Kia and her nephew Tommy

We were able to get Tommy and three of his family members neutered and spayed thanks to the help of an animal rescue group started by two amazing women here on the mountain.  To read more, see:

PAWScostarica.blogspot.com

Vacation in Samara (Feb 09)

Faces of Samara, on the Pacific Side

Emotional Roller Coaster

Zip Lines!

After a long hard day making coffee...

It is important to take time to pose with an ox cart.  These are hand-painted in unique ways that signify which part of Costa Rica they are from.  Also, nothing quenches thirst after a long day better than sugar cane juice, being pressed in this trapichi (sp?) machine.  And finally, a big hug from your favorite friend is a great way to end your coffee tour.

Even More About Coffee

After the coffee is grown in ideal, rich, volcanic soil, it can be harvested.  Then the beans are dried, hulled and separated.  If you get bored, you can always separate the beans into cute animal shapes.  Once separated, the coffee can be ground, but only after you find a little girl in pink, who needs her bangs trimmed, to turn the handle.

Demonstrating the latest in coffee picking fashion

More About Coffee

First, the coffee is born.  These are baby coffee plants.

Jungle Gym

Rope Swing and Don Juan Coffee Tour

Top photo: Brandon giving us the tour. 

Bottom: The kids hike through the coffee farm property to take a short cut to the school bus.  Brandon's grandfather gave us permission to trespass, along with free coffee and fresh herbs from his garden.

Brandon made this rope swing.  It is a loop fashioned from a vine growing in the woods on one of the paths to the school bus stop. Kiera tests it daily to be sure it still swings properly. 

Here is Sara giving it a try.

Sally and Family visit from New Orleans