Welcome again,

As promised, an update of what is happening to me.

I just returned from my December holiday in Costa Rica and it really was the most amazing holiday of my life. From the flight there to the return home, just pure pleasure!

I left SA on Dec. 15 flying Delta airlines via Atlanta. Knowing that I had a full day (8 am to 7 pm) waiting for my connection to Costa Rica, I made contact through Birdingpal.com with Darlene Moore in Atlanta, and she agreed to take me birding for a few hours.

This turned out as the most wonderful start for my trip, and I would like to thank Darlene right now! We met on arrival at the airport and she took me some 20 miles south of there to a very nice wetland area. Very successful birding, I ended up with 42 lifers for the few hours.

Then on to San José, capital of Costa Rica where Shirlene was waiting for me at the airport.

What a delight! it's been two months odd since Buenos Aires.

From there to the hotel to sleep, after 41 hours of flights and birding.

The next day I was showed around SJ and took a day-trip to Cartago area (the old capital).

The 19th we left for Arenal volcano and later the pacific coast. Shir planned this trip after I told her the main points I would like to see, and she really did a fantastic job, the itinerary was PERFECT!!

After Arenal we drove to Guanacaste province, more specific Liberia, where Shir's mom lives, and also where she is opening the restaurant - Jicaro café. I designed the logo for it, and I am acquiring a small share in the business.

Staying at a small hotel in Brasalito on the pacific coast, we went on a afternoon cruise on "Manta Ray" - a nice big catamaran. This was lovely, and I had a chance to snorkel in the pacific! On returning to land, we had a real manta ray playing close to the boat!

We returned to SJ on the 24th, early enough to pick up some essentials, and then the Christmas dinner at Kata's house (Shir's sister), and as EVERYTHING else, it was to perfection. The 25th was recovery time and some more.

We were picked up by Alex for the "real" birding part of the trip in Sarapiqui, in the Caribbian slope (north-eastern lowlands). Birding with Alex was part of the original planning way back in May, when I planned the July trip (read more below). This was again a super time to say the least!

Alex returned us to SJ on the 30th and after some more good times with family and new friends, I flew back on Shir's birthday, the 1st of Jan...sorry about that mi amor.

All I can say now.....what a country! - ¡estoy impresionado!

I wish you all the best for 2009

Hasta luego

D

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