Manzanillo Beach, Costa Rica - sunny 29 degrees, rainy night

Hmmm the date… hmm the day???- this is usually the hardest thing we have to work out!!

After much debate- we think it's the 9th Feb- but really- who cares! Its so lovely not to need to know. I haven't worn a watch for weeks either- oh the freedom!!

Well we are thoroughly enjoying our open air "jungle house" at Congo Bongo (I struggle not to laugh when I say this name). That said, I do feel a little jittery at the moment as there is a praying mantis the length of my mobile phone that keeps jumping onto me at random intervals. I would shoo it away but I'm feeling a little guilty as it only has one leg and I'm not certain but I think I could be responsible for that. I half stepped on it earlier by accident. Why it wants to jump onto me, I do not know-do I look like a leaf?? Ha Ha!!- Adam has been paying me out for squealing when it lands on me and guess who just jumped out of his chair when it went to him instead!!! Pay back!!

I have also had a 12cm green lizard (see photo) land on my shoulder this afternoon when walking to the beach- which of course made me squeal again. Is that really so unusual?? Adam kept saying- "what are you squealing for?" I'd like to see what he'd do! Maybe I should test it out??! Will try and get it on film when I do.

We've seen our first wild toucans flying about yesterday evening. Only in silhouette but unmistakable with their beautiful, big beaks. Lots of butterflies, insects of every description, big spiders (urgg), big crabs, monkeys and squirrels too. We've seen most from the house. Lucky as the kids are usually so noisy when we walk that most wildlife runs a mile before we get there. On the down side- there are also loads of mosquitoes. 3 have already come to their demise in my complimentary glass of wine which is spoiling it somewhat but I'm persevering! Thankfully, the bedrooms are well kitted out with nets so it's not been too much of a problem. We are also now armed with a large can of fly spray in case of mossie or unidentified flying insect emergencies.

Zac has settled into a similar routine to that in Australia -unfortunately! He wakes at 4 or 4:15am and is usually impossible to resettle. Sigh. It is still pitch black and not even the noisy howler monkeys are awake. We are all in the one room so he inevitably has the whole family up before 5am. It's wonderful though not to have any set commitments and to have Adam's help so we can tag team napping if necessary.

We have explored the colourful nearby towns of Manzanillo and Puerto Veijo a little. We caught the local bus into one which was fun. Lots of Bob Marley characters around the place, seaside stalls, fresh coconuts, boats etc. We've quickly learnt though that it is impossible to meander though markets or browse shops with the children. All they want to do is play with everything they can reach (understandably) and then end up screaming in frustration when they can't. Our new double stroller is also seriously struggling with the bumpy roads and is a real battle to push. So, today we went to the beach. It's very different to the beach we've been at. It's a very fine soft, sandy one (as opposed to a crushed shell one). The sand gets into absolutely everything and sticks too- perhaps its mixed with glue. It's a fun change though. Getting there along our board walk through the rainforest is half the fun (minus the lizards landing on you!). Zoe kept singing "walking the walk, talking the talk" (??!!).

Adam has been continuing his running. I got a run in today too along the lovely wide, sandy beach. It's been a loooong time since I've done that (perhaps pre Zac!!) so I'm sure I will know all about it tomorrow.

I was feeling frustrated that despite trying, we hadn't really tried many local dishes other than casado (beans, rice, meat, plantains). However, after reading up a bit about what the local foods are- it seems, there really aren't many. The good old "Lonely Planet" summed it up beautifully- "there's beans and rice, and rice and beans".

It rained quite heavily last night. We got quite a surprise as we've had weather that has been exactly the same for 2 weeks on the pacific side (32ish, hot and humid) and apparently continues like that all season. We had to run about grabbing shoes, washing and toys in the dark. It's a much more tropical climate on this side of the country.

Hoping to do a chocolate and a cultural tour soon.

Will be in touch.

Asta luego!