December 23,2007

The mechanic phoned me on Tuesday morning, wondering if I was still interested in the motor. So, I waited for Jose to come home. When he did, he phoned his brother, Marvin, and asked if he would go to Heredia for the motor. We agreed on a price of $100, and half an hour later we were on our way, with the mechanic, to Heredia. We got back about 5:30 p.m., and four of us unloaded the motor from the pickup. Thursday, I went into Puntarenas with the other Marvin, and got the parts we needed for the clutch. Now, I am waiting for the phone call from the mechanic to say my car is ready. I certainly didn’t ask when I should expect it.
Carlos got here with the ceramic tile Wednesday morning, and spent the rest of the week laying the tile around the outside. He left Saturday morning with over half of the tile down. Somehow, he managed to underestimate the amount of tile needed, and he will be back with the rest around Wednesday. He should have the bars for the windows too, and the doors for the closets. This depends on the supplies store in Esparza being open on Boxing Day.
Inside the house, wherever the tile changes from one colour to another, he has put border tiles, or listeros as they are called here. I like the effect. They are mostly blue, but include the colours of all the other tiles as well. I took a picture of the step from the hall to the kitchen/living room where they are especially effective. Jose is in the picture too. He is my neighbour and friend who introduced me to Carlos the contractor.