Back in the States!

Hola mi familia,

I apologize for my lag in initial response upon returning from my Costa Rican adventure. I have been gradually assimilating back into our fortunate American lifestyle. Working with the "older" guy this past week as expidited my reintroduction to hard work along with recouping my foreign expenses. By the time of our departure, I felt connected and apart of the Tico community. There coastal lifestyle consisting of surfing, fishing, community, and nature was a cultural combination that I thoroughly enjoyed.
The first week of the journey we spent everyday on the beach surfing and absorbing excessive amounts of equatorial sun light. My novice surf skills were rapidly improved by the indigo-blue waves of the Pacific Ocean. My compatriot's (Grace and Isaiah) gave a valiant daily effort paddling through the overwhelming whitewash and back-breaking waves. During my best day of surfing which provided head high smooth-faced waves, Grace grew progressively more intimidated of the constant pounding waves. She retreated to sun-bathing on the beach. I caught my best and most exhilerating ride that day which refurbished my desire to surf.
Being among local surfers, powerful natural phenomenons, and warm weather I grasped the local "Pura Vida" ideology. Upon entering Costa Rica, this national dictum is professed everywhere and on everything. It translates to "Pure Life." A general impersonal farewell would always include "Pura Vida," to both locals and foreigners. You would be quickly outcasted for not understanding or reciprocating "Pura Vida." We were thankful that Isaiah had already experienced this national motto on a previous trip.
Also on our trip, we fished the deep-blue waters filled with Tuna and Mackarel. Our two catches provided multiple delectable meals. We rented a 4x4 SUV and traveled throughout the Guanacaste region our final week. We spent a day at a local waterfall and another driving up the coast beach-hopping.
I apologize for the lengthy post and my rambling on about my escape from reality. I will post pictures soon and let them do the talking for me. I captured several breathtaking sunsets and happy to send copies of any personal favorites.

KLB