Finally back in Orosi!

After two very cold months in Crestone, Colorado visiting friends and re-organizing my stuff, getting paperwork and taxes done, and having a pretty successful "leaving the country sale" I am now back in Costa Rica, in my apartment in the Orosi valley. I am continuing to look at properties, taking more Spanish classes (maybe SOME day I will be able to communicate and understand everyone!) and just in general enjoying life once again. This time, I brought my beloved dog Jessie with me.. The plane ride was a little harrowing for her, and now she has some fear of loud noises, but overall I think she is happy to be here with me, and is enjoying the new people, the new smells, and some new dog friends. She went swimming in the river last weekend, and walked over the hammock bridge with no trouble. We arrived here in time for Semana Santa, which is a week long holiday leading up to Easter. It is actually MORE important than Easter. Orosi has had a tradition for over 60 years of daily parades through the town, along parade routes adorned by cut plants and flowers. A drum brigade in three differnt uniform colors accompanies the townspeople, with a simple beat each evening. The parades represent the stations of the cross, the crucifixion, the ascension, and the townspeople carry statues of Jesus, Mary and John. Until Easter morning, when it startes really early (about 4:30 AM) and Jesus is danced around at every location.