A 10:27 Club Redux!

Last Thursday, only two days into the New Year, was another wild and crazy day for "The 10:27 Club" as we took off to revisit the site of our initial incarnation in the mountains above Zarcero. You might recall the incident, recorded in my blog post of October 24, 2012, in which my innocent request for a potty stop resulted in a tequila-soaked day of fun and adventure. This time the original gang was joined by a few new friends, whom I fondly refer to as "groupies," for a total of eighteen. There was the old gang of Marcial and Seidy, Bonnie and Stephen, Chris and Sue, Eroca and Marc and Yours Truly (minus Layne, who stayed home with a bunged up knee), along with semi-official members Darlene and Glynn, Howard and Judi, and Joni, who came without her jovial spouse Mike. We were joined by enthusiastic newcomers Sue and Rick and Vicki and Julian.

Around every curve, a gorgeous vista!

We piled into a jumbo-size van, driven by our capable (and sober) conductor Mainor, for the beautiful drive up the mountain past Naranjo, through Zarcero, and on up to La Posada del Buho, the Owl Inn, where Christmas decorations and even napkin holders are shaped as owls. As on our first visit, we arrived prior to the "legal" opening time of 11:00 a.m. but apparently they were expecting us because the doors quickly opened to welcome us. 

The bartender laid out eighteen shot glasses rimmed with salt and Marcial began to pour. We all checked our watches or smart phones, only to find that the times didn't agree. Was it 10:27 or only 10:24? Who knew? Who cared! Down the hatch went the first toast with a hearty cheer for The 10:27 Club! With Latin music to inspire us, we were soon dancing on the small stage, led by Glynn and Joni, followed by Eroca and Seidy and Yours Truly.

Marcial pours as Rick and Joni wait impatiently 

Does anybody really know what time it is?
Does anybody really care?

Joni and Glynn start the dancing...

... Eroca and Seidy keep it going

Eroca and Yours Truly having fun

Rick and his "earrings"

Lunch is served!

But we were there, after all, for a hike so after a couple of shots and some dancing as warm-up, we struck off up the gently sloping road. Along the way Eroca picked some stunning white flowers (lilies perhaps?), which Rick later used as "earrings." Hardcore members, Chris, Seidy, Marcial, Stephen and others made a real trek out of it but some of us decided on a less strenuous outing and soon took advantage of the van for a ride back to the bar where lunch was to be served. We all agreed the food was "¡muy rico!"

The guys pose for a photo

After our leisurely lunch, we thanked our wait staff profusely and left a nice tip, then posed for a few pictures as we tried to get organized to leave. As we were preparing to depart, we were surprised to see a herd of dairy cows traipsing down the middle of the road, herded from behind by a small pickup truck.

Cows have the Right of Way!

The drive back down the hill to Zarcero was a panorama of one gorgeous view after another so we stopped for photos several times along the way. 

Seidy adds beauty to the beautiful scene

Once back in town we made the mandatory stop at the home of the lady who makes incredibly delicious helados (ice creams), some prepared using Zarcero's famous sour cream. Chocolate with peanuts, mixed fruits, strawberry, coconut... who could decide? So most of us had more than one!

Sue, Bonnie & Stephen chow down

Mr. Miller is serious about that ice cream!

The "Ice Cream Lady"

After a few minutes exploring the fabulous topiary park in front of Zarcero's dramatic Catholic church and watching kids play in front of the beautiful mural, we were soon on our way again. 

Zarcero's topiary park

Seidy picks some "lucky" flower for us

As we passed a field of blue flowers, Seidy insisted we stop so she could pick some for us all. It seems that if you pick one of these flowers on New Year's Day, press it and put it in your wallet, you will have money all year long. Even though this was the second day of the New Year, we all hope the old custom works for us. Whether or not our day brought us wealth for the coming year, it certainly provided us with wonderful memories!

I am pleased to announce that Layne's novel, "Moral Turpitude, Book One of The Ange Parker Series," is now available on Amazon.com in Kindle format for just $4.99. Five star reviews! High adventure with corporate intrigue, danger and romance; from the exotic jungles of Borneo and Costa Rica to the erotic jungles of San Francisco. A great read! Pick up your copy here -http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00HI25M1K/

The Ups and Downs of Pura Vida

The beauty of the flowers on our walk this morning stands in stark contrast to the darkness of our mood. Yesterday we got word of another family member with a serious health crisis, prompting Layne to head for Oregon this Saturday for several weeks to help the family. We are quite worried and as a result of the uncertainty, we decided not to take the house I wrote about in my last post. Although we are disappointed, it would have been very difficult for me to pack and make the move without him here. Plus, the possibility of additional trips being necessary during the next few months means we need to conserve our funds; so all in all, it seemed like the best decision. As I’ve said before, we love where we live now, appreciate our wonderful landlords and other than wanting more space for parties and guests, we really are quite fine here. So here we’ll stay for now.

Roscoe returns!

The good news is that Roscoe, our pit bull pal reported missing in my last post, is back home! Eduardo went to the gentleman’s house who was holding the dog about a mile from here and, when he explained the situation, the man said, “Well, if he’s your dog he’ll know you.” And of course, when Roscoe saw Eduardo, he was beside himself with joy so the question was answered in the affirmative and home they came. When Roscoe came bounding down the hill to our apartment Tuesday morning, we were so happy to see him and clearly the feeling was mutual. The smile on his face was ear-to-ear!

Playa Dona Ana

Last week we went back to Playa Dona Ana with our friends Sally and Leonard where we rendezvous from time to time with Gringo and Tico friends from nearby communities. Often we meet someone new and this trip was no exception. In addition to acquaintances Paul and Gloria from San Ramon, who organize these beach outings, we met Kevin and Patricia, saw locals Jim and June and made a new friend named Joe. Layne had taken along his cool backpacker guitar, a gift from his son Jess, but when he found out that Joe was a “real” musician who plays local clubs with his band, Layne got stage fright and never took the guitar out of the case. However, when we learned that Joe would be playing here in Atenas this week, we decided we’d go watch the big boys play. So on Tuesday evening, we headed downtown to Don Tadeo’s bar and restaurant for dinner and a little live music in support of our new friend.

Musician Joe at the head of the table

Joe plays the drums, so with all his equipment he was the first band member to arrive and start setting up. But soon after he had begun to spread out the snares and cymbals, the manager approached him and as they talked, we could tell there was a problem. Joe soon came over to our table and explained to us there would be no music. After a few neighbors went to the city complaining about the noise and other problems, management had decided to end the live music. Unfortunately, they didn’t get in touch with the band members in time to avoid their making the trip to Atenas, in one case a three-hour drive from Cartago! To say we were all disappointed is an understatement. But when our Tica friend Leigh and her Gringo date arrived, we made the most of the evening with a few beers and some lively conversation. So, as we say, Pura Vida! 

The Dancing Gringa!

Sunday, February 21, 2010

It finally rained the other day, on my birthday Thursday, as I recall. Much like Camelot, however, the rain fell mostly after sundown. Only in late afternoon did a light mist begin to fall. It was through the soft spray that I noticed a rainbow running all the way across the sky. In spite of a few drops on my glasses and perhaps on the camera lens, I did manage to capture a shot or two. As I took this one, I saw that it was actually a double rainbow, with a faint second arc above the darker one. Quite spectacular!

The big birthday came and went without much to-do here but we did go out for a nice seafood dinner at a local restaurant, La Barca de Mariscos, which means The Seafood Boat. We had been told it was good but more expensive than our fave next door, La Cubana. (La Cubana deserves a post of its own. It’s truly a Costa Rican classic!) One of the best things about La Cubana is Monica, the barmaid that waits on us each night and who has become something of an amiga, due to our efforts to communicate in Spanish and the frequent laughter that results. Now when she sees us arrive, she automatically brings over two Imperial beers for us oh-so-predictable Gringos.

At La Barca, the extensive menu was entirely in Spanish and included numerous terms unfamiliar to me so out came the Palm Pilot and I began looking up first one word then another. But our smiling waiter soon came to the rescue with an English language version. When we ordered, I told him “Hoy es mi cumpleanos!” Today is my birthday, I said, by way of explaining the bottle of Chiliean wine we had ordered. Soon our generous plates arrived and as we were finishing up, the young man surprised us with a small cake sporting one lighted candle on it! I don’t know what kind of cake it was but it had a delicate custard-like character. Muy delicioso! I glanced into the kitchen area and saw the owner smiling with delight at our pleasure. Happy Birthday to me!

In our walks around town, we had seen a bar and restaurant nearby that advertised Musica Viva - live music - several nights a week. So last night, we decided to check it out. After watching part of the Olympics, we headed to La Caverna, splurging again on dinner out. But since even the high priced dinners here are less than half what the same meal would cost in the states, we figured our budget could handle it. Located only about two blocks from our villas, La Caverna lived up to its name. The music was down some steep stairs in a bar area decorated just like a cavern, complete with fake stalactites hanging from the rocky grey ceiling. With table seating for perhaps 35-40 and no obvious dance floor, it was a cozy cantina but almost empty when we arrived.

However, not quite empty. Seated at a table with another woman and a man was Monica, our friend from La Cubana. She saw us come in and greeted us warmly, laughing as we ordered wine with our dinner instead of our standard cerveza.

The dinner was excellent, one of the best we’ve had. I’m very fond of a certain fish here, corvina, which I think basically means sea bass. I’ve had it breaded and fried or grilled and last night I ordered it with a salsa de aguacate, or avocado sauce. Along with some nicely spiced mashed potatoes, a side of sautéed broccoli and cauliflower plus a small salad, it was fantastic! Layne’s steak was flavorful although not as tender as one might wish but the mushroom sauce with it was tasty.

Then the Saturday night crowd began to filter in and slowly the place filled up almost to capacity. Advertised as beginning at 8:30, but on Costa Rican time more like 9:30, the two-man band finally began, one on guitar, the other with a drum and bongo set up, and both singers with strong voices. It was great music, flavored with lively salsa and Latin beats, interspersed with apparently humorous bits from the musicians, based on the audience reactions. As the only Gringos in the crowd, we never got the jokes but certainly enjoyed the ambiance and the saucy music.

Suddenly, during one particularly lively song, Monica began waving me over to her table. Not knowing what she might want, I scooted over and quickly found myself being pushed onto the tiny dance floor in front of the band with her male companion!

Well, if it’s got a beat, I can dance to it! And I’m not known for being shy so I immediately got the picture and started to dance, joyfully and with wild abandon to the energetic music. Before I knew it, the audience was clapping to the beat, encouraging my dance partner and me in our improvised entertainment. What fun! Now I’m probably known around town as La Gringa Bailando, or “the dancing Gringa!” I can’t wait to see Monica again and ask why she chose me to put in the spotlight that way. Do I have “dancer” tattooed on my forehead or something?

Today was farmers’ market day again and after the regular Sunday morning phone call to my mom in Texas (free, thanks to Magic Jack!), off we went to replenish our supply of fruits and veggies for the next few days. The festive atmosphere of this weekly event brings out the entire town, it seems.

The park was filled with adults and children, many of them watching skateboarders practice their tricks on obstacles set up on the school basketball court, converted into a mini-Olympic course for the teens. After Layne took a few photos of the athletes

in their trials, we shopped for pineapple, strawberries, watermelon, cilantro, avocado and, of course, mango. A couple of the vendors, after weighing my selection, added extra mangos to my bag for free! Muchas gracias!!