Costa Rica  -  February 2003
After holding our breath, wondering if we were going to be able to get out of Newark Airport because of a winter storm that left over 3 feet of snow on the ground, we landed in San Jose to warm weather and sunshine.  Sixteen of us spent the next 10 days enjoying this wonderful country.  The people were welcoming, the flowers  beautiful, the birds colorful, the volcanos thrilling, the monkeys  howling, and the crocodiles  frightful.
LaPaz waterfall
One of the many unique hotels we stayed at.
Local school children in native costumes entertained us with their dancing and we reciprocated with a rousing rendition of our National Anthem and God Bless America
Views of the lake in the crater of Poas Volcano above and lava flowing down the sides of Arenal Volcano below.
Some of our fellow travelers preparing the food we had been assigned to buy for dinner one evening.  As you can see, we all had fun with this adventure.  We were very lucky to be taking this trip with a group of interesting and friendly people
Here is Gilbert, our most excellent guide, whose knowledge of the flora, fauna and geology of Costa Rica was extremely impressive.  On top of that he and Walter, our skillful bus driver, were both wonderful Ambassadors of Good Will for their country. 
Punta Coral, where we spent a restful day swimming, kayaking, eating, drinking, enjoying the music of Abuelito and just plain having a great time.
Can you believe two 60 year old people actually went swinging from tree top to tree top, enjoyed white water rafting or covered themselves in mud!  It just goes to show that you're never too old to experience life.
There were two dozen crocodiles sunning themselves in this river.    On other days we saw multitudes of iguna, pelicans, spoonbills, frigate birds and monkeys in the tops of trees. 
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And so, like this beautiful setting sun we saw returning from Punta Coral, we come to the end of a lovely journey.  Adios to Costa Rica and the 16 new friends we made on this trip.
Pura Vida!   
During river tours and bus rides Gilbert would pick out caymans, heron, lizards and all manner of native wild life.  Then at night he gave us lessons in astronomy.  He was never without his binoculars or telescope.
Wheeeee! 
Can you see me sliding along the cable
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