Costa Rica is in the middle of a drought, like just about everyone else on the Pacific Coast, but there is still some good news in the natural world.
The Olive Ridley turtles appear to be getting stronger. On our morning walk on Carrillo Beach this morning, just 4 km from Casa Mango and Casa Papaya, we encountered a hatch.
Unfortunately, this Costa Rican vehicle has no windshield on which to fix the inspection sticker.
You know you live in Costa Rica when you’re awakened in the pre-dawn by glass crashing to the floor and upon inspection you find that a fist-sized frog has been kicking delicates off the shelf.
In the spirit of truth in reporting, I must disclose that it wasn’t my house and it was a beer bottle instead of a wine glass. But you get the idea. And the cat was innocent.
Winter storms – winter is June through October in Costa Rica – have scoured Carrillo beach to expose this carving. Probably an homage to the cacique (chief).
Or Mom. yesterday was Costa Rican Mothers’ Day.
This White Fronted Parrot was spotted in Puerto Carrillo, just down the road from Casa Mango and Casa Papaya. We see them most days at the house but I’ve never managed a photo of this quality.
Anyone who has been involved with a construction project in Costa Rica knows exactly what I’m talking about. Ticos can fall asleep anywhere.
After lunch, every member of the crew lies down in whatever shade they can find – under a tree, under a truck, behind the cement mixer, on the new concrete slab – and falls immediately to sleep. On the Pan-American Hiway, I once saw five guys surrounded by orange cones in the left lane while traffic whizzed by in the right. Apparently, it’s a skill that is not limited to the noon siesta. This fellow was waiting for Movistar Cellular to open the shop at nine in the morning.
What does it take for you to fall asleep?
What to do in samara between sunburns: Fused glass art.
Casa Gecko Glass studio is where I work with colored and recycled glass
to produce useful works of art, mostly platters and bowls. Read More
The answer, of course, is a “Casado” because it includes 6 traditional Tico dishes on one grand plate.
The Casado – it roughly translates as “married man” – is offered at every restaurant in Costa Rica for lunch. It’s not typical for supper but can be found. It is usually the cheapest thing on the menu, delicious, and filling. Douse the whole thing with Salsa Lizano. Top it with a couple of pickled vegetables from the jar on the counter. Good food!
As you drive the highways of Costa Rica towards Casa Mango and Casa Papaya, you will find everything for sale along side the road. If your timing is right, you'll find fruit stands lining the roads with fresh ripe deliciousness. Melons: watermelons, cantaloupe, casaba. Farm-made honey. ever-present papaya. Avocados. And green coconut water called "Agua de pipa" or simply "Pipa Fria". It's cheaper than Coco-Cola and way better for you. A glass a day will cure what ails you. Seriously.
Sandy-Shorts 