Angelito

He's a ranch hand at El Viejo farm, an enormous and privately held agricultural complex that produces organic fruits, vegetables and acres upon acres of sugar cane. The farm employs 800 local workers in season (Dec-May) and 300 out of season. We were treated to lunch at the home (now restaurant and tourist attraction) of a former Nicaraguan president. Then we participated in a hands-on tortilla making experiment and in an old-fashioned sugar juice extraction.
 
We went on to nearby Palo Verde National Park and boated down the river, with a guide, to observe its wildlife. We saw an amazing number of crocodiles, sunning themselves on the muddy banks or floating in the brackish water, just waiting for the unsuspecting fish (or tourist falling overboard…) along with all manner of birds, bats, cappuccino monkeys frolicking in the trees, and of course, the ever present lizards.
 
We are now in the Guanacaste province, with a  complete change of landscape (dry tropical forests, pampas, heat) and our hotel room looks onto the Pacific ocean. Quite a departure from the humid, rainy and lush tropical rainforest scenes of the past few days!
 

Still having huge problems with wifi, so regretfully not able to respond to your many kind comments on my blip anniversary of yesterday (of which I'd lost track, so nice surprise!). Many heartfelt thanks to all who dropped by!