October 2005 ish? My trip to Costa Rica transcribed from my handwritten notes in 2018 after my house fire, I am making notes of papers that have to be thrown out.
"The Spots of Ilan Ilan"
90% humidity and a ceiling fan. I will go on hikes, and hang out on Carribean with mom tomorrow.
9
8-10 canal tour
10 - village trails
12 - beach.
There is going to be a big party int he village. I can hear the big drums now.
My three new friends are Spot, Spot, and Spot. One stays ahead of me wherever I go, the other 2 stay alongside or behind. I was worried about stepping on a snake, or bug, or gekko, but now I am confident that the Spots will keep them away.
Hotel Ilan Ilan where mom and I are staying for a few days is named after a fragrant flower that produces a plain, green flower on the Ilan tree - Channel #5 is made from that flower.
a courtes
The Spots led me out into the jungle; tall dense grassess with 15 poisonous deadly snakes ready to strike my ankle bones. The Spots appeared to be super happy as they bounced around in the grass, only their wagging tails could be seen. I couldn't figure out their excitement at first, but it was very entertaining. I wished I had a video camera for chance to win $100,000 in the funniest home video contest - oh well. As it turns out, Spot spotted a small rodent and I spotted Spot with one in his mouth - ah ha! This is what the Ilan mutts eat - mice! They also fish in the river along the Ilan Ilan.
Oct. 13 - San Jose CR. Mom left yesterday for Valcano Arenal and will return tonight. I slept in, went to dentista at noon. It wasn't so bad and I was back at hotel around 4. The cable tv and internet is out of service due to heavy rain storm so I did not get to watch the Bush/Kerry debate.
"Rum Cauita" Rum with coconut, locally made and delicious with pineapple juice ... My mouth feels okay $5010.00 plus travel - $6000. Now, I'll drink rum and local fruice juice - yummy.
"Umbrella Manners"
Yesterday, I walked several miles to downtown in the rain. Umbrellas are good here, everyone has one and it's funny on the busy crowded sidewalks with umbrella courtesy. If you are male, you lift your umbrella up high for a passing female. If 2 females pass, you dodge each other. If it's really crowded, it is umbrella chaos with umbrella crashes, smashes, hit and runs, brella benders.
"Drivers!"
Something has really changed; Toby, the driver, drives like a typical Costa Rican - it feels dangerous, pass in the no passing zone, too fast, barely missing pedestrians - crazy! You read all you want about this part, but you can only know it through the crowded city, curvy mountain passes, rain-slick narrow streets, rock rough plantation roads... scary.
We came through the cloud forest - alive at 5.
Nacho, our tour guide, would like a copy of Bear Heart's book and some pipe mix for his dad. Ignacio Pena Alvarez 2-2200 San Jose Costa Rica Coronado ...
There was a soccor game today with Guatamala - this is very important, lots of partying going on and I'm drinking rum with Nacho.
Josef Cordova, one dentist says "No, I don't believe you" - he's arrogant, but I appreciate his perfectionism. He and his dentist wife, Thelma, play "good cop, bad cop" to sell dental services, etc. Thelma is a bit passive agressive while Josef is just arrogant. Why do I deal wth them!? The doctor who did the root canal was wonderful, patient, gentle, consoling and pain free. I wish they were all so good. So far, $6800 last trip $5000 this trip - about $14,000 - and add Dr. Allen in Albuquerque and I have a $20,000 bridge to date. Right side - 2 root canals 2 back teeth. Mom gave me $4400 to help with the costs - 2500 dentist, 400 air, 1040 dentist ...
"Glow bug" emerald green light, not a firefly but phospherescent. "The spirits are here!" - thunderous lightening storm last night. So energetic, the buildings shook violently!
Saw a giant poisonous tarantual today in the jungle and one very cute green snake. There is a tree that "walks" on it's roots.
Maybe the Spots are trying to earn tips as they are competing for my attention now - they are all very protective of me.
Naked Indian Tree - it's a barkless smooth tree. A park in the middle of San Jose.
Noni Juice - a big deal. Bought several bottles to bring back at $20/liter.
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