STL DPB On The Road - They Told Me To Take It Easy

And what choice do I have? I get around but standing and walking are limited. Sitting and lieing are not so off we go.

We're not crazy about Samara. It's okay and has what you need but access to the main beach is a isn't easy. It is beyond the shoreline development and parking is tough. Tamarindo has lots more options. On the advice of the hotel, we took a look at Playa Camaronal west of town, which was pretty empty. I don't sit on a beach since I'm as white as they make 'em but it was pretty and peaceful. The caretaker, though, has an attitude about you and your best friend.

Since I can't hike we are taking a boat ride to look for dolphins this morning. Might do me some good to get into the water.

Today's traveling with a handicap note: Ticos, as the locals call themselves, have been ever-gracious about my limitations. It's the Americans that can cause problems. This is a new issue to me. We were entering a restaurant last night that had a single person wide step from the street into the entrance. One of my countrymen stood there and stood there while I was bent over my cane, blocking my way until I barked at him, "Excuse me, sir. I need the step." This is new to me. A fair number of Americans don't see me or just look through me. The Ticos never do that.

       

STL DPB On The Road - Pura Vida Una Vez Más

Greeting from our more-or less home from home, the northwest coast of Costa Rica. If you have ever visited, you know that the national slogan, pura vida, means much more than pure life in English. It's a pervasive attitude, a way of life.

Yesterday was a tough travel day. Those of you who know me personally know that my spine and joint problems have been up and down over the last year and at the moment they are really UP. We usually spend a week near the busy town of Tamarindo but we started this trip with three nights down the coast at the much smaller town of Sámara. This is out in the sticks and impossible to navigate in the dark. The hotel clerk recommended a few restaurants, none of which we could find (we got pretty lost on the dirt roads). We chanced by what looked like a Mexican restaurant and tequila bar. Ho hum, but we were tired and hungry. And so we went into La Catrina, which was a blast. Wonderful people, wonderful food. In our opinion, best margarita and daquiri we've  ever had.

Maybe I could say more later, but for now let me note that they have a miniature pet pig named Simone, who loves to squeal loudly. 

Because It's All I Got

Hanging from the ceiling in our DFW hotel's restaurant, which was surprisingly good. And the art in the room is unusual, early 20th Century American style. One looks like a Depression-era WPA painting that might show people gathering or looking for food.

The model above is a fantasy. No engine, bizarre tail, strange gun top center,

We like the hotel. The staff has been very nice in letting me practice my Spanish with them.

Central America this afternoon.

Through A Glass Darkly

I think this was shot through Jeanjoel's bottle of honey flavored whisky. Might be good for a sore throat. Might be a good way to end this series.

Today and tomorrow are travel days. We'll see what happens when. Veré mas tarde.

      

Compulsory Group Shots

If you shoot an event you gotta take group shots. It's mandatory. The quality varied because I had no control of the light except to move people a bit. Again, I regret that I did not write down names.

We are getting to the end of this series. I've got something a little strange for tomorrow. Then maybe a small break until we get to a rich coast.