Puntarenas - Cost Rica

Costa Rica is a very poor country. Four and half million inhabitants, one million of whom are migrant workers.  If I remember correctly the ex-pat population is around 45.000.They blame the number of migrant workers number on the high literacy rate of 97% ( a double edged sword) which leads the locals to not want to take the more menial jobs therefore creating a labour shortage filled by their neighbouring country. They are very proud and work hard on their reputation as a green country with 30% of the land in National Parks. It is covered in rainforest and has a very high rainfall, and, great to know, twenty poisonous snakes. Some are very tiny and insignificant but some very brightly coloured – that’s more fair. There are lots of monkeys and sloths, and a myriad of colourful birds. Our tour took us up into the rain forest where we were lucky enough to be the first train off the cable up over the rainforest. Being the first we saw the best of what was offering. We saw a troop of monkeys, lots of golden orb spiders in their huge webs and a couple of toucans although they were not as vibrant as some you can see, and we did actually see at Iguassu when we were there. We had a nice and very healthy lunch with lots of tropical juices to try. We had a walk through a garden with interesting plants and saw lots of snakes – thankfully behind glass. It seems to contravene their conservationistic ideals but these snakes are kept to be used in the production of anti-venoms. We had a spendup in the souvenir shop where they had chocolate covered coffee beans and other yummies which we will enjoy at home reminiscing. Costa Rica is a huge coffee producer and we were educated in the best taste and best roast to buy according to our need of caffeine! I bought a t-shirt and Hoppy bought another couple. He didn’t need anymore ten t-shirts ago but……….. We then bussed to a river where we spotted 20 birds off the chart of the 40 possible sightings we may make in the area. We also saw lots of crocodiles. Their current dilemma is whether to cull the over population or maybe to allow some “farming” to capitalise on the trade for their skins. More purchases to be made on “stuff” after this river boat ride and another t-shirt added to Hop’s collection. I couldn’t resist a small vase with a sloth’s face peering at me off the side. When we got back to the ship we wandered down to the market. We donated money to a collector to support the rehabilitation of drug victims in the area – a major problem. Some teenage boys had made some very good sand sculptures – there went another few dollars, and there was a crippled beggar we couldn’t turn down. The cruise director described the place as Mumbai without the glitter. It is a very poor country but I think that was a bit harsh and not nearly so large or so crowded. The town was certainly very run down and our friends were put off going to the perfume shop recommended, by a warning about going alone into darker areas. We would have gone with them if we’d known but too late. We thought the tour was our best ever and we liked the place but you know us. A bit of dirt and poverty seem to endear places to us. The simpler the better. The people seemed happy and friendly.

Well it’s a beautiful day outside and so calm out here in the Pacific about 800 miles from the closest land, Hawai’i . Hoppy has bronchitis with lower pulmonary obstruction so we have just come back to our cabin for his second session on a nebuliser.{ (R25) Which he calls a blow job!!} Where has he been? He has to go back to the Doctor which he wants to do everyday whether he needs to or not. She a good looker. I guess I can’t deny him a little eye candy; heaven knows there’s not a lot amongst the passengers!! Our holiday is quickly coming to a close but we count the days out rather than days to go. Our glass is 5/6 full!!  Good luck with the show Lynda; you’re a star. Shame you can’t make Auckland but that’s OK we’ll be home for that cuppa before you know it.

Love to all of you. Thanks for reading my ravings, I hope you enjoy them. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX