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On Tuesday, 3^rd, we took Tasi and Marvin to Sta.Elena/Monteverde. I was surprised to learn Marvin had never been there before. The trip up is beautiful. One scenic vista after another, and lot’s of time to look. It’s less than 40 km. from the highway and it took over an hour and a half. We saw many birds, and pulled over to get out and watch Toucans twice. We took the Sky Walk, which leads you through the cloud forest on a trail which crosses 6 suspension bridges and gives you some wonderful views, but we didn’t see any Quetzals or monkeys, just many small birds and butterflies. The hummingbird garden at the end of the walk was nice with many different types of hummingbirds.

Friday, I took Tasi to the airport. We got there early because I also had to get the plates and safety sticker for my car. I went to the dealer for the papers, two different windows at the government office in Zapote, the bank across the road from the office for one sticker, and back to Alajuela for the safety sticker. Everyone was helpful and the lines were surprisingly short, but, because I got lost at least 4 times, it took all day. I made it to the inspection station with 15 minutes to spare. At least I got a few good tours of downtown San Jose, and the countryside west of the city. I stayed overnight at the Posado Aeropuerto and returned early in the morning feeling that I had actually done well to get all that done in one day.

My next project was to find out what had happened with the septic system. The tank was almost full again, but seemed to be maintaining a level. Noone seemed to understand my questions about the tile bed, so I figured Sunday morning I would start to dig. My neighbour, Jose said he and his uncle would help me. Well, I’m sure glad they did. It’s very hard clay and we needed a pick, another big steel pole with a pointy end, and their experience, technique, strength and endurance to get the job done. They had a plan which I didn’t completely understand, but they dug a hole big enough for a new tank I had on the property, and a large trench running to the edge of the lot. As it turned out, the only drainage was out the bottom of the old tank. It just couldn’t keep up to the constant use. Sunday, just before dark, we went to the farmer’s field behind me and gathered many large rocks. Monday morning we filled the trench with them, manhandled the new tank into place, and connected it to the old tank. Then we ran a pipe from the new tank into the top of the trench, and covered it with plastic to keep the rain out. I’ve been replacing the dirt when I get time. They wouldn’t take any money because they offered to help a friend, and "friendship is more important than money". I was amazed. Later in the week, I hired them to paint my roof, making sure first they were working for money.

Friday night we went to 2 Rosario del Nino parties. The women do a religious ceremony in the house to put the Nativity Scene and Baby Jesus away for another year, and the men sit out back and drink. Much food is served. We are really feeling like part of the community now. Saturday, thanks to some technical assistance over the phone, I got the internet working. This should make my entries shorter as I can write more often and post as I go. Saturday night we had another Rosario del Nino party. They really have a busy social life around here.