Wow, it’s hot here. Just left 12 feet of snow and 4 degree temperatures to 95 degrees here. Being in the northwest corner of Costa Rica’s Guanacaste region, humidity isn’t much of a factor. We will see what it’s like in the rainy season which is right around the corner.
It kind of looks and feels like San Jose del Cabo (where I lived once long ago), except for the animals and the language. I don’t think there are any cactus here, either. I know enough Spanish to get by, but Costa Rican Spanish is a lot different and I have difficulty understanding the tico’s (what they call the locals) unless they slow it down. I’m studying this dialect, but having an old brain, it’s not easy.
These first days are spent acclimating to my surroundings. Every time I leave my apartment, I get lost getting back home. I’m a block off the beach and about 2 km. from the “main drag” where all the action is, so I’m told. I haven’t ventured out at night since I’m still unsure of my surroundings. So, I go in the daytime and finding my way back has been almost impossible. The thought of walking out at night is terrifying and not getting home. Thankfully, I’ve been invited to dip in pools of my neighbours to cool off. Thanks Stefano, you saved me yesterday until I could find my home. Did I mention it’s hot?
There are a lot of ex-pats here so I feel relatively safe and although descriptions of the town say it’s a young people’s paradise and NOT quiet, I have found the opposite to be true…oh, but the doves, they are an alarm clock beginning at 5AM till dark. They talk more than me!! Still not as loud as the stellar jays at home, whom I’m sure are missing me right about now.
I’m currently living in a small fishing and sailing village, but when walking to the Supermercado, it seems huge and can’t find my way back easily. The streets have no names.
Almost rented a golf cart yesterday to get around and out of the heat, but relented. I will rent a car as I have to go to Liberia tomorrow to meet my dentist.
There is a drought going on down here, sound familiar Californians? The water goes off a lot during the day to conserve. Costa Rica is all about conservation and healthy living, protecting the land, beaches, and animals. It’s all about being outdoors. The activities are many, more than I have money to see all these great places. In time, I hope to visit Arenal for a few days…and return to Tamarindo to take up surf lessons again. So much to see and do. Costa Rica is not cheap. I think they like it that way.
My biggest surprise was at the bagel shop. I ordered an egg sandwich and it was so good, but the cost was US $10. Ouch. But beach towels are only $6. Go figure.
Oh my, I just got the Tahoe snow report for today, 2 ft. of snow fell yesterday into the night. As I sit here writing this I’m so flipping hot, it seems crazy and so far away.
Out of the snow and into the heat 