A Blank Slate

So, out with 2013 and in with 2014.

Last night was a dark starry sky filled with fireworks from the village and music, food, drink and chatter at the neighbourhood party.

A gathering of the usual suspects at Casa Faust - Dean and Michelle, Keith and Karen, Bruce and Barb, Dwight and Wendy, Doug and Samira, and Lisle and I - brought a grand pot luck feast - dips and nachos, ceasar salad, green bean salad, pulled pork, meatballs, breaded chicken, BBQ sausage, cheesy mashed potatoes, lemon cheesecake - - - along with way too much wine.

Add the requisite Roy Orbison and the evening was complete.

As enjoyable as it was, even with an afternoon nap, staying up until 1 am here is almost impossible!!!

2014 dawned at 5 am with the howlers - very close but still hidden - calling until almost 5:30, when the birds started - screeching and chattering - - waking the jungle - - then at 7 - silence!  another hour of sleep.

So I read yesterday that 2013 NYE was an especially momentous evening because it coincided with the new moon - something that happens about once every 20 years - - entering the new year with a blank slate all around.

While his last day in the office was December 13, retirement begins officially for Lisle in late January - a big change for us both - the start of a more permanent shift to Costa Rica - - this year will bring the sale of our home (hopefully soon and easily!) and the sorting of family responsibilities (Lisle's 94 year old father still needs support) - - I like the idea of a blank slate - - time to write the next chapter!!

Happy New Year to all!

The Beach

Whenever it is a holiday, the Costa Ricans take to the beach - the national parks are flooded with families - pickup trucks with furniture and giant BBQ in the back - sometimes for a day, sometimes for a weekend - the beach is the place to be.

In July, there was a holiday, and we went to the local beach, a secluded place where we are usually the only ones around.  Oddly there were several cars parked,  There were 30 people there with chairs and bbq, music - all set for a full day and night of celebration.

So, we Gringos take our lead from the Ticos - holiday celebrations on the beach!

Christmas day saw about 25 of us - not just the regulars, but those only visiting - knew that Playa Tortuga was the place to be.  Arrived at 10:30 am and set up the umbrella and chairs - play in the surf, walk in the sand - beer, peanuts, shrimp and blue cheese dip, chicarrones all appear from coolers - thunder and lightning dot the distance and grow closer - - 2:00 pm better call it a day as the clouds are closer (clearly raining over the mountains - right where we are headed to) and dinner is about 2 hours away (Bruce and Barb are playing host to 6 of us).  Pack up and drive up the narrow path - maybe 100 m along, the sky opens and a full tropical storm presents itself - the wipers barely keep the windshield clear as we crawl home.  An hour later the sky is clear and a beautiful evening is offered as a backdrop to a wonderful Turkey dinner with all the fixings.

New Year's Eve is a relatively quiet gathering at our place - only 10, pot luck - lots of great food and great friends - bubbly at midnight.  Some before photos - as no one was paying enough attention to take pix while we were partying.

Plans are for New Year's Day offers the same community beach party.  While last night was late for Ojochal standards (we are usually in bed by 9:30) we are still up at 8:00 relatively bright-eyed and bushy-tailed (well at least not suffering too badly).  By 10 the house is back in order and leftovers consumed for breakfast.  The first call comes - think we are skipping the beach - then the next ....  Actually I am relieved as I think all had enough partying and a day by the pool is quite acceptable.

So the day have been some sun, some cloud, an hour in the pool, some internet, some reading, and now a heavy downpour just as the sun has set.  Time for more leftovers!!

2012

Guess another year is coming to an end.  Sun is shining, Mountains are shrouded in cloud.  Drops in the pool say its actually raining.  Maybe a rainbow to wrap up 2012!

Ojochal is largely unchanged.  The butcher has a new sign - Fabrizio's pizza is busier than ever.  Phase 9 had 1 house completed this year - 2 planned for next year - still only 3 occupied full time.  But the place seems busy - lots of renters and part-timers here for the holidays.  For the first time, you actually see and hear people regularly (good and bad, the seclusion is attractive).

The house is the same - ever welcoming - home as soon as we arrive.  Paint has faded from the sun - a broken wine glass in the cupboard (no glass bits just a fragment missing from the bowl).  Mold on the back stairs and in the window tracks - nothing a little oxyclean didn't fix.

The vegetation is astounding.  The bamboo orchids are full and lush - they make a great screen from the neighbours.  The torch ginger is over 8 ft tall.  The palm trees at the driveway are at least 2 ft taller than in August.  The tropical plants on the back hill in various stages of flower - the new pink one is very pretty.

The pool is spectacular with the new tile - need to tell everyone to do this from the beginning and save the time, trouble, and money fussing with paint.

Christian has been busy refreshing things, and the new paint on the patio walls and shower is wonderful - hopefully this will work and not bubble, peel or come off with the concrete.

No monkeys, but the songbirds create a symphony each morning and the parrots and falcons a cacophony at dusk.  Few frogs at night - just something rustling in the jungle!

And of course there are the bugs.  Always something strange and creepy, and then the giant moths (the size of a bread plate) that sneak in at dusk if you don't close the screen door soon enough.

So life continues - latin jazz on the iPod, a blue sky, Lisle cooking for tonight's party - check the link if you need any confirmation that this is the best place to be - or this one - Toronto winter!

To friends, family, followers and anyone who may stumble across my ramblings - Goodbye to 2012, and a happy and prosperous new year 2013 - I would wish that in Spanish, but I don't know how to type the n with a ~ over it - and absent that i'd be wishing everyone a new anus - not quite the same sentiment!!

I Love the Night Life

So this past week has been a buzz of activity.

We joined Dwight and Wendy for dinner at Citrus on Wednesday.  They were having a special 'Thai Street Food' night.  Not sure if the menu was street food, but it certainly was Thai, and it was great.  Spring Rolls, Cucumber Salad or Thai Soup for starters - Pad Thai, Fried Rice, Green Curry Chicken or Yellow Curry Seafood for entree.  Two thumbs up all around  the place was packed and they were turning away anyone without a reservation.  Actually the best meal I have eaten there - we had given up hope, so maybe another chance is in the cards!

Thursday Dwight and Wendy came to our home for dinner - preceded by a 'let's try to fix the computers session' which unfortunately met with little success. Dinner was casual and the conversation continued well into the night.

Friday afternoon, the 2 Jim's invited us for cocktails at El Castillo.  This is a villa built on top of the cliff overlooking the ocean.  It has been rented out as a single space until recently when it was opened as a boutique hotel - 5 rooms - stunning view - great pool - fabulous house.  In opening the hotel, they also opened a bar and restaurant - AZUL.

Scott and Russell (from the US - Oklahoma/Texas) ran Azul at another hotel near Dominical and relocated here when they had the chance to open the hotel. Scott's brother, John and his partner, Hunter were visiting - 8 of us drinking wine and vodka soda while the rain poured down outside - I commented that this was the largest number of gay men in one place at one time we had encountered in Ojochal - the response from Russell 'there are more gay men here than were at OSA PRIDE last week!".  Needless to say we had a fabulous time renewing old friendships and starting new ones.

Never slowed, the 2 Jim's followed us to Nanny's where we joined Jan and Sonya, Dwight and Wendy and many others for cerveza - can't miss the Friday Night beer session!!

Sunday Lisle and I hit the beach - Lisle had yet to make it there as the weather has been very seasonal - afternoon rain is certain.  The two of us sat on Tortuga, sipping beer and eating nuts, chatting, watching the birds and the crabs - a dip in the ocean and then home before the rain.  

Lisle decided he didn't want to cook, so we headed to AZUL for dinner - a quick call and dinner for 2 at 6:30 was set.  Well the party was in full swing when we arrived - John and Hunter were there, with John's daughter Taylor and her friend Estrella - Lucy's son and friends were on the patio, and other guest were seated about the lobby/living room - hugs and kisses from all, and martinis arrived - followed by a second.  John and Hunter asked us to join them at their table, so there were 7 of us (the 7th was Mary a never married late 50's woman from Ireland, who now lives in the Georgian Republic - like in used to be Russia - and owns a piece of land in Hatillo - while she was not a party-er, she was interesting and fit right it).  

Dinner was yummy!  Deep-fried Calamari, seafood soup and Chicken Parmesan on fettuccine.  And the best part - 1 course $15, 2 courses $20, 3 courses $25!!  A definite addition to the favourites list!!!!

As dinner finished we moved to the living room and Scott and Russell joined the conversation - apparently we were the only ones left.  The conversation and laughter continued as we finished our wine and then said good-night (hugs and kisses of course).  2 martinis, 3 large glasses of red wine, and it was midnight!  Quite the evening.

Needless to say, Monday was a quiet day!

Tony and Tina`s Wedding

So we will go with those names to avoid incriminating anyone!


A Gringo and a Tica, well known in the community tied the knot yesterday.  


The wedding was at 10 am in the lawyer`s office in Cortes (this is the actual wedding - they are going to get `married`in Santorini in October). A small event - her family, a couple of friends, and the witnesses (specifically selected for the fact they were fluent in Spanish).


The reception followed at Nanny`s - the local watering hole at the entrance to the village.  For the occasion Nanny slaughtered and roasted a pig.  Every romantic song from my high school days (read 1978) flowed from the speakers - once the mushy dancing was done, Elvis and Chubby Checker filled the air and the dance floor was full - that is until they took to `twisting`on the tables - needless to say many cervezas were consumed! (sorry - no photos - have been well paid for my visual silence!!!)


Congrats to the happy couple!!

Adios Amigos

Steve and Claudio headed home last night.  The driver picked them up in the parking lot opposite the Ojochal Police Station at 12:45 am - I know that sounds odd, but with a 7 am flight it is either an overnight transfer, or a daytime transfer and a hotel room that you need to leave at 4 am to go to the airport.


The second half of their stay was as much a blur and the first.


Sunday was quiet - too overcast for the beach - Monday was busy with Condo stuff, so Lisle and Steve and Claudio went shopping.


Tuesday we drove south to see the Boruca Indigenous Reserve in the mountains - guess they are happy being left alone, cuz we never found it.  Instead we showed off our local municipalities of Palmar Norte, Palmar Sur and Sierpe.  In Sierpe we actually found some great Boruca masks, so the expedition wasn`t a loss!

Wednesday we drove north to Dominical - checked out the beach, the surfers, the handicrafts.  Lunch at Tortilla Flats - OMG they expanded!!  Stopped at the beach at La Leona on the way back - a whole Tico family was set up in the trees at the beach - chairs, hammocks, bbq - that`s how you do a day at the beach.  Lisle and Claudio went for a swim - we picked up a couple coconuts to plant at the house.  Ran into Karen on the way home, so beer and gossip were required!

Thursday we spent the afternoon with Dwight and Wendy - a lazy afternoon with beer, guacamole and conversation.


Friday was readying for departure, but couldn`t possibly leave without another party!  This time a wedding reception we had been invited to.


As they head back to Toronto, they must think all we do is eat, drink, party and socialize - not a bad impression to leave them with!!!

Safe Landing

The rest of the flight was fine - on time arrival -right through immigration - baggage - shuttle - car rental - hotel  check in - in the room by 6 pm -  - time for a beer!

Halfway through the beer the stomach started again - yuk!  Finished the beer and went up to the room - I'll lie down for a bit and watch TV and then order room service - i woke up at 11:30, turned of the TV and slept until 5:30 - so much for dinner!

Early breakfast, caught up on email, check out, bank machine for cash and to Walmart (important things - body wash and Pepto Bismol!) then to PriceSmart.  Why is it that you can't go to Costco without it costing $300 - I didn't think I bought much, but it was $360.

On the highway at 11 am, and rolled into Ojochal at 2:30.  Stopped at Jucaloa for eggs (you could only buy 100 at PriceSmart) and cold beer and home just before 3:00.

Keith and Karen had invited my for dinner, so a quick unpacking and setup, shower and off to their place by 4:15.

Driving down the road, I turned the corner to killer hill and there was Dean and Michelle driving in front of me (they were joining us for dinner).  I follow along and we get to a junction in the road and they stop - Michelle gets out and waves - I ask if they are lost?! - apparently not!  they were just stopping to drop off the rotten eggs for the Pizotes!

Great company, great dinner - a great welcome home!

Prospero Año Nuevo

Well we rang out the old year in tropical style.  A new year's eve 'beach party' at our house!

A beautiful clear starry night (finally!)

Of course, the starry night comes later, as the parties here start before dark (5:00 pm) so everyone can arrive and park in the daylight (avoiding rocks, cunetas, wildlife etc.) and enjoy what is the real end of a Costa Rica day - SUNSET!

Music and chatter, cocktails and bocas (thanks to Cindy for the amazing tuna treats, Sonya for the Mexican layer dip, Michelle for the bruschetta, and Lisle for the hummus and roasted garlic dip - - YUM all around!). 

Potluck dinner (Wendy's pulled pork, Karen's pasta salad, Barb's noodle casserole, empanadas and garlic bread from Sheila, Eric and Mike, grilled chicken and beef by Lisle) - "Lisle" squares and shortbread for dessert.

At 10:30 the kids headed to Adelante (a local hot spot) to party into the night.  The rest of us celebrated midnight with champagne and fireworks, hugs and kisses.

And of course the night would not be complete without what has become an Ojochal New Year's tradition - ROY ORBISON - BLACK AND WHITE - - dancing to Pretty Woman and singing to Crying!

Welcome 2012!

Christmas Celebrations

So our first Christmas in Ojochal - away from family, but certainly not alone or absent friends!!

Christmas eve we were graciously invited to Bruce and Barb's for a traditional dinner (Turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes, broccoli, peas, gravy) followed by chocolate treats, homemade candy cane ice cream, and homemade shortbread of various types (seems everyone brought some - and all were delicious).

It was an all Canadian celebration - Bruce and Barb, Lisle and I, Dwight and Wendy, Gary and Kim, Steve and Laurie - good wine followed by good food and covered end to end with great conversation, fun and friendship.  Late in the eve, Wilson (the groundskeeper for the phase and weekend security) stuck his head around the corner of the house - he was on his way to the guardhouse.  He was quickly welcomed to the table provided ice cream and cold beer and wishes of Feliz Navidad from all!

Christmas day dawned - well not exactly - at 6:00 am it was mostly cloudy with the hope of sunshine.  I slipped from bed and ran down the stairs, and there it was - proof that Santa can find you wherever you are!

And guess what!?  If you are really good, Santa will actually make you pancakes for Christmas breakfast!!

After Breakfast - to the beach - arrived just after 10:00 am - sunny, hot and humid - about 30 people from the community on this quiet beach - some beer, some munchies, lots of laughter, fun in the surf, conversation under the umbrella - - so many mice people and friends (new and old) - All in all lots of Christmas spirit, just with a tropical flavour!

Home at 2:00 - had to leave the beach before high tide or the access road floods - swim in the pool and calls home for season's greeting and then off to dinner!

Keith and Karen invited Lisle and I to join in their Christmas feast, along with their daughter Liz, her friend Eric and Jan & Sonya.  Cocktails and chatter led to a Christmas sunset.

The kitchen began to bustle as the final preparations were tackled - Turkey, stuffing, dressing, mashed potatoes, squash, broccoli, corn and gravy - all done to perfection by Karen and her band of helpers.

All followed by Pineapple tart and shortbread - more wine and more conversation! 

Even the sun hung around til all was done!

Very hard to find a better way to spend Christmas, or more welcoming friends than these!

Quite the eventful day - so much so that some of us can't manage ourselves off the couch this morning!

I wonder if there is a Boxing Day sale at the beach!?