A Catch Up

I know that it’s been forever since I last wrote a blog; so bare with me if this one is a little long.

We arrived back from our East coast trip middle of August; and the rest of the summer just seemed to fly by.  Lots of dinners; cards and campfires with family and friends.

Then some sadness settled in on Mike’s family.  We lost 3 of his beloved Aunts, Jeanette, Claire and Marie since the end of August.  All 3 were loving, caring, happy women; and all 3 will be missed.  Also in September, Mike’s brother Rob lost his battle.  We had a celebration of his life in October.  His life was way too short; but he’s in a better place now.

Amongst all the sadness though, was lots of laughter.  Sharing memories and stories.  And although the circumstances weren’t great, it was really nice to see so many family members and friends.

We both also had surgeries since my last posting.  Mike’s hernia surgery went off without a hitch in early October, and he’s completely healed from it.  Then I had a surgical procedure on November 29th and that caused our delay in leaving for the South.

This past week has been pretty caotic to say the least.  On Sunday we had a Christmas get together with Mike’s family; then busy packing on Monday; closed up and winterized the rig on Tuesday.  Had dinner with my folks in London; then off to Toronto early Wednesday morning (thanks again Dad, we really appreciated the ride!).

Wednesday was a very long travel day, but we arrived safely at the Best Western Irazu in San Jose around 10 pm.  Our friend Joey picked us up the next day and we drove through downtown San Jose to pick up his wife Eida and daughter.

There were literally 1000’s of people roaming the street complete with the crazy drivers.  Glad that I was a passenger.  We then stopped at Pricesmart (Costco) and picked up a few items that we knew we would be needing.  Ended up getting a double bag of cereal for free!  3 different people to check you out; and all 3 missed it sitting clearly in the cart… thanks!

We then took the scenic way home and stopped at a quaint little Soda (tico food) restaurant.  It was in the middle of nowhere; but the food was good and the ambience was amazing.

The owners family has had this property tucked away on a mountainside for over 100 years.  They run the Soda; and have livestock, orange trees and sugar cane out back.  She toured us around and it was very interesting.  Much more personal than Gray Line, thanks again Joey and Eida for picking us up.

We found a hostel to spend the night; and off to Papa’s & Burgers we went for yet another delicious burger.  The hostel was pretty bare bones, but cleanish and safe.

Friday and most of Saturday we spent walking up and down main street; talking to anybody that had a condo for rent sign.  We ended up back at the hostel for yet a 2nd night; and things were looking grim.  Off to Rustico’s we went for dinner, and it was just as good as we remembered.

By late Friday afternoon, we had met up with our old friend Herman; and he took us to see a couple of potentials; but nada.  Next day, we finally met Liz and she had a place, but only til the end of this month.  Well it was the most decent place we had seen and affordable to boot.  We grabbed it.

Found out just an hour or so ago; that the owner isn’t coming down this year; and if we want it; it’s ours til May… yay!  We’re a couple of blocks from the beach and right off main street.  Minutes from our friends business and restaurants. 

Glad to be settled.  The condo is cleaned and we’re all unpacked.  Even went and got a few groceries today; so we’re good to go.

Last night there was a horse parade down main street.  Started at 6 pm, only about 3 hours later than advertised… that’s tico time.  About 150-200 horses walked, danced and pranced down main street.
1000’s of people lining the side; Salsa music playing.  It was pretty cool to watch. 

And tonight, we had a first sunset at the beach… ahhh the life!

Feel free to click here to take a look at some pictures.