Sunday, Feb 13, 2010 Valentines Day

How could i not be happy here. Anita just came and announced that she was going to treat Ada y Yerlin y me to dine at the Chinese place. Or else she is going to cook Chinese for us. Or she is going to order in. No matter. She ordered me not to change clothes, to just sit here and wait. On the veranda. Oh, yes, this is all because it is Valentine's Day , she says, and she loves us. Am I living a perfect life, or what?

Okay, turns out it was New Year's Day for Anita too. She brought 2 men along. either spoke any English. One kissed my hand in farewell. I was puzzled, but cooperative and polite. After all, Anita was treating us all to dinner. No explanation ensued. Puzzlement reigns and the girls make ribald jokes.

There was a big storm today and a large tree was blown down near the beach, across the road.

Monday Feb 15, 2010 New Apartment

Gypsy and the girls at Anita's and the taxi driver all carried bags from my room to the taxi. I did not carry anything. Anita, when I told her I was leaving today instead of tomorrow, looked stricken. then she got on the phone and remained talking until I left. Anita cries when I go and when I return and I think the phone thing is her way of dealing with the parting. I know the feeling and understand the behavior. I will go visit them tomorrow so they know I haven't left forever.

I have been adopted by a lot of people and treated like family, but that one, Anita and Ada and Yerlin are especially dear to me. Gad, listen to this. tomorrow or the next day I will tell you about the tarantulas in the shower drain. I must say I handled it well. The one I had close personal contact with, interacted with, attempted to murder, unsuccessfully was the size of my palm and hairy.

Indigenous fauna notwithstanding, I am loving every moment of this.

Thank you all for your encouragement.

I am going to Sam Jose alone on the bus one day this week. It is time I learned the city. You can't go to the opera if you can't find your way in the city.

Monday night

I am moved into my new home. Things are not unpacked, but we did shop today for necessities. I am propped up in my bed on the new mattress the lady bought for me, unbidden. I have a new pillow and my internet works. I am using it wired. Tomorrow I will deal with trying to hook up the WIFI, but tonight I am just grateful to be here and connected.

Tuesday Feb 16, 2010