Hola! We hope that all who read this are healthy, happy, and warm! Once again I write knowing that many of our family and friends back home have experienced up to 6 inches of snow, and cold, blowing winds in the past 36 hours. We send everyone warm thoughts and our love.
We had visitors for 8 days from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. Deb’s sister Bobbi came for a visit, and a good friend of hers, Carolyn, came with. We filled each day with at least one activity, sometimes two, and really enjoyed having them both here to experience Costa Rica along with us. They left for home yesterday, and both Deb and I did nothing the rest of the day but relax and nap! We were tired, but totally enjoyed everything we did with them. To both Bobbi and Carolyn, thanks for the fun, laughter, and new experiences. We know they left with an appreciation for the beauty of this country and it’s people.
The four of us went to some of the same places we have included in a previous blog posting. I won’t go into detail on any of those, except to list them so you know that we indeed kept busy and took them to some of our favorite places.
Bobbi is a master gardener, so the first place we took them was the Ark Herb Farm. It is an organic farm about 5 minute drive from our rental house. We took a tour with a guide named Augustine. It was supposed to last 2 hours, but he gave us a tour of over 3 hours! We all learned a lot about the use of different herbs and plants in treating certain physical pain and afflictions. Many of these plants are not found back in Minnesota or Wisconsin. But many are of the same genus as plants we are familiar with. There was so much information coming at us that we all admitted a couple of days later that our retention level was probably very low. It was fun, educational, and a great way to get a deeper understanding of our relationship to this part of nature. Bobbi, that was for you. Glad you enjoyed it.
On Wednesday Carolyn went zip lining over the canopy of the rain forest while Deb, Bobbi, and I rode the tram over the canopy. We all enjoyed our time there, and each of us got our needs met. Afterwards we stopped at a restaurant in Heredia that Deb and I have eaten at once before. It is named Restaurant Ajua. Mexican expats own this place, and the spiciness of the food was on point. This was a nice way to end a very nice day.
Thursday was a new experience for all of us. We ventured out to the Los Charros Waterfalls. Located near Grecia and Sarchi, northwest of here, it was beautiful. However the path down (and I mean DOWN) to the falls was narrow, sometimes slippery, and full of twists and turns. We all agreed that the walk was worth it, and Carolyn said she would do it again. The rest of us, well, we can say we did it once!! We all got in the water to some degree, and had a picnic lunch hidden from the rest of civilization while listening to the roar of the falls in the background. Carolyn, this day was for you. We are glad we were able to share this with both you and Bobbi.
On Friday we went to the Finca Rosa Coffee Plantation for a tour. Before the tour, we had the most wonderful lunch imaginable. It was so good that Deb and I plan to return just for lunch, or maybe dinner. Deb and I had toured a different coffee plantation before in Costa Rica, so we thought this would be a nice change for us too. It was different from the other tour, and very enjoyable. Don’t know if one tour is better than the other, just different in some of the information they give and the delivery of that info. We have enjoyed both. But this lunch, sooooo good.
Saturday was our day to double up on tours. First we went to Sibu Chocolate for a tasting tour. No walking, but a great educational tour given to the four of us by Julio, one of the owners. The story of chocolate, not only in Costa Rica, but in the world was explained to us. There was more detail and history to chocolate, going back hundreds of years, than I ever knew existed. We all enjoyed the tour, and followed it up with another outstanding lunch there made with organic ingredients. As our daughter would probably say, YUM. After our time at Sibu, we drove ten minutes to the Toucan Rescue Ranch. The sloths are endearing and super cute. We have been there before and included it in previous blogs. Deb and I love this place and what they stand for. I encourage you to google the Toucan Rescue Ranch to learn more about them and their mission.
The last full day of their visit was Sunday. Carolyn went white water rafting while Deb, Bobbi, and I drove through some of the most beautiful parts of this country that we have ever been to. We went to the city of Puriscal. The drive there was idyllic, with many stops along the way for pictures. In Puriscal there stands an old church, completely fenced off to keep the curious away from it’s crumbling structure. It is the Santiago Apostle Church. After much searching I learned that it’s foundation and walls were cracked and ruined by a series of earthquakes in the 1990’s. It was abandoned, and the future of this building has been the focus of much debate. Some locals want to save the structure, while many want to tear it down to make way for new construction. It is located in the center of the city, across from the main park. I understand both sides of this argument, and am thankful that we all got to at least see this landmark. It was built in 1936. The way things are debated and talked about down here I wouldn’t be surprised if it was still standing in 2036! Another earthquake or two could decide it’s fate before the locals do.
Here are a few pictures taken in the last week. I hope you enjoy them all. 
Deb’s sister Bobbi and her good friend Carolyn.
One of the waterfalls at Los Charros and the river flowing downstream.
Deb, Bobbi, and Carolyn getting our picnic lunch set up. The second of the large waterfalls at Los Charros. Wonderful day in a beautiful setting.
Our day at Finca Rosa Blanca starts with lunch in their outdoor cafe.
Deb’s lunch consisted of a huge hamburger and fries, while I had grilled chicken, rice and beans, plantains, beet salad, and a house made tortilla. Our four lunches were delicious. Notice the place mats and coasters in the pics. The owner of our rental house, Laurel, makes those from canvas, just like the rugs she designs and creates. They are hand painted, and completely washable. She is so very talented. The coffee plantation has a very plush hotel on the premises, and her rugs are in many of the common areas.
The Cacao bean, or pod. The seeds inside are covered in a white mucus-like substance. The seeds, once processed properly, are turned into delicious treats like those on the tasting plate. We all received a plate of these chocolates. My favorite, and Deb’s too, was flavored with chili pepper and basil. Snickers and M&M’s will never pass these lips again! Dark chocolate, creamy, smooth, rich in flavor. I’m spoiled.
Some flowers that are blooming in Puriscal. I included them to help you forget about the snow. It won’t be long before your gardens will be blooming!!
Santiago Apostle Church in Puriscal. This structure is a victim of a series of earthquakes taking place in the 1990’s. It’s fate is yet to be determined, and is the topic of much discussion. Notice the broken windows, and the trees literally growing out of the walls and roof of the church. In it’s day this was obviously an architectural masterpiece.
A sloth from the Toucan Rescue Ranch. This one is about 1-2 years old, and is being prepared to be released into it’s natural habitat. This toucan is wild, but hangs around the Toucan Rescue Ranch. The other toucans aren’t too fond of this guy. But most of them have been injured and will never be returned to the wild. However a breeding program they have in place has already successfully released a number of young toucans. Deb and I will be contacting the Toucan Rescue Ranch soon about volunteering there next winter when we return. We really like what they stand for and how they treat all of the animals in their care. The next picture says it all.
Pura Vida.
Deb & Tim.
Deb & Tim's Adventure 
We had a lovely visit. Thanks Deb & Tim
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Love seeing all the beautiful pictures and hearing about your adventures (and great food)! Miss you both!
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