Hey there,
Happy St. Paddy's day. Been quite a while since the last update. It's been a busy time. Quickly:
Read further, if you dare know more details...
The big thing in my life these days is work. Sometimes it seems like there is nothing else, although I must admit I still get out a lot. Been out or doing socialising at last 5 of the last 7 days. Have had people over for dinner a couple of times in there as well - these days I am enjoying just spending time with friends, as my time here in Costa Rica starts to dwindle.
The Nicaragua project is looming up ahead and soon my life as I know it will end. This could be a good or a bad thing. Not sure yet. Mostly it is good. The volunteers arrive from Canada on Wed - one day earlier than planned. It gives us an extra day with them, but we really don't need it, unfortunately. More time for fun I guess.
Still lots to do with just a few days to go. Every few days I rewrite my todo list to pretend that I am accomplishing something.
The trip was fun. It was nice to get back and see friends, although we were so busy with meetings and running around all day that I didn't spend as much time with friends as I had hoped.
We spent the first 4 days in the south of Nicaragua near San Carlos, where we will be returning next week for the project. We went to check out the project site and try to find an expedition of 4 days. The project part worked out ok, but we never really found a good expedition site at the time. Allison just returned last night from El Castillo where we have now found a site, fortunately. Kind of cutting it close, but Nicaragua does not have a plethora of 4-day hikes developed. It is not such a big tourist destination as other places. As it is, we have to cut our own trail in parts, as I understand it.
The project sounds fun - we will be doing trail maintainence in the Protected Area and also building some pedestrian bridges in the communities. There is also some scientific research going on, so that will be fun for the participants to get involved in some of that stuff. The place we will stay is fairly luxurious - showers and flush toilets - no electricity, unless you count the generator that they put on sometimes... - but still, we are far away from medical facilities. It is 2-3 hours to San Carlos in boat, or an hour and a half to a hospital in Costa Rica, if we cross the border illegally, which we can do in an emergency...
Nowadays I am living with Keri, a leader who has stayed to work in the office now, and Allison, my partner in crime. Also, Elke, a friend from Australia, is staying here for a couple of days visiting. So, the house is fun and full, although perhaps a bit crowded, but with these people you hardly notice.
As I mentioned, enjoying time with friends, and some of my relationships are getting to the point that it will be hard to leave here. At least, if all goes according to plan and I move to Nicaragua, then I won't be too far. I have one job lead at the moment, but haven't had enough time to invest in the job search fully yet. It will have to wait until May I guess.
I guess that's all for now, talk to you in May. Take care,
Rob