Nancy's Blog

Leaving my husband and child to fend for themselves (...will they starve?...) Carol and I boarded a bus to the Arenal Volcano in Alajuela Province about four hours northeast but a world away in landscape and climate.  Surrounded by mountainous pasture land and rain forests, the massive volcano towers above a sparkling blue lake that spans 33 miles and goes 200 feet deep.

We arrived in La Fortuna, a small but vibrant town which feels far more affluent than our home base of Tamarindo.  After a quick lunch, we headed off to hike the spectacular canyon  and swim in the crystal pool at the base of a waterfall which plunges 200 feet through dense foliage.  My first glimpse of that majestic cascade took my breath away; its thunderous noise commands full attention and awe.  Costa Rica offers constant reminders of the power and spectacle of nature.

Last night as we sat down to dinner  -- beans, rice, avocados, and my first attempt at home made tortillas, we decided to open all the doors to get some cross ventilation.   Minutes later, three bats flew in through the front door.  I immediately grabbed the rough sawn two by four that we use as added security at our back sliding door and started swinging wildly to keep the bats from dive bombing my hair.  Gary ran to open the sliding screen doors so the bats would have a way out.  One bat immediately exited, and then two more came in.  They were getting hit occasionally by the ceiling fan and flying around turbulently.  Lauren, meanwhile, placidly continued chowing down, entertained by all the shenanigans.  Sorry, bat photo not available.

Take a look at the food blog later today for a how-not-to.  I’ll get the hang of it soon.