Little Piece of Paradise.

Punta Uva is moody and lovely even in overcast and raindrops. An evening walk along the beach (not too late to get eaten up by No-see-ums) but late enough to watch the sun begin its descent. A line of horses along the shore and howlers in the distance. 

We take a morning paddle board up the river the next morning. Iguanas, sloths, and delicate raindrops. Peaceful and soothing. 

Until...

we paddle into the open ocean. Ah! Choppy. Dig in to avoid the breaks. A little nauseous. Return to shore. 

More fun in the pool in our little piece of paradise at Villa Ananci Village. 

Rain, Howler Monkeys & Villa Ananci Village

Wake up clouds—every leaf, every vine is still. Sit outside on the breathtaking veranda, overcast sky grows deeper, more layered and the thunder begins. To compete, we were a growling coming from the trees. A guttural, low-pitched howl.  Trees begin to sway. Creatures climbs and swing. Howler monkeys abound! “Is that an elephant?” my daughter asks. J They are amazing. Up close in the binoculars, they are beautiful, large ebony colored. Thriving in the treetops, singing, eating. The thunder intensifies. Hummingbirds buzz around us, drinking dainty droplets of rain off the plants. The rain pours, sputtering against the roof, drenching the plants, a long thirsty drink. Birds sing and parrots squawk. A perfect morning at Villa Ananci Village.

Punta Uva, Pescado and Manzanilla

Punta Uva. Snorkel and beach day. Gorgeous, palm-lined beaches. Water so warm. So relaxing. So many dogs to visit. A trek down to Manzanilla (just steps away from Panama.) Yummy local lunch. Arroz con frijoles, pollo y pescado. Take an afternoon walk along the shore, shadows and holding hands. The sand radiating all the love we can hold. More laughter and pool challenges, snacks and wine. Now, I write on our veranda. The moon so bright, almost full. Red glowing stars. Dogs bark in the distance. Cicadas and the chirp of bats continue to cocoon me into Costa Rica, a place I am loving more and more each day…

Pool view of our house at Villa Ananci Village