Monday, November 12, 2012

A Day In Our Life - An Outing to Palmares

 
Left to Right - Joanne, Roxi, Callahan,
Shirley, Judy and Delaney

A Tour With the Ladies

On Friday we went on an outing with six local ladies from Atenas.  We went to Palmares - the 2nd largest city in the province of Alajuela (the province we live in) with a  population of 31,000.  We rode the bus and round trip for the two of us was $4 USD (or 2000 colons) We left at 8am and encountered lots of hills to get there, arriving in 45 minutes.  


The Colors Were So Vibrant

About three blocks from the bus stop we walked to the heart of Palmares - their Central Park.   The communities that we have visited in Costa Rica so far follow this same model - the central park is the pulse of the city with the Catholic Church normally across the street.  And it is interesting, the parks vary as well as the churches from town to town.  Some are more quaint than others, some very European looking and some look like they could be back in one our cities in the States.  We toured this church and especially loved the stained glass.


Back to School Anyone?

Visiting the Local High School

We met up with a New Yorker, who was volunteering as a Biology teacher in Palmares - she was our tour guide.  We visited her school, which is one of the most well-known and reputable high schools in Costa Rica with 1,600 students attending.  The schedule for the day is listed out on a white board.

"Distribution Store".....Oh My!

As we were walking around in the heart of downtown Palmares, we came upon this interesting sign in front of a store AND a slight smell coming from within.  Ah, at last a language I understand:  pictures!  That's my form of communicating when my Spanish is lacking, which is about 98% of the time!  Look closely at the sign - they will distribute:  pigs, chickens, cows, horses and roosters!  Now, I've heard of pet stores, but this is taking it a little too far!

Here a Chick....There a Chick.....
Everywhere a Chick Chick

My Kind of Picture Board
And the "slight smell" - you guessed it, these little chickies.  And just around the corner from the "Distribuidor" Store - a bakery!  Who's got an appetite, anyone?


What a Display Window....BUT,
could "no sales" be due to
location, location, location???

Does That Sign Say What I Think It Does?

Black Friday - 40% Off

Okay, now this is really taking it too far!  Black Friday in Costa Rica - really?  The sale is the day AFTER Thanksgiving - oh, wait, they don't celebrate Thanksgiving here!  I guess some marketing ploys cross all international lines - having a BIG sale is universal!




What a GREAT and FUN day we had with our new friends here in Costa Rica!   We are so fortunate and blessed to be living here.
 

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Pura Vida,
Judy and Roxi
"Sisters In Transition"