October 9, 2014
After a good night sleep at the Swiss hotel and typical Costa Rican breakfast consisting of pinto gallo ( rice and black beans), fruit, toast eggs and coffee, we started to the rain forest near the volcano. It rained most of the night so things were muddy. As we got to the Lake Arvenal area we stoped for a break at the German cafe. Mike had a bratwurst and rest of us had a sweet with our coffee. This area is filled with Germans, Brits, Swiss and Americans who have moved there to live there. It is beautiful area but rains about 365 inches per year. So one needs not to complain if they elect to live there.
We finally got to our destination after three hours of ride and using a detour which was a bad in term of Costa Rica roads.
We visited a private reserve of rain forest plants and animals. They had some unusual birds and flowers. I spend a lot of time photographing them. We enjoyed the birds and the butterfly gardens but was a not excited about the heat. But we survived and learned a lot.
Our afternoon was spend at a resort overlooking the volcano. We were able to soak our pains in the hot mineral baths and relaxed. Then we headed to San Jose for our night in the airport hotel. We all deserve a good night.
It was a great trip and hate to return. When I get home and around my computer I will edit the blog to add photos of the trip..
Friday, October 10, 2014
Cloud Forest
October 8,2014
It was an early morning for us. We checked out of our condo at 5 am and was picked up by Mark, our tour guide for the next two days. We had the privilege to have him last Sat for he river cruise. He has a degree in natural resources and teaches as he guides. He has a great outlook of life-- pura vida! Life is an adventure,
We drove for three hours on the back roads and had a great Costa Rica massage. We did stop for a great breakfast and couple of photo ops. We got to see some toucan birds and monkeys. We arrived for our cloud forest tour which was consisting of walking on top of the forest on paths and over 8 suspension bridges ranging from 100 to 550 feet long. Yes I was able to do it without any problems. It was beautiful and we saw so many different things. Remember that in a cloud forest 85% of animals and plants live on the top because there are no sun at the floor. We saw some incredible moss and tree roots growing down the tree trunk.
After a 2 1/2 walk we visited a butterfly garden and a reptile house. It was really great morning. Then we had lunch at a great cafe that was in no where. They also roasted their own coffee beans. Reminded me of our coffee times in Ethiopia.
After lunch we went to our Swiss hotel and rested till 6 pm. Then we headed to a private reserve to look for nocturnal animals. We saw a green snake, 2 toe sloth, ants filling the nest, frogs, bats and a lizard. It was okay but I felt like we were crazy people running around trying to see animals in the dark. We welcomed our return to the hotel for a good night sleep.
It was an early morning for us. We checked out of our condo at 5 am and was picked up by Mark, our tour guide for the next two days. We had the privilege to have him last Sat for he river cruise. He has a degree in natural resources and teaches as he guides. He has a great outlook of life-- pura vida! Life is an adventure,
We drove for three hours on the back roads and had a great Costa Rica massage. We did stop for a great breakfast and couple of photo ops. We got to see some toucan birds and monkeys. We arrived for our cloud forest tour which was consisting of walking on top of the forest on paths and over 8 suspension bridges ranging from 100 to 550 feet long. Yes I was able to do it without any problems. It was beautiful and we saw so many different things. Remember that in a cloud forest 85% of animals and plants live on the top because there are no sun at the floor. We saw some incredible moss and tree roots growing down the tree trunk.
After a 2 1/2 walk we visited a butterfly garden and a reptile house. It was really great morning. Then we had lunch at a great cafe that was in no where. They also roasted their own coffee beans. Reminded me of our coffee times in Ethiopia.
After lunch we went to our Swiss hotel and rested till 6 pm. Then we headed to a private reserve to look for nocturnal animals. We saw a green snake, 2 toe sloth, ants filling the nest, frogs, bats and a lizard. It was okay but I felt like we were crazy people running around trying to see animals in the dark. We welcomed our return to the hotel for a good night sleep.
Monday, October 6, 2014
Relaxing at the Costa Rica beach
October 6, 2014
Our resort, Condovac, is a piece of paradise with beautifully tucked in the hills and beach. We have a two bedroom place with an upstairs villa. It is small but comfortable. We are in the 4th row which is 2 rows away from the beach. They have a truck with seats to take us around the property. It is lush and very green with flowers everywhere. The sunsets are beautiful from anywhere on the resort.
We had a river cruise on Saturday and will leave the property for a tour of the volcano, mud baths and walk over the rainforest on Wednesday and Thursday. We will stay near the volcano and then go back to San Jose on Thursday night. Our trip ends Friday. This will save us 8 hours of traveling time.
The boys went fishing on Sunday. Mike got a 40 lb rooster fish which they do not eat. So he got some pics and returned to the sea. Chip did not get anything. Their other fishing buddy got an 80 lb rooster fish. They had good weather and lots of fun. The girls slept in and hang out at the beach.
Today we swam and sun at the pools. I really enjoyed the adult pool because the back wall at a wonderful view of the ocean and the water was cooler than the other pools. We had lunch by the pool and just relaxed. We visited with an American how lives here half time. We have ran into a few Americans who call this region home.
You can see that we are very happy with the area and having a good time. We may have to come back again. Sorry about no pics but can't figure out how to do it. We will add the when we get home.
Thursday, October 2, 2014
Last day in Panama
October 2, 2014
Time in Panama is quickly coming to an end. We had a great two days in the rainforest with couple of boat rides and saw some animals. We visited the Atlantic Ocean and Conlon. It is a totally different view from the Pacific side. The Altantic side is poor and run down while the other side is full of skyscrapers and building everywhere.
What is it like in the rainforest? It is very humid and everything is lush and bugs are,plentiful. But it is beautiful. We were able to see things not like the northern US.
Yesterday we spent the day at a resort on the Pacific Ocean. It was a relaxing day and was able to walk the beach, seat by the pool and play games. It was good to have a down day and rest. We have been going like mad people for three weeks and needed it. It is hot and humid here which makes us tired.
Today we returned to Panama City and get ready for our trip back to Costa Rica. We will have our farewell dinner this evening.. On can't complain about this tour. We have had great rooms and the food has been good. Too much since it is a buffet all three meals. It has spoiled us last night we were able to order from a menu and I had suchi. It was great. I keep wondering how Caravan makes any money.
It has been a great adventure..
Time in Panama is quickly coming to an end. We had a great two days in the rainforest with couple of boat rides and saw some animals. We visited the Atlantic Ocean and Conlon. It is a totally different view from the Pacific side. The Altantic side is poor and run down while the other side is full of skyscrapers and building everywhere.
What is it like in the rainforest? It is very humid and everything is lush and bugs are,plentiful. But it is beautiful. We were able to see things not like the northern US.
Yesterday we spent the day at a resort on the Pacific Ocean. It was a relaxing day and was able to walk the beach, seat by the pool and play games. It was good to have a down day and rest. We have been going like mad people for three weeks and needed it. It is hot and humid here which makes us tired.
Today we returned to Panama City and get ready for our trip back to Costa Rica. We will have our farewell dinner this evening.. On can't complain about this tour. We have had great rooms and the food has been good. Too much since it is a buffet all three meals. It has spoiled us last night we were able to order from a menu and I had suchi. It was great. I keep wondering how Caravan makes any money.
It has been a great adventure..
Panama City and the Canal
September 30, 2014
What a wonder of the world? It is truly amazing how the canal was built. It swag started by the French in late 1880's and failed because of disease and not the right equipment. In 1903 the US and Teddy Roosevelt tried again. The locals called him the" cowboy president"! It is amazing how they dug the canal and the narrows. It was a MD saved people from the diseases from draining water from standing and netting.
The locks are operated by gavity and no pumps.. The pipes that fill each lock is 180 feet wide. It will fill the lock up or empty in 8 minutes.. The lock system was developed because the water elevation is higher in he middle. So you have to be raised or lowered depending on the direction you are traveling. There are three locations of the locks- Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Pedro Miquel. To take a ship though the canal one has to wine money for the fare to the canal authority at least 48 hours prior and then you will receive your assigned time. Then you will wait in the bay until your time is coming.. As a shop captain you will surrender the ship over to a canal ship,pilot and they take the ship though the canal. It takes an average of 8-10 hours to go though the canal. The alternative is 30 days around South American. Our tour boat that seats 400 cost $3500 for the passage though two locks. The Panamian government makes $2 billion dollars per year from the fares. The canal allows 35-40 ships per day to go though the canal.
The canal authority are expanding with new locks to allow the larger ships pass though. We watched couple of ships that only had 12 inches of clearance on each side.. It is amazing..
We enjoyed our time in the canal museum and watching the ships in the locks.
I am amazed how people in the early 20th century worked with not so modern equipment to build some great things in the world-- Panama Canal, Rushmore presidents, Hoover dam and the Alaskan hi way.
What a wonder of the world? It is truly amazing how the canal was built. It swag started by the French in late 1880's and failed because of disease and not the right equipment. In 1903 the US and Teddy Roosevelt tried again. The locals called him the" cowboy president"! It is amazing how they dug the canal and the narrows. It was a MD saved people from the diseases from draining water from standing and netting.
The locks are operated by gavity and no pumps.. The pipes that fill each lock is 180 feet wide. It will fill the lock up or empty in 8 minutes.. The lock system was developed because the water elevation is higher in he middle. So you have to be raised or lowered depending on the direction you are traveling. There are three locations of the locks- Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean and Pedro Miquel. To take a ship though the canal one has to wine money for the fare to the canal authority at least 48 hours prior and then you will receive your assigned time. Then you will wait in the bay until your time is coming.. As a shop captain you will surrender the ship over to a canal ship,pilot and they take the ship though the canal. It takes an average of 8-10 hours to go though the canal. The alternative is 30 days around South American. Our tour boat that seats 400 cost $3500 for the passage though two locks. The Panamian government makes $2 billion dollars per year from the fares. The canal allows 35-40 ships per day to go though the canal.
The canal authority are expanding with new locks to allow the larger ships pass though. We watched couple of ships that only had 12 inches of clearance on each side.. It is amazing..
We enjoyed our time in the canal museum and watching the ships in the locks.
I am amazed how people in the early 20th century worked with not so modern equipment to build some great things in the world-- Panama Canal, Rushmore presidents, Hoover dam and the Alaskan hi way.
Thursday, September 25, 2014
Last night at Heredia
September 25, 2014
It is hard to believe that it is our last night here st the base. It has been a wonderful time and really have enjoyed the people here. For work alcoholics this is a good place for us. We have completed all our projects so it is okay for us to leave. But will leave part of our hearts here.
So what have we done the past two days. I have spent time in the laundry and kitchen in the morning. I was part of the breakfast team so we had 2 shifts of pancake making to do. Then it was cleanup and our cleaning went to work. After lunch Cheryl and I worked on our sewing projects. We made tie backs and new potholders for the kitchen. It was early to bed last night.
Today we had a walk into our childhood and experienced butchering chickens. We had an assembly line and got 25 chickens done in a hour and Half! It reminded me of the days on the farm when my Dad was cracking the whip! We will miss the next week event when the other half will be put into the freezer. After the chicken I finished laundry and cleaned out the last closet.
Cheryl has been baking up a storm. We have had chocolate chip cookies twice and tonight is making s'mores in the microwave since it is raining cat and dogs. The kids love it and enjoy the touch of home.
In the morning we will fly to Panama for a week of vacation with Caravan Tours and meeting our friends, the Thompson's there. Looking forward to a new adventure.
It is hard to believe that it is our last night here st the base. It has been a wonderful time and really have enjoyed the people here. For work alcoholics this is a good place for us. We have completed all our projects so it is okay for us to leave. But will leave part of our hearts here.
So what have we done the past two days. I have spent time in the laundry and kitchen in the morning. I was part of the breakfast team so we had 2 shifts of pancake making to do. Then it was cleanup and our cleaning went to work. After lunch Cheryl and I worked on our sewing projects. We made tie backs and new potholders for the kitchen. It was early to bed last night.
Today we had a walk into our childhood and experienced butchering chickens. We had an assembly line and got 25 chickens done in a hour and Half! It reminded me of the days on the farm when my Dad was cracking the whip! We will miss the next week event when the other half will be put into the freezer. After the chicken I finished laundry and cleaned out the last closet.
Cheryl has been baking up a storm. We have had chocolate chip cookies twice and tonight is making s'mores in the microwave since it is raining cat and dogs. The kids love it and enjoy the touch of home.
In the morning we will fly to Panama for a week of vacation with Caravan Tours and meeting our friends, the Thompson's there. Looking forward to a new adventure.
Tuesday, September 23, 2014
Rainy night. September 23,2014it
It is raining hard since 5 PM today. It has been so loud it is hard to hear someone talking. With the rain most of the afternoon it is cool as well. It me what to curl up and go to bed. We never expected it to be this cool and did not bring our fleece jackets. Mike bought a coat which I wear at times. So well we will be wanting this cooler weather when we get to Panama!
What have we done this past two days. I have been on breakfast duty since we have 25 kids from Nicaragua here. Also doing laundry and cleaning. This morning Cheryl and I make 6 bath mats from older towels. This afternoon we cut out potholders from fabric and finished one. The ones in the kitchen is beyond repair so it will be nice to have some new ones. Also we finished some curtains ties that we were asked to finish. Yesterday we cleaned out a closet in the attic and found this fabric. We did get some help from our Swedish and Finnish friends. They were the ones to cut things out for us.
At lunch we meet Donna, base director's wife, who has been having health issues and staying at home most of the days. We are sad that we will not have anymore time with her. Maybe next time.
Right before dinner we realized that we have no water. It seems that the city had to turn off the water and it was to come on soon. The definition of soon in Costa Rica is not ours. Hopefully it will be on before tomorrow morning.
It is sad that our time here is rapidly coming to an end. It has been a great experience here. Hoping to come back in February for a school.
What have we done this past two days. I have been on breakfast duty since we have 25 kids from Nicaragua here. Also doing laundry and cleaning. This morning Cheryl and I make 6 bath mats from older towels. This afternoon we cut out potholders from fabric and finished one. The ones in the kitchen is beyond repair so it will be nice to have some new ones. Also we finished some curtains ties that we were asked to finish. Yesterday we cleaned out a closet in the attic and found this fabric. We did get some help from our Swedish and Finnish friends. They were the ones to cut things out for us.
At lunch we meet Donna, base director's wife, who has been having health issues and staying at home most of the days. We are sad that we will not have anymore time with her. Maybe next time.
Right before dinner we realized that we have no water. It seems that the city had to turn off the water and it was to come on soon. The definition of soon in Costa Rica is not ours. Hopefully it will be on before tomorrow morning.
It is sad that our time here is rapidly coming to an end. It has been a great experience here. Hoping to come back in February for a school.
Sunday, September 21, 2014
First week recap
September 21, 2014
It has been a great week in Heredia. We have completed all our cleaning tasks to include cleaning the first floor of the house. I think the spiders are planning a return party for next Saturday as we head for Panama! We have had some time cooking as well. The people whom we are serving with is very special and hard working. We all work together which makes it fun and easy to serve. Many evenings we hang out together and get to know others.
On Saturday we went to town to go to the bank and market We were able to find Crisco andGranny Smith apples for a pie. In the rainy afternoon we made three Apple pies which the group eat and really enjoyed it.
Today Terry, the base director, took us to Union church which has bi-lingual services. The sermon was given by a former YWAM er about discipline vs punishment. She was a part of this base at one time. After church we ate at a Peruian restaurant which was great.
The weather here is very predictable. It is beautiful in the morning and by noon it starts to be cloudy. It will rain with thunder around one for a good hour then off and on rest of the day. Occasionally it will rain at night. It cools off in the evening one needs a light sweater. Of course we are at 5000 feet above sea level. All this rain makes everything green and blooming. It is a full time job mowing the yard which the goats and horses help keeping the grass short.
This week we will have 25 Nicaraguan children staying here. They are a wind instrument band and will have concerts in the area. They were to be here at 5 but got held up at the border. It is a way for the base to make some extra money.
It has been wonderful experience working with great Christian people.
Good night friends!,
It has been a great week in Heredia. We have completed all our cleaning tasks to include cleaning the first floor of the house. I think the spiders are planning a return party for next Saturday as we head for Panama! We have had some time cooking as well. The people whom we are serving with is very special and hard working. We all work together which makes it fun and easy to serve. Many evenings we hang out together and get to know others.
On Saturday we went to town to go to the bank and market We were able to find Crisco andGranny Smith apples for a pie. In the rainy afternoon we made three Apple pies which the group eat and really enjoyed it.
Today Terry, the base director, took us to Union church which has bi-lingual services. The sermon was given by a former YWAM er about discipline vs punishment. She was a part of this base at one time. After church we ate at a Peruian restaurant which was great.
The weather here is very predictable. It is beautiful in the morning and by noon it starts to be cloudy. It will rain with thunder around one for a good hour then off and on rest of the day. Occasionally it will rain at night. It cools off in the evening one needs a light sweater. Of course we are at 5000 feet above sea level. All this rain makes everything green and blooming. It is a full time job mowing the yard which the goats and horses help keeping the grass short.
This week we will have 25 Nicaraguan children staying here. They are a wind instrument band and will have concerts in the area. They were to be here at 5 but got held up at the border. It is a way for the base to make some extra money.
It has been wonderful experience working with great Christian people.
Good night friends!,
Wednesday, September 17, 2014
Work details
September 16, 2014
After two days of getting around our "farm" , it's starting to feel like home. Cheryl and I have been assigned to Housekeeping and Laundry while Mike is assigned to maintenance. This is no surprise. Most of the laundry is place in the solar dryer which is a greenhouse with clothes lines. It works well but it takes a few days to dry if we have rain all day. Yes we are in the rainy season and it had been raining every afternoon. We can use the dryer but try to use nature first.
Cheryl and I have started to clean the main activity building which houses the kitchen, guest rooms and meeting area. Our first job was the living room which has high ceilings and tons of dust and spider webs. It took us all day but it was super clean. We even washed the flags and curtains.
On Tuesday we worked on the serving area, entrance way and hallway. Mike helped us on Monday and today worked on small projects like fixing windows with new woodwork.
We have been able to spend time with fellow mission builders. We love working side by side with people from Costa Rica, El , Switzerland , fellow US and Finland. Last night staff make a vanilla cake for our birthdays. It is a fun looking group.
This place reminds us of our years on the farm. The base staff are so loving and helpful. This is a place where sustainable agriculture is taught and practiced. So many of our practices are to save the footprint and reduce energy depends. We have made goat cheese since we have been here. Our goats are our lawn movers.
After two days of getting around our "farm" , it's starting to feel like home. Cheryl and I have been assigned to Housekeeping and Laundry while Mike is assigned to maintenance. This is no surprise. Most of the laundry is place in the solar dryer which is a greenhouse with clothes lines. It works well but it takes a few days to dry if we have rain all day. Yes we are in the rainy season and it had been raining every afternoon. We can use the dryer but try to use nature first.
Cheryl and I have started to clean the main activity building which houses the kitchen, guest rooms and meeting area. Our first job was the living room which has high ceilings and tons of dust and spider webs. It took us all day but it was super clean. We even washed the flags and curtains.
On Tuesday we worked on the serving area, entrance way and hallway. Mike helped us on Monday and today worked on small projects like fixing windows with new woodwork.
We have been able to spend time with fellow mission builders. We love working side by side with people from Costa Rica, El , Switzerland , fellow US and Finland. Last night staff make a vanilla cake for our birthdays. It is a fun looking group.
This place reminds us of our years on the farm. The base staff are so loving and helpful. This is a place where sustainable agriculture is taught and practiced. So many of our practices are to save the footprint and reduce energy depends. We have made goat cheese since we have been here. Our goats are our lawn movers.
Sunday in Costa Rica
September 14,2014
We have made it to Costa Rica without any problems. Flights on time and we meet my college roommate, Cheryl. We arrived to a rainy Costa Rica and met at the airport by Gambino, Jack, Sasha, Oskar and Gibson. We arrived at base and got our rooms and visited. After a great night of sleep we had breakfast. We attended a bi-lingual church services where we had a good sermon on forgiveness and bitterness. Base director, Terry came with us and we had an excellent lunch at a local restaurant We had a relaxing evening getting to know follow mission builders and staff.
We have made it to Costa Rica without any problems. Flights on time and we meet my college roommate, Cheryl. We arrived to a rainy Costa Rica and met at the airport by Gambino, Jack, Sasha, Oskar and Gibson. We arrived at base and got our rooms and visited. After a great night of sleep we had breakfast. We attended a bi-lingual church services where we had a good sermon on forgiveness and bitterness. Base director, Terry came with us and we had an excellent lunch at a local restaurant We had a relaxing evening getting to know follow mission builders and staff.
September 12,2014
It seems like that I was going to do this blog last winter while we set off to California to work at YWAM Chico. But it seemed like I never got to it. So 10 months later, here we are going on another trip. Tomorrow we will leave for a month's trip to Costa Rica and Panama. Our first two weeks will be working at YWAM Heredia and then the tourist part will be for the last two weeks. We will visit Panama for a Caravan Tours for 8days and then a week at the Costa Rica beach. This evening we had a delicious meal at Its Greek to Me with Eric and Selina, Melissa and Louis and the kids. It was a great birthday party.
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