Remember the Guayacan Tree.

Yesterday we went walking on Santa Clara beach. I love it down there. The breeze is cooling and the water feels like warm silk. It is so much nicer than trying to go into the ocean in Canada or even Ontario lakes in July. No goose bumps and blue lips! I really hate to leave the beach but it's important not to get burned and that would be easy to do, being so close to the equator. We limit our time to 60-90 minutes because of the intensity of the sun. Part of our routine is a walk along the ocean's edge to enjoy the sun and air.... our way to exercise. I go one direction and Bob goes the other.

In this edition of the blog, I'm including some beautiful pictures Bob took last week of the Guayacan trees near us. When we saw them, he said we had better get the pictures quickly so we didn't miss the blooms. The next day I was told this saying. I hope I am quoting correctly. "May your sorrows last as long as the blossoms of the Guayacan tree." We didn't know this saying when we took the pictures but glad we hurried.
Our friendly neighbour, a Gregory's Tamarind Monkey, continues to be entertaining, curious and persistent in her attentions. We are still constantly shooing her from the house where she sits on the top of the door and tries to wheedle her way into the room. We are pals anyway (if I have food) and she will jump to my shoulder to see what I have on offer. Her favs are pizza, bananas and K D, yes Kraft Dinner was a big hit. Lately her owners have been away, so we are letting her out and tucking her in at night. Actually she tucks herself in under the covers in her cage but we close the door so she is safe from predators during the night. One time, our neighbour Justin went to uncover Napa's cage in the morning (it's out on the bohio) and found a large possum in the cage with her, so now the cage is locked for her safety.

Last night we saw a dance troupe of children from Rio Hato who perform traditional dances. They performed to a packed house at the XS campground, restaurant and motel here in Santa Clara. The children were wonderful and so cute you could pinch their cheeks all night. After the performance they pass the hat for "propinas" that are used to sustain the group. The owners of the XS etablishment try to help them out as they come from very poor homes.The lady who is their teacher had a fire in her house and some of the costumes were burned along with their CD player. That is a huge loss for these people. The audience pitched in some extra dollars to help with repairs for their practice space and to buy material for new costumes. True to the performers creed, "the show must go on" and a wonderful, spirited and entertaining show was enjoyed by everyone. I even got to dance with two of the charming little boys. Their group name is Orgulla Rio Hato Dancers. I have included the pics I took. The bird pics are from the restaurant also.

Today we went to Playa Blanca and enjoyed that beach. The tide was out and you have to walk really far to get to the water. We haven't been there when the tide is in but will have to see what the difference is. We also went to the big pool and checked on our house (no apparent change from last time). I included some  pics of the beach there and Bob enjoying the big pool.

Recently a former colleague of mine from Canada, Lorraine and her husband Morris were in Panama and stayed at the Gamboa Rainforest Resort. Although we didn't manage to meet up, we spoke several times on the phone and she said that this resort and the area around it were very lovely with many interesting birds, flowers and other wildlife. We have been enjoying the pictures she has posted on Facebook. Gotta go and organize the picture for this edition and figure out what's for dinner.

Until next time, keep reading,
Chris and Bob

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