¿entiende?

Forgive me.  For love of distraction, I will blame the perfect harmony that surrounds us.  Here in Costa Rica, just as in most any part the world over, there are expressions and dichos.  When I first learned the catch phrase Pura Vida (pure life) I automatically assumed it was nothing more than a tourist expression aimed at drawing in the consumer.  This couldn't be farther from the truth.  Pura vida is a true way of life here. It sits on everyone's lips with content.  ¿Entiende? I do.  Understanding this puts your soul at ease, and when your soul is at ease the life you live is carefree and without stress.  In the past eight days, there has not been a single path that we have crossed that did not have our best interests at heart.  To serve, to comfort, to aid; the sweetest of intonations without need for any other contention.  But more about that later...

If you ever decide to make the trip to Costa Rica, plan to eat.  Eat well.  And then eat some more.  ¿Entiende?  I do.  Understand that this comida may say tipico or casado, but there is NOTHING typical or without solid planning here. Above you will find the perfect marriage of foods served together on a plate, hence the name casado.  Whether it be steak, chicken or fish served it will accompany a harmony of gallo pinto (costa rican rice), plantains, potatoes, salad, etc.  Note both plates are different, but perfect casados simple enough to fill a tummy with a bit of fruit served as dessert.  These plates were included with various tours we took over our time here.  Please note the PURA VIDA here.  No one would take you on a tour without including a meal, whether it be fresh fruit snacks in the middle, a tipico breakfast, or a lunch  that includes a casado.  Both of these casados were a part of our horseback riding and our mangrove tours.  Well fed.  Pura vida.

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 The tipicos were Chato's favorites by far.  Each morning his plate would be filled will gallo pinto.  This staple of rice and beans made his day.  No questions asked; he always ordered seconds.

By the time we made it to Finca Rosa Blanca in the mountains outside of San Jose, we finally came across some tortillas...

...that were delightful, but Chato likened them to White Castle :)

Breakfast here was my favorite!  French toast may not be for the Costarricense, and added just for the travelers here, but with pura vida accommodations, this poppy seed concoction smothered in coconut syrup - oh dear sweetness.

Now keep in mind that our stay here in FRB, is on a plantation full of fresh choices, so I was not limited to only coconut syrup, but given the opportunity to select cana dulce or mora (brown sugar or blackberry)  for my selections.  Brandan choose cana dulce, and I'm thinking I need to be fair to the mora before we leave in the morning, I will choose it.

Mid day snacks were Plantain chips (so delicious) and cerviche costarricense...

..or you could add the pico de gallo con platano to any dish you preferred.

Drinks were another whole world of priority.

Horchata (rice milk) was a bit to thick for me, but had a certainly different swing on it than what we are used to at home or in Mexico.

Our waiter was my teacher here at FRB.  I always asked for something new and each night he provided.  My first night he gifted me with a Mojito.  I am not a lover of mint and was weary.  It was the best I've ever tasted.  Will definitely be bringing home some Centenario for my girl Elsa.  Forget the coffee girl - this will soothe your heart!

At Ronny's Place in Quepos, for the first time, I enjoyed bananas added to my sangria...

..and when we happened into La Cantina BBQ, per our favorite taxista, Walner's, suggestion - happy of times or rather the JUST RIGHT HOUR got us two for one of pretty much anything.  If you add that on to the fresh seafood choices that we selected...

...and the shrimp cocktails...

Chato took every opportunity to get the Catch of the Day...

 

 ...and loved the Sopa Negra (black bean soup).

If you remember back one post, this was my lobster dinner...

...so plenty of seafood along the Pacific coast was had, including all of the sushi that Costa Rica seems to LOVE (and with that we had tremendously happy kids, too!)

Rather it food or drink, the only TRUE dessert that was for ME was the homemade helado de cafe (coffee ice cream) here on the plantation  - I had it twice.  God, if I could bring it home...

I've got a sadness about me as I wrap up this last evening in Costa Rica.  The need not be food nor comfort, but for the kindness of heart that has been shared with us and fed through our tummies.  It is only but one kind.  There are many more ticos to tell about; many more stories to come.  Give me the weekend ahead.  Once back on our reality trip, I will recall the tales that we have endured...

¿Entiende?

Soon  you will too.

:)