tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-85273931716632308202024-03-19T01:28:49.023-06:00Experiencing Costa RicaBill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-72300421606126237712010-05-05T20:59:00.003-06:002010-05-05T21:21:39.914-06:00Last Day!Today was my last day as a student in Costa Rica! How Sad!<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div>I went to animal nutrition class this morning. The 2.5 hour class only lasted 30 minutes. Not bad!</div><div></div><br /><div>Next, we went to the university farm to do a couple of things for a project that the class has going on. We had to wait a while, so I asked if there was a dairy. They said their was, so we wandered up to see it. On our way we saw sheep, and a goat dairy. When we arrived to the dairy, there were a few Jersey heifers. Come to find out, there are about 50 Jerseys at this dairy, and they are all just a 30 minute walk from my house! Why didn't someone tell me about this four months ago?!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zuWcGlGFBk6b3Xf0iI2VoVVVGy8IYTcNBfZ8knBlxrMTDXyzLIuzDLNpaeDMC6FEggb4omD7U9CR_PuaA4gov-VTsAEiSVlI3-5rlu0WQuFlelLlSidj1NX306O_iq3ix3V2dyuKWxPT/s1600/DSCN2362.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467990799863766482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6zuWcGlGFBk6b3Xf0iI2VoVVVGy8IYTcNBfZ8knBlxrMTDXyzLIuzDLNpaeDMC6FEggb4omD7U9CR_PuaA4gov-VTsAEiSVlI3-5rlu0WQuFlelLlSidj1NX306O_iq3ix3V2dyuKWxPT/s200/DSCN2362.JPG" border="0" /></a>The sheep.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBYU07esatk7t9IhjkkE6eBBL9vGCjOYqbUwnACYfboUQSPomdDQHheptfdZuYX2pQ-8oJqR6vaFRnAuMJdkO3B2cjbwYG6HXeHJwrGAWvLETFIrgrb4YFQekq3BGJsbgC0eABZ3Cpby/s1600/DSCN2363.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467990806079348930" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_BBYU07esatk7t9IhjkkE6eBBL9vGCjOYqbUwnACYfboUQSPomdDQHheptfdZuYX2pQ-8oJqR6vaFRnAuMJdkO3B2cjbwYG6HXeHJwrGAWvLETFIrgrb4YFQekq3BGJsbgC0eABZ3Cpby/s200/DSCN2363.JPG" border="0" /></a>The dairy goats.<br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGJUOXj_KORNBWNk8urYhJrbjSouInNXv5UYUOFDy8RPqXH1giSwnqq-O_SGixc5RkKC7vhRJWZYKFodTaHjMo9inTwAc1HHBN4dw8J0Wk081PQUIPuh-f1zsyMk5WUeoQfl5_uzH8OHe/s1600/DSCN2369.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467990813409099426" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaGJUOXj_KORNBWNk8urYhJrbjSouInNXv5UYUOFDy8RPqXH1giSwnqq-O_SGixc5RkKC7vhRJWZYKFodTaHjMo9inTwAc1HHBN4dw8J0Wk081PQUIPuh-f1zsyMk5WUeoQfl5_uzH8OHe/s200/DSCN2369.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>The methane digester for the dairy goats.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNyXUMIl5xPWdCQ9J1JwYCu-WH7dZpmXyvop-1SkAv53EwgZse_zoKtXbfwr68JAV47cVhxwHSx52VeiorjRg4vUBL9ErxOQKk0CqelZBsAXUoRv7J6QKJ4ny5B1CYEg8O9DYapVVyYdT/s1600/DSCN2375.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467990815577514322" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUNyXUMIl5xPWdCQ9J1JwYCu-WH7dZpmXyvop-1SkAv53EwgZse_zoKtXbfwr68JAV47cVhxwHSx52VeiorjRg4vUBL9ErxOQKk0CqelZBsAXUoRv7J6QKJ4ny5B1CYEg8O9DYapVVyYdT/s200/DSCN2375.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>The Jersey heifers!</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWpEmsEOyB_ld3LLzP4QEhSbjH4U9EiqpC3kBq5g69_AerdoyuW0iR9WdpUvJg-iXEAdRDE7GSWMwSy7P9qGu_49g7FLqmQWAhv2-Bm8eLm4M17boS8riwK2ygq356-QMS39bm6RfSHMq/s1600/DSCN2379.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467990829039697042" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnWpEmsEOyB_ld3LLzP4QEhSbjH4U9EiqpC3kBq5g69_AerdoyuW0iR9WdpUvJg-iXEAdRDE7GSWMwSy7P9qGu_49g7FLqmQWAhv2-Bm8eLm4M17boS8riwK2ygq356-QMS39bm6RfSHMq/s200/DSCN2379.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Force feeding the rooster...not fun.</div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>This evening, my host mom took me to a restaurant up on the mountain that has a view of the entire Central Valley. It was a beautiful night, and bittersweet as I look to leave Costa Rica tomorrow (Thursday, have to be at the airport at 4:15am!) to go home.</div><div></div><br /><div>It has been a great ride. I'm anxious to see everyone upon my return. Thank you for following my blog. Please keep checking in, as I am hoping to update it with happenings over the next few weeks and during graduation. Eventually I hope to turn it into an agricultural advocacy blog to share info about the importance agriculture plays in our lives.</div><div></div><br /><div><em>For the last time from Costa Rica,</em></div><div></div><br /><div><strong>Pura Vida,</strong></div><div><strong></strong></div><br /><div><strong>Billy</strong></div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-11211466305458052932010-05-04T20:25:00.002-06:002010-05-04T20:32:03.933-06:00Officially Done!Today I took my last exam in Costa Rica (although I don't think it was my best exam in Costa Rica...we'll find out tomorrow!)! The rest of the day was mine to pack and get my things in order. Tomorrow I have a long day, including animal nutrition class, making last minute purchases, and finishing packing. I can't believe my time has come to an end...everyone is sad to say goodbye.<br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8csPbhqwEwCi25u9NpcgwNcwpBeoNM-hVbZMlyM2NZEFK2xXAM4J4llM7UbaEYKoKD59TQni_HKdppWVrSDMKNYm2ttt1-5BHtohHwQ-xlrTbpR8tZG0CnqQp3XWbITXPyb-KT02kmC65/s1600/DSCN2309.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467608029214935490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8csPbhqwEwCi25u9NpcgwNcwpBeoNM-hVbZMlyM2NZEFK2xXAM4J4llM7UbaEYKoKD59TQni_HKdppWVrSDMKNYm2ttt1-5BHtohHwQ-xlrTbpR8tZG0CnqQp3XWbITXPyb-KT02kmC65/s200/DSCN2309.JPG" border="0" /></a>I have included a photo of a couple of baby doves (<em><span style="color:#66ff99;">paloma</span></em> in Spanish) outside of my window here at the house. They were hatched in a hanging basket, and have fled the nest, but still hang out in the backyard all day (including when it rains...they look miserable!). They have been fun to watch.</div><br /><div></div><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-59882266736236040692010-05-03T20:28:00.003-06:002010-05-03T20:39:02.610-06:00Final Dance ClassThe 'finals' have finally come. Today we had our final dance class, I said a few final goodbye's to friends that I probably won't see before I fly out Thursday. What a strange feeling.<br /><div><div></div><br /><div>Today we had a 'final' in dance, which included us trying to remember the dances in front of the teacher (who, by the way, didn't even bother to watch us...I'll mark that up as an automatic 'A'). I hadn't been to dance in three weeks, so needless to say I was just a little bit rusty. I have included a couple pictures of one of the girls and I doing the <em><span style="color:#66ff99;">merengue</span></em>.</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pAsYAOleaBLqlIqd2LkNr1mv8gHXx2QUvZNAIQHf-vE_d3uT-7lJOUb1PdovX_QssCQ7OfI-Kl9d7vScfWnCWedQxoEKFrT0en9Fdba1OZxKIqe2C9RBJHcqvZ4yKa31hdF8HVRP6-Z/s1600/DSCN2352.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467238508260899650" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU1pAsYAOleaBLqlIqd2LkNr1mv8gHXx2QUvZNAIQHf-vE_d3uT-7lJOUb1PdovX_QssCQ7OfI-Kl9d7vScfWnCWedQxoEKFrT0en9Fdba1OZxKIqe2C9RBJHcqvZ4yKa31hdF8HVRP6-Z/s200/DSCN2352.JPG" border="0" /></a> <div></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouj0yN6kRWa07nOFeIDO3kKO29baOwOliBVdDy75zSjHLh3C_qKpYiKvfoNKzSsUe2gKtkMbPXcsCxomCK1YIqT-Yu4-uozq2HrwWJcF6Lr-keqOyfCLEu9rEZmK92kUv2yZBjsTbce5f/s1600/DSCN2355.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5467238516571410274" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgouj0yN6kRWa07nOFeIDO3kKO29baOwOliBVdDy75zSjHLh3C_qKpYiKvfoNKzSsUe2gKtkMbPXcsCxomCK1YIqT-Yu4-uozq2HrwWJcF6Lr-keqOyfCLEu9rEZmK92kUv2yZBjsTbce5f/s200/DSCN2355.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-84441610904819588172010-05-02T20:24:00.002-06:002010-05-02T20:37:32.852-06:00SaprissaThis evening I headed to another soccer game at a different stadium. The game was held at the team's stadium called <em><span style="color:#6666cc;">Saprissa</span></em>. Very similar to the last game, minus getting drenched. It was an extremely unexciting game with a final outcome of a tie 0-0. Saprissa has the same colors as K-State, so I naturally had to buy a jersey.<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP693ewbW_1nFH_PcSdGW8OmzkFDdvLUO67VoAu81d7mWma-20wL3WXOEy1ybgG8_ZU4zVZw0SNP3fNyi3hUCBbHmG2xwUyWUQGh9fgxxjTkyyzmpJ8pKlvt9Y4Bdj9mdcRdH9T9us24F5/s1600/DSCN2341.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466867119712401170" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP693ewbW_1nFH_PcSdGW8OmzkFDdvLUO67VoAu81d7mWma-20wL3WXOEy1ybgG8_ZU4zVZw0SNP3fNyi3hUCBbHmG2xwUyWUQGh9fgxxjTkyyzmpJ8pKlvt9Y4Bdj9mdcRdH9T9us24F5/s200/DSCN2341.JPG" border="0" /></a>The view from the stadium of the mountains.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID8E-DapXTBeQ9A9Zb0HCHMlVv1cFaY0CIMvtEWNplGX2PBb1HM-Q013B7x9RST-INCBeB70lzXpWmUUPu6TcSEqYrJCZo_MMl6IDCziav6Ye8LGv6lEI4Y48uNPBiEuEG3GvSWn_xBXv/s1600/DSCN2345.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466867128300330626" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjID8E-DapXTBeQ9A9Zb0HCHMlVv1cFaY0CIMvtEWNplGX2PBb1HM-Q013B7x9RST-INCBeB70lzXpWmUUPu6TcSEqYrJCZo_MMl6IDCziav6Ye8LGv6lEI4Y48uNPBiEuEG3GvSWn_xBXv/s200/DSCN2345.JPG" border="0" /></a>The field with the game in progress.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4fNmhNkBTKe7uztOx9AzkwWF0DiRAjzhTJ5r-IqkLQr5QkDE8U1mEatGCzcSP-6K8HuDBAx7Yer9EkD4q9Z1sKGmn-5-x6ykOF4EyAvsV5IdBZNTom96O1Vu9aiO_vLqb2WkoWdoJ14r/s1600/DSCN2344.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466867132605293298" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgG4fNmhNkBTKe7uztOx9AzkwWF0DiRAjzhTJ5r-IqkLQr5QkDE8U1mEatGCzcSP-6K8HuDBAx7Yer9EkD4q9Z1sKGmn-5-x6ykOF4EyAvsV5IdBZNTom96O1Vu9aiO_vLqb2WkoWdoJ14r/s200/DSCN2344.JPG" border="0" /></a>The cheering section.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MgQPCFGv07LIMtbLS6y2ZjUk69BWfFicGeOkqKStO5IK-uVTqgeW5_uTJ5bvgRlq3xYCM-dOcMTI1GaAE-Vd9Ok4Jk0gcPj-BngB-9jowRHm5Zj8eNo6XiBt7yIZVqsAvbUDnviG6VHQ/s1600/DSCN2351.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466867142299724594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6MgQPCFGv07LIMtbLS6y2ZjUk69BWfFicGeOkqKStO5IK-uVTqgeW5_uTJ5bvgRlq3xYCM-dOcMTI1GaAE-Vd9Ok4Jk0gcPj-BngB-9jowRHm5Zj8eNo6XiBt7yIZVqsAvbUDnviG6VHQ/s200/DSCN2351.JPG" border="0" /></a>The view out the other end of the stadium after sunset.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-13265481331419008142010-05-01T19:09:00.003-06:002010-05-01T19:38:26.127-06:00Alejandro's Birthday PartyToday, Alejandro (my host sister's son, I guess that makes him my host nephew!) celebrated his 5th birthday with a party. About 20 munchkins attended the event at his mother's house.<br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3crd28BuMAnLsr4mKqgRlBHWejwn6hxnqfJ5MswwOlgLPq0QWw2ok9WnypQgy-DTekqNmHzsIpXVEXn38znkNmbfZ9aCwGr3aHDxM5ud5lkJwRw0eZ9HfZHgYrlQm3Tfn8YpWjHawH5R/s1600/DSCN2331.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466480740884518690" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3crd28BuMAnLsr4mKqgRlBHWejwn6hxnqfJ5MswwOlgLPq0QWw2ok9WnypQgy-DTekqNmHzsIpXVEXn38znkNmbfZ9aCwGr3aHDxM5ud5lkJwRw0eZ9HfZHgYrlQm3Tfn8YpWjHawH5R/s200/DSCN2331.JPG" border="0" /></a>Having a go at the Dinosaur piñata (Alejandro is obsessed with dinosaurs).</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN8RLobvSAETSKyvDufnBhtFX9lGjgsdR6HJXoJeQ1dE57IvfFOURGoRLfLkbuSw8VIcF-rK2EO6aAfELc2UYSOkr7geUZbvTrm2Q6GwolXHO1H-5pLJr38a9YKxWdvVS_3xTxaZvEXWe/s1600/DSCN2334.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466480751408967490" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjN8RLobvSAETSKyvDufnBhtFX9lGjgsdR6HJXoJeQ1dE57IvfFOURGoRLfLkbuSw8VIcF-rK2EO6aAfELc2UYSOkr7geUZbvTrm2Q6GwolXHO1H-5pLJr38a9YKxWdvVS_3xTxaZvEXWe/s200/DSCN2334.JPG" border="0" /></a>His Aunt Raquel dressed up as a <em><span style="color:#ff6666;">payaso</span></em>, or clown, for the event. It was pretty funny, because I thought when she came down stairs she looked like a pretty scary clown. Not long after that I heard children screaming and running...guess there is such a thing as a scary clown! They warmed up to her after a while, though.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PbxnMz1_cjTRURkP3afm-ub0ECZlMLx95MAHXf5Y3hbX2TwBpYhRB-p2GkVqMf8u8GiZXoQEXw_Rubd0JlImLxtxzLRuEjWzjhO3JI_8T-Y9ur7j3KqAy-9zxcYrG7q1nyfj-a7Tu4_b/s1600/DSCN2336.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466480752922148450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7PbxnMz1_cjTRURkP3afm-ub0ECZlMLx95MAHXf5Y3hbX2TwBpYhRB-p2GkVqMf8u8GiZXoQEXw_Rubd0JlImLxtxzLRuEjWzjhO3JI_8T-Y9ur7j3KqAy-9zxcYrG7q1nyfj-a7Tu4_b/s200/DSCN2336.JPG" border="0" /></a>Alejandro opening his mountain of presents.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHD65GK_2XuItMgp4tuEWW8boIFcuBnKy78LQ5xO6fRugIYAhFmez_YHpmgt-OVqrnlMcC9lt4eA8i7uyHpB1hOB6k9FTwxRrEB3co-a3_EsZSPbQUIe56mAocgkp4Ioxy_sGRUwh-QLe/s1600/DSCN2337.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466480762853961698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXHD65GK_2XuItMgp4tuEWW8boIFcuBnKy78LQ5xO6fRugIYAhFmez_YHpmgt-OVqrnlMcC9lt4eA8i7uyHpB1hOB6k9FTwxRrEB3co-a3_EsZSPbQUIe56mAocgkp4Ioxy_sGRUwh-QLe/s200/DSCN2337.JPG" border="0" /></a>Alejandro playing with his mountain of presents.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Before the party, Mabel had been invited to a meeting, which was similar to a city council meeting, to represent the school she works for. She said we would go to this event for a little bit, and I didn't think anything of it. While I have never crashed a wedding, I did a pretty good job of crashing this important meeting! I walked in wearing shorts and sandals while everyone else was in suites. And then we were the first ones to eat lunch and the first to leave! After telling Mabel that I was embarassed afterwards, she laughed and told me not to worry. Didn't bother her since she didn't even want to be there!</div><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-43059032018487421172010-04-30T21:05:00.003-06:002010-04-30T21:37:49.669-06:00Futbol - SoccerHere are some pics from the futbol (soccer) game from Wednesday. We went to Alajuela to watch the team called <em>La</em> <em>Liga</em> play. Enjoy!<br /><div><div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhRoDFqVMt6gyXJL_Nb7w6SPJbXU1GeiokgeMHd1uZG3sLQZ5iJ25rKp-hRCQ4Ea94OgyuiPDEEtc7PtBLgFZYBHCEOLuNRKYAIBzY_ENtjslb0W-r2wkSm3Yk6meGWPglEpiuOdF95T_/s1600/DSCN2312.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466136487607238482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKhRoDFqVMt6gyXJL_Nb7w6SPJbXU1GeiokgeMHd1uZG3sLQZ5iJ25rKp-hRCQ4Ea94OgyuiPDEEtc7PtBLgFZYBHCEOLuNRKYAIBzY_ENtjslb0W-r2wkSm3Yk6meGWPglEpiuOdF95T_/s200/DSCN2312.JPG" border="0" /></a>While waiting on the bus we saw a couple of guide dogs fighting off the rainy season with their very own rain coats! They even had flaps for their ears. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAF6hns8yOgHiezD2RTU0HmJrj9iP3-eyZP-CfEJbh9UG2lunTP4kNc7Axym969jRdYbSNJJMlyNfec0XxzE89P1kni9Sj14Mk79H1NnbCS6M43aBwIcFsQuFD3FLcdyt-zVFnFBmQDrw/s1600/DSCN2319.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466136497028030738" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTAF6hns8yOgHiezD2RTU0HmJrj9iP3-eyZP-CfEJbh9UG2lunTP4kNc7Axym969jRdYbSNJJMlyNfec0XxzE89P1kni9Sj14Mk79H1NnbCS6M43aBwIcFsQuFD3FLcdyt-zVFnFBmQDrw/s200/DSCN2319.JPG" border="0" /></a>Getting warmed up for the game. On my side of the stadium we had a roof over us so we weren't in the rain the entire time, or sun during the dry season. </div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqFYtmqP7hYKjkdJTHfj1q7UAJ6QoxMTFmfZzCZ85GAY2Y7amqfNdhmoa_iWfILHttvUT6n3PDbP7Mtb4bGKlUn97dMdnSPkoBUBaoN9FIqSKKwjMnUMT0IaQYXyxQxstEYiufUyb6Dur/s1600/DSCN2324.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5466136501752536898" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdqFYtmqP7hYKjkdJTHfj1q7UAJ6QoxMTFmfZzCZ85GAY2Y7amqfNdhmoa_iWfILHttvUT6n3PDbP7Mtb4bGKlUn97dMdnSPkoBUBaoN9FIqSKKwjMnUMT0IaQYXyxQxstEYiufUyb6Dur/s200/DSCN2324.JPG" border="0" /></a>This group of energetic folks sat in the far end of the field. They are a group that attends all of the games, and they beat on drums and cheer and dance the entire time. The ENTIRE time, all 1.5+ hours! They definately made the atmosphere more fun (not that it wasn't entertaining enough to learn all sorts of new words from the disgruntled fans, even if they were words I wouldn't use around my grandmother!).</div><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-87085775728336033372010-04-30T17:54:00.002-06:002010-04-30T17:58:05.218-06:00Lo SientoLo Siento, or I am sorry for the lack of posts lately. Internet at home has not been working.<br /><br />Highlights from the last few days include:<br /><br />Went to a soccer game Wednesday night. Had a great time. Got absolutely drenched getting there. My umbrella started getting leaks, and I had to walk through a river that appeared in less than 5 minutes. Shoes still aren´t dry.<br /><br />Got my other pair of shoes completely wet today. <br /><br />Raining season is now on my list of things I officially DO NOT LIKE!!!!<br /><br />I hope to get internet going again soon. Look for pictures then, and my smiling face back in the states on Thursday night!<br /><br />Pura Vida,<br /><br />BillyBill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-42994622034258926792010-04-27T19:47:00.003-06:002010-04-27T21:24:55.364-06:00Random Pics<div><div><div>Today we went to my teacher's home for breakfast and class. It was great fun to eat in her backyard and enjoying the nice weather.</div><br /><div>For lunch, we had our last cooking class, and the teacher and her husband cooked for us. It was supposed to be in the park, but it rained. Thank you rainy season.</div><br /><div>Here are a couple more photos from the university that I visited this weekend. Hope you enjoy them!</div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQNAO0eux3kkAvNLkI7f72ChmF-zhFnhwy2OS9tmC821dR6fn9lcRy2ggjMoThbUsVdxY1C3PKqSuN9hjoTpAowMXIEpXxYlyeB8d8nILRmERyo-nQi4bPQq6GOC7VjRTy_Elxw57xypQ/s1600/DSCN2278.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465020328461638802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJQNAO0eux3kkAvNLkI7f72ChmF-zhFnhwy2OS9tmC821dR6fn9lcRy2ggjMoThbUsVdxY1C3PKqSuN9hjoTpAowMXIEpXxYlyeB8d8nILRmERyo-nQi4bPQq6GOC7VjRTy_Elxw57xypQ/s200/DSCN2278.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr3dOFWv0RPpidIUyTDtVvrjqbrEc4YE039LPPmmR1ITtuIb8iaguO4cB-aUUv4tdE4Xl3snkPo_PC8G6sSTd5Df2g9wzfuY09fjDXlzLoim-2zxi0tXCyhTSNWOvAn_Vu5d2WdRrarJ1/s1600/DSCN2281.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465020319035449618" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSr3dOFWv0RPpidIUyTDtVvrjqbrEc4YE039LPPmmR1ITtuIb8iaguO4cB-aUUv4tdE4Xl3snkPo_PC8G6sSTd5Df2g9wzfuY09fjDXlzLoim-2zxi0tXCyhTSNWOvAn_Vu5d2WdRrarJ1/s200/DSCN2281.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1HItyQoJ6vkuHDQZCzLD5T4zwR9w13eYfR381ewUtQ3YstEXu9-S3lqxVbmflJAW7eBCWjLicOm5w4OgQbyJwKXZiOgzhulnpkL30Y-EXY49A-FgPXtUlcjwMGLi9Sb9b-wvVdwggnif/s1600/DSCN2277.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5465020308513226514" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw1HItyQoJ6vkuHDQZCzLD5T4zwR9w13eYfR381ewUtQ3YstEXu9-S3lqxVbmflJAW7eBCWjLicOm5w4OgQbyJwKXZiOgzhulnpkL30Y-EXY49A-FgPXtUlcjwMGLi9Sb9b-wvVdwggnif/s200/DSCN2277.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div> </div><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-45529290703903192562010-04-26T19:18:00.003-06:002010-04-26T19:26:49.946-06:00Rainy SeasonThe rainy season has started here in Costa Rica. It has been a gradual process over the last few weeks, starting as overcast afternoons. Now almost every day in rains at least a little bit. Some days it absolutely pours for an hour about 3 in the afternoon, and other days it will rain steadily for just a little while (it poured last week when I was headed to the airport to go to Panama...I had completely wet shoes and jeans until I could change that night in Panama!).<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3lkb_lJhbbMjxoktDmqrQVi1CoNS-OAQT_2591JrKHUzF6FetYbgMJnoseILxMM30jge1raspNGqGLLv9ylPQ7jdAyIQXFdyDQkCLxsJNogf_ticlr3vl-F4bN2nqYYQRFcSBMqSa4u/s1600/DSCN2253.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464622223533651714" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVr3lkb_lJhbbMjxoktDmqrQVi1CoNS-OAQT_2591JrKHUzF6FetYbgMJnoseILxMM30jge1raspNGqGLLv9ylPQ7jdAyIQXFdyDQkCLxsJNogf_ticlr3vl-F4bN2nqYYQRFcSBMqSa4u/s200/DSCN2253.JPG" border="0" /></a>This tropical changing of the seasons brought me a very nice sunset last week as I looked out at the mountains from my room. Its odd to think that there are only two seasons here, and the only thing that changes is whether it rains or not!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div> </div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZbSRXF3C-wiM9ov9ugJBF9OF_-hDw1cAX6l7AwT5-neGiWnumyzJC4KNtDU6rTb0rwcNypVIzffvnkucrj-4Qx38nRh2fsSBrQDz2_jaqEDEi6Yy3HkjMBc1VXvJh1dTZmYLHHk5lylw/s1600/DSCN2256.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464622239362933762" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZbSRXF3C-wiM9ov9ugJBF9OF_-hDw1cAX6l7AwT5-neGiWnumyzJC4KNtDU6rTb0rwcNypVIzffvnkucrj-4Qx38nRh2fsSBrQDz2_jaqEDEi6Yy3HkjMBc1VXvJh1dTZmYLHHk5lylw/s200/DSCN2256.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pura Vida,</div><div> </div><div>Billy</div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-16164633632610835362010-04-25T19:15:00.002-06:002010-04-25T19:29:05.075-06:00Cooking Class<div><div>It may be a little late, but here is an update from last Tuesday's cooking class!</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOznkMse1cOBcckAoCbccHCuagPeh5XLZcH0xCNRYyBwW6p4VQhxt_85_3RvgHRYUa2HM2ApPdz_mgIYjs5VWkz4WhEtZe2FL7G-iLtLVFFNGOrhnyWgTVaAbdHL7NtySESwhEVPHmwlg8/s1600/DSCN2234.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464251656890949922" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOznkMse1cOBcckAoCbccHCuagPeh5XLZcH0xCNRYyBwW6p4VQhxt_85_3RvgHRYUa2HM2ApPdz_mgIYjs5VWkz4WhEtZe2FL7G-iLtLVFFNGOrhnyWgTVaAbdHL7NtySESwhEVPHmwlg8/s200/DSCN2234.JPG" border="0" /></a>This week we made homemade spaghetti. Yes, once again, I am confused about what part of Latin America this comes from! It was fun to make the noodles from scratch, but I think I will stick to going to the store and buying them. Much simpler. We made a regular red sauce, and then a white sauce, also, which was delicious.</div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNkV7bac95Ok0xvtK19zjn6Iy_avS7Ebv0wAYSToVgjOeWZ4a6HCb7lIyHexMenT8_y6a2P3VvWayFglgfoS8TdvLpJsgi7dqTZRJ5gksykoDBBDSdZ_TiAxrVR0vWzn8oHD4WTZgNYdb/s1600/DSCN2230.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464251653335188978" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfNkV7bac95Ok0xvtK19zjn6Iy_avS7Ebv0wAYSToVgjOeWZ4a6HCb7lIyHexMenT8_y6a2P3VvWayFglgfoS8TdvLpJsgi7dqTZRJ5gksykoDBBDSdZ_TiAxrVR0vWzn8oHD4WTZgNYdb/s200/DSCN2230.JPG" border="0" /></a>Making the noodles. It got a little messy.</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YJ-q2ZoHdUsZViKwajXbFOEMVcXeGMIika9IxF9hzjnc2CXRaNQ0-1l9aEh5giJ5UqbXoDZNVr-0_4QtT8Rm-Q9Xr61yy1XilNbwUsGp2pfEo1hLXf8LX7W1AGoteyeL9H9PIypDt-U7/s1600/DSCN2235.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464251668144526594" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1YJ-q2ZoHdUsZViKwajXbFOEMVcXeGMIika9IxF9hzjnc2CXRaNQ0-1l9aEh5giJ5UqbXoDZNVr-0_4QtT8Rm-Q9Xr61yy1XilNbwUsGp2pfEo1hLXf8LX7W1AGoteyeL9H9PIypDt-U7/s200/DSCN2235.JPG" border="0" /></a>For desert we made <span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>'volcado de bananas</em></span>.' This is kind of like a sweat bread with bananas on top. Also delicious, and definately something I will be looking at making when I get home!</div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div>Pura Vida,</div><div> </div><div>Billy</div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-43431683061745923442010-04-24T19:44:00.003-06:002010-04-24T20:28:57.892-06:00TurrialbaToday I went to <em><span style="color:#ffff33;">Turrialba</span></em>, about a 2 hour bus ride from San Jose. In Turrialba there is an agricultural research university that I wanted to check out. Luckily, today they also had an expo with a few booths highlighting programs that the students have made. It was a beautiful place that was fun to walk around, although they wouldn't let me visit the dairy! This place is what I imagined all of Costa Rica to look like before I came.<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJWg9LrSdHXw3IpZRHkRWePIeF_-FXTqfQIc8hUgBq1SnK4DIJfjw4Yv4RkD_PT3z17VtcJvL_A4g5HODKFpUVR4-Pkwde0x2RM93bfQT3F7KZsSWBfZxsXoBDZz4UhXcG6H-hFFiC_Er/s1600/DSCN2275.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463895959339820002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRJWg9LrSdHXw3IpZRHkRWePIeF_-FXTqfQIc8hUgBq1SnK4DIJfjw4Yv4RkD_PT3z17VtcJvL_A4g5HODKFpUVR4-Pkwde0x2RM93bfQT3F7KZsSWBfZxsXoBDZz4UhXcG6H-hFFiC_Er/s200/DSCN2275.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the main buildings with a massive open space for soccer and recreation.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3vi-WIoQShRZjVmSClHrJ5R3Qdh28lSm1NbdFHvWk0UjhSErEdtSod5DUm3FZvsX9sPe9i285Gza_Vb_l6p5jnpUYZdGUyol07wWmLO2O_lh3XzA-X3ItDfJ5z7Qd-yHgKQX1Wvdvx0o/s1600/DSCN2279.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463895968352987938" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3vi-WIoQShRZjVmSClHrJ5R3Qdh28lSm1NbdFHvWk0UjhSErEdtSod5DUm3FZvsX9sPe9i285Gza_Vb_l6p5jnpUYZdGUyol07wWmLO2O_lh3XzA-X3ItDfJ5z7Qd-yHgKQX1Wvdvx0o/s200/DSCN2279.JPG" border="0" /></a>What I assume to be the director's house. Not a bad perk, if you ask me, with a huge tree in the front yard and a view of the pond.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj3MmBfnbXCb9ILfppCDc_oAnvZo88XdESOs0Ajx1VoaLPWErQ7eJ5Z1KFk1RheyaXVaKWUWHM-mZZdZDtw67rZ-c7qLv1ALqgiq0HuiyH6podfPJrCdeFSt_8hW503sUiHhwq425kL7I/s1600/DSCN2287.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463895979775517570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisj3MmBfnbXCb9ILfppCDc_oAnvZo88XdESOs0Ajx1VoaLPWErQ7eJ5Z1KFk1RheyaXVaKWUWHM-mZZdZDtw67rZ-c7qLv1ALqgiq0HuiyH6podfPJrCdeFSt_8hW503sUiHhwq425kL7I/s200/DSCN2287.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the booths in the expo was Argentinean food. There was a booth for every country in Latin America. I was very dissapointed that I had already eaten!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yPoIIu0iASfyc-7cJzQRZ270EJO6K77M_8G3ZcsWNEz9dRx2p9O_J7AAgdEjJZ0LrTl9Qu34fXNHsOgZacv8JpIsqfh3O90KvXwoaG0hhz5M-7h3gX757-QA_dpf5fwRixxDS2hXqxWY/s1600/DSCN2291.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463895988702428034" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0yPoIIu0iASfyc-7cJzQRZ270EJO6K77M_8G3ZcsWNEz9dRx2p9O_J7AAgdEjJZ0LrTl9Qu34fXNHsOgZacv8JpIsqfh3O90KvXwoaG0hhz5M-7h3gX757-QA_dpf5fwRixxDS2hXqxWY/s200/DSCN2291.JPG" border="0" /></a>A '<em><span style="color:#66ffff;">cafetal</span></em>,' or coffee plantation on the side of a hill during the bus ride home.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOUqwYCVPk9-LcdyCRF8ui82uA-_6u2siO8G1zDN_ymyEhm70uIyATLf2t1qAWUsmkYuio2CMn6elgK5ezBVOcLxzftB8GS5QDtyes__rV30gr5WisPErvirLX3I9HQE-4FY51b0v9ZR4/s1600/DSCN2299.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463895991749721218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpOUqwYCVPk9-LcdyCRF8ui82uA-_6u2siO8G1zDN_ymyEhm70uIyATLf2t1qAWUsmkYuio2CMn6elgK5ezBVOcLxzftB8GS5QDtyes__rV30gr5WisPErvirLX3I9HQE-4FY51b0v9ZR4/s200/DSCN2299.JPG" border="0" /></a>We took a stop in <span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>Cartago</em></span> on the way back to visit the church ruins. This church was built in the late 1500's. It was destroyed in the 1800's by an earthquake. They tried to rebuild, but it was destroyed again in 1910 by another earthquake. Then they just gave up. The only part that must have been constructed poorly was the roof, because the walls are still standing strong 400 years later. Now it is a park with gardens in the interior of the walls.</div><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-30964836709420109762010-04-23T12:54:00.005-06:002010-04-23T13:16:41.586-06:00Panama City - Last DayOn the last day in Panama City we had just enough time to hit two sites before our plane left. We started the morning off by visiting Panama Viejo, or Old Panama. Panama Viejo is the site of the original city that was built in the early 1500's. Many of the stone buildings still have remants of walls remaining. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOWkuismi7-VJWLbYLkZidQiekPzNEbyYO5DLQqq3LDo7MPhZaCUMoXxvBUjMbjMx7GAkFmrJsBJiqqQ9BIIpiEMtKK_Gq1LyE7mWdirEggVnOdpq3rWsYHSmbs4co662npEVnBkQF2Jb/s1600/DSCN2204.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463412220363828162" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVOWkuismi7-VJWLbYLkZidQiekPzNEbyYO5DLQqq3LDo7MPhZaCUMoXxvBUjMbjMx7GAkFmrJsBJiqqQ9BIIpiEMtKK_Gq1LyE7mWdirEggVnOdpq3rWsYHSmbs4co662npEVnBkQF2Jb/s200/DSCN2204.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ozh4APg59yTh08YXUIfJ9_qgdYGk0ljroc7jHJtBCwH4cry6ITl23POTIC8pI9Bw-haPq_NlFMGdgwwzpYxwf-hMF572cjFoqN6_1gUhrqsuEpuImCipmA9-XyXxtLsBnWb5cVsE0nBU/s1600/DSCN2205.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463412226492560754" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Ozh4APg59yTh08YXUIfJ9_qgdYGk0ljroc7jHJtBCwH4cry6ITl23POTIC8pI9Bw-haPq_NlFMGdgwwzpYxwf-hMF572cjFoqN6_1gUhrqsuEpuImCipmA9-XyXxtLsBnWb5cVsE0nBU/s200/DSCN2205.JPG" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tCI0XU_0DYtVW-sDvjNZxZcect3X2PKg3GksoOGCnAhRIBJLwTO_fC-tdCOgnwl_hDxzDchIlNrBe_kIOcdG2vYFtouyC80yg1JdlewCBLFR9GnDt0jM01DDjlDCWAGzZZrsVGx-_KCo/s1600/DSCN2202.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463412216232136018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3tCI0XU_0DYtVW-sDvjNZxZcect3X2PKg3GksoOGCnAhRIBJLwTO_fC-tdCOgnwl_hDxzDchIlNrBe_kIOcdG2vYFtouyC80yg1JdlewCBLFR9GnDt0jM01DDjlDCWAGzZZrsVGx-_KCo/s200/DSCN2202.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eMPm9EA5W3RZHZ-PBg83sFlOMENCdy-PPA7oRyw6385ZjiapOWzMUHYbSalHCcTN-XFdMPLqt_0vIfycOZO3jbdtDrNdxYGvoczWfNII9MUh4njSNOwqqBOq5KZGhnaS91hU8axnHG7N/s1600/DSCN2212.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463412236980139010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1eMPm9EA5W3RZHZ-PBg83sFlOMENCdy-PPA7oRyw6385ZjiapOWzMUHYbSalHCcTN-XFdMPLqt_0vIfycOZO3jbdtDrNdxYGvoczWfNII9MUh4njSNOwqqBOq5KZGhnaS91hU8axnHG7N/s200/DSCN2212.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6jhgePV96fe-RD18qzXG-SFYYkUpNRBOEOhFK-t2xgGZpIcqsgWCDe3CKgU2lrL8rVMpwc0bLbUvRAXzb7ymbhZMVBChSaXawN0K7BpTQxcJwBmHclJjENPzadKerMZspypim_cFkIV2/s1600/DSCN2213.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5463412229954111442" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI6jhgePV96fe-RD18qzXG-SFYYkUpNRBOEOhFK-t2xgGZpIcqsgWCDe3CKgU2lrL8rVMpwc0bLbUvRAXzb7ymbhZMVBChSaXawN0K7BpTQxcJwBmHclJjENPzadKerMZspypim_cFkIV2/s200/DSCN2213.JPG" border="0" /></a></div><div>Pics include: Old church, water storage system, ruins with modern buildings in the backdrop, walls of a convent and tower.</div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div>We also had the opportunity to visit El Parque Nacional Metropolitano, or Metropolitan National Park. This is close to 500 acres on the edge of the city, known as the lungs of Panama City. Not much to see except the city skyline in places, leaf-cutter ants, and mosquitos.</div><div></div><div>During the flight home, I had the unique opportunity to be in the window seat. I got to see the entire city, and the Panama Canal. We also flew over Manuel Antonio in Costa Rica, where I went the second weekend here. Then we circled the beach over the Pacific Ocean for 45 minutes because it was raining too hard at the airport to land. Not a big fan of the rainy season so far! </div><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-9400570164050767522010-04-21T19:05:00.004-06:002010-04-21T19:31:06.916-06:00Panama City Day 2<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MxvrUUN4lpZTyz7b2lW38aNqRkXK-31DJsQlFAQU66ZxViBwC41omE5a7mKPHaJAr6oGgfBppbEyfIq07SB0w0oHphp4p-FAs6UQ2JY8X4lcpU27XUr4aA3N9F0hyo3iaqvLzg6R-T6a/s1600/DSCN2160.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462767607571685378" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9MxvrUUN4lpZTyz7b2lW38aNqRkXK-31DJsQlFAQU66ZxViBwC41omE5a7mKPHaJAr6oGgfBppbEyfIq07SB0w0oHphp4p-FAs6UQ2JY8X4lcpU27XUr4aA3N9F0hyo3iaqvLzg6R-T6a/s200/DSCN2160.JPG" border="0" /></a>On day 2 of our trip, we started off by making our way to the <em>Causeway</em>. The causeway is a series of three islands with a approximately 1-mile-long strip of road to get to the islands. The islands were built from the excavation of the Panama Canal. Now, the Causeway serves as a popular place for people to run, ride bikes, and roller blade. There are also numerous restaurants on the islands, as well as a couple of hotels.</div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBVuODCv3mC4TWx4oXUlD73t_qWS4yWxx6dOZPQDpyMWRUweIsi6QdICp7DWQd98XrISW5xegqZKZ_LbG-avTyt-di-eSEpeXGumID1XkVBv-cSpw3miFL8rP4F9_nBKdlUDllHh5n1GN/s1600/DSCN2188.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462767613269173330" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHBVuODCv3mC4TWx4oXUlD73t_qWS4yWxx6dOZPQDpyMWRUweIsi6QdICp7DWQd98XrISW5xegqZKZ_LbG-avTyt-di-eSEpeXGumID1XkVBv-cSpw3miFL8rP4F9_nBKdlUDllHh5n1GN/s200/DSCN2188.JPG" border="0" /></a>From the islands, we took a boat to <em><strong><span style="color:#9999ff;">'Isla Taboga</span></strong></em>,' or Taboga Island. The boat ride was about one hour as we weaved through the ships anchored off-shore waiting to go through the canal. Isla Taboga is home to the town of Taboga, a quaint little village with a small beach. It is a popular spot for Panamanians to come during the weekends.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTjoa98MpdFW2fPetMwTwBUk_zycP25H8yQ7AadoYzj5Yy37AM4fY2z1hdNiYQTnPFC6VNVPh3UtHDoYLKJvoHeCwD7lV-AiikJcsjeMfbMIRLEFlrDBXQQkOsNC9shYZl5J_TQ4JKYLl/s1600/DSCN2173.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462767636005940530" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcTjoa98MpdFW2fPetMwTwBUk_zycP25H8yQ7AadoYzj5Yy37AM4fY2z1hdNiYQTnPFC6VNVPh3UtHDoYLKJvoHeCwD7lV-AiikJcsjeMfbMIRLEFlrDBXQQkOsNC9shYZl5J_TQ4JKYLl/s200/DSCN2173.JPG" border="0" /></a>One of the ships that we passed on the way to the islands. I tried to count all of those that were waiting, and counted somewhere in the neighborhood of 35. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Y6RXt2iCWn0AORaSaB_KJ9W5G0DpE6yxiUZNZ5UbwfmY1AsWwe_hbKz8ksnkRTRjsCrqP1OqCWnBaTW5K9pQd6rIO3gMK-_0cEDIp6zxqvlo84FdcRWk4DURRSVAEk6W6ZyRJROvkCv/s1600/DSCN2178.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462767621790996098" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49Y6RXt2iCWn0AORaSaB_KJ9W5G0DpE6yxiUZNZ5UbwfmY1AsWwe_hbKz8ksnkRTRjsCrqP1OqCWnBaTW5K9pQd6rIO3gMK-_0cEDIp6zxqvlo84FdcRWk4DURRSVAEk6W6ZyRJROvkCv/s200/DSCN2178.JPG" border="0" /></a>Once we arrived to the island, we found the <em>second oldest church in the western hemisphere</em>. Unfortunately, it was not open for us to visit the inside, but nonetheless was fun to see. We wandered around the town for a while, which resembled a town from Italy or Spain with the mountain serving as a backdrop on one side, and the ocean on the other. </div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33UrSrYtWJIjDQHIqU3YhDoZCaGUel9pGLLkRjOtnfJbx9ymVDJGoEWMXhJAWdkXbpDazEcgSX21CLeUDzdyb9V3aFygm8UlbvNh45QLcrNwkRV3dkhCUgQ-K6nq5LxlxiEMCe6kvqmsg/s1600/DSCN2185.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462767628651008178" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi33UrSrYtWJIjDQHIqU3YhDoZCaGUel9pGLLkRjOtnfJbx9ymVDJGoEWMXhJAWdkXbpDazEcgSX21CLeUDzdyb9V3aFygm8UlbvNh45QLcrNwkRV3dkhCUgQ-K6nq5LxlxiEMCe6kvqmsg/s200/DSCN2185.JPG" border="0" /></a>After eating lunch, we enjoyed the beach for about an hour before having to catch the boat back to the mainland. There were all kinds of shells in the sand, which were fun to collect, and the water felt amazing in the Panama heat! Can you imagine living somewhere that is close to 100 degrees every single day of the year with high humidity? I was sick of it after two days!</div><br /><br /><br /><div>That evening, we decided to give <em>Sky Bowling</em> a try. Sky Bowling was a bowling alley on the 10th floor in downtown, with a great view of the city skyline. It was the fanciest bowling alley I have ever been to, with screens above the lanes to watch sporting events and music videos. Pretty plush!</div><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-70211050306329657462010-04-20T19:51:00.003-06:002010-04-20T20:39:56.017-06:00Panama City Day 1Whew. Finally made it back from Panama, and what a trip it was. I highly recommend Panama as a vacation spot if you are looking for somewhere to travel internationally. Just take me with you when you go...I'll do the translating!<br /><div><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR57pBDivs7rP0XO62GuUVNs-EePMMR27McSfMpJgCZYBtmPQOwIVHAFErd1nucy8uvQT2Uc05YlZ99_8M-P6cPd0toDwJA1TBYR8GeOFSSctg08WHFm6pxvnR2TwiEamTSrH3aptX7KqG/s1600/DSCN2094.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462413170072718066" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR57pBDivs7rP0XO62GuUVNs-EePMMR27McSfMpJgCZYBtmPQOwIVHAFErd1nucy8uvQT2Uc05YlZ99_8M-P6cPd0toDwJA1TBYR8GeOFSSctg08WHFm6pxvnR2TwiEamTSrH3aptX7KqG/s200/DSCN2094.JPG" border="0" /></a>After waking up and cooking chocolate chip-banana pancakes for breakfast, we began to explore the city since we got in late the night before. We enjoyed making pancakes every morning, as well as cooking dinner every night at the hostel.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh8Gm-bwPjv8VP-_BumlT9v5w7dWOi7B2knX6U2YsulNyLFBaVMY5pL-t6iEhsljgov7thzNNuDZuzKol7m8KDwPMjElgs60lHqDDmCEGn1FVGEb06VoL45hWD_8hsPi9zhFCcDX1VIfa/s1600/DSCN2107.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462414617736680450" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwh8Gm-bwPjv8VP-_BumlT9v5w7dWOi7B2knX6U2YsulNyLFBaVMY5pL-t6iEhsljgov7thzNNuDZuzKol7m8KDwPMjElgs60lHqDDmCEGn1FVGEb06VoL45hWD_8hsPi9zhFCcDX1VIfa/s200/DSCN2107.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next, we headed off to the <em><strong><span style="color:#66ff99;">Panama Canal</span></strong></em>. We went through the museum, and then got to watch a ship go through the <em><span style="color:#ffff33;">Miraflores Locks</span></em>. It cost this ship $193,000 to pass through the canal, which saved it over $2 million should it have to go all the way around the South American continent! </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl-cKtdi6NVvHk1knCX0TFaCbATyqQqfqPmn4gdGjOXdO3_jqYZkTpICckR2Tt6yDe0kOl27kqydXcropsjaE7iif9PRRK5sJSu-LknPpmRCsxulec6YwRP3IHb3Vnmwpy3aIhUhMRXuP/s1600/DSCN2108.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462413178522352674" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJl-cKtdi6NVvHk1knCX0TFaCbATyqQqfqPmn4gdGjOXdO3_jqYZkTpICckR2Tt6yDe0kOl27kqydXcropsjaE7iif9PRRK5sJSu-LknPpmRCsxulec6YwRP3IHb3Vnmwpy3aIhUhMRXuP/s200/DSCN2108.JPG" border="0" /></a>Note the change of the level of the ship as it sank down with the water in the locks. They are getting ready to build a new set of locks that are more efficient. The current locks are too small for really big ships, and the canal will become obsolete in the trading world by 2012 if they don't improve the system.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKmpPfXhivs_7tN40-uLOzdspGXykZruZE8bpKkW9rup8J6JIOiWLDH3HLkamAN8v9YW7l5Osk4l3UpaoXYXXLwqhg2W0AObIW_dnkI7BGl1sIu_uOC-YJrmksJGYgImRAH57fLcUL2s/s1600/DSCN2132.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462413186565651698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sKmpPfXhivs_7tN40-uLOzdspGXykZruZE8bpKkW9rup8J6JIOiWLDH3HLkamAN8v9YW7l5Osk4l3UpaoXYXXLwqhg2W0AObIW_dnkI7BGl1sIu_uOC-YJrmksJGYgImRAH57fLcUL2s/s200/DSCN2132.JPG" border="0" /></a>Afterwards, we headed to the walkway between downtown <em>Panama City</em> and <em>Casco Antiguo</em>. It is probably a mile long, with great views of the city skyline and the Pacific.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAi5JuxfCROPviGkq-VCGMoPGQsfv-Sr8f2avbFKwYAWG6dZUsUwNCIO6d-zdKVuciABBZlNX3iV2wsvvAVX9KUR5rOcCsAaE9J3QssgEhwsPVvJYh96zvbgDrDiZnsz4vAwTta3CYpqI/s1600/DSCN2135.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462413193438751410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFAi5JuxfCROPviGkq-VCGMoPGQsfv-Sr8f2avbFKwYAWG6dZUsUwNCIO6d-zdKVuciABBZlNX3iV2wsvvAVX9KUR5rOcCsAaE9J3QssgEhwsPVvJYh96zvbgDrDiZnsz4vAwTta3CYpqI/s200/DSCN2135.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next we headed to <em>Casco Antigo/Viejo</em>. This is an older part of the city that has parts fixed up very nicely, and others are more like slums. The parts that are fixed up are very pretty, and there is a lot of history in this part. The president lives here, and it is also the location of the national theatre and many places to eat and shop. This pic is an example of how the historic streets looked.</div><br /><br /><br /><div>Remember you can click on the pic to make it bigger in order to see more details.</div><div> </div><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-7327547457087042932010-04-16T14:52:00.002-06:002010-04-16T14:53:44.361-06:00PanamaSorry for the lack of postings the last couple of days. Please check back Monday for an overview of my trip to Panama City this weekend. We will spending 2.5 days, so I should see some pretty cool things, including the Panama Canal!<br /><br />Pura Vida,<br /><br />BillyBill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-16194493102683890842010-04-15T07:53:00.005-06:002010-04-15T08:00:45.468-06:00Cooking Class/National Theatre<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqYcLK4BQXYdyOrCJgjyZeAq2jDSrVL0od_xVq9ZR9_fs2kzspk3prOod9xaz-o3NGMr244L0UXEXxzb0tSc6zpwiN0NhRVRoK-AHdYNrhc4vvHgTu_4-uJTUJFRrSUQmOw8q14adyQJH/s1600/DSCN2083.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460363242041102498" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSqYcLK4BQXYdyOrCJgjyZeAq2jDSrVL0od_xVq9ZR9_fs2kzspk3prOod9xaz-o3NGMr244L0UXEXxzb0tSc6zpwiN0NhRVRoK-AHdYNrhc4vvHgTu_4-uJTUJFRrSUQmOw8q14adyQJH/s200/DSCN2083.JPG" border="0" /></a>Tuesday at cooking class we made a dish that had a layer of potatoes, followed by breaded meat on the top. It was delicious.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RMNQU5SKvWHcVBD2n6XfV5kth1QjeFV__cDqqnnqxxMrcCvgHtAGQN4Bcj0hg8d0iIh5ms3KGspkQtcogsuPLlWdvwK5ZWD7c3sK46rHlNG2BxaT5d5nEYE84ONuXKSQbVzwPZerRQec/s1600/DSCN2080.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5460363253475753394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2RMNQU5SKvWHcVBD2n6XfV5kth1QjeFV__cDqqnnqxxMrcCvgHtAGQN4Bcj0hg8d0iIh5ms3KGspkQtcogsuPLlWdvwK5ZWD7c3sK46rHlNG2BxaT5d5nEYE84ONuXKSQbVzwPZerRQec/s200/DSCN2080.JPG" border="0" /></a>Then we made a 'torta de fresa,' or a strawberry tort. It was one of the most delicious things ever.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />Last night we went to the National Theatre for a dance show. It was about an elephant that got lost and ended up in a dance studio. I finally figured out it was an elephat at halftime (intermission). I decided that either I am not mature enough to handle artsy events like that, or I am just not appreciative enough of the arts. Maybe it is both.<br /><br />Pura Vida,<br /><br />Billy<br />21 DaysBill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-27949245331112060372010-04-13T21:04:00.004-06:002010-04-13T21:12:33.085-06:00Cooking Class<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F3htTTc2Z9WbAgvjhlA7i3icTeUia0WZi8-mroymTuwKqWbSYuV6qMCKVjUCClBNRetddheTB-xB_Co1qm6OXXMjR5_AZWcHD88JBOFNU6YdigTkYAcwCcoWoCR9lEZSM1xybpMw1rem/s1600/DSCN2033.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459825154654163010" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2F3htTTc2Z9WbAgvjhlA7i3icTeUia0WZi8-mroymTuwKqWbSYuV6qMCKVjUCClBNRetddheTB-xB_Co1qm6OXXMjR5_AZWcHD88JBOFNU6YdigTkYAcwCcoWoCR9lEZSM1xybpMw1rem/s200/DSCN2033.JPG" border="0" /></a> This is a cooking class update from last week. Last week we made '<em>crepas</em>,' or crepes. Yes, it is the same type of crepes as they have in France, only I think it has a little bit of a latin twist on it (at least I hope...I am taking a Latin American cooking class!). They were delicious! <div><br /><br /></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcGfp95iWTAoLJdgWerhiyLN9aRAglg3_BkmtoWiIFi7GLZqon_zsTCm_reMjO-mOqsUxlOH2rDpnLSr6_wV4Wbr6WGDDCawVwTplu00mDtY0JYYQ4ubRdWapI69B816wGRpXQRNFGNX4/s1600/DSCN2032.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459825159234551074" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzcGfp95iWTAoLJdgWerhiyLN9aRAglg3_BkmtoWiIFi7GLZqon_zsTCm_reMjO-mOqsUxlOH2rDpnLSr6_wV4Wbr6WGDDCawVwTplu00mDtY0JYYQ4ubRdWapI69B816wGRpXQRNFGNX4/s200/DSCN2032.JPG" border="0" /></a>Here is also a photo of my classmates sitting outside during a break.</div><div><br />Pura Vida,</div><div><br />Billy</div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-1870533697494065212010-04-12T19:27:00.003-06:002010-04-12T19:48:37.051-06:00Juan Santamaría DayOn Sunday, my host mom and I visited Alejuela to celebrate <em><span style="color:#33ff33;">Juan Santamaría Day</span></em>. Juan Santamaría was a man from Alejuela that helped defend Costa Rica from the invasion of American William Walker during the 1800's. William Walker devastated much of Nicaragua in a quest to aquire slaves to send to the U.S. Knowing they had to protect Costa Rica, Juan Santamaría led the group of barefoot Costa Ricans to defend their country. Okay, enough of the history lesson, let's get to pictures!<br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-mGWhBrrV5D-SJYILBXqEzVw5w72HfYdlCSDBZ6dti03Jud2B9wb7Lha8mh7HFU8oYl27Gg2xkquEI0XQHaT67HROwEnHkRxBQ9pgrotm1_XpxBizgI-_QWOjIKSYYuQTCsvk-jkvk2t/s1600/DSCN2072.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459432173515592834" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8-mGWhBrrV5D-SJYILBXqEzVw5w72HfYdlCSDBZ6dti03Jud2B9wb7Lha8mh7HFU8oYl27Gg2xkquEI0XQHaT67HROwEnHkRxBQ9pgrotm1_XpxBizgI-_QWOjIKSYYuQTCsvk-jkvk2t/s200/DSCN2072.JPG" border="0" /></a>In the town square they had speeches from important people, including the Costa Rican President. We didn't get our picture taken with him this time. There was, however, a tent set up for some people to get out of the sun. It was an Texas A&M tent. I doubt they knew what it meant.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwbTETwrqIVI6Fo9_cK54WbPaSdAqkfcsYKg4DSWFn9R29DBRKvYtn9ykzOrZgMeyXnuivVjrJisS4qFUuahPF0Qfbx_ckf8xx2tDzR4TIpofERuVP56Qzotc2P-B5NIj6Kl0Z0nDyOeM/s1600/DSCN2073.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459432178206353410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYwbTETwrqIVI6Fo9_cK54WbPaSdAqkfcsYKg4DSWFn9R29DBRKvYtn9ykzOrZgMeyXnuivVjrJisS4qFUuahPF0Qfbx_ckf8xx2tDzR4TIpofERuVP56Qzotc2P-B5NIj6Kl0Z0nDyOeM/s200/DSCN2073.JPG" border="0" /></a>Statue of Juan Santamaría in Alejuela. </div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnd06M4aMkn9rGxqF7RRM7I11e1rc5iuRbJCF7FZG5XnTsj58Do7KyIiutPkYoGO6_-FQhN8b_3SsgsLhDlEoz5OfmcK4nznY-UbRusSs5nYOgTRJ24OkQzWSgzho_pkJRu4-TTTJaOpO/s1600/DSCN2074.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459432184384971234" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDnd06M4aMkn9rGxqF7RRM7I11e1rc5iuRbJCF7FZG5XnTsj58Do7KyIiutPkYoGO6_-FQhN8b_3SsgsLhDlEoz5OfmcK4nznY-UbRusSs5nYOgTRJ24OkQzWSgzho_pkJRu4-TTTJaOpO/s200/DSCN2074.JPG" border="0" /></a>Parade. They are very different in Costa Rica. It is mostly schools that bring their bands to play. Their bands consist only of percussion instruments. It was also the slowest parade I have ever seen. Really kind of boring, actually. Nonetheless, the streets were absolutely packed with people.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C0yOfjAS3OQn0mReAhErLd1x-WRb6Z1cubo4kt0SOCyJDQKDZGjjIRqAOb97q-ombcpiLLUirTJIYLM4aF7XCICQGaA5X30mks_GOqKufoHOYXc1_oXQFNo_g_t9RKjjYNB2gS9jGSAG/s1600/DSCN2078.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459432195701330482" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-C0yOfjAS3OQn0mReAhErLd1x-WRb6Z1cubo4kt0SOCyJDQKDZGjjIRqAOb97q-ombcpiLLUirTJIYLM4aF7XCICQGaA5X30mks_GOqKufoHOYXc1_oXQFNo_g_t9RKjjYNB2gS9jGSAG/s200/DSCN2078.JPG" border="0" /></a>For all of those interested in agriculture, you will enjoy the next part. We took a drive about later that afternoon. At one point, we passed a <em><span style="color:#ff9966;">mango</span></em> orchard. We are getting very close to mango harvest, and all of the trees are full. This is a pic of the mango trees. Often there were Brahman cattle grazing underneath and eating fallen mangos. Tough life, no?</div><div><br /> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTtTu_734qupDKnZyuV-DoR0ptC0vc2F-PS14Tox4QVI1ByMi1JQ3Yc2qCBazezMFtsWgHwurZvaP-xAdOlaAoZ_DcypIQdBZQlwHsALwk4q9XUDSplKzbzGG9BgvVZIXk_NDmTuddiqU/s1600/DSCN2079.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459432204276334770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJTtTu_734qupDKnZyuV-DoR0ptC0vc2F-PS14Tox4QVI1ByMi1JQ3Yc2qCBazezMFtsWgHwurZvaP-xAdOlaAoZ_DcypIQdBZQlwHsALwk4q9XUDSplKzbzGG9BgvVZIXk_NDmTuddiqU/s200/DSCN2079.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mangos hanging on the trees.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div>Pura Vida,<br /></div><div>Billy</div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-33356367333086815762010-04-11T20:20:00.003-06:002010-04-11T22:00:47.686-06:00Los ChorrosYesterday I went to <em><span style="color:#ff6666;">'los chorros'</span></em> with my host family. '<em>Chorros</em>', loosely translated, is a spot where water comes out of the rocks, like a water spring or water jets. There were also two '<em><span style="color:#66ff99;">cataratas</span></em>,' or waterfalls.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HJNqqzKNftPpBlSbgcWwnZn6fc1qAwo7pxZWGf1E481G2ZN1q08xZBarmobLHP4E1PApBYoIOj0B9zMPccwn-AHhrrISQA3cJaJaWuef_MsHbPvPnlQobkz-tn8NjYYaWbzsK7qOQnRd/s1600/DSCN2042.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093363503529810" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_HJNqqzKNftPpBlSbgcWwnZn6fc1qAwo7pxZWGf1E481G2ZN1q08xZBarmobLHP4E1PApBYoIOj0B9zMPccwn-AHhrrISQA3cJaJaWuef_MsHbPvPnlQobkz-tn8NjYYaWbzsK7qOQnRd/s200/DSCN2042.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is a photo of the waterfall from far off. It was too tall to get the whole thing in there any closer than this. It had to have been at least 100 feet high. Very beautiful.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxbREFMUqdZUSYx7Z_uba1EAoTM-YHUeQbwJz1HxHBub3nGeVhSPLQMtdslPDGmamqc1LiuSlUPdVR3x6gUGabvsqiAF2mXIZAI3RyvYZCzUzKIwoPNznZ3E9ZoY0q949KLRoAVTySCF1/s1600/DSCN2050.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093372514721218" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlxbREFMUqdZUSYx7Z_uba1EAoTM-YHUeQbwJz1HxHBub3nGeVhSPLQMtdslPDGmamqc1LiuSlUPdVR3x6gUGabvsqiAF2mXIZAI3RyvYZCzUzKIwoPNznZ3E9ZoY0q949KLRoAVTySCF1/s200/DSCN2050.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is an example of the '<em>chorros</em>.' You can see the water spring out of the rocks. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgziuI51vYoJoragVIMAtz0zxcP2dbNBDLHnDAEhr_utplZ7sLdfH6RsL8SZhqVi6l7lBdMFZfLFBR0gJpb76w8KfPkx1bJWK2NU-fT8erepeRvKv5Zxvow0VXrV3RxPmlATHDKGiZedh/s1600/DSCN2056.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093380968673906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCgziuI51vYoJoragVIMAtz0zxcP2dbNBDLHnDAEhr_utplZ7sLdfH6RsL8SZhqVi6l7lBdMFZfLFBR0gJpb76w8KfPkx1bJWK2NU-fT8erepeRvKv5Zxvow0VXrV3RxPmlATHDKGiZedh/s200/DSCN2056.JPG" border="0" /></a>I waded through the water to get as close to the waterfall as possible. The water was cold coming off the mountain! Again, you can only see a part of the waterfall in this photo.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTHJ2AV_sx7AENF6zdt90eX1E4XId9tZFEIZkn1G3faLuUpHpc3xUltbR4N6mr_JoruOMK6P05OoTswsQ7Z2Ft4Q_v99oPfsYvFCmgtBMvrViFIzoXaKIHEEBtqKzm6xwb15vCoW2v2hD/s1600/DSCN2064.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093388431503634" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWTHJ2AV_sx7AENF6zdt90eX1E4XId9tZFEIZkn1G3faLuUpHpc3xUltbR4N6mr_JoruOMK6P05OoTswsQ7Z2Ft4Q_v99oPfsYvFCmgtBMvrViFIzoXaKIHEEBtqKzm6xwb15vCoW2v2hD/s200/DSCN2064.JPG" border="0" /></a>Next, we headed to <em><strong>Sarchí</strong></em>, a pueblo known for furniture and carts. An odd combination, I know. The carts in Sarchí are actually the national symbol of Costa Rica. They are beautiful pieces of art, and they are definately not cheap! More for show than actual work, they come in all sizes and colors. This is an example of the carts at the shop we stopped at. Unfortunately, the craftsmen were not working that day, so we didn't get to see how they were made.</div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Fc_VXBkNE129BvDF7PgruM9UvC-ppl0LFdeJpPj-8zkI8BBB86s3U_H2mSQ6affXIn7J4rv00sxNTLvSGjX5U3BcgxsGp2eiL8maA-uhgVDWrYBFNPMJ7kuWFgfzWnIPdE1t77zTqp5/s1600/DSCN2067.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459093401353079458" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-Fc_VXBkNE129BvDF7PgruM9UvC-ppl0LFdeJpPj-8zkI8BBB86s3U_H2mSQ6affXIn7J4rv00sxNTLvSGjX5U3BcgxsGp2eiL8maA-uhgVDWrYBFNPMJ7kuWFgfzWnIPdE1t77zTqp5/s200/DSCN2067.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is the cart that was in the town square. By my expert estimation, it looked big enough to work for Paul Bunyon and his ox. Very amazing. You can spot me in the black t-shirt for a size reference.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-8593892243448319122010-04-10T21:18:00.003-06:002010-04-10T21:41:23.534-06:00The Parents Arrive - Day 5<div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc-s_dJmgfTT6HPg5zE-SOMOn9MLYVShapZBSflVm6oS0SccowphSBlNWwdPBAPDnjrZeE17TTvLmVhDraemfLm_iCzcjYLsSW5KzwadUuTMxeDOhTdAc1J2Gqy32_JsjJyg73jDIdhNS/s1600/DSCN1976.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458718888787191570" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzc-s_dJmgfTT6HPg5zE-SOMOn9MLYVShapZBSflVm6oS0SccowphSBlNWwdPBAPDnjrZeE17TTvLmVhDraemfLm_iCzcjYLsSW5KzwadUuTMxeDOhTdAc1J2Gqy32_JsjJyg73jDIdhNS/s200/DSCN1976.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the last day, we started off by eating breakfast at the hotel overlooking the beach. We had a guest for breakfast; a bluejay looking bird. He sat on the chair next to me and just watched us eat the whole time, and chirped pitifully for something to eat. It didn't work. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgZ0LSJNQn1obRMThfQVKP_gJQtHSHVwNEIQDU5NoJb4LbQ7alXy2B1BC1D7lci-KozMkKyCJTPTL-o3UlQ3J2o2WFGkavKceCJh-QquyzZRRE4dl-Yzu__N40AGR6h-FbA8TWk7ZL0jn/s1600/DSCN1982.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458718897028621602" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgZ0LSJNQn1obRMThfQVKP_gJQtHSHVwNEIQDU5NoJb4LbQ7alXy2B1BC1D7lci-KozMkKyCJTPTL-o3UlQ3J2o2WFGkavKceCJh-QquyzZRRE4dl-Yzu__N40AGR6h-FbA8TWk7ZL0jn/s200/DSCN1982.JPG" border="0" /></a>Before leaving, we enjoyed playing on the rocks, looking at fishes trapped in the pools of water, and finding sea shells. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01FGL2nW7daTNE_QduK5Ra35JB25rMc4vRg6oC3N2SG74V7seRaJ_8QTzzg2KU2x_UexhzV4Se4hi7Yi5PozVLQNkw68tQcTfiG6polsdMlXB7SjdLQaTXMqYh5nAWeFZm25h4KM7jB-G/s1600/DSCN1985.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458718906342285698" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh01FGL2nW7daTNE_QduK5Ra35JB25rMc4vRg6oC3N2SG74V7seRaJ_8QTzzg2KU2x_UexhzV4Se4hi7Yi5PozVLQNkw68tQcTfiG6polsdMlXB7SjdLQaTXMqYh5nAWeFZm25h4KM7jB-G/s200/DSCN1985.JPG" border="0" /></a>Photo of the beach at low-tide. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0n-r7Wk8QIIbvKQQ99p48_SV2gKIYypXDax0o1JzdLKpgHdz5bDPX1MURTbJAbZbi7jRkIoK3Ew5wx5dTW7bC9txOlWb9xcD4cr6en4Ghhv1PPuX6AfSVQW7m-0gQzhC1FCkNnAWL4R6/s1600/DSCN1990.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458718917529556050" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji0n-r7Wk8QIIbvKQQ99p48_SV2gKIYypXDax0o1JzdLKpgHdz5bDPX1MURTbJAbZbi7jRkIoK3Ew5wx5dTW7bC9txOlWb9xcD4cr6en4Ghhv1PPuX6AfSVQW7m-0gQzhC1FCkNnAWL4R6/s200/DSCN1990.JPG" border="0" /></a><em>Puente de Amistad</em>. Friendship Bridge. This was a gift from Taiwan, which used to be a great allie of Costa Rica until Costa Rica decided to be friends with China instead. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGR50Hq-lgn_1WLKjdWEFgxNSMwSbjrASVeIBRF5JAgfSDOUwXL1XYdZzJqm503P2KJrmpaxz28zpNneCU1s4M0xS-a1ppxhSSwVTDl0Kr6sPZCny0nNgpCZ8_ROum8L7NREI9C3yjHZ3/s1600/DSCN1993.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458718925395808562" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieGR50Hq-lgn_1WLKjdWEFgxNSMwSbjrASVeIBRF5JAgfSDOUwXL1XYdZzJqm503P2KJrmpaxz28zpNneCU1s4M0xS-a1ppxhSSwVTDl0Kr6sPZCny0nNgpCZ8_ROum8L7NREI9C3yjHZ3/s200/DSCN1993.JPG" border="0" /></a>Mom and Dad's flight taking off the next morning. The hotel was right across the street from the airport. It is strange here in the fact that the highway runs right next to the runway, and you can stop on the side of the rode and watch the planes take off. I waited for their flight to take off so I knew they were gone (just kidding). It was fun to know when they were taking off, though. </div><br /><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><br /><div>Billy</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-92233597609344888092010-04-08T20:29:00.004-06:002010-04-08T20:50:00.063-06:00The Parents Arrive - Day 4On the fourth day of the visit, we departed from the volcano and headed to the beach. The view of the volcano was a bit better, but still not nearly as good as the first day.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkccT99V1WcF_hJTrh-vt7ik4S_Zl-5VM3TsQD5NvH7QtgGcuZFDEEDrnUR8ZZKfyykeNku9MNSDcdeRENGW2-S5WbTh_xf3Ua_Wb5uTJ_6mTrepErOsIbB8Tju8dtoA26qS60qfJoD3k/s1600/DSCN1911.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457964037398792018" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPkccT99V1WcF_hJTrh-vt7ik4S_Zl-5VM3TsQD5NvH7QtgGcuZFDEEDrnUR8ZZKfyykeNku9MNSDcdeRENGW2-S5WbTh_xf3Ua_Wb5uTJ_6mTrepErOsIbB8Tju8dtoA26qS60qfJoD3k/s200/DSCN1911.JPG" border="0" /></a>As we went to breakfast, there was a hanging bride over a stream through the resort. I was quick to get Mom and Dad's picture, since Mom is so deathly afraid of heights! I was very proud.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYoiEAimtMz0_QlIVd2NLUfz569KbtfP2kvGG_gFtiybJ1LuAIKnRS-Pwqe3RLcMuu0wvbeh0kvHxGLbPzhKi6T1G-wH_fsqXf6mpHW4CqboecK7rWw1athyIWd1bO2dM6_q77291IFjg/s1600/DSCN1921.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457964038247765554" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYoiEAimtMz0_QlIVd2NLUfz569KbtfP2kvGG_gFtiybJ1LuAIKnRS-Pwqe3RLcMuu0wvbeh0kvHxGLbPzhKi6T1G-wH_fsqXf6mpHW4CqboecK7rWw1athyIWd1bO2dM6_q77291IFjg/s200/DSCN1921.JPG" border="0" /></a>On the way, we drove around <span style="color:#33ff33;">'Lago Arenal</span>,' or Lake Arenal. This lake is man-made, and provides a great deal of power to the Costa Ricans via water generators in places where the water leaves. Note how green it is around this part of the lake, because literally two miles from here it turns into almost a desert.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0H8W9QIq4kBRJfiRG-0-8KfUKXD8tQH6zcaYUlwPQoQz1pjw01L9We_u4He6MvOBGt49p0d0qddp8Q0FrTnHvgLJTGMGId0T2DTZSUe-npXwG-6TasgJ5NIeFTQsxMpqHqMacaKrisqy/s1600/DSCN1930.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457964059055379730" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr0H8W9QIq4kBRJfiRG-0-8KfUKXD8tQH6zcaYUlwPQoQz1pjw01L9We_u4He6MvOBGt49p0d0qddp8Q0FrTnHvgLJTGMGId0T2DTZSUe-npXwG-6TasgJ5NIeFTQsxMpqHqMacaKrisqy/s200/DSCN1930.JPG" border="0" /></a>The 'almost desert.' It reminded me a lot of West Texas in August during a 7-year drought. Yeah, it was that depressing. We learned later that the area near the beach, which was much more hilly with more trees, was a <em>dry tropical forest</em>. Does anybody else find that a touch ironic?</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzcNy28GWEe8uhfPGMdDUPzIumylH4WnS54UwCFN-vzQA8nFEXpx9PEWMt6D33y8KYrjBL5UiuBQEy1vVacD0YHNkKqRGFHwS8NoDKhBO7taLBToFp-FKSRAf_vjK2p0yvQDbAFoyxvr7/s1600/DSCN1932.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457964052920169906" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGzcNy28GWEe8uhfPGMdDUPzIumylH4WnS54UwCFN-vzQA8nFEXpx9PEWMt6D33y8KYrjBL5UiuBQEy1vVacD0YHNkKqRGFHwS8NoDKhBO7taLBToFp-FKSRAf_vjK2p0yvQDbAFoyxvr7/s200/DSCN1932.JPG" border="0" /></a>When we arrived to the hotel, we were still a bit early for check-in, so we went to the beach to have our lunch in the scorching heat (there is nothing similar to the heat on the beaches of Central America). </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD9aBPmGVHLD2amjG_VGRz28gCQzUHuhkioqOlzQw1G_oG0uKX64uoPcsksnUgzgsh8C_fIxqAi2xP65YxORhDXwU_w12XDELg-tuNYv4E92VnYduDb3phUH_Z_avO6xILknTpb7Bw52x/s1600/DSCN1956.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457964066228108546" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBD9aBPmGVHLD2amjG_VGRz28gCQzUHuhkioqOlzQw1G_oG0uKX64uoPcsksnUgzgsh8C_fIxqAi2xP65YxORhDXwU_w12XDELg-tuNYv4E92VnYduDb3phUH_Z_avO6xILknTpb7Bw52x/s200/DSCN1956.JPG" border="0" /></a>We played in the water until sunset. After sunset, the hermit crabs took over the beach. They were very fun to watch, and of course we had hermit crab races!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy</div><div>28</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-29785109827683792672010-04-07T16:40:00.003-06:002010-04-07T17:09:24.129-06:00The Parents Arrive - Day 3On the third day we were still at the resort at Arenal Volcano. The view was just as I remembered it several weeks back when I went...there was no view! It rained the entire day, and thus blotted out the volcano. Nonetheless, we made our own fun.<br /><div><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVm0ef7njdtnZ7s-oEpjVEfmOSc7Iib4ftYMuiRMeo530EwjLSKlqPsVWiGeON_tV4lJFkoJj7YAyaC8Kh-u4wmYu3QEXi0wHT42XaCkyHIrYl_M5NUyjpDIGkhGQh6N6t0QVDk7CLH_c/s1600/DSCN1846.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457535683121050770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGVm0ef7njdtnZ7s-oEpjVEfmOSc7Iib4ftYMuiRMeo530EwjLSKlqPsVWiGeON_tV4lJFkoJj7YAyaC8Kh-u4wmYu3QEXi0wHT42XaCkyHIrYl_M5NUyjpDIGkhGQh6N6t0QVDk7CLH_c/s200/DSCN1846.JPG" border="0" /></a>We started out eating in the resort restaurant, which is a completely open air establishment, just like most all eateries in Costa Rica. It was a relaxing breakfast as we listened to the rain.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LjWgTcgN6oFth0RCYm5Sdt-0Xx7MZb7hbtIZY1fvsDmN91PPs3GggiXoW0ShxOfAcKXuDSazxjE1tWIwKeSw96BD3Y9iGVMGxK3gsGpTtshW0Rw6b3jUHv-RzmJqBhpa6o-px7kttpZ7/s1600/DSCN1867.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457535706268465362" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LjWgTcgN6oFth0RCYm5Sdt-0Xx7MZb7hbtIZY1fvsDmN91PPs3GggiXoW0ShxOfAcKXuDSazxjE1tWIwKeSw96BD3Y9iGVMGxK3gsGpTtshW0Rw6b3jUHv-RzmJqBhpa6o-px7kttpZ7/s200/DSCN1867.JPG" border="0" /></a>Afterwards, we visited the butterfly exhibit, poison dart frog exhibit (didn't know they were poisonous at the time...oops!), leafcutter ant exhibit (very cool...they had them in areas where they couldn't get out, but had vines so the could walk around over your head to get from one area to another!), and the '<span style="color:#66ff99;">cocodrilos</span>', or crocodiles.</div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiKNl9Swn5bizUZaqV35m8AWOBl7sYDAEmZqroRmvN1kTkOenKkrtMkV0tw_lEm_oKSyi2a-EsxmijgTapQGkJgnKEI7S5ObgVYCc84aL_88ncz738IDJpJ4ud6HHsQhwlliM78jBuZLF/s1600/DSCN1875.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457535685317840002" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijiKNl9Swn5bizUZaqV35m8AWOBl7sYDAEmZqroRmvN1kTkOenKkrtMkV0tw_lEm_oKSyi2a-EsxmijgTapQGkJgnKEI7S5ObgVYCc84aL_88ncz738IDJpJ4ud6HHsQhwlliM78jBuZLF/s200/DSCN1875.JPG" border="0" /></a>We then were bored enough to go for a 2 kilometer walk up the hill in the mist/rain to a lookout point of the volcano (keeping in mind that we couldn't see said volcano at said lookout point). Along the way we found a group of horses, and Dad made a friend...kind of.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cGHoCyaENK0w9HJE3AqDoBWptW4B-2822M4L40xDTB4T9SV7CFeH5_j2WguJYVW6nhgMfHFg9yIPPP81Q4sA-IdenBljg7a9aWpj_4yIetJCrUwFNhuUG6SqX1LBiTt7woAl0q13xr-5/s1600/DSCN1877.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457535692511203410" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5cGHoCyaENK0w9HJE3AqDoBWptW4B-2822M4L40xDTB4T9SV7CFeH5_j2WguJYVW6nhgMfHFg9yIPPP81Q4sA-IdenBljg7a9aWpj_4yIetJCrUwFNhuUG6SqX1LBiTt7woAl0q13xr-5/s200/DSCN1877.JPG" border="0" /></a>We went a ways further, and saw this funny sign. It says, "high volcanic risk zone - keep out." We claimed to not know English or Spanish, and went ahead. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y0ciK5O72lKdysnQh4ucvgzKPkRcxt3IXTt9f13Shz-iifNr5RnNBmDoX1sr9pG8g8XuewtHQI2K1__PQ45950rolUE60gBBL1apn9bNzobGAPQzXlzRrBkZE5xAuPVebT4I1QzPIUpy/s1600/DSCN1899.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457535699883761122" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3y0ciK5O72lKdysnQh4ucvgzKPkRcxt3IXTt9f13Shz-iifNr5RnNBmDoX1sr9pG8g8XuewtHQI2K1__PQ45950rolUE60gBBL1apn9bNzobGAPQzXlzRrBkZE5xAuPVebT4I1QzPIUpy/s200/DSCN1899.JPG" border="0" /></a>Later, we enjoyed the hot springs in the cold rain before eating dinner. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><br /><div>Billy</div><br /><div>29</div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-46302148164832776302010-04-06T20:08:00.003-06:002010-04-06T21:03:52.912-06:00The Parents Arrive - Day 2For day 2, we started off heading to <em>Volcán Poás</em>. Just as the last time I went, we couldn't see the crater for the clouds. At least we can say we went!<br /><br /><br /><div><div><div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7LDZjZJ0lKE4dhjJF0WianOfwWMuNpEXiQpFua9QtrbnDhe1Uk4t3NIrUjM-AXkcCa4lF08O6SejYJyluh-C7WFa_CPLf2LBDThv_YQuOWutpgvAYq4AugGmhL-nrYTRukBmudnE9ddx/s1600/DSCN1783.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457225112056856130" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX7LDZjZJ0lKE4dhjJF0WianOfwWMuNpEXiQpFua9QtrbnDhe1Uk4t3NIrUjM-AXkcCa4lF08O6SejYJyluh-C7WFa_CPLf2LBDThv_YQuOWutpgvAYq4AugGmhL-nrYTRukBmudnE9ddx/s200/DSCN1783.JPG" border="0" /></a>Of course, I have to get in a picture of this gorgeous dairy with Jersey cows that we saw coming down the mountian from Volcán Poás.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div>After this, we headed for <em><strong>Volcán Arenal</strong></em>, one of the most active volcanos in the world. It is hard to catch it on a clear day where you can see the complete cone, but we had a lot of luck on Tuesday.<br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vvnBrj89zN125MdStZmNwz-RF3eX6GNtnRZ9ESz5XH0SKN6kfklZqhgVYjmWf2a-DHMnQREiAkQydria85TKxNqaA7gHo2b_BHiLoA5kHhShyphenhyphenA7Ao05YQMzEmxVmAbBmX3Rqz3NcdWo4/s1600/DSCN1787.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457225114797908802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_vvnBrj89zN125MdStZmNwz-RF3eX6GNtnRZ9ESz5XH0SKN6kfklZqhgVYjmWf2a-DHMnQREiAkQydria85TKxNqaA7gHo2b_BHiLoA5kHhShyphenhyphenA7Ao05YQMzEmxVmAbBmX3Rqz3NcdWo4/s200/DSCN1787.JPG" border="0" /></a>On our way we stopped in <strong><em>Zarcero</em></strong> for a picnic lunch in the park in front of the church. This park is unique in that it has many plants that are sculpted into faces, birds, dinosaurs and other figures. It was a great place to stop and relax from the winding mountain roads. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozqUuS7SCHE6hzZlx22XQ1pgtPNJpn7z-APBVeGCg9dIMMqS7OUp8XPAwXrl6Ixq_rctHXB_-DpBuwWiaHMj_OCVxTz4KwTnvkvmWyeavzPXzkz8r8XeIzVnTz9484hpd8hSqFtieFhVw/s1600/DSCN1812.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457225120660223586" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjozqUuS7SCHE6hzZlx22XQ1pgtPNJpn7z-APBVeGCg9dIMMqS7OUp8XPAwXrl6Ixq_rctHXB_-DpBuwWiaHMj_OCVxTz4KwTnvkvmWyeavzPXzkz8r8XeIzVnTz9484hpd8hSqFtieFhVw/s200/DSCN1812.JPG" border="0" /></a>This is the view of the volcano from our hotel room. How impressive!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj682Yc-9X4_qEycHvPkmFD5-pSrIlTbFjfql1XxG6dAVSFbgx4C0SfJCm8hpnoWQFjMLTfABnUrJaH9_zYICoFIwur8EBpKg0f6g0vsYw8QJ7uX4FaToqMYfSuI_0PaJBT7fW_Wpm5SC66/s1600/DSCN1821.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457225131949119346" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj682Yc-9X4_qEycHvPkmFD5-pSrIlTbFjfql1XxG6dAVSFbgx4C0SfJCm8hpnoWQFjMLTfABnUrJaH9_zYICoFIwur8EBpKg0f6g0vsYw8QJ7uX4FaToqMYfSuI_0PaJBT7fW_Wpm5SC66/s200/DSCN1821.JPG" border="0" /></a>Family photo with the volcano.</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgI0wD2ajBJn2ueysW7oKdyfgEzrJ251DEZcU2FiZnlqnw2Iklz2A8v3xJjctEw3OqgL8-gDNoGN9M14wjHcGNWX4MY7LpuuK9mb5zxTPiz1DmG2-A57snlijW2SE7ciCdJxlil5niW6EP/s1600/DSCN1834.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457225137663098962" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgI0wD2ajBJn2ueysW7oKdyfgEzrJ251DEZcU2FiZnlqnw2Iklz2A8v3xJjctEw3OqgL8-gDNoGN9M14wjHcGNWX4MY7LpuuK9mb5zxTPiz1DmG2-A57snlijW2SE7ciCdJxlil5niW6EP/s200/DSCN1834.JPG" border="0" /></a>Sun set reflecting off the volcano. We stayed here to watch the volcano for a bit and see if we could spot some magma. Although it isn't as impressive as it has been in the past, we did see a huge, red-hot boulder roll down the mountain. I can now officially say I have seen magma. </div><div> </div><div>Pura Vida,</div><div> </div><div>Billy</div><div> </div><div>Starting the countdown to return to the U.S. Today marks one month...30 days to go!</div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-71972790674563697322010-04-05T19:49:00.003-06:002010-04-05T20:15:43.357-06:00The Parents Arrive - Day 1The first full day that Mom and Dad were here we headed to Heredia to tour the market, the university and my house. After that, we (the parents, myself, my host mom, and my friend Andy) loaded up in the car to visit a dairyman that Dad knows. Dad drove the whole week, and began driving like a Tico before too long. If you see him in Kansas, please, hit the ditch. It will be safer there. Just kidding, Dad.<br /><div><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4taG_ghDsVUWnfO8ZhFnjX7JCLGFC65SqRsvQxchGodMobGMjnoJf9tJuSAdLRWA3yTXaoqvMbky17ZmKOPYX1N8qdb3NjbyU1j4lV3PQuKenqY2iEdnwUX0iUZZ9vW5R7wEvV0MXQ61/s1600/DSCN1747.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456841756974607794" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX4taG_ghDsVUWnfO8ZhFnjX7JCLGFC65SqRsvQxchGodMobGMjnoJf9tJuSAdLRWA3yTXaoqvMbky17ZmKOPYX1N8qdb3NjbyU1j4lV3PQuKenqY2iEdnwUX0iUZZ9vW5R7wEvV0MXQ61/s200/DSCN1747.JPG" border="0" /></a>On our way there, we had some extra time to have a picnic lunch outside of the church in Cartago. Very fun and relaxing. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>The farm was the same direction as Volcán Irazú, which I visited several weeks back. It was a breathtaking drive, and as usual, the cows have the best view in the whole country. Enjoy the photos of the farm!</div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv9Um0rj9e6gQ_d6O-tQyY1DrrkRWo6EPwjYmuaAr7igo3giCSoieA3ye_2eFQYsfkmI4xqENtlamnOii81YNKzB9Nwrl-MCeJATYVkIRtjuMZb6Us7xoo2BNPzASjP14G2VA_RjN4AEj/s1600/DSCN1754.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456841770022345874" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsv9Um0rj9e6gQ_d6O-tQyY1DrrkRWo6EPwjYmuaAr7igo3giCSoieA3ye_2eFQYsfkmI4xqENtlamnOii81YNKzB9Nwrl-MCeJATYVkIRtjuMZb6Us7xoo2BNPzASjP14G2VA_RjN4AEj/s200/DSCN1754.JPG" border="0" /></a>Cows in the pasture. Almost all dairies in Costa Rica utilize a rotational grazing system. This farmer does a great job of this, and has 45 small pastures to keep his 50 cows in for one day. After that day, he moves them to a new pasture to allow the grass to grow back. This ensures that the grass is of the highest quality for the cows everyday. How cool, right?</div><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvTRPNW-nYlK8qob4-CfTe8Ani6nGQmzVfF9YtEQlbdi51vXBi8za5zaocvXXXk2emVJnWth5paTPgZm5Yf-uQz0wfeZZfQmuUoD0juov6oGdIPlM82BRtxR2zUzksYB05Eec_LUBu_7X/s1600/DSCN1761.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456841772973502770" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVvTRPNW-nYlK8qob4-CfTe8Ani6nGQmzVfF9YtEQlbdi51vXBi8za5zaocvXXXk2emVJnWth5paTPgZm5Yf-uQz0wfeZZfQmuUoD0juov6oGdIPlM82BRtxR2zUzksYB05Eec_LUBu_7X/s200/DSCN1761.JPG" border="0" /></a>Dad and the dairyman, Álvaro, checking out some of the grass that he cuts to feed the cows at night when he brings them up to the lot. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaNKcAd80dJygTe1xp7f1TyLTkEE1Nmo52k3fGHA2f1JOhZJoNKpYgawEKbn5vDVOAr7IZ4sBsCixhhE7JHh_HWsXlfrmNWTT_ANMqO6c4O9fgMpOWoKLSOhaM3C20_dCMEf-dtI0wBtT/s1600/DSCN1763.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456841783695573202" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoaNKcAd80dJygTe1xp7f1TyLTkEE1Nmo52k3fGHA2f1JOhZJoNKpYgawEKbn5vDVOAr7IZ4sBsCixhhE7JHh_HWsXlfrmNWTT_ANMqO6c4O9fgMpOWoKLSOhaM3C20_dCMEf-dtI0wBtT/s200/DSCN1763.JPG" border="0" /></a>Pasture going over the edge of the mountains. We were the same level as the clouds!</div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYA7UiD9M9kPsTKnEA7Ko6FfYbqPlJpgFMcp9gQShx1KJOAsO9GvoZpaD_BRvHR1OyZ6FsNLymYPfELSPKy6HBp1bDw0Dca0a2s1qPjeMte6UM4Us88M1eiPv-iwXGF673iQzsgX-_SSl/s1600/DSCN1765.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456841792869302226" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYA7UiD9M9kPsTKnEA7Ko6FfYbqPlJpgFMcp9gQShx1KJOAsO9GvoZpaD_BRvHR1OyZ6FsNLymYPfELSPKy6HBp1bDw0Dca0a2s1qPjeMte6UM4Us88M1eiPv-iwXGF673iQzsgX-_SSl/s200/DSCN1765.JPG" border="0" /></a>The 900 meter (just over a half mile) path winding through the farm. </div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div></div><br /><br /><div>Pura Vida,</div><div></div><br /><div>Billy </div></div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8527393171663230820.post-60801585895864180542010-04-03T18:36:00.003-06:002010-04-03T19:02:35.618-06:00End of 'Semana Santa'Mom and Dad left today. I was expecting to get pictures up from our trip today, but I am going to wait a couple of days until the Easter celebrations are done. <div><div><div><div> </div><div>Today marked the last day of Lent and <span style="color:#ff6666;"><em>'Semana Santa,'</em></span> or Holy Week. The Latin American world is very Catholic, which leads to many processions Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday of Holy Week. Today, Mabel, her grandson and I headed to a procession at the nearby church. I was surprised at how slowly they went; they got 400 meters (one lap around a track) in an hour! I expected it to be more like a parade, but it was far from it; very reserved.</div><div> </div><div>Here are some photos of the different groups in the procession:</div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5eqgCagpdHXTlhmraEO75acf15ZRxrHKWxgPh2avQl11kYwxlETPVCVakXAk5Xs7Od8PGYTraT7bNywJNuPfEjkY4h0GPyucn39jgzCux6mbFa-GRymUYFIAO1p-sK0Rh2XmX2VVPKAz/s1600/DSCN2015.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456080679703543970" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI5eqgCagpdHXTlhmraEO75acf15ZRxrHKWxgPh2avQl11kYwxlETPVCVakXAk5Xs7Od8PGYTraT7bNywJNuPfEjkY4h0GPyucn39jgzCux6mbFa-GRymUYFIAO1p-sK0Rh2XmX2VVPKAz/s200/DSCN2015.JPG" border="0" /></a>The '<span style="color:#33ffff;"><em>soldados</em></span>,' or soldiers. There were 44 in all.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKeODqYM3S-foXKxDHWO4GpCPtqUs1d3x4S6MqCQTCft5x5k2gUX5G1Qxxyb0gT9abkFtQJ5E-eEH_xEwAHCIYi0M479SFhKbhJ6AV4-8dPERKMAarW_47kwlk8OGHI91AC34uE-tyYsa/s1600/DSCN2019.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456080685803068802" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKeODqYM3S-foXKxDHWO4GpCPtqUs1d3x4S6MqCQTCft5x5k2gUX5G1Qxxyb0gT9abkFtQJ5E-eEH_xEwAHCIYi0M479SFhKbhJ6AV4-8dPERKMAarW_47kwlk8OGHI91AC34uE-tyYsa/s200/DSCN2019.JPG" border="0" /></a>There were six girls carrying items related to the crucifixion or Jesus.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /> </div><div> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAURDBhVe_cpH3C4GJLq1CckGndZywFx-LSszfBIrHWvfusjO8Tyy9SWCpgPuR5y18L08kL8RteuPXeuHhBjGkMj9Q6Z8imiF30eENu283lt1wqgzqfCTsj-Fl70b8ggRbEQ7ix2yfUMo/s1600/DSCN2025.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456080691927331746" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJAURDBhVe_cpH3C4GJLq1CckGndZywFx-LSszfBIrHWvfusjO8Tyy9SWCpgPuR5y18L08kL8RteuPXeuHhBjGkMj9Q6Z8imiF30eENu283lt1wqgzqfCTsj-Fl70b8ggRbEQ7ix2yfUMo/s200/DSCN2025.JPG" border="0" /></a>Seven girls carried the seven things that Jesus said after his resurrection.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8pyUDxP5vlKovrnKqdXA72g96wJCFTxAdyf5f6t2GE6FSFkpRSCvY4YfQR70EwsuZ_mtrzTE24RGrEzobE7esEhZRw12ucOVkjpzXGqYdtaPHVF8rKM55Wnr1rtY04-_q8d2TvX4rHsz/s1600/DSCN2026.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456080697709129394" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgC8pyUDxP5vlKovrnKqdXA72g96wJCFTxAdyf5f6t2GE6FSFkpRSCvY4YfQR70EwsuZ_mtrzTE24RGrEzobE7esEhZRw12ucOVkjpzXGqYdtaPHVF8rKM55Wnr1rtY04-_q8d2TvX4rHsz/s200/DSCN2026.JPG" border="0" /></a>The 12 disciples.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /> </div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVWMwuMuyNzAH5z1Bb4iyuwybD97mLJLpl3NxVDPWaWopvEK-si3IT3UU1DLYjU3qAwkgyn7XExaMromnWqbbyXjLAYllSCf-oWCsju-f3kBdbVdZku8J1FqlXedL9jYu0yjJ8TBI8wOh/s1600/DSCN2028.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456080702746413954" style="FLOAT: left; MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 200px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 150px" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuVWMwuMuyNzAH5z1Bb4iyuwybD97mLJLpl3NxVDPWaWopvEK-si3IT3UU1DLYjU3qAwkgyn7XExaMromnWqbbyXjLAYllSCf-oWCsju-f3kBdbVdZku8J1FqlXedL9jYu0yjJ8TBI8wOh/s200/DSCN2028.JPG" border="0" /></a>The Virgin Mary.</div><div><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div></div><div><br /><br /><br />Pura Vida,</div><div> </div><div>Billy</div></div></div></div>Bill Brownhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04911353268439561095noreply@blogger.com0