Stuff

I haven't written about some of  the folks I've met on this adventure, but tonite is the night.  

MG and I have created our own itinerary for this adventure but on the first leg  of our journey we were part of a small group of  tourists who went to Tortugero.  There was a couple from Belgium, a couple from France (near Avignon) a jolly Swiss gentleman from Lugano named Rigo,  a couple from Spain, Grunter and Walter from Austria who didn't talk to the rest of us but had big cameras and us.  A veritable United Nations.  Our guide, Diego, was a fabulous local naturalist and was distant until he realized MG and I were serious birders (he saw my book and immediately warmed up) and then he showed us the stuff!  It was fascinating to be the communicator in the middle ( even with my poor French) because the francophones hardly spoke English and Diego did not speak French.  We muddled through and had a really good time.  

Mostly people in Costa Rica are really proud of their country and proud of what they have done in terms of conservation.  It's quite interesting to be in a place that makes much of its weath by marketing the natural environment.  Canada would do well to pay attention.  Same for Oregon or for that matter other states in the US.  

As for the countryside, there is the ubiquitous  plastic garage along the roadsides but it is actually a pretty clean country.  And, they recycle!  

I had the opportunity to try out their medical system today.   Ear infections are no fun so once we got to Mt. Arenal (not Spamalot) I had to go to the medical centre.  Interestingly they have a two tiered system, public and private. Both work just  fine in tandum, according to the doctor.  All I know it cost me $50 to see the doc, who saw me in less than five minutes after I walked into the clinic, and another $20 for meds.  Plus my ear has stopped hurting so I am a fan.  

I'm not seeing the country through rose tinted glasses and yes, it's night but...  Most houses donhave bars on their windows and guards are everywhere, as are the police but who don't carry big guns.  It's pretty mellow vibe in most places we've visited and seems fairly well run with good public transportation, roads without potholes and lots of fresh veggies and fruit to eat.  

Here is a photo of the travellers at the halfway spot to and from Tortuguero. 

Goodnight Mrs Calabash, wherever you are.