Enga mellom fjella

Aquí en Orosí

I'm in Orosí. I wanted to stay here a week then decided to only stay three days. But... I really like it here and would consider coming back for a month, rent a house or something.

Orosí is in the central highlands east of the capital San José. It's very wet this time of year. Last night the bullfrog was making a ruckus! There are hummingbirds at the feeder, odd sounds from birds I do not know. All types of greenery. A fence of bamboo and hibiscus is hard to explain...

Montaña Linda where I am staying has an old dog who loves to guard and play. A cat that likes to enter rooms and sleep on the bed. Trees of cacao and manzana de agua. Brugmansia (reina de la noche) which I've grown myself years ago. Here they are trees and the flowers are huge white or peach colored trumpets that bloom at night. It is a relative of angel trumpets (datura) and jimsonweed.

I have met folks from Texas, Illinois, Danmarka, Holland, Germany... The new couple look Norwegian. I wonder!

I have begun to check off my list of favorite foods. I've had gallo pinto twice now in three days. It's rice, black beans, garlic, onion, cilantro and... whatever. I had it with an egg. The fruit drinks... guanabana, blackberry, papaya... I have a very long list I will get to if I look each day.

For the second time in 35 years I found a torta chilena. I love the food here!

People. The typical tico is friendly. A tica can be overbearing as the women here smother the men.

Prices. Much higher than expected.

San José. Still ugly and dirty. But... a group of young people gather at the Templo de Música in Parque Morazán every day and night. I saw a theatrical show that showed great talent. The parks are full. The streets are full. Some places very noisy.

I went past where I used to live. Can't remember who it was here who had warned me... It was sad. "se vende" means it is being sold. The neighborhood has slid.

I've only had one bad flashback so far. But... I do feel sad about many things. At least the buses are better than they used to be and still go everywhere. There are more cars, but most Costa Ricans still walk or take a bus.

I have no plans at this point. I hope to meet up with Hobie's friends this Monday. Maybe then...

Hasta la próxima, chao. = Until the next time, ciao.

Orosí. Clearing and cool.

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