I was picked up today by a pickup truck at 9:30 am to head to the Hacienda and was a short drive there. Today I didn't have to work because I got there around 10 and everyone left around 7:00 am to start working. I hung out with Eduardo, who's family owns the Hacienda. I think he noticed I was bored and asked if I wanted to go walking around. We hiked around the side of the mountain to where his house will soon be, but there is only a foundation now. Beautiful spot! There were billy goats and chickens up there along with a wonderful view of Kicker Rock and several beaches I would like to visit while I'm here. We picked oranges from an orange tree, I saw bananas growing, corn, and papayas. When we got back, I hung out in a hammock under a tree while reading a book. Perfect start to the day! The volunteers came back around 12 and all invited me to hang out with them this afternoon by going snorkeling. I ate lunch at the Hacienda and a taxi picked us up around 1:30. I sat in the back of a pick up truck (taxi) while we passed 7 or so cows on the way and wild horses. I spoke to a few tour guides (finally they were open), and then went snorkeling to Tijeretas Beach near the interpretation center. There we went snorkeling for several hours and swam with sea lions. They were so close to me that I almost could touch them. Can you say you've ever done that before!!! So cool!

My new friend, from the Hacienda, showed me to this amazing vantage point after snorkeling where I could literally see the entire city! We went back into town to enjoy a coffee with ice cream inside the coffee and to reboot our wifi service. After that, we went to return our snorkels and one of the locals showed us to this amazing restaurant for dinner called La Playa and joined us for dinner. I had garlic shrimp with French Fries and plantains. After that, we hung around town for a little while more and then I somehow lost my change purse with my ID and Chase Credit Card. Whomp whomp! Oh well! At least nothing else more valuable was in there beyond maybe $40. I had the number for the international Chases Customer Service and put a hold on my account. Luckily, no one had used it yet either and I only had my CC plus ID in there not all of my cards. Phew!!! Anyways, can't let that get me down! I'm excited to actually work tomorrow and to also plan my trips to the other islands nearby. Mucho seasick medication for travel on the boat to Santa and Isabella. I think one of my new friends will be traveling with me as well for the first part. Sounds fun!