Dinner with the locals

Hi all, it is Chris from Seattle here. After a few near-death days, I am back on the scene and running at 100 percent. As it turns out the view from standing is much better then the view of from the bed! Costa Rican hotels only have typical ceilings...

Costa Rica is beautiful beyond words and the people are extremely friendly. For the second evening we were invited to Nati's house for dinner, which is the picture that you see here. It was an amazing experience and Nati and her family were very accommodating. Her mom did the cooking, and her brother, father did the serving and entertaining. Needless to say, the food was incredible!

Dinner consisted of a citrusy salad with fresh pineapple and hearts of palm, a very fragrant rice, a delicious stew of beef and green beans all topped off with a tall, cool glass of fresh-squeezed lemonade! Fried plantains followed for dessert accompanied by a very traditional drink called "aqua dulce", a sweet, warm beverage made from boiled sugar cane.

We even were able to meet the pets which consisted of 6 members, a small dauchenshound which would lay at your feet, belly exposed for attention and a large retriever who could actually peel a banana! The other four remained unseen, although I am sure they had equally as impressive personalities.

It was an great evening with good conversation and delicious food! This is la pura vida (the good life) and was a great way to kick off this adventure.

More adventures await! Adios!


Nati, at the head of the table.
Nati's mom, left to right, father, and Jose.
Nati's mom piles food on Chris' plate.