So far, everyone we have spoken to about our Costa Rican adventures, we have expressed our deep love of how we were treated throughout our tours, adventures, and every day encounters. If you were raised to be proper, you knew that saying please, thank you, and you're welcome are common and polite. You also wanted to believe that these types of actions would help you grow, prosper, and above all, gain what it is you seek. For in life, isn't it true that positive actions result in positive consequences? Well, I always PRAY this is true. I know that the world that surrounds us doesn't always fathom this ideology and more than likely will take the path that permits the quickest form of gains in the most desperate of ways. Fortunately, that not the story I look to tell today. Our stay in Costa Rica was guided by the strongest of words that have very distinct meanings to Ticos - our newest of friends; the Costa Rican population who cared so well for us during our stay. Their constant use of entiende, pura vida, and con mucho gusto never lost its appeal. There was a most fascinating form of flattery given to you. And again, there was not a single Tico that we spent time with that wasn't willing to share or make you feel right at home.
One of the most surprising ticos that we were enamored by was Walner...
...he was our taxista each and every evening we spent in Quepos. He recommended restaurants, shopping spots, told us stories and shared life with us.You could be so far away from home, but ticos like Walner made you feel like you WERE home.
And I don't think it was just because of SUV he drove us around in...
...Chato has been on high alert looking for how he can get THIS Toyota model shipped to the USA. No. Seriously.
Well, anyway...
Our last adventure in Quepos was spent alongside Damas Island, in the mangroves estuary. My non-seeking information family members wouldn't recollect this tour as fondly as I will, but there were SOOOO many new things to see and record in my little yellow book!
Can you tell the difference between these two tree pictures!?! I CAN!!!! :)
The one on the left is a White mangrove tree, with one MAIN trunk and many thirsty above water roots system stretching out to support the tree. The one on the right is a Pineapple mangrove tree with its roots drawn in, much closer to the base of the tree. These types of mangrove trees (we also saw red and black versions) are the only trees that can filter the estuary waters and survive in high toxicity salt waters.
We took a boat tour down various estuary branches and found one of many termite nests...
...HUGE suckers. You'd think they'd be out having a field day with all this wood! They are very valuable friends of the forests due to their wood eating capabilities. They help rid the forest of dying or decaying branches. Unfortunately, those who weren't out scouring for wood grained treats became....errr....treats! We were told, in fact, that termites are good for YOU! YUCK!! But of course, the men in this family were willing to find out if it was really true...
...and both Chato and Brandan say: "It tasted like PEANUT BUTTER"!! 
DOUBLE YUCK!! No way!!
Well, we continued on searching for new wildlife friends...
We found tiger faced crabs...
...and long nosed bats (they were only about 2 inches big fully grown and hard to get a picture of!) But once again we saw another Garden Tree boa...
...but it was his buddy the Basilisk (Jesus Christ lizard) that was AWESOME to meet. He blends in so well with his surroundings that I'm surprised I was able to get his picture! We watched him get scared off by the sound of the boat motor and he DID WALK ON WATER to get away! SO COOL!
The Great white ibis and the Tiger Heron!! Now, the beaks on these dudes are something else. I'm amazed still, to know that the Tiger Heron is a predator to a crocodile! Good thing he wasn't hungry, he might have come after me! :)
On our last evening at El Parador, we enjoyed a private family dinner and a quick sunset.
Our nights in Manuel Antonio/Quepos were gorgeous.
...And as we left early on a Tuesday morning to head for the mountains of San Jose and Alajuela, with big HUGS and con mucho gusto, we wont forget anytime soon our peaceful jungle paradise!
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