Did I really sign up for this.... ?? :-

Yes, class started today. The placement test took 30sec as I quickly modeled a deer in the headlights. The senora thanked me and told me to wait with the others. I feared I may be the first ever not to actually get into class. As it turned out, probably because I paid money, they found a spot for me with 3 others - a Swede, an Italian and another American. As our group started, I realized I must still be in the wrong group, even though this was the most basic, beginner class. The instructor, or profesior (don't hack my Spanish spelling just yet) shot out of the gate in full Spanish all the while smiling. My mind began to race as I wondered how I'd ever know what she was talking about with no reference to the English equivalent. I was assured this was par for the course and my utter state of confusion was quite normal.

Things were fine until we had to tell each other our age in Spanish. My only hope at this point is that if I added together the ages of the other 3 students, their combined total would possibly exceed my age - ouch!! The Swede weighed in at 18, the Italian at 28 and the American at 26. Could I really be their dad - say it wasn't so. Well, at least we got that out of the way, but we had to turn the page in the book to find mine. :-) Four hours later we wrapped things up. I'm not sure what we wrapped up but the instructor was quite pleased with my dismal performance and deserves an Oscar for her acting ability.

The previous two acclamation days were fantastic! I hung out at my lush, open air hotel and pool, all to myself for Saturday. I enjoyed the hospitable staff, drank cervezas and had a fine cigar - all poolside. At around 3pm I felt as though the sky was falling. Stuff was coming down on me out of the trees above and I thought to myself, "this can't be just the wind".  I looked up and realized I was contending with monkeys and definitely they had a more advantages spot for this encounter. It appeared they were feeding on the little red fruit in the tree and were discarding the husks very accurately my way. Hmm... this is war! So, armed with my camera I began to fight back. I eventually ran them all off (actually, I think they were done eating). Having a look of victory on their little faces, they scurried off but not without me catching them on 'film'. Check it out. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2MnE16WJznk)

Squirrel Monkey or Titi - on bungalow

White-faced Capuchin - culprit!!

I woke up to a beautiful day Sunday and decided it was time to venture out of my little bungalow and see the famous Manuel Antonio beach. After chatting with a local, I got the scoop. Take the bus to the beach, walk to the water, turn right and go 1 kilometer until you come to the rocks in the water - great views and breathtaking sunsets. After that, head up the little dirt road through the jungle and come upon the main road where you'll find another bus stop. It all sounded really good..... until the thunderstorm came rolling in.

Fortunately for me, I found a really cool beach, tiki bar and hid out there. Storm watching was great, I chatted with a couple foreigners, had some tropical drinks and suddenly it dawned on me that it was getting dark. I needed to go. I was directed to the little dirt road and began my trek in my swimming suit and flip flops donning a back pack. Note to self... this was a bad idea and getting worse. After trudging up what seemed like Mt. Kilimanjaro, soaking wet from the pouring rain, alone in the dark, jungle noises all around, in mud soaked flip flops, 2 wrong turns and 1.5 hours later, I found civilization and the bus stop - Hallelujah!!!! All I can say is the shower I took was truly a slice of heaven. Welcome to the jungle! :-)

Here are some photos.... enjoy and if you're wondering about my judgment, you should be :-) Until next time... Adios!

Manuel Antonio Beach

Yes I am really here! :-)

Village of Manuel Antonio

View from Pizzeria

Another view from Tiki Bar

View during rain from Tiki Bar

What can I say - beautiful!

 COSI language school

1st day of school - back balcony

Meditation after class.... :-)

Iguana eavsdropping during class

View of Pacific from COSI