Homestay...seeing how the ticos really live!

So, last night (Saturday) was our homestay on a finca, or farm. Thankfully, I had a Spanish speaker in my group of four, because our hosts did not speak any English!

It was a rustic farm that at one time had been a commercial coffee plantation, but is in the process of becoming "organic", meaning chemical-free; no herbicides, pesticides, or fertilizers. We did a lot of hiking and it was just amazing to think that these folks get to wake up to and work this beautiful place every day. We heard howler monkeys, saw leaf-cutter ants, found anteater traces (but here, they call them ant bears), learned a lot about medicinal plants and simply enjoyed the views! Looked for blue jean frogs (google it for an image) because I had found some earlier in the weekend, but no luck.

Our host was a young 71 years old and very energetic. His lady (long story which I will explain later) cooked fabulous food for us and let us watch her make a Tinkerbell birthday cake, as she teaches cake decorating. The home, as I wrote, was rustic, but comfortable. Plus they had a cat which made me so happy because I was getting a little homesick and "Saul" reminded me of my pets back home. They also had parrots, parakeets, chickens and, oddly, a raccoon.

We left today to head to a lodge in a different part of the rainforest. Tonight, we have a night hike. I am so excited!!! Hoping to see some crazy stuff ( we hear there will be a lot of snakes! )