this weekend

After a stop for cash, and then another stop for cash when the first stop yielded nothing (Friday was payday in San Jose), we reached the bus stop Saturday morning at 6:25 am. 

3/7 of our family was headed to the hills, joining other folks from ILE on a hike to the locally famous Tres Cruces.  Tres Cruces is a series of crosses high on the hills surrounding San Jose.  Hikers climb, and descend, even into the cloud cover, and are rewarded with a stop at a waterfalls, amazing views of San Jose, and the satisfaction of knowing you did it.  And, pizza on the way home.

4/7 of our family was headed to a church yard sale across town, requiring bus transfers we have never before made.  With our Amazing Race-worthy adventurer, Kathy, we trekked across central San Jose, found the right bus, and got off at the right place, too.  After the yard sale, we hitched a ride (gasp!  just kidding!  with people we know!) to the gigante Multiplaza Escazu.  We oohed at seemingly overpriced American import groceries at AutoMercado, and enjoyed a tasty lunch at Quiznos.  (mmm... just like the States!).  And then we headed home.  Except that in our hurry to catch the coming bus, we somehow found ourselves traveling the wrong direction.  ooops.  We confirmed that with the nice lady sitting behind us, exited at the next stop, crossed under the highway, came up on the other side, and turned ourselves around.  Once back in San Jose, we negotiated through the packed Saturday crowds, a Mardi Gras style parade, and vendors of every purse, cheap toy and pirated movie under the sun, and after only standing in one line for the wrong bus, we were on the final leg home. 

Have I mentioned that, in general, I have a fear of buses?  You never know where they might turn.  Subway trains are so much more predictable...

Halloween is not really celebrated in Costa Rica. 
Except for the lack of candy, I haven't missed it a bit.  If you have extra KitKats, Almond Joys or candy corn, I'll be glad to take them off of your hands...

Reformation Day is recognized in the Costa Rican church. 
Gracias Martin Lutero!

Listening to the World Series, Los Giants contra Los Rangers, in Spanish is a hoot.  The Latino announcers are as excited about a home run as a goal scored in soccer!

An unexpected Skype appearance by a friend is a welcome distraction on a Sunday afternoon.

And homework on Sunday night always takes longer than expected, no matter how old you are.

Blessings in the week ahead!