Yes, I did start out on a bigger plane from BWI to San Jose. In that time I met a lovely older couple named Gerry and Karen. Gerry is from Costa Rica. We struck up delightful conversation! The Italian Grandmother in me came out as I offered ginger chews and snacks, to which they also offered their goods in exchange. It was great witnessing and feeling the flow of love, not just between us, but seeing it extend to others on the plane, including a sweet elderly lady that spoke no english. She was met with other bilingual folks that helped her with orders and paperwork. Such sweetness only fills the air with joy and makes any trip of that length much smoother and lovely.
Upon arrival in SJO airport, I came upon the massive line for Customs! "No worries! I am easy going. I'll just simply wait and make the best of it." I though to myself. But before stepping in line, I prepared to say goodbye to my sweet seat mates. Gerry's face beamed and he nabbed my passport and paperwork and said, "Come with me! Today you are my Daughter-in-law!" And with that him and Karen led me around to another line with no one in it (I assume for returning citizens) and 3 minutes later, after some exchange in Spanish and a wink of "We'll give you our son, Marco" joke, we were done! I was blown away!!! WOW! Acts like that do not need to be done yet, these folks did that! I was so touched! We exchanged contact info and more hugs! I was able to catch my connecting flight with so much time to spare! Gracias my dear friends!!!
Next up was a first for me, flying in a small plane that sat about 12 people! I've never been in a plane that small before! It was cool! Flying through clouds and seeing all the mountains and water, including little islands between San Jose and Tambour. Also enjoyed a lovely chat with another young pair. (which funny enough was on my return flight a week later). After a 20 mins hop to a tiny air strip, we landed in Tambour at the Sansa airport. Very exotic surroundings (at least it was to me) :) The airport looked like a park pavilion with a tin roof covering where folks waited to board. All open air! Outside of that, fairly dusty roads. My sweetheart was there waiting for me with a welcoming embrace, a few kisses and a food container carrying a delicious veggie spring roll! Now THAT is a welcome!
More adventures awaited on the drive and arrival to the villa in Santa Teresa (next entry)
Upon arrival in SJO airport, I came upon the massive line for Customs! "No worries! I am easy going. I'll just simply wait and make the best of it." I though to myself. But before stepping in line, I prepared to say goodbye to my sweet seat mates. Gerry's face beamed and he nabbed my passport and paperwork and said, "Come with me! Today you are my Daughter-in-law!" And with that him and Karen led me around to another line with no one in it (I assume for returning citizens) and 3 minutes later, after some exchange in Spanish and a wink of "We'll give you our son, Marco" joke, we were done! I was blown away!!! WOW! Acts like that do not need to be done yet, these folks did that! I was so touched! We exchanged contact info and more hugs! I was able to catch my connecting flight with so much time to spare! Gracias my dear friends!!!
Next up was a first for me, flying in a small plane that sat about 12 people! I've never been in a plane that small before! It was cool! Flying through clouds and seeing all the mountains and water, including little islands between San Jose and Tambour. Also enjoyed a lovely chat with another young pair. (which funny enough was on my return flight a week later). After a 20 mins hop to a tiny air strip, we landed in Tambour at the Sansa airport. Very exotic surroundings (at least it was to me) :) The airport looked like a park pavilion with a tin roof covering where folks waited to board. All open air! Outside of that, fairly dusty roads. My sweetheart was there waiting for me with a welcoming embrace, a few kisses and a food container carrying a delicious veggie spring roll! Now THAT is a welcome!
More adventures awaited on the drive and arrival to the villa in Santa Teresa (next entry)