Final Thoughts

I'm sitting in the Lobby of our hotel in San Jose typing out this post on my Blackberry because my computer died on me yesterday.
It's been a great trip with the students and they've been great. I'm a little overwhelmed at times of the extremes of this place.
For one, the beauty and diversity of the ecosystem. I've never seen so much in terms of the living organisms and the unique nature of each. I could have spent days in the jungle looking at the trees and plants, listening to our guides description. The problem was the populations usage of the road for garbage disposal. The last time I saw even close to this much garbage was in France on our Europe trip. I couldn't understand how they could litter so much, my only guess was their socioeconomic status.
This was the second part of the trip that was hard for me. I'm watching the kids fit the tourist description, dropping 15 bucks on pop and ice cream while today on the street I had to give a mother of two my spare change because the sight of her oldest child made me feel ill from the thought of his future prospects.
It's a mix of feelings as I get ready to leave this place and I wonder what the kids are taking back with them. I only hope it makes them more of a human, more of a global citizen.
Sent on the TELUS Mobility network with BlackBerry

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Mucho Gusto

As the trip progresses, I’m noticing more and more the difference between the people of Costa Rica and Mexico.  While both groups are nice, the feeling of their genuine nature is less evident in Mexico.  I don’t know if I can put a finger on why this is, but it is definitely there.  Makes the trip that much nicer.

We just finished visiting a biological station called LaSelva and it might be one of my highlights.  For 2hr we wandered through a tropical rainforest, exploring the sights both on the forest floor and above.  I love the diversity and variation in the flora and fauna.

These trees, the walking palm were amazing, the way they used roots rather than a central trunk for footings.  It has a narrow diameter, like 8”, but extends upwards some 50ft plus.  For some trees, the roots that touch the ground are only a centimetre or two.  Image a tree that height supported by such tiny stalks.

I should mention that I ticked off something from my bucket list.  I’ve always wanted to kayak somewhere with warm water.  A place were the idea of a drytop would be ludicrous!  I did it!  I did some talking with the rafting company owner and he let me use his old boat to kayak, a stubby!  For those that don’t know, that was the first boat I ever owned.  How fitting to use it to fulfill a dream.  Here are a few pictures, I even had a professional photographer taking some pictures.

Well, the trip is coming to a close and It’s been fun.  I miss my family and want to see them.  I can’t remember the last time I travelled without family of some sort.  You don’t seem so far away from home when your family is near.  Right now I’m so far way.

See you all soon!

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Pura Vida my Hombres

My first post from Central America on our blog has me in good spirits.  I’m on tour with our school group for 9 days and so far the kids have not caused me any grief and they seem to be having a great time.  The weather has held so far, with clouds at times, but mostly sunny and warm.  I feel like an old man, I’m sweating so much!  It’s a good thing the kids aren’t all athletes, I allows me to stay ahead of the pack.

There is something about travelling to countries like this that I still can’t get use to… it’s the diversity in economic status.  The quality of housing between the wealthy and poor is staggering.  Some of the houses look to be in such poor shape, I wouldn’t even let animals live in them.  There are also bars and protective fences around every house in some areas.  These protective measures against crime seems as foreign as the living conditions for some of these people.  I always gain a new appreciation for Canada and the quality of life it provides.  Something for fighting for, or at least voting for!  Speaking of which, I think this is the first year my voting habits might change.  I think I’ll be more influenced by the party representative rather than the party itself.

But I’m drifting off topic…

Costa Rica does have a wonderful environment, diverse and exciting.   wish I had more time to explore the jungle and learn about the vegetation.  I’ve never seen such diversity and forests like this.  I never imagined how loud a jungle would be.  I am so use to our forests that I was surprized at the noise all the insects and bugs make in the jungle.  It was deafening at times!  I would love to bring back my family here one day, to learn and absorb what this country has to offer.

Until then, Hasta luego amigos!

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Mr. I is in Costa Rica

As luck would have it, I am leading a group of students to Costa Rica over the Easter break.  I've started a blog for parents and family to follow here, but you can see what I'm up to as well.  It should be a busy, action packed 9 days and I suspect that everyone will be tired by the time we return.  Luckily, time change isn't an issue with this trip!  Hasta la vista LOMAH!

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Here we go again.

After some builder changes, we've decided to go with another builder, river ridge homes.  They were able to offer a better price and we're confident that the quality will be equal to or better than the other builder.  Obviously it's like comparing apples to oranges, but their enthusiasm is at a level, higher than ours.  That's a good start I think.

They work with mack designs consultants, an architect/designer.  We've  redone our house, past the second revision, on to the third.  It's gone back and forth a few times in layout and orientation, but I think we're coming close now.  I thought I would post the second revision since we are still waiting on the third.

I'm pretty happy with the garage on this one!  Feedback is of course, always welcome.

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Happy April Whatever!

As the celestial stars would have it, Dora and I had the luck of the Irish this month! While were making arrangements to join my cousin and his family down in Whitefish, I found out that they were heading back early. At the same time Dora was talking to her mother, who wanted to watch the boys for the weekend. DOUBLE SCORE!! (She volunteered or was coerced, not sure which really, but appreciated it the same!)

Turns out our weekend with the two families was now becoming a weekend escape for two!  With a quick thank you and mad packing, we were on the road and headed South.  Our first stop, Latitude 48 a restaurant that looked too nice for kids.  A place we wouldn't normally visit.  Beverages were cheap and the food was superb, with an appetizer of calamari and a butter lettuce salad with beets.  Dora had a roast chicken while I had the steak fritzes.  What a great start to our weekend!

 The key activity was skiing of course and the snow and weather were stellar!  I can't remember the last time I've seen so much sun on that hill!  We spent a good deal of time soaking up more than just the sun.  I had a great day out, finally, stepping it up in my Telemark ability.  My cousin had pointed out a problem with my position over my skis and I was able to correct it, speeding up my turn transitions!  I looked awesome!  Well until I crashed so hard my ski ripped off and I was left watching it turn into a projectile of terror, passing the elderly and small children as it passed the speed of sound!  Luckily the trail forked and the ski ended up in a tree.  No lawsuits!

The rest of the weekend was much of the same, with our palettes taking the lead.  It was so nice to spend some quality time with just Dora, with the triple threat including good weather and fun activities.

The Nachos were true to the American style... excessive, fattening and tasty!  Oh, I forgot, this was the half order!  We promptly devoured the plate and headed back up for a few more runs.  Man we were hard core that day!

While our escape did have to come to an end, we did manage to capture some of the excitement on the hill.  This included a pond skiing event.... in costume.  While there was no nudity, some costumes had limited thermal protection.  Enjoy.

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