We planned to head to the well-known wildlife/beach spot of Manuel Antonio today but I jinxed us yesterday by assuring you the rainy season doesn't interfere with our plans. Rather than waiting until the evening to shower us with lots of rain and cool breezes, it rained from the moment we got up until the moment the non-existent sun went down. We were a little too optimitic once we saw a hint of sunshine and headed there anyways. We found it, paid some guy $4 to park just in time for the next downpour. Speaking of parking, we still aren't sure if we're paying actual employees yet or just a Tico that approaches the window and asks for a few dolares. We're pretty sure homeless guys get themselves orange construction vests, hang out in free parking lots, pose as attendants and collect their daily wages.
Our plan was to hike through the forest to see as much wildlife as possible but I vetoed it when the rain came (even though Mike recommended we wear our ponchos). I know myself pretty well and sliding around in mud and being pelted by raindrops is not only dangerous for a klutz like me but probably wouldn't provide the best visibility. So, Mike successfully negotiated a refund for our 10 seconds of parking and we headed to the internet cafe to post the next blogs and check some email. We're hoping this isn't a change in the weather pattern we've experienced over the past week but with the luck we've had so far, who knows? We may as well get ready for a monsoon.
Just so you all know, we aren’t being selfish tourists and expecting the locals to understand our language and awkward hand gestures all the time. It’s only been a week and we can already tell our Spanish is getting better. Our Lonely Planet guide, which looks like it has been on this trip with us for three months already, has common phrases that we use on a daily basis. And we always have the Spanish/English dictionary within arm’s length. Nothing against Mrs. McCarthy or Jefe’s Spanish teaching skills but my four years of unpracticed high school Spanish are long gone. Our translation is best when things are written so reading signs or menus haven’t been a problem. But we’re about as comfortable speaking Spanish as we are sitting on our wicker chairs. We do it anyways though, awkward or not. The worst part is comprehension. Sure our guidebook can tell us how to ask where the bus station is but it doesn’t translate the answer. That’s when we’re stumped. For the most part, the Ticos we’ve spoken to try to translate by using their hands or even grabbing the dictionary and finding their word. And when we finally figure it out, “ahhhhh” is universal for “got it.” If all else fails, Mike has opted to add an “o” to English words hoping they translate. When inquiring if the amount of money we gave for our bill was correct, he asked the waiter, “Correct-o?” (FYI, it looks like that is actually the way to say it, but really he just got lucky.) I think Mike would agree that my pronunciation is better than his but his effort is better than mine. I’ll speak Spanish to the locals when I have to but when we hit a touristy area, there’s a good chance they’re bilingual and I go with my native tongue. Not Mike, he still uses their language, which is honorable even if it doesn’t come out correcto.
Each day we get a little savvier in our home too. If we pulled off three months here - no way in hell would we even contemplate it - but if we had bigger cajones and tried, we’d probably rig this place up pretty well. We’re getting crafty. Our beach towels double as seat cushions if you fold them up about 4 times (which also keeps the wicker from branding you for hours after sitting them). My yoga mat has gotten more use as a deluxe cushion than anything else. And we’ve developed a bug routine that works. Walk in the door, Mike does a customary “bug sweep” of the living/kitchen area and bathroom and gives the “all clear” or heads for battle. Dealing with giant cucarachas has really changed my opinion of other insects now. Daddy longlegs taking a stroll around the counter? Feel free, just don’t go in my drink. Little gnat camping out on my arm? I might not even notice you so hang out for a while. We have a force field that protects us while we sleep, otherwise known as our mosquito net, and a comforter that is completely unnecessary with this humidity has now become our memory foam. And for entertainment we sparingly watch episodes of Curb Your Enthusiasm so they can last the whole month without reruns. Life is alright now. It could be better. But it's alright.
Not too many photos today but the ones posted are (1) a humongous moth outside our bedroom window that Mike made me run outside and see as soon as I woke up this morning. I don't like regular sized moths that much never mind this giant. (2) Our preferred internet cafe.
No comments:
Post a Comment