Jan.31

---

From my iPod: After missing our plane (3 hour drive to YYZ in a snowstorm), we arrived in CR via Mexico City a day late (no surcharge, thx Air Canada!). We are now having lunch at the German Bakery (free WiFi) on the shore of Lake Arenal, after spending the night at Arenal Observatory Lodge. AOL was built by the Smithsonian for vulcanologists to study Arenal volcano which erupted with boulders of glowing lava before our eyes. Amazing! The park-like setting of AOL was a wonderful intro to the beauty of tropical nature, without actually being in a rainforest: colourful birds, a suspension bridge to our room, and a family of coaties were some of the highlights. But the volcano was the undisputed star of the day (and night) as it rumbled round the clock.
Stay tuned for some photos when find an Internet cafe.

---