Just Another Brick In The Wall

Monday morning was a meeting with Robert to go over progress. While we were meeting at the Ventana office, Lisle needed his rubber boots that were stored at Keith and Karen’s. The river was much lower and calmer than the night before, and Lisle paused to look at it and then headed through. Water came up over the front of the SUV, up over the windshield and in the side windows – but we kept moving! On the other side, I said –we weren’t supposed to go through unless there was 6” below the log – it was about a foot higher than that!


We paused to catch our breath and clear the windshield of water and saw the quad approaching – we recognized Coffee sitting in the basket before we realized it was Keith. They were supposed to have left early to connect with visiting friends in Puntarenas, but there was a log blocking the river – clearly it had been moved!

Boots retrieved and another charge through the water and down to the office. We discussed the plan for the week – many, many meetings – so much for any thought of vacation! OK, let’s go see the house.


Back to the river. One of the construction guys in sitting in his pickup, clearly not going through. Robert’s driver – Gordo - only hesitated slightly but headed through with a great splash – Lisle paused, it didn’t look different than before, but if it scared the locals perhaps we should think about this, but through he went. For me – at any height, this is the worst part of the whole process.


Arrival is a big deal. Introductions and handshakes with all the workers. We bring gifts – Coca Cola and Oreos. The Boss – el Jefe – is a shirtless guy probably in his late 40’s – it is clear he pushes them hard, but clearly works harder than any of them.

WOW! The house continues to progress. A quick tour – it really looks like we planned, but somehow the spaces all seem so much smaller than in my mind. The space around the house is wonderful and the access to the jungle is better now that the land had been graded for the house. I don’t remember hearing the river before – probably because it is but a trickle in the dry season – the sound of water is wonderful.

A trip up the ladder to the second floor and OMG what a view – better than I had expected – while you can clearly see the ocean, it is the mountains that are breathtaking. That sight was worth embarrassing myself trying to get back on the ladder to get down!

For all the excitement, Robert had issues he needed our input on. The first two quickly dealt with, he told us the real issue – the spiral stair in the tower doesn’t work – too little space, too much height, too little headroom, too many steps. We talked and scribbled on the cement floor – no obvious solution – we need to sleep on this, and we need Claudio’s help!


Four hours gone in a flash – I’m exhausted, exhilarated and in need of a beer.