Here and There Blog

Finally finishing up with the rain forest. At the end of the day I'm happy but tired and don't care that I'm standing next to the sleeping viper.  Right around the corner was a poisonous dart frog.  Great views from the tram  The Tram  And more trees

In California we have surfer crossing, people running, and even a few duck crossing signs. In Australia I saw kangaroo and koala crossing signs. But this sign was a first for me.  Worker ant carrying leaf crossing. We had to stay to the side of the trail so we didn't squash any of the ants as they went about their business in the rain forest. Costa Rica takes conservation seriously.

Each day around 3:30 - 4:00 pm the arrival of dozens of parrots is a loud affair and only competes with the church bells for sheer deafening volume. The parrots are common here but not a normal activity for me so for the first few days it was fun to watch. Parrots below.          

I've only ever seen one sloth and it was at the Baltimore Aquarium.  Nice but not exciting. After 3 hours in the rain forest in Costa Rica I thought I wasn't going to see any animals. Then right at the end of the tram, this one was hanging from a tree as sloths are known to do.

Normally when you look at the picture on your tourist ticket, you don't give it a second thought. It's there, you're in, move on. In the rain forest though, who knew?  The warning we were given was "don't go off the trail" because there are snakes.  And this little viper was all happily relaxing and our warning was "don't use a flash". No flash.

This is the Rain Forest Adventure Park located on the border of Braulio Carrillo National Park, located outside of San Jose, CR. A tram takes you through the trees and up and along both forest floor and ceiling. Due to lack of sunlight, the flowers are found only in the open areas. All leaves have damage due to ants and caterpillars.  At times the clouds gave way to blue sky to frame the canopy.

My life revolves around the downtown area and Parque Central. This area is a hub of fast food, shops, people and pigeons. And a few sculptures too.  The sweeper has endless work for his still, steel body. The ever present pigeon watches on.  This one wasn't leaving for anything and posed away.  Gaudi inspired pigeon roost.  In case you can't get enough of real birds, how about some historical interpretations?

Well that was easy! The restaurant next door to the hotel had the local beer and one was even a dark Munich Dunkle style lager. Fairly decent and a nice surprise.

Haven't been in one yet but they're everywhere. All lined up and bright red, you can't miss them. I did the mad dash across the street just like this guy today. It was safe but raining so everyone wanted to be under shelter.  

I'm moved into Costa Rica for a few weeks. Last night's arrival didn't give much in the way of picture so this is my first look at the hotel area in the daylight. I think I'm spending today in a warehouse looking for pans. (really) At least I have the 15 minute drive to see something else of the area!  

48 hours - the meetings this week were at the hotel so I haven't set foot off the property since the first night. The hotel is warm and dry, so no reason to leave until the flight Thursday morning. The odd sunset glow over the ballpark. Didn't really capture well since it was orange, not yellow but still kind of cool.

I lucked out this time. No old building, no rainfall (yet) and a glimpse of the river!

Home long enough to enjoy two bouts of rain and one odd day of sun. The beach was nearly empty today.     Back on the road tomorrow. Next stop - St. Louis!

You got it - still out!

Still in meetings.