There are a few more things I wanted to share about our week at the beach, but I was too tired the other night. I'll also throw in some random stuff from yesterday and today (free of charge).
- On Thursday, Robin and I went on a little nature hike/adventure. We climbed up a mountain that was beside the beach. It was really more of a big hill, but mountain sounds better. Here's a picture we took from a cliff as we were climbing up.

- As we were leaving on the last day, we saw wild monkeys. Well, maybe I should say monkeys in the wild . . . their natural habitat. "Wild monkeys" sounds like something pretty scary. Anyway, it was cool. Their was a whole pack of them (pack of monkeys? . . . school? . . . herd? . . . cackle?), probably 8 or 9, climbing in the trees and running about.
- Yesterday, we drove into downtown San Jose. It was really our first time driving there. In fact, I wasn't even sure I knew the way . . . to San Jose. Driving through the city would be hard enough on a normal day. Yesterday, there was a parade going on. Chaos.
- There is a law in Costa Rica that says that businesses must pay their employees a bonus salary in December. The extra payment is called an "aguinaldo". Some Costa Ricans spend their aguinaldo on vacations, some on Christmas gifts. I think the rest spend theirs on fireworks. It is very common to see them illuminating the evening sky this time of year. One of our nearby neighbors had a party last night, complete with very loud fireworks. When they first started, I thought our apartment building was exploding. Robin took this picture from our bedroom window.
In case you're wondering . . . missionaries are not Costa Rican employees and thus do not receive an aguinaldo.
- We think we found a good church. We have tried a few different places since we moved to Belen. The last three weeks, we've attented a church called Vida Abundante. Its very close; we've enjoyed the services, and the congregation seems to be pretty young. It was recommended to us by a couple teachers from the school.
- Yesterday, we stopped by a fruitstand to pick up a pineapple and some bananas. Much to our delight, they had mangos. mmmm! Can you reach up, pull a star down from the sky and put it in your pocket? Such is mango. Seriously though, mangos are so good.
Remember . . . if Robin asks, I've been working on the letter.
Paz fuera
-For those of you who know Spanish, I realize that the preceding phrase doesn't really work. Some of my Spanish I students from last year came up with it and would use it often. Please forgive me. Also if I ever use similar incorrect phrases like ¿Que arriba perro? (another one of their favorites), I apologize.