After 2 abortive starts on Continental thru Houston, I switched to Delta with a flight through Atlanta (unscathed by Ike!) Originally, I'd avoided Delta as the flight leaves Austin for Liberia, Costa Rica at 5:30am. But, even that turned out to be a great experience; at least, after a cup of coffee. We took off in darkness, but, in about 30 minutes a brilliant orange ( or could we say 'burnt orange') glow lit the horizon, almost like photos of a forest fire. As that faded, the clouds took on a deep pink hew and then the sun burst forth over the sky. I think I was one of the few passengers to see this glorious sunrise as most of the plane was asleep!
Guess I'd better explain exactly why I am headed for Costa Rica as my travels usually have a purpose. I am part of a Fam (travel agent familiarzation trip) sponsored by Leigh Ann (see profile notes). Tana Taylor, my good friend and fellow travel agent was also on the Continental flights that never took off, but American flight she was able to get this morning flew into San Jose which is in the central valley while Liberia , where the Fam began on Saturday(several agents weren't on CO and were able to get in on time), is on the Pacific coast 4 1/2 hrs away,.
When she lands about 3pm our driver will pick her up and bring her here. I'm a bit envious of the beautiful drive she will have coming thru the countryside.
For those of you not familiar with the geography of Costa Rica, it is a small Central American country located south of Nicaragua and north of Panama, bordering the Pacific coast on the west and the Caribbean Sea on the east. The Ticos (as the Costa Ricans are called) are warm, friendly and thoroughly delightful people -- they should be since they live in a little bit of paradise. With its rain forests, volcanoes (some are still active), rugged coast lines, tropical dry and rain forests; breathtaking waterfalls , abundant wildlife and flowers, it's easy to understand the origins of the name 'Rich Coast' (Costa Rica ).
This country is unique in Central America as they are celebrating over 100 years of peace and democracy. With a literacy rate of 97% this country places a strong emphasis on education. Maybe they could teach us some valuble lessons.
When I landed in Liberia, Leigh Ann picked me up, and we drove about 1 1/2hrs to Hacienda Pinilla where we will be staying for 2 more nights. I'll tell you about this lovely place in my next post as we have to leave for a site inspection of the new JW Marriott. It's not finished so we're doing a 'hard hat inspection.
Gotta run -- no time to check for typo's. Love to hear from you.
Linda
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4 comments:
Yay! So glad you made it and I'm so glad that leaving the country didn't cause any memory loss on how to post to your blog. I'm so proud :-) Also glad to hear that Tana was able to go as well. Guess it's all working out in the end. Not much going on here. Had two fillings replaced this morning at the dentist so that wasn't such a fun start to the week but at least it's over. Can't wait to get more updates throughout the week!
nice work on the blog! hopefully you avoid any pacific hurricanes (yes, they do exist as we learned this year ;-)
It took a few minutes but we finally figured out to post to your blog. we are just a little slow with this new technology. hope you have a great trip and we look forward to seeing some pictures as well as reading your comments.
Well...I guess my prayers didn't get you through IAH! Oops, guess you better not rely on me anymore!?! But I always knew you were a persevering woman; you made it! All is well in Green Trails; beautiful crisp Fall mornings, love it. I'll save some for you. ENJOY and Count Your Blessings, Kay W.
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