December 28, 2007

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 28TH, 2007

Ten days in San Jose, Costa Rica, as an ex-pat and not a tourist.

So far liking:

The bright orange yolks of the huevos pastoreo from AutoMercado.
Cool weather.
Butterflies in the huge mall, Multi-Plaza.
Less than $15 for a first run movie and pop-corn for 3 people.
No one talking through the movie.
"Hiking" in the park with our daughter, who can't get enough of the new plants and birds.
Dos Pinos' natilla liviana - totally kicks Breakstone sour cream's butt!
El Fogoncito's tacos al pastor, with an odd, but delicious slice of pineapple inside.
The landlady here at my husband's apartment.
Having my family back together!

Not liking so much:

The loud bird that screeches and clicks for an hour or so, at dawn, every morning.
Funky neon-red spider crawling down the wall Christmas morning.
Not having a car yet.
Taxista that tried to rip me off with 'fixed' maria.
Rotten smelling shrimp from AutoMercado and annoyed reaction of seafood guy when I complained.
Mediocre butter.
Only being able to find whole milk in tetra-pak - not fresh!
Having to fiddle around with the internet connection several times a day because of dropped line.
Not having a cell phone yet.
No listing of public bus schedule.

The 'not liking' list is minor stuff. Okay, the butter and milk thing may make me a little nuts...but still, all in all, so far so good.

The real fun will start after New Year's, when I'll try to find a new home for us. Some place close to Tom's office, that allows dogs, is safe, quiet, has internet service and cable, etc.

Right now I'm wondering where the big metal container with our stuff is. In Miami still? Out on the water? They said 4 to 5 weeks from pick-up. I miss my lemon zester. Strangely, that's all I miss...so far.