THURSDAY THIRTEEN

Heading back down to Costa Rica on Monday. Cannot wait to get back there, finish furnishing the house and seeing our awesome view. I haven't even seen the new furniture that was custom made for us. Hopefully it's ready and moved in so that I can accessorize, fluff the pillows and play.

So, today's Thursday Thirteen is Why I love Costa Rica so much. Enjoy the trip.

1) The people- honestly the nicest people in the world live here.(Ireland runs a close second.)These are such beautiful, down-to-earth, sincere souls- Hard workers, yet calm and happy.

2) Our house- Cutest, private, spanish-style house. Gated driveway, ocean view, pool, long breezy veranda, Lots of wildlife.

3) The View- We are told that this time of year we should be able to see whales playing in the water. I hope so- even took down a telescope hoping to see these massive creatures.

4) The howler monkeys- waking up at dawn you can hear the growls of these animals. Honestly, they sound like King Kong at times. Their growls are so deep and resonating that you never know where they are- it reverbertes through the hills and treetops so they sound as if they could be anywhere.

5) The geckos- I love these little lizards and their chittering. They live in the house with us and I know they are eating their weight in mosquitos. Natural insect control.

6) The iguanas- These prehistoric-era creatures can seem so threatening at times, yet so gentle. I love how they hang out in the old tree near the pool.

7) The hummingbirds- I could sit for hours watching these diminutive creatures flit from one hibiscus flower to another. I am taking down 2 beautiful, hand-blown glass feeders to hang by the veranda. Still have not managed a good photo. Maybe this time.

8) The volcanoes- Who wouldn't want to live in a place with active volcanoes? The power of the earth is absolutely amazing to me. And, to be surrounded by this strength is energizing.

9) The Beach- Playa Hermosa is a beautiful, crescent-shaped beach, surrounded by hills and sadly, ever-diminishing jungle. A family beach where the kids play soccer on Sunday afternoons and the dogs run freely. I love seeing the anchored fishing boats bobbing in the water waiting for their captains to wade out and start the day's work.

10) The Cowboys- This is cowboy country. Even going to school is often done on horseback.

11) The Ceviche- Oh my god, I have this almost every day. The freshest fish "cooked" in citrus juice. Very simple, light and absolutely fresh. I will attempt to master the art of ceviche.

12) Town spirit- Our little town seems more home to me than this place I've lived in for 27 years. Strolling into town, for breakfast or to do some beachcombing, everyone remembers you and welcomes you. I feel as if I've already made so many friends.

13) The Expats- I have found that there is a free spirit atmosphere here. The foreigners who choose to make this their home have a down-to-earth, funky vibe about them. So different from communities in the States- They are here to live simply and freely, surrounded by nature. No pretense.

Our Sunset view- Do you see whales yet?


Our house


Verandah and Pool- this is the previous owners furniture. We now have beautiful locally grown teak.


Fishing Boats at the Beach


Getting ready for the horse parade in Liberia

Am I on the plane yet?