Tue, 30 Jun 2009
Costa Rica Days 7-10We spent two days at the beach. On e of the days was at a national park where we saw monkeys and the sand was white. In most of the rest of the country the beaches are black because of the volcanoes. Either way, the beaches have so much life on them. Every shell has a crab or a snail in it. We even had a crab in our hotel room.
The beaches were great for "Super Blancos" like we are. You could sit in the shade and still enjoy the beach. We survived without sunburns. The water was warm and wonderful for swimming.
After the beach, we traveled back to San Jose for our last two nights. On the way there, we stopped at an oxcart factory. Perhaps you have seen the beautiful painted oxcarts that are "typical" in Costa Rica? It was neat to see these artisans at work.
The last day of the trip we went whitewater rafting. The rapids were class two and three. It was a nice end to a really fun trip.
Costa Rica Days 4-6
I mentioned how nice it was to have someone else do the cooking and cleaning up while we were on vacation. The food we ate was good. I was in heaven to have fresh pineapple and fresh juice at just about every meal. We did have a lot of beans and rice (three times a day!) but had a variety of other things with it. I did take a picture of every meal we ate, because I like doing such things, but will not post them all here.
We saw lots of rain and cloud forests, and lots of birds, but one of the most exciting things we did was go zip-lining through the forest canopy. I thought this sounded fun but had no idea how much fun it would be. The "extreme" zip-lining course that we did was set up with fourteen zip lines, one rappel, and a Tarzan swing. The last zip line was over a kilometer long. You are attached to the line so it is safe, but must put on the brakes with your gloved hand. Marc was behind me and he would come in so fast, smoke would be coming from his glove!
We visited a local elementary school where they did regional dances for us. This group of 8-11 year olds are the best in the country for their ages. It is a very rural school (of 15 kids) and they were very impressive. Our visit was also a highlight for me.
We visited a high school the next day where we participated in a reforestation project and planted a tree each. Good luck to my tree. I think I heard it wimpering as I selected it.
The following morning we loaded the bus and drove down to the Pacific coast.
Here we went on a bird and crocodile tour that was on a large river that emptied to the sea.
It also included some mangrove swamps that were filled with a great variety of birds. The adults were the ones mostly enjoying the bird watching, but kids and adults alike were impressed with the crocodiles, especially when our boat driver got out of the boat, BAREFOOTED, and fed them some chicken with his bare hands.
We ended up at our nicest hotel yet, which was located right off a beautiful beach.
Mon, 29 Jun 2009
Costa Rica Days 1-3We had so much fun in Costa Rica! We went for ten days with a small group from Bryan's school. I'd been excited about the things we were going to see, but didn't even think until we got there about the difference of doing an all -inclusive vacation. Usually we go camping or to a timeshare or impose on family…but on this vacation I didn't have to do anything except worry about myself for ten whole days! That was so nice. Since I was not a chaperone on the trip, I didn't even have to worry about Bryan or any of the kids! Melody and Thomas stayed home with Dad and Sheila and I didn't worry about them because I knew they were having a great time with their grandparents. I'll post some pictures of what they did during our absence also. It may take me a couple posts to complete my story of our trip. Anyway, we were driven all over Costa Rica by a fantastic driver named Alex. He drove our comfy bus across narrow bridges and along windy mountain roads and busy city streets with great skill. We flew into San Jose. In the central valley around San Jose, lots of coffee is grown,
along with ferns and houseplants to export. I saw many of the plants that I personally have killed in my very own home growing free and wild in Costa Rica.We also saw lots of wildlife. I will spare you all the pictures of birds and butterflies, but here is a nice iguana.
We went to two different active volcanoes. One, called Poas, had fumeroles coming out and the escaping gas sounded like water rushing in a river.
The second was especially active while we were there (it made the local news) and we went at night to see the glow of the lava coming down the side. This one was called Arenal, and we spent two days in the area.
We went kayaking on lake Arenal one day.
We also went to a fantastic hot springs where the water was heated by the volcano. This was so relaxing and didn't have any sulfur smell at all. The kids enjoyed the water slides, but Marc and I just relaxed. Just to end this entry, I'll add a couple pictures of animals we saw. Bryan with local caymans,
a poison arrow frog (did you know you would have to eat about fourteen of these guys to kill you?),
and a sloth.
Thu, 11 Jun 2009
Cub Scout CampThomas got to go to cub scout day camp this week. I think he's been having a lot of fun. The weather has been nice, not too hot with only the occasional rain to liven things up. Today I went also, and Melody went with me to babysit the little kids of the staff. Thomas has done lots of activities and crafts all week. Today they shot "wrist rockets" with paintballs in them,
did leather and designed a book cover,
built an electromagnet,
and learned about bird beaks, among other activities.
Melody had a good time because she likes little kids, and now she can add this experience to her babysitting resume.
By the way, today is National Taco Day, so we're having tacos for dinner. Gotta go and celebrate.
Sun, 07 Jun 2009
Free timeKids are now officially out of school and we all couldn't be happier about it. I'm done with boards and have a funny story to tell about how I almost didn't pass (but I did
)
Now our thought turn to VACATION! We went swimming twice this week, played on the computer and the Wii, played with friends, and watched movies. It's a good thing that everyone got lots of relaxing done, 'cause now it's time to clean the house and get ready for company. We're excited that my dad and step-mom will be visiting here at the end of the week. They are here to watch Melody and Thomas while Bryan, Marc, and I go to Costa Rica with a group from Bryan's school. We've been looking forward to this all year, but in the meantime have to get packed and ready.
We've used the same system of doing chores for a few years now, but it seems that it is about time to find a new way because we've been getting lots of complaints lately. Anyway, I asked each child on Friday what they'd like to do to help clean the house for Grandma and Grandpa. Thomas said that he liked to clean windows. He reminded me that back when he was in the Montessori preschool they'd had "jobs" to do and he'd liked polishing the brass and silver. And he thinks cleaning windows is kind of like that. Isn't that amazing? We're finally reaping the benefits of preschool. I understand where he's coming from. Some chores around the house we like and some we don't. I personally hate vacuuming, but will clean bathrooms happily. Anyway, on Friday, Thomas cleaned all the windows in the house for me! Without complaining!!!!!!
Melody likes vacuuming (thankfully) and organizing. So she's a real help. We haven't found what Bryan likes yet, but he does help too.
So, on Saturday we found out it was our family's turn to clean the church. Thomas did all the windows while the rest of us vacuumed, emptied trash, and cleaned the bathrooms. Everyone worked hard and we did it all in only about an hour. Then we went out for ice cream. And after, Thomas decided that washing the car was kind of like cleaning windows (which is kind of like cleaning brass…
.
Bryan and Melody mowed the lawn together. When we're on vacation, Melody will have to do it alone, under the watchful eye of her grandfather.
So, summer's really here and we love it. Did I mention that the weather has been in the eighties and beautiful? I hope it stays. I also hope you are all enjoying summer now too.
Jan Dill Hall St. Peters, Missouri
Page created: 09 November 2008
Page modified: 31 December 2009
