2019: Costa Rica

Nov 12, 2019: Montaña Linda Guest House, Orosi ($32 @589 = col 18,800)

• Looked at the weather report - rain all over Costa Rica for at least another week - and decided to cancel the car and sign up for some Spanish tutoring.  So I am headed by bus for Orosi, which is supposed to have a good, inexpensive program, including a homestay option.  Their website says they start at the beginning of each week - here’s hoping they can start me midweek.

• The bus only went half way to Cartago, and I left my lightweight rain jacket on it when I got off.  Idiot.  Oh well, I never did like it that much (too hot), and I have my windbreaker, so maybe it’s not so bad.  One curious event.  After boarding the bus, I left it briefly to clean my seat window from the outside; when I re-entered, I had to pay again!  

• Walked to the Basílica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, an ornate Byzantine style church built in the 1630’s, and housing Costa Rica’s most important religious object, La Negrita.  Lunch of a large plate of ceviche at La Puerta del Sol, the city’s best restaurant.  Bill: 10% service, 13% I.V. (?)

• Comment: No dogs, pets : big change from Mexico.

• I spoke too soon: three friendly dogs met me as I approached the hostel.  Rafa directed me to the actual guesthouse.  More dogs spotted in yards, and being walked.  The place is dog- friendly!

• Now at Montaña Linda Guest House.  On a slight hill, overlooking the town and surrounding valley.  Very low-key.  Kinda musty.   Only a family with young child as other guests.  Will start my Spanish lessons tomorrow: 8:30 - 11:30.  Presumably meet my homestay family as well.  For now, alone and peaceful for the afternoon.  Maybe a walk around town?

• Walked around town - friendliest damn place I’ve ever visited - Everybody smiles and said hello.  Had an Apple turnover and coffee at one place, ice cream cones at two other places, and a really good cafe con leche at a fourth.  Passed another three ice cream / milkshake / smoothie parlors, about a half dozen bakeries, and three pizza places.  All these in a town of less than 5,000.  I don’t get it, but I like it.  

• Lots of emails back and forth on the Patricia Leon’s noisy and lengthy remodel in unit 301 (just below ours).  Her husband Javier has agreed to stop construction during our next renter’s stay, but no word of what happens when they leave on Nov 23.  If they continue the construction beyond that date, they will start to interfere with more renters and owners.  We are threatening a lawsuit.  The Board has made no decision.  There is no schedule in place.  Dave Rotary sent a humdinger to all owners, which managed to piss off Linda.  Woweee.