We spent the last three nights in the same Pacific Coast town, (a 'city' by Costa Rican standards) Quepos. It's right near the border of the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio and the next major town south of Jaco (a Daytona Beach style Surfer town.)
It's tiny by American Standards, smaller by far than Madison or Perry (our hometowns) but a downright metropolis to the Ticos. The entire country only has 4 million people in it, and most live in the Capital. It was great to be stationary for a little while.
We both observed that spending three nights in the same town allowed us to get to know the Costa Rican people and culture a better than the entire rest of the trip so far.
We actually made some friends here. We have two places to stay should we ever return. We got to know the place well enough to actually seperate, although not for long, and I got to practice my spanish alone.
Before our photo session on the beach I left Amy at the hotel to get ready and headed into town. I wanted to see if I could get some flowers for her hair. Without speaking a lick of English I found a florist and arranged for some 'Glorias' to be put in her hair in about an hour. I also located a Pharmacy and bought bug spray, again without English.
I returned to my bride beaming with Pride. I spoke more Spanish than the locals spoke English, and around here that is an accomplishment.
Amy was beaming with pride also. Before she got into the shower, she had noticed something moving. This is NOT a big deal in Costa Rica, everthing moves. She almost ignored it and got in but took a closer look instead.
Lucky for her, she reads a lot, watches Discovery channel when she gets the chance, and is a strict observer of my Rainforest rule. "no touching."
It was a tiny green and black frog. She went to the hotel office and explained. The staff member there had an instance reaction:
Hotel: "What did it look like"
Amy: "verde y negro" (green and black)
Hotel: (wide eyed) "Did you touch it?"
Amy: (thankfully) 'No!'
The hotel took care of the Poison Dart frog before I even got a chance to see it.
Today's wildlife highlight....
Crocodiles!
We saw them from a bridge, quite the safe distance. If I only had one word to describe them, it would be ENORMUS. One was at least 12 feet long. If I had two words, the second would be primitive. It was like staring at dinosaurs. I got some excellent pictures which I will try to share.
When it comes to wildlife, it's more of what we haven't seen than what we have. We haven't caught a glimpse of the elusive Costa Rican Polar Bear, but short of that....
We set out tomorrow in search of Sea Turtles. We are on a bus in the morning for a stretch of the Carribean Coast which can only be reached by boat or air. (our bus will drop us off at a boat) We are early for Green Sea Turtle Nesting by a week or so, please cross your fingers for us.
We'll continue to be safe (No touching the rainforest stuff)
One last note of extreme importance. Yesterday, on a remote beach in Manuel Antionio, Amy and I were married. The ceremony was perfect for us, very private, very personal and, I dare say, it could not have been more romantic.
Thank you to everyone for your best wishes and prayers. We so look forward to sharing our joy and commitment with you on August 14th.
Our love,
Tom and Amy
Many blessings to you on your marriage, Tom & Amy!
Mi amado Habló y me dijo: "¡Levántate, oh amada Mía! ¡Oh hermosa Mía, sal! Ya ha pasado el invierno, la Estación de la lluvia se ha ido. Han brotado las flores en la tierra. El tiempo de la Canción ha llegado, y de nuevo se escucha la Tórtola en nuestra tierra. La higuera ha echado higos, y despiden fragancia las vides en flor. ¡Levántate, oh amada Mía! ¡Oh hermosa Mía, ven!"
--Song of Solomon 2:10-13
Congrats on marriage part 2 of 3! Im glad that you have a strict no touching rule, I wouldnt want you to come home with malyrpatitus.
Congratulations! Thank you for sharing your adventures with us. Enjoy you last few days. Emily is jealous of your monkey sightings.
We look forward to celebrating with you in August.
Love,
Amy, Joe, Beth, Emily
Woah! I didn't know about the whole frog thing! That's CRAZY! I would've been an idiot and touched it I'm sure!
Anyhow, CONGRATULATIONS to both of you. It has been such a joy getting to know you over the past year and a half and I hope that our friendships only blossom over the years.
Best wishes and love and happiness to last a lifetime!
Love,
Maureen