Whatever Wednesday - No Fooling Around in Costa Rica

Our guide, Randall, is an amazing man. This was his last tour for Odyssey and our group was very fortunate to have him.  Here we are at his own home, about two hours outside of San Jose, to see his orchid farm. Randall has over 700 species and hybrids of orchids. He's not officially a botanist, but this is his specialty and he does studies on the pollination and effects of climate change. He has certifications from the Smithsonian for his work. Scientists come from all over the world to see his garden. Absolutely fascinating

And we were treated to lunch. His mother, two  sisters, and a niece cooked an authentic Costa Rican meal of chicken & rice, beans, salad, and THE BEST TORTILLA I've eaten in my life. 

Dessert was a flan

 All that and surrounded by the beauty of orchids. 

We also had a quick walk on his property - a lush jungle of flora. 

This jaunt was a highlight of our trip - and it was only day two!

Happy April!  No foolin' 

Monday Moments - Costa Rica Butterflies

As I said, the coffee plantation itself was lovely with a garden outside the souvenir ship.  Ray's enjoying the view around the bench

Birds of paradise. I love these flowers

This tree glowed colors

I enjoyed the butterfly garden

Spooky eye
 

Finally Friday - Costa Rica and Coffee

 Costa Rica is famous for its coffee.  Our guide gave a great tour

This coffee plantation was gorgeous

The old authentic cart and oxen - a symbol of the country's history

We learned about the process

Ray and I are not coffee drinkers.  Folks on our tour were buying a lot to ship home - not quite this size bag!

Whatever Wednesday - Costa Rica Cathedral

San Jose, Costa Rica - a very old church founded in the 1600s - The Lady of the Angels.  This is the most recent iteration. Gorgeous

Stunning woodwork

Very spiritual

I love a dome

 Clear blue skies as a cross backdrop

Monday Magic of Costa Rica

Greetings and Happy Spring.   I am back indeed and now reliving the magic of Costa Rica by presenting you with a selection of scenery. 

Let's visit the Arenal Volcano region first.  We walked on the black volcanic ash sand, and saw huge boulders that were spewed by the power.  Last eruption was 1968. 
 

Some gorgeous flowers 

Ray's hand is contrast to the size of that leaf

More views

Stunning clouds. This was as close as allowed for the actual rim. 

Stay tuned - plenty more on the way

Whatever Wednesday - I am Back

 I am back. Did you miss me?

Ray and I were in  Costa Rica.   Now, I am playing catch-up.

As a travel teaser, here's a red-eyed frog we saw on a night walk.  He's a little friendly fellow, not to be confused with the red poison dart frog.

More pics and descriptions to come.  Costa Rica is gorgeous. Lots of variety in the nature and regions.  From rainforest to cloud forest to volcano and finally beach - I'll be bringing you plenty of posts.

I'll also  catch up  and read your blogs.  Until then, this frog has his eyes on YOU, my friends.

Monday Moments - Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid

 1980s space program.   Anything was possible and women were finally admitted to the program.

Atmosphere by Taylor Jenkins Reid brings to life the intensity of the NASA Space shuttle program. 

Joan Goodwin has been obsessed by the stars forever.  She's admitted to the 1980 Houston's Johnson Space Center along with exceptional candidates - Hank, Griff, Lydia, Donna, and Vanessa Ford.  They all bring varying skills. 

Unlikely friends.  We watch them prepare for their first flights and learn to trust each other. Joan also finds a love she never imagined.

December 1984 - a mission changes it all (life as Joan  knows it) in an instant. 

Reid truly sets a great backdrop, offers us interesting characters, and a  very real plot line. 

What can happen beyond  the limits?    Read and find out.