Enga mellom fjella

San José and the Casa Ridgeway.

Well...

I stayed in town. I walked to the university... just like I did when I lived here. The big tree at Los Yoses is still there. At La U I recognized maybe four places. Trees have grown and it's shadier. The walkways that were new and blue when I was a student here are now all moss covered and somber. Some new pathways are bright yellow and aluminium.

It's finals week.

Couldn't find an old friend there; but, I think I found him in the phone book. I did find Vilma! I lived with her family 35 years ago. We may get together before I leave. All four siblings live here in the Central Valley. Her daughter (who was 3) went to the University of Kansas and now lives in Windsor, England.

I've managed to find my way around in spite of getting turned around. I don't know the landmarks and ticos don't know streets.

I've met folks from Australia (Brisbane), New Zealand and Idaho at this hostel that caters more to older travelers than the young-and-fun crowd. I've had discussions about culture, trauma, writing... One is a writer. I've been taking notes, writing in my journal, sending a postcard to Gary every day, and sketching out some poems too.

Yesterday I had a casado with fish, rice, black beans, green beans, plátano, tortilla and a glass of chan (red, sweet, small seeds) for 1.800 colones (about $3). It was very good. Claudia, the pale calico kitten, wanted attention though. The cats in this country always want attention. Here at Casa Ridgeway, we have a ratter.

Anyway... breakfast is calling.

Chau. (ciao)

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