Thanks For Reading!

Muchas gracias to everyone who followed my advertures in Costa Rica through my blog!

A quick note about my trip home...I got to the airport and realized I was missing my wallet when I tried to pay the exit tax. Thankfully, Eugenia found it under my bed. Evidently, it had gotten kicked there the night before in the midst of packing and repacking. I barely made my flight, and only because two wonderful young men helped me. The porter who was hauling my luggage talked to the folks at Continental and they agreed to check my bags with just my passport (normally, you have to show the payment receipt for the exit tax as well) and another porter loaned me the $26 to pay the tax. Needless to say, they both received a big tip! I called my friend Mario, the world's greatest cab driver, and he made sure my wallet got to the airport, but without the help of those two great young men, I would have missed my flight. After that initial trauma, the rest of the trip was uneventful. I made it to NOLA, as did my luggage, and my dad picked me up.

On Wednesday evening, I made ceviche for my parents and myself. It was okay but much better when you have límons. Limes and lemons didn't quite have the same flavor, but it turned out alright. On Friday night, I made arroz con pollo, patacones and platonos fritos for my mom's birthday dinner. The arroz con pollo had good flavor but stuck together a little too much and the plaintains I used for the patacones were a little too ripe...the patacones had a sweet flavor to them. Of course, I was the only one at the table who knew better, so everyone enjoyed the meal.

So, this ends my adventures in paradise. Thanks for being a part of it! Vaya con Dios!

Ciao,
Tracie

"Adios" To Me!

I've spent the last few days saying my good-byes to all my new friends in Costa Rica. On Friday morning, Eugenia hosted the ladies from the pool for a good-bye breakfast. Naturally, with this group of women, it was loud and fun!

On Saturday night, I threw myself an "adios" party and invited all the friends I'd made in town since I've been here. We dined on chicken wings, potato skins and other assorted appetizers. A good time was had by all!