Countdown to liftoff: Two days to go

January 3, 2010

We leave for Costa Rica in two days. We're packed, our passports are ready, and we have traveler's checks even though nobody seems to take them in Costa Rica. An insurance policy in case of emergency, if you will. We found an easy way to wire money to Rancho Montezumo, so that definitely takes the pressure off. I don't want to be in a foreign country with two kids and no way to take care of them, so that's a huge sigh of relief.

It's snowing right now, and it feels like it's been snowing for three days, a constant stream of small meandering flakes. No more shoveling snow for three months. It's been a snowy week, so this fact does not leave me heartbroken.

There is tilapia in the pond, which is stocked so visitors who come to the ranch can fish. Antonio will be so happy to have the chance to do some fishing. We can't bring his fishing gear, though, since security won't welcome a fishing hook in his carry-on (we're not checking any luggage). No problem, we'll figure that all out when we get there.

We packed a small suitcase so we won't lose any luggage or have any belongings stolen. The suitcase only seemed smaller once I started putting clothes into it. I have about two cubic feet of belongings to bring with me! When you don't know how you'll be washing your clothes that presents an interesting scenario. When we were in Lima in 1994 we washed Alex's cloth diapers by hand (Antonio had not yet made his entrance into the world) and that memory has stayed with me. Thank God the kids can wash their own clothes now! Life is so good with teenagers - they packed their suitcases without me really having to think about it, though they did let me know what they packed. I love their independence.

I am amazed at all the excitement we've felt from our family and friends in the last few weeks. It has been so sweet to hear the good wishes of those whom we love the most. That was an unexpected bonus, and one of the more fun aspects of getting ready for our trip. Fortunately, we're leaving just after the holidays, so there were many parties and many opportunities to say goodbye. My dear friend, Jayne, made a suggestion that we host a party when we get back, and I think that's an excellent idea. A very early spring shindig sounds like fun. I am hoping that we'll have some great music to share and some tasty new recipes.

Yum, I can't wait.