Alajuela!

I don't know what I was thinking getting an early morning flight.  4:00 am came way too early!  I was at the airport by 5, on my plane by 6 and headed to Houston.  I was in Houston for about an hour...really uneventful.  The flight from Houston to Costa Rica was about 3 hours.  It was only partly cloudy the whole flight...until we crossed the border from Nicaragua to Costa Rica.  Then all I could see from my window was white.  I am pretty sure I saw Arenal volcano as we flew over...but not positive.

My first glimpse of Costa Rica was as we were making our landing in San Jose.  I landed at 11:40 (12:40 Austin time) and, thanks to customs, didn't actually leave the airport until 1:20.  What a mad house...just to get a taxi.  I had a nice conversation with my cab driver though.  After getting to my hotel in Alajuela, I went across the street to a local soda and had the daily special.

After eating and drinking some fruit drink....I have no idea what kind...and I hope I don't get sick from the ice....I went walking around and found the central plaza here. There were lots of mango trees and squirrels and pigeons....and one fairly persistant tico that really wanted me to go out with him....I had to break his heart.  We sat in the park for about 45 minutes.....I did my best to understand him but only got about 1/4 of it...but I don't think he cared.  I got to see their red squirrels and pigeons...same as as home.  

Man, I am pooped.  It has been a long day!  And I still have to figure out dinner.  I get picked up at 8 am tomorrow and then I'm off to Rainsong.

Pura Vida!