On this first day, we certainly hit the ground running. After clearing passport control and customs at the San Juan Airport, we stepped out of the terminal into the hot humid Costa Rican air. We met our guide, Mark Wainwright, and our bus driver Carlos. Mark says he has been using Carlos for a driver for over thirty years. I sure wouldn't want to drive on these narrow tight heavily trafficked roads like Carlos, but I sure do appreciate having the bus with us all the time to carry our gear :-)
We first stopped at a restaurant for an excellent lunch, then arrived at our hotel, the Hotel La Rosa de America. I always enjoy this place. It has a fence around it for security, and inside is a beautiful garden.
We had an hour of down time were several of us went swimming, then the course started in earnest with introductions by the pool and each student saying what they hoped to get out of the trip. We covered a lot of logistical information and safety rules.
Next, we had coffee, tea, and cake while Mark gave a presentation on the history of Costa Rica.
Right in the middle of this, the rainy season started with a thunderstorm and heavy rain. The camera makes this look a lot brighter than it was.
We had a great supper, and as I write this out on the patio, the Geckos are chirping and the cicadas are singing. Most people are pretty whooped, after getting up at 2 or 3 in the morning...so, we're hitting the hay, for a 6:00 wake up to go birding.
PURA VIDA!
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