on temps alone, while we are freezing here, costa rica was 84 when we arrived by day-- and by night, 60s, i'd guess-- constant breeze -- different birds in the morning sounds--- also, fruits that we said good bye to a few months ago (melons, mango, papaya) are still in season-- along w/ bananas & avocado & pineapple--- the place we stay (pura vida spa) has the BEST massage/energy/body work in their wellness center that i have ever witnessed times 12 (that seems to be at least how many different disciplines & modalities of body/energy work available) ---- we, as songwriter class, meet after breakfast for a couple of hours & after lunch for a couple of hours -- a nightly, student run song share -- 3 wholesome fresh meals per day --- and yoga before breakfast & before dinner

and on new years eve, those who wanted, spoke out loud their intentions for the new year (new decade) lit a candle and listened as another did the same--- then as if on cue, we grabbed a hand drum and started dancing around beating a drum & dancing our asses off --- then the fireworks started in the valleyjust before midnite & lasted for 45 minutes w/ out stopping (see, we are at 5000 feet elevation there and san jose & alejuela (the biggest city area of the country) has non stop fireworks everywhere-- we just sit up there in awe of the blue moon full moon & the most amazing fireworks i have ever seen (the shear numbers alone & the 5000 feet thing)

it is paradise

the spa & resort is a world class, yet, very laid back retreat --- there really is no reason to leave while there--but for those who do, there are excursions through out the week -- from whitewater rafting to a beach day (pacific) to volcano visiting to butterfly farms & on & on ----

i did go to a san jose market by cab -- open market- meats breads artisans & touristy stuff - i found a coffee roaster there & bought great costa rican coffee to bring back

costa rica is as good as it gets -- and our spot is a casual yet world class yoga spa resort where we gathered w/ students to talk about songs

how does that sound?

-darrell

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