed a little help to turn the crayons in the right direction. All were amazed. What a silly thing! It made their day and made my job much easier.
Two of the boys were waiting for their papa when I arrived. Children who are going out for something wait inside while the others go outside. I thought they had long since gone but when lunchtime came, they were still waiting. The Tia told me their papa never came or called. How sad for these boys. Parents can be so cruel without even knowing it. Paul, I thought about you when this happened.
After lunch is served it is time for me to go back to Atenas. I asked for a taxi and said my farewells. I will go back on Monday but no more. I realized that besides the actual travel times, the expense does not make sense to me. I will give them the $35 to $40 I am spending on busses and taxis so they can buy extras for the children. It’s not about me anyway…it is about doing something for them. Tina told me I could change to a local project teaching English or working with the pet shelter. I will find out on Monday how that goes.
One more thing about riding the bus: I learned that on curvy, narrow roads he who is biggest gets the right of way! Several times others had to take to the shoulders or back up to let us pass. In Candelaria, we always back up after loading passengers. These drivers are amazing. If you are squeamish, sit on the aisle seat!
I went directly to Kay’s for lunch. Karina met me there. We enjoyed the food and the conversation with the others. It is a relaxing place where we can speak and don’t have to be “on”. When YOU are the outsider, you begin to appreciate what others are feeling when they come to our country and find it to be totally baffling. I have experienced this before and know it is a humbling experience. True to form, the skies clouded over and the thundering began. I asked for a taxi so we could make it to Spanish class on time. Cost: about $1.50. PRICELESS!
My last Spanish class was last night yippee). It’s not that I don’t want to learn, but this environment is NOT conducive to learning much. Two intense hours of unstructured instruction exhausts me. (Karina agrees…) And the instructor seems nice but has little English and no real plan. She still gives us words we will never need to use. My stomach ad been queasy all day and I told her that. She seemed not o care. After an hour and a half of instruction, I had enough. I felt terrible and was tired and frustrated. I walked home and found it to be empty. I was actually glad because I needed to use the bathroom ASAP and preferred some privacy. You get my drift…..
I rested a bit and found my immodium….. Never travel without it! Then I took a shower, ate some dinner and fell asleep. BTW, dinner was really tasty. More like friend rice, my first taste of yucca (she made them into mashed potato like balls stuffed with cheese. , they lightly fried), and fried plantains. Anita and I had a good laugh as she did not want her dinner because she too felt queasy….lol. Pura vida!
Today, I got up really early to do my laundry. They do it first so it can dry before the rains come and the humidity rises. I was up at 6 AM!!! She showed me how their washing machines work and helped me get it done. She actually did most of it but I watched and helped as I could. We ate breakfast and now I am sitting out on the front porch doing this. Others are also busy with their chores and lots of activity. I am not sure if anyone is actually reading these posts but it helps to detail my trip anyway.
I did get a reply from Marlene and Caryn about visiting them. I found out I would need to take a bus to San Jose then transfer to another bus to Guapiles. It seems too complicated to me and I need to recover still. I am not so young anymore ya know! I did find out that Kay’s is celebrating her 7th anniversary and lots of activities may be going on over there. I will go later…. Maybe I can go shopping in town too. The family seems surprised that I have no other plans for the weekend. Remember, flexibility is the name of the game….see what unfolds…… Right now several members of the family are having some sort of discussion. I am happy to be sitting here….. Ah, family life!
I wanted to check out the Friday market so I left a bit early for the bus. I walked past tables of wonderful smelling fruits, vegetables and flowers. A few tables had other items. I spotted some Guatemalan jewelry (just like some I already own!) and chatted briefly with the seller. She explained that the market leaves by noon. I wasn’t due back until after 1PM so I thought maybe I would see something at a market place in Palmares. No luck! They did not have their market that day. I will try next Friday…. Guido went out early that morning and brought back flowers for the house and some other items from the market. He was walking into the house about 6:30 am. These Ticos rise early!!!
I got to the bus in plenty of time. I found a seat where the window was already open. Oddly enough, oftentimes the windows on the bus will not open. Even though some of the busses appear to be equipped with a/c, it is definitely not in use. On the trip back to Atenas, I sat by a window that was clearly marked EMERGENCIA. It barely opened a crack but that is better than no air at all. I guess you are out of luck if you need that exit in any emergency… I also discovered it pays to notice who is driving the bus so you have some assurance of getting back on the correct bus. For the return trip, the driver was the same but the bus looked different. Alex had told me to always make sure you get on the right bus. She made that mistake and it makes for a funny story but a harrowing experience. Yesterday the bus was not a tall crowded in the morning but packed in the afternoon.
There is some kind of children’s festival that seems similar to our Fall festivals or Halloween. Children dress in costumes and there are games, treats and music for them. Apparently Spiderman and Superman are popular options. Girls chose princess or Cinderella outfits. Only two of the siblings at the hogarcito got to go. I don’t know why the others did not but the older girls, Anna and Maria were asking the Tia. She gave them an explanation and they had no choice but to accept her words.
Today I brought some colored pencils for the older girls and pencil sharpeners for the others. I bought a pack f six with clear covers from the dollar store. Fortunately I only saw six kids today. You would have thought this new item was a wonderful invention. I showed them how the top comes off to empty the shavings. They played with them for over 30 minutes. They sharpened crayons and colored pencils. Daniel, age 5, needed a little help to turn the crayons in the right direction. All were amazed. What a silly thing! It made their day and made my job much easier.
Two of the boys were waiting for their papa when I arrived. Children who are going out for something wait inside while the others go outside. I thought they had long since gone but when lunchtime came, they were still waiting. The Tia told me their papa never came or called. How sad for these boys. Parents can be so cruel without even knowing it. Paul, I thought about you when this happened.
After lunch is served it is time for me to go back to Atenas. I asked for a taxi and said my farewells. I will go back on Monday but no more. I realized that besides the actual travel times, the expense does not make sense to me. I will give them the $35 to $40 I am spending on busses and taxis so they can buy extras for the children. It’s not about me anyway…it is about doing something for them. Tina told me I could change to a local project teaching English or working with the pet shelter. I will find out on Monday how that goes.
One more thing about riding the bus: I learned that on curvy, narrow roads he who is biggest gets the right of way! Several times others had to take to the shoulders or back up to let us pass. In Candelaria, we always back up after loading passengers. These drivers are amazing. If you are squeamish, sit on the aisle seat!
I went directly to Kay’s for lunch. Karina met me there. We enjoyed the food and the conversation with the others. It is a relaxing place where we can speak and don’t have to be “on”. When YOU are the outsider, you begin to appreciate what others are feeling when they come to our country and find it to be totally baffling. I have experienced this before and know it is a humbling experience. True to form, the skies clouded over and the thundering began. I asked for a taxi so we could make it to Spanish class on time. Cost: about $1.50. PRICELESS!
My last Spanish class was last night yippee). It’s not that I don’t want to learn, but this environment is NOT conducive to learning much. Two intense hours of unstructured instruction exhausts me. (Karina agrees…) And the instructor seems nice but has little English and no real plan. She still gives us words we will never need to use. My stomach ad been queasy all day and I told her that. She seemed not o care. After an hour and a half of instruction, I had enough. I felt terrible and was tired and frustrated. I walked home and found it to be empty. I was actually glad because I needed to use the bathroom ASAP and preferred some privacy. You get my drift…..
I rested a bit and found my immodium….. Never travel without it! Then I took a shower, ate some dinner and fell asleep. BTW, dinner was really tasty. More like friend rice, my first taste of yucca (she made them into mashed potato like balls stuffed with cheese. , they lightly fried), and fried plantains. Anita and I had a good laugh as she did not want her dinner because she too felt queasy….lol. Pura vida!
Today, I got up really early to do my laundry. They do it first so it can dry before the rains come and the humidity rises. I was up at 6 AM!!! She showed me how their washing machines work and helped me get it done. She actually did most of it but I watched and helped as I could. We ate breakfast and now I am sitting out on the front porch doing this. Others are also busy with their chores and lots of activity. I am not sure if anyone is actually reading these posts but it helps to detail my trip anyway.
I did get a reply from Marlene and Caryn about visiting them. I found out I would need to take a bus to San Jose then transfer to another bus to Guapiles. It seems too complicated to me and I need to recover still. I am not so young anymore ya know! I did find out that Kay’s is celebrating her 7th anniversary and lots of activities may be going on over there. I will go later…. Maybe I can go shopping in town too. The family seems surprised that I have no other plans for the weekend. Remember, flexibility is the name of the game….see what unfolds…… Right now several members of the family are having some sort of discussion. I am happy to be sitting here….. Ah, family life!
Friday, September 7, 2012
You’re in trouble now….
Yesterday Spanish class was at 4PM instead of 3PM. Apparently Anita forgot that I told her this (or perhaps I only thought she understood me). Lord knows I am not understanding much so it is no stretch to imagine that she does not understand me. The class ended at 6 instead of 5 and then Karina and I chatted with Tina, the Director for a while. Karina and I walked to the gelato place and had a fine time talking about our experience and our lives. It gets dark early here: it is daylight about 5 AM and by 7 PM it is getting dark. Of course we were not paying much attention to that anyway. By the time I noticed it was after 7:30 PM we parted ways. She went to an internet cafe and I started the five blocks to mi casa. I was almost home when I noticed her son, Guido, walking into town. I was a little surprised at that and said “hola Guido”. He immediately did an about face and began walking back to the house with me. He was carrying a flashlight and pointed to the streetlight to let me know sometimes the lights go out and I should carry one with me. I have a very small but powerful one but of course it was in my room. I assured him I would take it next time I might be out near dark.
Remember when you were a teenager and you got home late and your mother was waiting for you???? I got that same look from Anita. She is about 60 and I am 62 so it has been a long time since I have seen that look. Trust me, it still looks the same. I could see she was very concerned and it was then that I realized she must have sent Guido out to look for me. She pointed to her watch and said several words in Spanish I am just as happy I did not understand. I apologized and did my best to explain what had kept me. I did understand that she thought class was over at five instead of six. I’m wondering if she thought I was out with a guy….??? What a thought! I assured her it was only Karina and I. I tried to explain who Karina lives with but I didn’t do a very good job of that. A thought popped into my head: maybe she thought I had been drinking? All I had was one poquito gelato……. She let me know that it was too late for showering and I would have to wait. I lowered my head and expressed understanding. I moved to my bedroom and hoped I had not offended her. I glanced at my watch: 7:45 PM.
A few minutes later she came to my room (don’t all moms do this?) and told me she had turned the water back on and I could shower after all. I thanked her mucho times and gathered up my things. I actually can’t figure out why they turn the water off at night. Karina says it is the same in her casa. Anyway I turned the shower on and a tiny little steam flowed out. Better that than nothing! It didn’t feel quite as cold and I surely needed it. I retreated to my room only to have Anita come by again to see if I needed la commida (to eat). I have not really been hungry since I got here so I begged off. True to form, she insisted that I at least eat a banana. Moms are pretty much the same all over the world.
Once again, all was right with the world.
Thursday, September 6, 2012
I did it !!!
A new milestone! Alex apparently felt too sick to come today. She taught me pretty well so I boarded the bus without any issues. A nice older man let me have his seat at the station before the bus arrived. At least I was able to say “thank you”. He looked older than me but I didn’t mind letting him be a gentleman. I took pictures from the other side of the bus today. Once in Palmares, I found a taxi and arrived without a hitch. Only six children were home today. Schools run on some kind of flex schedule so I am never certain when school is in or not and for whom. I took the Spanish track videos today and gave them to the Tias. I hope the ninos get to watch them later. They were videos I had already watched but thought the kids would enjoy them. Madagascar, Shrek, etc.
Pamares is larger than Atenas. Today everyone was still talking about the earthquake but they were no longer nervous or concerned. Mostly it seems people were checking the “where were you when” type question. The children did not mention it at all, not even Escobar. I must say they were quite a bit more active today. The crayons and coloring papers were already n use. They are not very good at tidying up…… much like most American children! Boys will be boys wherever you go and these are no exception. A running game ensued, not exactly tag but more or less case me. I wish I could remember some of the simple children’s games from my childhood. Perhaps one of you can remind me… Their attention was commandeered by a helicopter flying overhead. The Tias called out to them several times. I am sure they were taking advantage of the new American with poor Spanish skills. Even with my notes and dictionary, I have a hard time understanding. But I do have a few tricks from my days of childrearing. I brought out the pack of dinosaurs I brought with me. A miracle! They were able to play and share with those almost until lunchtime. The girls went off to play in the playhouse. Apparently they have little interest in dinosaurs. All in all, it went OK. I wondered if the Tias thought I was losing control…..they would have been right! Kids know what to do and when they can stretch the limits. Once lunch was served, the Tias said “asta manana” so I guess it is OK for me to come back tomorrow.
Today I had some time to spend before the bus came. I sat in the central park and enjoyed the cooler air. There were lots of people enjoying the park and the critters who were there today. See if you can spot the large dark red iguana in the tree. He was about 3 feet long. Here are some of the park photos.
The road repairs were still underway. We had to stop for several minutes before we could pass. Take a look at some of the oncoming traffic. Inches or less between us! The work on the power lines was finished yesterday. If you didn’t know we’d had an earthquake, you’d never guess.
I walked to Kay’s again today and enjoyed a nice lunch. You may not understand that most meals here are virtually the same. Trust me, I am getting plenty of gallo pinto! In fact I smell the beans cooking now. They don’t use much seasoning here so it is quite bland. And I needed the companionship of hearing my own language too. There is always somebody at Kay’s.
When I got home, I had another surprise: the door was locked. Since so many people live on the compound, I felt certain I would find someone home. And yes, one of the daughters was here. She let me in. When Anita arrived, she was surprised that I was inside. Apparently I have a key in my room but never thought to take it with me. I will remember now…
I haven’t mentioned the difficulty of walking around. The sidewalks are very uneven. They are not always continuous. It is very important to watch your step. Traffic moves quickly and is not really pedestrian friendly. People cross wherever they can. Rolando, the 20 year old actually badly sprained his ankle yesterday. I look down anyway when walking but am being extra careful here.
I forgot to tell you about my trip to the bank the other day. Other times when I have passed the bank, there has been a long line outside waiting to get in. The bank doors are always locked and a guard has to let you in or out. Since I desperately needed to get collones, I decided to go on my way to Spanish lessons about 2:30 in t he afternoon. It was already thundering so I thought maybe fewer people would be doing any banking at that time of day. For once I was more or less right! The guard let me in, understood that I wanted to exchange my dollars, and gave me a number (just like at the DMV). I waited and observed, All of the tellers were men. In fact, the only women I saw were customers. It reminded me of the19 50s. I rarely ever see a man working in a bank these days. Once y number was called, he cheerfully completed the transaction. I feel much better knowing I have the right currency for any shopping I may need or want to do. There has been very little time for either so far.
My internet is very slow and mostly not working today. If this is all I can post, more tomorrow…
Pamares is larger than Atenas. Today everyone was still talking about the earthquake but they were no longer nervous or concerned. Mostly it seems people were checking the “where were you when” type question. The children did not mention it at all, not even Escobar. I must say they were quite a bit more active today. The crayons and coloring papers were already n use. They are not very good at tidying up…… much like most American children! Boys will be boys wherever you go and these are no exception. A running game ensued, not exactly tag but more or less case me. I wish I could remember some of the simple children’s games from my childhood. Perhaps one of you can remind me… Their attention was commandeered by a helicopter flying overhead. The Tias called out to them several times. I am sure they were taking advantage of the new American with poor Spanish skills. Even with my notes and dictionary, I have a hard time understanding. But I do have a few tricks from my days of childrearing. I brought out the pack of dinosaurs I brought with me. A miracle! They were able to play and share with those almost until lunchtime. The girls went off to play in the playhouse. Apparently they have little interest in dinosaurs. All in all, it went OK. I wondered if the Tias thought I was losing control…..they would have been right! Kids know what to do and when they can stretch the limits. Once lunch was served, the Tias said “asta manana” so I guess it is OK for me to come back tomorrow.
Today I had some time to spend before the bus came. I sat in the central park and enjoyed the cooler air. There were lots of people enjoying the park and the critters who were there today. See if you can spot the large dark red iguana in the tree. He was about 3 feet long. Here are some of the park photos.
The road repairs were still underway. We had to stop for several minutes before we could pass. Take a look at some of the oncoming traffic. Inches or less between us! The work on the power lines was finished yesterday. If you didn’t know we’d had an earthquake, you’d never guess.
I walked to Kay’s again today and enjoyed a nice lunch. You may not understand that most meals here are virtually the same. Trust me, I am getting plenty of gallo pinto! In fact I smell the beans cooking now. They don’t use much seasoning here so it is quite bland. And I needed the companionship of hearing my own language too. There is always somebody at Kay’s.
When I got home, I had another surprise: the door was locked. Since so many people live on the compound, I felt certain I would find someone home. And yes, one of the daughters was here. She let me in. When Anita arrived, she was surprised that I was inside. Apparently I have a key in my room but never thought to take it with me. I will remember now…
I haven’t mentioned the difficulty of walking around. The sidewalks are very uneven. They are not always continuous. It is very important to watch your step. Traffic moves quickly and is not really pedestrian friendly. People cross wherever they can. Rolando, the 20 year old actually badly sprained his ankle yesterday. I look down anyway when walking but am being extra careful here.
I forgot to tell you about my trip to the bank the other day. Other times when I have passed the bank, there has been a long line outside waiting to get in. The bank doors are always locked and a guard has to let you in or out. Since I desperately needed to get collones, I decided to go on my way to Spanish lessons about 2:30 in t he afternoon. It was already thundering so I thought maybe fewer people would be doing any banking at that time of day. For once I was more or less right! The guard let me in, understood that I wanted to exchange my dollars, and gave me a number (just like at the DMV). I waited and observed, All of the tellers were men. In fact, the only women I saw were customers. It reminded me of the19 50s. I rarely ever see a man working in a bank these days. Once y number was called, he cheerfully completed the transaction. I feel much better knowing I have the right currency for any shopping I may need or want to do. There has been very little time for either so far.
My internet is very slow and mostly not working today. If this is all I can post, more tomorrow…
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)