Day Five - Costa Rica

Late yesterday we were told that our house had a major water leak from the underground pipes, and that there would be some guys from the village over to fix it. The Guest house on the property also had a water leak, so both would need to be looked at. So we were all up early to have our showers in time for the water to be switched off for the maintenance.

Tayen and Saige usually have baths in Australia, and our house here doesn’t have one, or even a sink big enough to bath them. So getting them used to showers will be a big thing. Although they were having swimming lessons back in Australia, neither of them likes water in their face, so shower time has been fun (not!) the last couple of days. Hopefully they will get used to it soon! At least we have hot water, where as most houses in the village don’t.

I have time in the morning to unpack our suitcases and sort out all our clothes. Another great thing about this house is that it has its own laundry, so we can wash all our clothes right here without going to the Laundromat in Pto. Jimenez., or hand wash everything. We have been told that the people of Dos Brazos live as much of Costa Rica did 20 years ago. They ride horses everywhere (though a lots have motorcycles as well) hand wash all their clothes, and a generally a very close knit community.

We have inherited a dog. Apparently he is one of the many dogs from Dos Brazos who’s owners don’t feed him, and he has been hanging around Tristan’s house the last month or so eating Tristan’s scrap food. Tristan didn’t mind him hanging around as he is a good guard dog, and will bark if anyone comes into the property. So now that Tristan’s house is our house, we have a dog! His name is Raoul, but Alan started calling him Boof-rie and so that’s what Tayen and Saige call him. I have no idea what kind a dog he his, but he’s a bit bigger than what the girls are used to. He seems nice enough, but he smells pretty bad! Even a bath doesn’t cure his predicament we’re told.

Our inherited dog, Boofrie

Using the toilet in Costa Rica is a little different than in Australia. For one, they have a lot more water in them, and the bowl is shaped differently and is a little longer than the Aussie dunny. The Spanish word for toilets (bathroom) is ‘baño’ (ban-yo), and every toilet has a bin next to it, no matter if you are in a public toilet, in a restaurant or in your own home. The plumbing system is not great in Costa Rica, and neither is the sewerage system. Toilet paper cannot be flushed down the loo as it would block the pipes and create havoc in the sewerage tanks. So, instead you must put your used toilet paper in the bin next to the toilet. When you are so used to flushing it, this is quite difficult to remember at times, and I’m glad that the pipes didn’t get blocked the few times I’ve forgotten. Tayen keeps reminding me, but she forgets sometimes too, so hopefully we don’t start having toilet issues as well as water pipe problems! It’s fair enough in your own toilet at home, but I must admit, it’s a bit of a turn off in public loos.

We went up to Steve’s research centre, Ventanas en Corcovado, to have a tour of the facilities and to use his internet connection! The research centre began construction 5 years ago, and was set up to offer good facilities to research teams that would come to Costa Rica’s Corcovado National Park. It offers a large open plan facility with kitchen and bathroom facilities, and with rooms for guests to stay in. Steve also farms tropical butterflies, and ships pupae to the USA for use in zoos and museums.

The road between our house and Steve's house

Alan on the computer in Steve's rancho

Saige can sleep anywhere, even on a concrete floor!

Tayen entertained herself on my iphone

Alan headed out for his nightly collecting trip along the road out the front of our house. It is mostly surrounded by dense forest, with the Rio Tigre running along one side. He had a good night, finding the first snake we’ve seen since we’ve been in Costa Rica – Sibon nebulatus that feeds on snails. He also found a tarantula living in the bank about 50 meters from our house, but didn’t catch it this time. Tayen caught a large black dung beetle that had stripes on its back, and then we caught another one for Saige. There was also a large gecko that was kind enough to bite me when Alan handed it to me. And Alan also saw what he thinks was a Tayra living up a tree in the back yard. Tayra’s are in the weasel family. Unfortunately, it was gone before he could get a photo of it.

Alan with our first snake of the trip!

A large gecko biting my hand!