Hilarywinter2008

Hello Everyone, I didn't think I would post another entry, but this past week in Paris has been rather eventful , so I'd just like to share it with you. However, before I go into the "exciting" parts, just a quick description of the first few days: Arriving back in town was a bit hard. It was (and is) cold and grey , and, as usual when taking the RER from Charles De Gaulle airport (Roissy) into Paris, I noticed that everyone in the train was not only wearing dark, woolen colors but also a scowl on their face! Guatemala and people's smiles certainly seemed long ago and far away. Fortunately, my apartment was impeccably clean--my tenant, Kathleen, had taken very good care of it--so all I had to do was unpack and bring things up ... read more

Well, I arrived in Boston last night (or rather, early this morning) at 12:30 AM, only to find that American Airlines again left my luggage at Miami Airport, which, I've decided, is a terrible transfer place! They've found it, though, and it should be delivered sometime this evening. Took a taxi to Jane and Don's, where poor, sleepy, Jane let me in. (By this time it was way after 1 am). I'm so lucky to have such nice friends who put up with my strange travel schedule! Once again, I'm back at the Main Boston Public Library using their computers. It's a wonderful place to work. I actually got a computer to use free of charge for 2 hours! Wanted to post some of the photos I took of my visit to Tikal before my trip ... read more

It's Saturday noon and things are a bit quieter after yesterday, Good Friday. I've spent the morning seeing things I'd missed, such as the fountain behind the Merced church and the courtyard and view from the roof of the Hotel Posada Don Rodriguo. In adition, I went shopping! Found two second-hand, embroidered "hupilas" at an equitable trade "tienda" near the Merced. They were each less than $7 each. This afternoon, I'm invited for coffee at the home of a French photographer (Daniel) and his Quatemalan partner (Maria-Elena). I met them through the SERVAS Association and had lunch with them back in February. I'll be sad to leave Antigua. It's really beautiful, and I find the Quatemalans so friendly. Everyone greets you in the street with a smile and a kind word. Below are some more photos. ... read more

Yes, I´ve found another paradise, this time on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica--on the Nicoya Peninsula, to be exact. It´s a beach and small town called Playa Carillo. It´s 8 kilometers south of Samara, which isn´t bad, either, but it´s more touristy and the beach at Carillo is much nicer (see photos). Unlike Samara, most of the beachcombers at Carillo are "Tico" families. Only problem is, this paradise may disappear in the coming years. I had lunch yesterday at a local hotel with a lovely view of the bay and beach. Seated at the bar was an American --the same American who's constructing the 8-floor monstrosity appearing on the sign splashed with red paint. Amateur investigative journalist that I am, I asked this American ("Bob") all sorts of questions, pretending to be interested. I´t's going ... read more

Yes, Costa Rica's best kept secret is a lovely, lovely, swimming beach 7kms from Puerto Viejo called Punta Uva. White sand, turquoise-colored water, small cabins, nice people. I absolutely loved it and could consider staying there for a month or two. Indeed, a French couple from Perpignan whom I met there discovered it three years ago and is now building a house just across the road from the "cabinas" where they keep staying. Believe it or not, I ran into Liz and Tony on the beach and had dinner with them. They are the British-born couple who lived in Bermuda for 30 years and now live in Costa Rica and whom I met on the excursion to Tortuguero. Another coincidence: they know Susan and Harry, my hosts outside of San Jose! After leaving paradise, I paid ... read more