Beginning, Middle and End – or Just the Beginning Again!

It started with a dream and an idea

A piece of land that turned into a place to build

And has become a house

 
Exquisite! And even better inside.

Tomorrow

So we drove to Ojochal – stopped at Tarcoles to see the Crocodiles

a pleasant lunch on the way in Manuel Antonio (Steve and Claudio vacationed there in 1996 and were shocked by the difference – hardly recognized anything).

And then to The Lookout at Playa Tortuga – not a bad place, was closed for 18 months and has been reborn as a reasonable tourist hotel – not boutique like, but very Costa Rican – clean basic accommodations with air conditioning, nice pool and an amazing breakfast.  Dinner, drinks and bed by 9:30 - - Steve said, “I can’t believe you are this close and did drive by the house!”  I replied, “We promised Sheila we wouldn’t peek!”

Step by Step

Sitting here in San Jose, ready to go for dinner - an uneventful flight - easy car rental (but no automatic so I guess Lisle is driving - and OMG it is enormous - a Toyota Prado!)  No rain so far - sat by the pool at the hotel and had a beer - so far so good - plus!!!  Christian sent photos of the patio - FANTASTIC

Fly Away

So here we are - all set to go!

I am excited, nervous, tense - full of anticipation.

What happens now is pretty straight forward

• Thursday fly to Costa Rica - spend the night in Santa Ana (just outside San Jose) - a great dinner at Bacchus is planned
• Friday drive to Ojochal with a stop in Manuel Antonio for lunch - staying at The Lookout at Playa Tortuga - beer at Bocas and dinner at Stephan''s
• Saturday - 10 am - go to the house for the 'unveiling'

What happens next?  Who knows?!

What are Friends For?!

5 days and counting, and our friends continue to keep us up to date on the progress being made - like this note received today!

"Hi

Just came back from your house where Sheila and crew are setting up.

Love the purple crushed velvet sofa!  And who would have thought lava lamps would come back in style.  And you just never get tired of the dogs playing poker painting that will hang in your entryway.  Looks great!

Cheers

Karen"

HA HA - - Lisle is already plotting the payback!

Packing

The 3 traditional brown soft-sided luggage set is packed - large, medium and weekender - each weighs 50 lb!  No it's not clothes!  Or shoes!

The food processor, hand mixer, sundry gadgets, some plates (nicely packaged), the wine opener, a first aid kit, computer gadgetry, DVDs ...

Still need to do our toiletries and sandals, and the 4th case is nearing full without that!  Hopefully Steve and Claudio have some spare capacity to accommodate bits and pieces.


BTW - the pool is full and warming up for our arrival!  Six days and counting.

Don't Forget the Bikini!

No Board Shorts or One-Pieces Allowed!  Speedos and Bikinis only!!

Looks like it will soon be pool time!!  Cummon - take the plunge!