Now that we have a “home”; this past week has just flown past.

We live in a “gringo” area of our complex.  The first condo are Bob and Sherry from Salmon Arm, BC.  Behind them is Liz, a Canadian ex-pat from Alberta.  Then us; attached to us and to the left is Joe from Fort Wayne, Indiana.

Liz owns her unit; and manages the other 3.  The owner of our unit usually doesn't rent; but his health is not good; and he's not coming down this year; and since we're "friends" of Liz's, he agreed.  The cable was hooked up a few days ago; and is included in the rent.  We also have free wi-fi from the park that's in front of our condo.

We all get along really well; and it’s nice to have English speaking neighbours all around us.  On our 3rd day here; Liz got out her Ladder Golf game and Liz and I took on Joe and Mike. 

We had good old fashioned Christmas music playing; and Liz had her Santa hat on.  It was a lot of fun.  If it ever stops raining; we’ll play again I’m sure.

We have the most “equipped” condo out of the group.  And it’s quite nice.  And even came with a bike.  We’ve borrowed Joe’s a few time; and it’s great to be able to pedal around town.  A little wobbly at first; but I’ve got my bike legs back again.

We're getting used to only having hot water in the shower.  Most Tico homes do not have hot water; so dishes and hand washing is cool.  To get hot water in the showers; most Tico's have rigged up something called a "suicide shower".  There's an electrical heating element above the shower head, which the water passes through before coming out.  Most people don't mix water and electricity; but sometimes you do as the locals and don't ask too many questions.

We also really love living so close to the town.  Very convenient to get to the grocery store; go out for dinner; or down to the beach for a sunset.  We’ve only been to the beach twice; as it’s done an awful lot of raining here since arriving.  We’re still at the tail end of the rainy season; but still mid to high 20’s daily.  And very humid.

We had a couple of close calls relating to wallets.  Last Saturday after picking up all of our stuff from Joey/Eida’s we took a cab to our new place.  Since they didn’t know us at the gate; they wouldn’t let us in until we showed some I.D. 

I had taken my wallet out to pay the driver; and when I got out to go talk to the guard, I dropped it.  Thankfully he wanted to see my passport; and when it wasn’t in my purse, or pocket, I panicked, for just a bit… there it was lying on the road… phew!!! Needless to say I’ve been extra vigilant since.

A few days later, Joe left his wallet on the table at Rustico’s after his breakfast.  Didn’t notice until hours later.  Tore his place apart before panic set in.  Went to Rustico’s… just in case… and luckily for him; a worker cleared his table shortly after he left; and they had it for him; money intact; at the cash register.  Talk about both of us getting lucky.

We biked over to the clinic to say hi to Dr. Brenda; but she’s moved on and no longer works there.  Also our favorite pharmacist David (he helped us last year when we had the parasites) is no longer there; and Sadie, one of the sisters who owns Rustico’s; is now working in San Jose. 

But our friends Herman, Jose, Chris and Joey and Edia are still around.  Felt like old homecoming week around here the first few days.  Lots of smiles; hugs and handshakes from people who remembered us from the spring.

Mike has used the pool a couple of times; I’m waiting for a bit more.  But there hasn’t been too many hot sunny days yet.  Also not near as private as the last year’s but no stairs… yay!

Feel free to click here to look at our pictures.