Mexican Dominoes, Fire Dances, and Picnics

Casual socializing has never been our forte - for either of us. 

But now that we are out here - all alone in a foreign culture - we are putting a higher value on simply spending time with friendly people whenever we can.

Whatever invitation may come our way, we eagerly say "Yes!"

When our landlord invited us to an evening of Mexican dominoes with some gringo friends, we accepted - but with our usual hesitation. (Like, do we really want to play dominoes?)  And although it took us most of 3 hours to figure out the rules, you know what? We had a heckalotta fun.

Then a few weeks later we were enthralled by her daughter's evening fire dance performance: Imagine listening to wild jungle drumming in the black of night on a riverfront platform. You ain't in Kansas anymore Butchie!

Recently our friends Peter and Wynn invited us to their 2nd annual 4th of July party at their remote riverside home in the hills about 45 minutes outside of San Isidro.

They invite a mix of locals and expats and this year they had about 60 attendees. Our plan was to bus part of the way and then walk the last 6 km up the dirt road to the village of San Francisco de Rivas, which has very infrequent bus service. 

We had just begun our walk up the road when Sam and her sister Sharon drove up behind us and motioned us into their cars.  We know them from the farmer's market and our walks around Quebradas. So with a little help from our friends, we arrived at the party.

Then midway through the festivities a tropical downpour pounded the tin roof, drowning out all conversation. So we gathered out on the protected patio to feel the torrential rain and watch the river multiply in size, thundering over the boulders. 

We stood together mesmerized, deafened, and baptized by the sheer power of water. The rockets red glare was far from our minds. 

What a wonderful new way to celebrate independence day with an intriguing group of highly inter-dependent people. 

Gathering at the big house with Carol.

Peter explains how he renovated an old Tico house and made it something special.

Peter and Wynn's backyard.

Peter describes the construction of the amazing rock seating area.

Anita, Peter, and Wynn. What a fun afternoon several days before the party.

Rio Chirripo is a raging beauty.

Outdoor living

House with no walls

Ready! Right 1 - 2 Left 1 - 2.  Dance lessons Tuesdays and Thursdays in a local restaurant.

This basilisk lizard was over 2 feet long, sunning by the river.

Ana is one fit lady and a helluva fitness coach at our riverfront, middle of the boondocks gym.

A 7 inch walking stick insect on the outside of the bathroom window.

Walk, walking stick, walk.

Orange fungus

Baby lizards sun themselves by the river.  This little guy is upwards of 15 inches long.  Sometimes we see 4 of them.

F15 bug ready for takeoff.  Is it a winged cricked?  Is it a wonky wasp?  Is it an accident of nature?  I don't know but it's in my living room and I want it out.