Getting to the Rancho

Back at the Soda (small local family-run restaurant … great local food, great prices) Rein and Ricar eventually showed up! Hugs and greetings were exchanged and then I hopped into the backseat of the ‘really packed with stuff’ – including pizza - Land Rover! It was great! Our first stop in San Jose was at Rein’s warehouse where he keeps all of his wheelbarrow parts for his wheelbarrow business. I was informed by Reinaldo that we (and fortunately Otto had prepared me for this), yes we (that means me! who just spent the last 2 days trying to get to Costa Rica) were going to assemble 8 wheelbarrows and then distribute them along the way to the Rancho. Okay, then! Honestly I was still astonished that that was being expected of me – I mean, where is chivalry – I wasn’t wearing assembly clothes! Certainly I should be being given a nice tropical coconut cocktail with an umbrella in it! But, NOOOOO …! Then I remembered my gratitude for being given a ride to the Rancho (plus Rein had had to wait an extra day for me because of my travel blips etc. which resulted in erratic segments of sleep for both he and Ricar). So, I cheerily pitched in and did my part.

After the units were mostly assembled the frames with their ‘barrows’ attached were tied to the top of the vehicle and the wheels with their rubber (the olfactory offending type) tires were put behind the back seat – as in, oh let’s say, behind me (visualize the grimacing …). Now we were really packed! We stopped at two homes, a cement factory, two hardware stores, and a landscaping business to either sell wheelbarrows, or pick up or drop off paperwork, or collect money. These stops were of varying lengths of time and usually for a longer period than Rein mentioned it would take. Ricar, good-naturedly, said that the next time he needed to go to Punta Banco he would choose another method. I had to smile. It would actually end up taking us four extra hours to arrive at the Rancho.

One of the residences we stopped at was Rein’s business partner. Hmmmm … I’ve forgotten his name. But he lives in Jaco. Rein always stops on his way through. So we stopped and had coffee and – we’ll call him Bill – Bill made us some sandwiches for further on down the road. Nice guy. I guess he wanted to buy the Rancho 11 years ago but the ‘boys’ got it first. Supposedly he’s a pretty good chef.

An interesting side-bit Rein and I were made aware of was that Ricar’s grandfather was one of the founders of the town Rio Claro which we happened to be traveling through. As we drove through Ricar gave us a little history. Very interesting! And no, I don’t remember the details. I’ll have to ask him about it again.

The hardest part of this road trip was that Rein decided he also wanted to go into Panama to get fuel for the Land Rover and liquor for a group (Lightning Bolt) that was going to stay at the Rancho for 10 days. Oh, moan! Blessings aside, man, I was done traveling for the day! Not only was this a slightly risky venture he wanted to accomplish it was also, now, dark aaaaaaand it was going to add at least an hour or more to the journey. Sigh. Rein had his agenda and Ricar and I were indebted for the ride. Our sidetrack was successful and we continued our journey on the ‘bad’ roads with singing.

We arrived at Punta Banco safe and mostly sound – thanks, Rein! seriously – and dropped Ricar off at his place. Rein and I continued ¼ mile further down the road reaching the Rancho after everyone was in bed. Britta (one of the managers) got up to greet us and tell us that we were going to have to share a cabina because all of the others were full. Okay, then. We got our sheets and towels, went to the Boat House, showered and went to bed.

Sigh!

On my way to Costa Rica!

May 26, 2010

So, dear ones! I’m sitting in the Transit Lounge at the Santo Domingo airport and thought I’d draft a letter. I had no idea it took 10 hours to fly to Santo Domingo! Yikes! Talk about swollen feet. I mean, I know what to do to help that out but, still, what a doozy!

Otto and I left Barendrect at about 3:00 for the train station which is only about a seven minute walk from the house. He road with me as far as Utrecht to make sure I got on the correct train to Frankfort and then went back to Barendrecht. What a sweetheart. Otto had booked me a seat on the ‘fast’ train and as there was a business man in the seat next to the one reserved for me and he had his stuff sprawled out everywhere and it was clear to me that all the seats weren’t going to be taken I chose one without a window and dozed most of the way to Dusseldorf. I had barely slept the night before. It was refreshing to rest on the train. After we left Cologne, Germany the train developed a computer problem and we had to stop in Montabaur for 15 minutes to restart the computers. Then, we were off zooming again! When I heard we were stopping for repairs I bought a Snickers & a Pepsi. I was a little hungry! We reached Frankfort at 8:35ish or so (even though it only took 15 minutes to fix the computer we had lost another 15 minutes in traveling quite slowly – the cars on the roads were passing us!). I disembarked without any problems … I just let the suitcase (whose wheels and pull-along handle were broken) go ‘thunk, thunk, thunk down the steps of the train to the platform. I asked a couple who had been on the train if we were indeed at the airport and they said, yes. I didn’t want to take any chances of having gotten off prematurely. So I followed them up the elevator to the next level up where I got off. As I was dragging my suitcase behind me – laden with full backpack and purse/computer bag – I fine fine woman asked if I wanted her trolley! YES! I had been looking for them and hadn’t seen any yet. We transferred our things and off I went to Terminal 1 – Hall C. That took awhile as the elevator wasn’t in the direction of the arrows indicating my destination. I finally figured out that the symbol I needed to look for was the wheelchair symbol … that and Terminal 1/Hall C … it was quite the trip but eventually I arrived.

There was no problem with the weight of my bag as I had removed my computer’s electrical gadgets and put them in my backpack. My suitcase weighed in at 20Kg! The staff at the desk did not even question my backpack ( carry-on bags are limited in weight to 6kg). You also have to have an ‘exit plan’ in order to enter Costa Rica. The CR gov’t wants to know that you are not planning on staying and ‘leaching’ off of them. Otto had our friend/co-owner purchase bus tickets from San Jose to Panama City for us for that purpose. Reinaldo (our friend) did so and got them in the mail in plenty of time for us to receive them. HOWEVER, they hadn’t arrived for me to take one with me (they ended up coming the next day … !!) Otto printed up Rein’s and our emails discussing all this which happened to include a postal tracking code and gave me a copy. Otto and I then discussed how to handle this issue when I got to Frankfort. Here’s what I did: I explained everything that I just wrote and showed her the emails. I also gave her the date of exit. And told her that my ‘husband’ was bringing the tickets with him when he arrives next month. She made a call and then asked to see my money (proof that I could pay to get out of CR – she was embarrassed to have to ask … she was very nice! So, all was well, and off I went to find the gate.

The gate was another journey, but easy enough to find. I had to relinquish my cart there as I passed through security. No problems there. They didn’t question my backpack either … even though I think it got weighed. Next was finding a wireless spot to call Otto with my Skype. Not available! Not even at the restaurants. Well, there was T-mobile, but that costs 8€ per hour. Then I went about locating a cash phone which is what succeeded. Then I decided to get some food buuuuuut it was just past 10:00 p.m. and all the places were closed. Sigh. I still had half my Snickers so decided to wait it out and save it in case of dire need.

The plane was supposed to start boarding at 11:00 but didn’t actually get started until about 11:30 or so. As I was passing through the gate to board one of the male stewards stopped me and indicated in German something about my backpack. I didn’t want to assume I knew what he was saying so I said, “English?” He made a rude reply, turned around and stomped off a few feet. One of the female stewards who had just checked my boarding pass turned towards him and asked what the matter was. He rudely muttered, “ENGLISH!” Then he told me my pack was too heavy. He hadn’t lifted it so there was no way he would know. I told him the bag fits it the overhead compartment. He repeated that the bag was too heavy! Then he started speaking German again and handed me a tag for the bag. I stepped aside so I could remove my pillow and water bottle. What a crabby man! He must hate American backpackers! I left my pack with him and boarded the plane.

As it ended up I got the window seat and the seat next to me remained empty! There were only 2 seats (3 in the middle and then 2 on the other side). An unhappy Italian couple sat in front of me and a group of extremely talkative Dominicans sat around. There was one young woman who took the aisle seat in the row ahead of me – next to the Italians. The Italians were arguing. The Dominican girl talked non-stop and at a pace the must have made her tongue dizzy! “Heavens to Betsy”!!! I figured I’d just go to sleep. The Italian couple couldn’t stand the Dominican girls jabbering and finally got her attention and literally said ‘blah, blah, blah … blah, blah, blah’ ! I couldn’t believe it! How rude! She stood her ground and then just ignored them and kept up her jabbering. Eventually the Italians left to take seats at the back of the plane! Good riddance! I fell asleep for 2 hours and awoke to the smell of dinner being served! At 2:30 in the morning! I just repositioned myself and went back to sleep. The Dominican girl fell asleep, too. I next looked at my clock when it was 6:30! I dozed some more and then they served a real yucky breakfast. I ate some of it and then resumed my dozing. Overall, I rested quite nicely thanks to the empty seat next to me.

Our landing in Santo Domingo was successful! It appeared as though the Dominican girl was a bit nervous. She pressed her fingers into her temples and would be quiet for a few seconds, then she’d jabber some more, then pray some more … until we landed. The passengers all clapped but none more than ‘my’ Dominican girl. She cheered and thanked God, the Saints, her Abuelita, etc. Eventually she was the only one who was loudly extolling her gratitude that the plane was on the ground! She had her arms up in the air waving above her and saying things that sounded quite happy!! I got a bit teary … she was so unabashedly relieved. So sweet!

The passengers who were staying in the country or changing planes disembarked first while those of us who were remaining in transit stayed seated. After all others were off the plane we were allowed to exit to the lounge with our yellow transit cards that were given to us as we got off the plane.

Okay, now, because of engine difficulties our plane which was at cruising altitude headed towards San Jose, we have turned back and are at Santo Domingo, once again. I am now in the lounge at the airport with the rest of the passengers … waiting … we don’t know how long.

Hey, I’ll send this, now, since I can … more to follow.

Love, hugs and kisses,

Mom - Charlotte

May 28, 2010

So! What a trip! Let’s see … I remembered something I’d forgotten to include yesterday so I’ll add it here: I actually had a feeling before we took off for San Jose yesterday that something was wrong with the left side of the plane. Something just didn’t ‘look’ right. It was difficult to feel at ease. I decided to create an “bubble” around me – a space in which I would remain safe and unharmed. Then, when the captain announced on the intercom that we were experiencing some left engine trouble I immediately started to create what balance I could … for the plane and myself. I felt I actually needed to come to terms with the possibility of passing on … so, I did, which surprised me. At least I felt no fear about the possibility. As you can deduce, we landed safely. No problems.

So! Where was I? Ah, yes. The lounge at the Santo Domingo Int’l Airport. We had little to do there except wait for the ‘officials’ to inform us of what was happening. I was fortunate to be able to assist a couple of ladies make calls from my computer to Costa Rica so they could inform family of their predicament. I was also able to answer some questions for a few folks – in Spanish & English – of our status. It was nice to be able to help out! It wasn’t much, really, but more fun than just being alone. Eventually, we were carted off en masse through immigrations, baggage claim, and the airport. We then boarded a luxury bus – where we loaded our own luggage into the baggage space (where my bracelet broke – I didn’t feel it happen, I just saw it lying on the ground … so, reading glasses & bracelet broken). I sat in the front of the bus with a talkative Panamanian guy. We chatted in Spanish and English. He helped me with a few phrases. It was great to be in the front seat by the aisle so I could see things clearly. Other people had their curtains drawn over the windows – I think I would have gotten sick! Yuck! But, I had a great seat! Oh, and it allowed me to help a couple people up the steps to the aisle between the seats. Not a big deal, but amusing.

The ride to the hotel took somewhere between 60 & 90 minutes because of the traffic – bumper to bumper. Before we got to the hotel the Condor/airport staff gave everyone a paper that was a confirmation of being a delayed flight and that we would re-board the bus at 00h30 with an airplane departure time of 03h00. Not bad. The hotel, I imagine had 5-star status. It was quite lovely. It must have taken around an hour to get a room key since there were roughly 150-200 people from the Condor flight and only 4 people processing room keys. I was put on the top floor in a large room and a king size bed. Supreme! A porter came knocking at the door after I had been in the room for about 5 minutes wanting to deliver more luggage. I told him I had all mine. He checked the room numbers printed on the baggage on his cart and there were 2 or 3 large pieces … hmmmmm … it made me wonder if the room was meant for someone who had had a first class ticket! Lucky me! I tried to connect to the wireless so I could call you but it didn’t work. I took a 10 minute siesta instead and then went down to dinner … or lunch (it was 16h00 local time). Dinner was fair but the setting was gorgeous! The restaurant appeared to be outside but there was glass in all the archways … I suppose to keep the room cool with the A/C. But the view was of the pool and the prolific tropical foliage surrounding it. Very pretty. I was observing this one group on the opposite side of the pool. There was a couple with a baby and another guy. The couple went for a swim and let the guy watch the baby. Too funny! To amuse the baby he started to dance – quite interesting in his skin tight swimsuit. I actually laughed out loud!

So, after a bit, I went to sleep! I slept until the alarm went off at 23h30. I packed everything back up, got dressed, and went to the Lobby. There were a few people there but, I soon discovered that we were being postponed another 2.5 hours. I went back to my room and called Rein (Otto’s friend who was picking me up to take me to the Rancho) so he would know that he could sleep longer – I was hoping he wouldn’t already be asleep. Then I got mostly undressed and went back to sleep for 2 hours. Actually less than 2 because I had trouble falling back asleep. The alarm woke me up again. When I got downstairs people were checking out and getting loaded onto two buses. Checking out took about 45 to 60 minutes. For awhile they only had one guy doing that job … but, eventually, they got another guy, too. I was able to get a front seat again so I was happy with that. I had forgotten my bottled water in the room so, I wasn’t too thrilled with that. Oh well. The trip to the airport only took ½ hour since there is basically very little traffic at 3:30 in the morning. Nice.

Once at the airport we disembarked the bus. The doors were open for the luggage to be take out. And, everyone just stood there waiting for someone – I presume the bus driver or airport staff. That was just ridiculous! Even the male passengers just stood there. Ridiculous! So, of course, with my heavy purse over my shoulder and my pillow tucked under my arm I unloaded the bus!!! Yes, your darling princess angel honey-bunch unloaded everyone’s heavy luggage! I even crawled into the luggage compartment to get the stuff (which was where mine was) from the back. A couple of ladies thanked me and I think maybe the bus driver did too. Amazing! So, that meant I was last in line to check my bags at the counter. Oh well. I knew the plane wouldn’t leave without me. I did manage to wiggle my was a few people ahead so I wasn’t quite at the complete end of the line. After that was another wait to pass into the security area. Then another wait through security. And then to the gate. By the way, still no food or water! As I was walking to the gate I saw some of the passengers getting some food or coffee, but I went past. I wanted to get to the gate and make my phone call to you! However, when I reached the gate I was the only one there besides the guy letting people through the gate to the plane. He wanted me to board but, I asked him if I could make a phone call. He said no. I said please. He said yes. But then, I told him I’d need to start up my computer etc. and he said definitely not. We didn’t have time for that. Rein thought that Condor was trying to get the plane off the ground before 24 hours had passed since we were originally supposed to. Since it had taken so long to get the passengers out of the hotel time was running short. They wanted to get people on board … pronto. I mean, I knew there were still a few people behind me buying coffee but I boarded anyway. I was concerned about not being able to call you but there was nothing to be done about it. I hoped that you and Rein would check the flight schedule to see the details there even though there was a probability that you wouldn’t believe what you were finding. I sent you a message on our special energy link and hoped that you would know that I was okay. So, this time things ‘felt and looked’ good. The plane felt safe. And so it was.

We landed in San Jose at 7:30 in the morning … everything went well and easy through the arrival process. I went outside to see if Rein was waiting … but, he wasn’t. One of the ladies who I had let use my Skype helped me make a pay phone call. She had trouble with it, too, but persisted until she heard the phone ringing. She smiled and handed me the phone. Rein was shocked to hear that I was in San Jose and told me that it would take him an hour to get to the airport to pick me up. He suggested I go across the main road to the soda at the gas station and wait there. So, I tied my sarong around the handle of my suitcase and dragged the ‘lovely honey’ to the soda! I got quite a few amusing glances from people so it was kind of fun. Of course, the taxi drivers offered their assistance – which I declined. I spotted the gas station easily but also saw that it had plastic over the pumps and that the entryways were mostly blocked. It was closed for remodeling! Buuuuuuuuuut, the soda was open. [as I’m writing this right now it’s 06:48 and the coffee just got ready … I’ve been awake since 04h00 and up and going since 04h38!!! … COFFEE…! Pardon me while I get a lekker koffie! (great cup of coffee) … mmmmmmmmm … Okay, where was I … ah yes! Food!!!! I had rice and beans and an empanada. And water and ginger ale. Then I focused on calming down. Ends up I had plenty of time to do that. Rein & Ricar (A friend of Otto’s) showed up about 3 hours later … part of that had to do with Rein’s license plate not being allowed into that part of the city of Friday’s … strange custom. I also had time to get UN-relaxed because of the waiting BUT I chose not to. I thought: I’m supposed to be here in this soda and I’m supposed to be waiting. Life, Love and All-that-Is is giving me some time – time to learn waiting … that’s what this whole journey has been about. Waiting! Being tranquilo. It started in Barendrecht with the massage table where I was able to process some of my beautiful sparkly princess crap (thanks to Otto for being great with me through that) and move on a bit. for being Later I had some pescado and jugo de naranja y zanahoria and bought another bottle of water. And I had a thought: If there is such a thing as a patience (waiting) cake then Rein is the frosting!!! [just now I am seeing a hummingbird feed from the flowers in front of the restaurant ]

Okay that’s it for now …