March 15, 2012

March 15, 2012

In 32 days we leave, we have been here for 30 days. So tomorrow is the official halfway point.

What have I/we learned during our time here?
• I can get used to my environment
• I still have a hard time with prayer...my ADD really shows up when I try and have a conversation with God
• Do not go to bed sweaty…take a shower in the evening
• We can survive in a greatly reduced capacity of amenities and at time enjoy it, like with a really good piece of pineapple or yummy batido
• Manana has become part of our vocabulary
• Do not accompany my husband out in the midday sun
• Big tides come after a full moon
• I am so unaware of what I am wearing that I will be halfway down the street before I realize I have on my thongs, this revelation usually comes when I step on a sharp rock
• Horns on cars are a means of communication…a beep can mean hello, a short burst of beeps can either mean I am passing you or going around a blind curve, a honk means you’ve irritated me and watch out (rare to hear) and a couple of honks means I am not running on Tico time (even rarer) but in the city of San Jose there is just constant beeping..no honking
• Fewer people speak English than we were led to believe…of course we have not exactly been hanging out at the resorts
• There is a reason it takes so long for something to get done…it’s just too hot
• The people are friendly
• The tires on all the bicycles are not properly inflated
• People get up really early here for obvious reasons, but that does not mean stores open early
• David enjoys life more without a phone
• I miss being able to talk to family and friends easily
• Skype does not always work
• The monkeys will respond to David’s imitation of their call as will the geckos
• Parking in the middle of the street is OK….for whatever reason….to visit with a friend…to drop off or pick up something
• Sweeping is full time occupation
• Can live with bats…wish they would eat more
• Construction here is marginal at best…3 year old sidewalk looks 100 years old
• They have the world’s best pineapple
• Their food is ok...not great and not bad either
• I miss snacks or just being able to get a quick bite to eat
• That there are amazing sights to be seen, such as 5 Scarlet Macaws
• You can leave your car running and to into a bank or store or just visit
• Dogs here that run loose are indifferent to passersby…and they do not seem to ever get hit
• You take your life in your own hands anytime you cross a street as cars seem to have the right of way
• A whole family can fit on one scooter
• Very few heavy people here unless they are foreigners
• Getting on a water taxi can be dangerous
• Always show up to the bus stop early but expect you may have to wait for a very long time….the buses are so unpredictable that they can be half an hour early or over an hour late
• You must be careful walking around as things just fall out of trees…coconuts, fruits, limbs, leaves, dirt, critters, fronds
• We get many little blessings from the Lord…buses running late so we do not miss them, getting a ride from someone, no problems from drinking the water, no food poisoning, cuts healed properly