Osa Peninsula, Costa Rica (Birthday Gift, Early Edition)
Tomorrow I turn 21. Since the poem-writing last year was a flop, I've decided to take you all with me to Costa Rica (minus the sunburn, insect bites, and horrible rashes) as my gift this year. But damn, I should have written the captions in advance. In any case, tomorrow will be all mine for depressive reflection and psychological breakdowns... and inspiration.
Welcome to the Osa Peninsula
Far beach
After a long hike to the beach, I was rewarded by a scarlet macaw sighting.
A raucous pair of birds if ever I heard them.
Some bird had a first-class meal, no doubt.
But this hermit crab is avoiding the menu by sporting a camo helmet (always in style here).
Corcovado National Park
Canopy-gazing never gets old. Considering that most of the life of a forest is in the canopy, you always wonder what you might see.
Ever stand inside a tree? After this one was struck by lightning, a group of bats moved in. You can tell by the guano on the ground.
After a strenuous hike, everyone rushed into the waterfall for a dip... except me since I had no bathing suit and cannot swim.
Most people didn't even think of looking through the telescope set up by a tree outside the park and missed the napping bats entirely.
But everyone crowded around the telescope to catch a glimpse of this lazy tree-lounger during the hike.
A common lizard, but I've forgotten its name.
Drake Bay
There's nothing like a speed boat ride: wind in your face and hair, sea-scented air, mist spraying everywhere, sudden turns, and, for some people, debilitating queasiness. So refreshing.
Watching from the beach is nice, too.
The perfect place for a nap or journalling... just watch out for the ants. They get everywhere.
I never liked the beach much until I came here.
All the time in the world to stop to photograph and stroke a flower... soft and silky petals.
This rainbow was perfectly timed for my last day at Drake Bay.
Waiting for Sunset
I wish you could see the fireflies come out after dark.
Seems zhenzhi has gone public. Her journal is a year-round gift.
Have a beautiful new year.