CR Update Jan 31, 2006

Jan 31, 2006

Now that I settled in to my life in Nosara, I am off to California next week to make some extra money. We are having our big party-opening of the Black Sheep Pub and farewell for me on Saturday February 4th. Our construction is mostly done and there are lots of party preparations including installing the tap system. Keep us in your thoughts on Saturday that we have a successful opening

Over the past couple of weeks I went to Nicoya twice by myself—once on the bus and once driving. Nicoya is a very Costa Rica town 2 hours away—1/2 of the ride is on dirt roads. I enjoyed the drive—very peaceful and very little traffic. The bus ride was cheap, crowded but basically ok. I found some cheap eating places, interesting shops and visited the colonial church from the 1600’s. It is pleasant there and was nice to not feel rushed with too many errands. Nicoya is the capital of Guanacaste so this is where business is done

There was a fiesta last week in Nosara. This is a 4 day holiday and is set up like a fair or a circus. Vendors arrive and set up booths, there is food and drink, rides for the kids, and a nightly rodeo which we missed. This year there was some live music—a group from Peru doing Andes music. And Tico Karaoke which was better than it sounds. The main singer was gender-vague and had a great voice. Many Ticos, mostly men, took turns singing and many had good voices.

Weather continues sunny, warm, dry, and windy at times. Because of the dryness and the dirt roads, it is now dusty. I have started wearing a hat or scarf just to protect my hair from the dust. The trees are browning out. We just had a lawn installed and will have to keep it irrigated to survive. It is cool having a lawn here—like being in Rochester NY.

We got our new puppies two days ago. We decided to adopt 2 puppies so Nina has company. Our 2nd puppy is Frieda, she is black with white markings. We think it is better for the puppies to be together especially with our three cats. So far it is working out very well. They are very cute. They are only 4 weeks old and miss their mother--they cry but they also settle very easily and are eating well.

My next update will be from California. Write when you can. Love Helena and Joe