What the locals do for entertainment...

Manuel Antonio is not the best place for surfing, but it is known for a few waves and some great surfers that live here. Between the frequent high tides, good waves and great sun, it is a fun spot for me to be with my camera. With little to no effort I can snap a few photos of the crew that are at least worth a peek. Some are locals, some are friends, and some are simply passing through. La pura vida.


A rare cameo of myself and my good friend, Olman, who is keeping me company as I snap some photos.


Even without the surfers, the scenery is worth a shot.


Or two.


After working all day teaching people how to surf, there comes a time when the boards get put away and they can come out to play.


Surveying the waves.


Hitting the water. Oh yeah, this is Levis, one of the 5 dogs of the beach, and surfer extraordinaire.


While Rocky, proud papa of the pack, keeps watch from the shore.


And they're off! Mostly surfing, but the Tico on the left is a gnarly boogie-boarder.


Nice form.


Ernesto. A local surfer and reggae singer.


Nice spray.




A bit o' air.


Marswell, a surfer and singer, but just passing through. Check him out on myspace.


Also Marswell, but this is a perspective shot. Again, I can only take a bit of credit, my camera is rad.


Ariel, one of the best.


Seriously good air. This was a new board, used for the first time.


La pura vida.


The top.


Yikes.


Ariel, knocking it out of the park.


Part of a set, the launch...


...the ride.




Edwin, also known as Noah, due to his ability to ride the waves, in his kayak.


And he is off.


Riding the wave.


Not the traditional surfing, but still pretty awesome.


A rough bail.


Letting Kai and Gustavo play around in the kayak for a brief rest.


Los dos, Ariel and Jeffrey.


Dos, tambien.


Arriba!


Ernesto.


Good-lookin' wave.


Riding the top.


I got it!


Just passin' through.


Ernesto bailing. Nice form.


Again.


Charlie Brown bailing.


Gustavo dreamin' big...


...and inviting Kai to join.

THE END.

Daycare's fieldtrip to the Nature Reserve

Living here in Costa Rica and having immediate access to jungle and animals galore has proved so enriching for all my little students, never mind me! We are exposed every day to life with various plants, animals and insects alike. Two of our "daycare dad's" are park guides in the local National Park and are teeming with information. One such dad, Roy connected us with one of the local nature reserves and we were able to plan and carry out an awesome field trip. We took all our kids (most accompanied by parents) and went adventuring into the jungle to see what we could see. Below are a few examples of what came across our path.

Super excited about our new friend, the frog.


Part of the reserve has a butterfly farm and it was amazing. Tons of butterflies zipping about. This particular butterfly took a liking to Franco.


The eggs that the butterfly has laid, in the hopes that one may survive.


Una mariposa!


Roy, Jimena's dad, was able to find all sorts of surprises for us, like this caterpillar that hides under a leaf for protection.


If only I could remember all the names. Either way, good lookin bugs.


This one is my favorite with it's beautiful interior and disguised exterior.


This one landed on Benedicte, Maxime's mom.


Hiding in a light fixture. Wish I had another shot that showed the light fixture, which was also in the shape of a butterfly.


Yikes. Luckily for us, this snake is behind glass.


This one however, was not.


Next stop, the crocs.


And my dad thinks HE has a big head. This is the papa of the crocodile family living in the reserve. Oh yeah, and he is enormous.


The adolescent section of the crocodile family. The kids were eerily pensive through this part of the exhibit. I think they realized that moms and teachers alike in one swift move could make this croc family happy and offer them up a tasty little snack. Maybe we should start bringing them here more often.


Also part of the reserve are the croc's friends, the turtles. This guy is totally tolerant of the turtle's antics.


I am serious, they are friends.


3 turtles in a row.


Woah little turtle, watch your feet!


Checking it out from the water. Here in Costa Rica, a body of water is your best bet for beating the heat.


Check out the tail on this one.


So cute, these mom's with the kid's backpacks.


Post-adventure. So tired. Beautiful.


Overall, great adventure for the kids, teachers and parents alike. We made it out of their with all of our kids, lots of new stories and all about 5 pounds lighter on account of all we sweated during our walk/hike. So worth it though. What an education.