9 Weeks Down, 3 To Go

Brad and Erin left this morning and I'm feeling a little blue. It was really wonderful to have them around; playing cards, hiking, drinking my delicious, if a bit strong, pina coladas. They also mark the end of our string of visitors and it's nice to have life in the cassita; a bit empty-feeling with it dark. I think I'm also dealing with a touch of the "now what"s. We've been so busy with work/school, Spanish lessons, and visitors since day one, and now three weeks stretch out with no real plans. Well, I do have one significant plan- this afternoon I'm interviewing for the position of 7th-11th grade English teacher at a local bilingual school (different from the one where I was teaching the past two months) and I'll let everyone know how it goes!

Life's a Beach

We just returned from four fabulous days in Montezuma with Peter, Brad, and Erin. I spent much time reading in the hammock and watching the ocean. We ate scrumptious food and enjoyed the sun and breezes. Then, we had to say good-bye to Peter and Brad and Erin are with us, in Monteverde, until Wednesday; so far, they've had gorgeous weather and I hope it keeps for tomorrow's visit to the Cloud Forest Reserve.

I just almost stepped on a Coral Snake!!!

I am never walking on the short-cut forest/jungle path again!! I am sticking to the road forever and ever and ever ever!! I wonder if the universe is trying to send me a sign that just as I was racing through the bosque to email my application to teach at another private school here next year, I almost died. Okay, I didn't technically almost die. But I did almost step on a Coral Snake and that could have turned into a large problem. It is true that Coral Snakes are reclusive (this one was hidden under some rotting wood) and scared of humans (I'm pretty sure that he/she slithered away just as fast as I ran away, but I assure you, I did not stop to check), but they are also very deadly. So. I'm a little freaked out. On the other hand, maybe the universe is trying to tell me that scorpions, tarantulas, and snakes are no match for me and that Monteverde is indeed getting under my skin.... In either case, I've applied for a job here in the fall. If I get it, Rob and I will have to make a big decision about whether to return after July. I'll keep everyone posted.

In other news of creepy crawly critters, I do not have a Bot-Fly larvae in my arm. I went to the clinic yesterday and the doctor poked and prodded and determined that I just got a particularly persnickety bite and my immune system was working on it. So, no harm done, but Meredith should be very glad that I'll be safely in the States for three whole weeks before I'm the Maid of Honor in her wedding, because right now I have an interesting collection of spider, wasp, and mosquito bites up and down my arms....

In other news, the best Chocolate Caliente in the world is found at Cafe Cabure in Monteverde and the best cocktail in the world is the Sofia Colada at Sofia's in Cerro Plano.

In other news, Scorpion Count is 73.

In other news, we've been having a blast with my cousin Peter and head down to fun in the sun at Playa Montezuma tomorrow where we'll meet Brad and Erin and snorkle, swim, and relax for a few days.

With a little insect repellent and thick boots that Coral Snakes can't penetrate, Pura Vida!