Thursday, February 22, 2007

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?

14 comments:

Susan Helene Gottfried said...

Oh, my God. When can I come visit, and do I have to leave? That looks like paradise!!!

I'm going to miss visiting with you on Thursdays. Hope you'll come back to West of Mars often!

Linds said...

Wow. So incredibly beautiful.

I've never been a jealous person, but after reading this last post I think I might be. I'm so happy and excited for you! Make sure you keep us all updated on everything! =)

And, p.s. - I am OBSESSED with geckos. I have a leopard gecko myself... he's my baby. Such fascinating creatures...

Claire said...

I hate you! ok not really, but i am so jealous, not just a bit, a lot!
My dad went bird watching in Costa Rica a few years back and he loved it.
you said Yorkshire looked gorgeous! blah. Well i am hiking in Yorkshire on saturday so will have pictures up next week sometime, no whales though!
Still green with envy!

WanderingWoman said...

Sounds wonderful

-atomik kitten said...

Lucky you!! I've never been out of the country (and barely out of the plains states).

Thanks for stopping by my TT. I am not sure why TT is stopping.

Unknown said...

Okay this is me jealous!! Wow...I so need to go there. Thank you for posting this today.

And thanks for stopping by my site. :)

Mags said...

That is amazing, and you are so very lucky to have a house there!

I was sucked in by your descriptions and I can see why you love it so much!!

Ms. George said...

Wow. I am so jeal-happy for you. Great post about a very interesting country. Thanks for visiting my TT.

Raggedy said...

Fabulous!
Thursday Thirteen has come to an end.
I have enjoyed my visits here and consider us friends.
Thank you for sharing your thirteens with me.
The comments you left me filled me with glee.
It is hard to believe it is really true.
I am trying very hard to not be blue.
Happy TT'ing!
*^_^
(=':'=)
(")_ (")Š
Raggedy

Rose DesRochers said...

Beautiful photos.


Rose
http://rosedesrochers.com

Robin said...

You have just made me want to move to Costa Rica!

Thanks for visiting my blog. Happy final TT.

Jeanette said...

Gday just popped in from Aust.
Love your Photo's and your piece of paradise with beautifull views.

Anonymous said...

Wow!!! Reading along, I was in awe! You painted such a beautiful picture! Then the pictures .... ahhhh, you are a lucky duck!

Anonymous said...

Gewels!!!! This is beautiful - your own slice of paradise!!! I lived in Guatemala for 4 years.....spent many years visiting Honduras with soon to be ex's family.......yes these warm, steamy countries have friendly, warm people......and the life seems to run at a healthier pace.....actually follow the rise and fall of the sun.......what a gorgeous view.....say hi to a whale for me, girlfriend!!!!!!

xxx
rdg