The longest fast food lunch

On Tuesday we went for a nice walk. It was paved but straight uphill. After our walk we were hungry so walked to a little fast food type shop. Jeff discussed food options with the chef and we sat down to wait. There was a little bench in the mini mart where se sat for 20 minutes.

After 30 minutes they found us a table and chairs, set them up and put this plate of potato chip crumbs out. I assumed this most be a topping for the food the would be out shortly.

After 45 minutes we were pretty good friends with these guys. After 55 minutes the potato chip crumbs were long gone, our new friends went home and the waiter came out to ask us if liked garlic sauce. He also said what literally translated to “It’s a shame about the wait.” I’m pretty sure he meant sorry for the wait but it cracked us up.

After an hour this came out. I think it was made of yucca dough and filled with cheese. Normally something like this I would think was pre-made and just fried or microwaved to order. But since it took an hour I’m guessing she made the dough to order. Maybe even milked a cow for the cheese.

Finally after an hour and 15 minutes the chef brought us our main dish she was really nice an apologetic for the delay.

I don’t remember the name but it was like a stew of plantains, yucca, bread chunks, steak and sausage covered in cheese, guacamole, tomatoes and garlic sauce. She said it was a special thing they made on the coast which is where she was from. I can see if she made each element from scratch how it took over an hour.

It was a long lunch but an experience which is always fun.

Computer buying

On Monday I bought a laptop. This photo is me happy to get a new laptop but mostly happy to be done with shopping for a new laptop.

Thank God Jeff likes and understands how to shop for them. I was confused through the entire process.

The store also sold hair dryers and I kept thinking maybe I can sneak over there and look at them. I don’t need one but at least I understand how they work more or less.

But I did get one that I really like and then went out to celebrate.

Computer shopping

On Sunday Jeff and I went to the mall to shop for a new laptop for me. In Panama, Mexico and Colombia everything is still sold at the mall. I think because Amazon is still new in these places it hasn’t destroyed the malls yet.

Lucky for me, Jeff doesn’t mind researching and shopping for computers.

Tge requirements are like an entire different language and having them in another language made it really confusing.

Jeff was able to understand all of it. Me, not so much.

It was a challenge not to wander away and play with the display Playstation.

Hiking in Sabaneta

On Saturday we went for a hike. It was a 20 minute Uber ride but in twenty minutes went from city to forest.

At once point it was too steep for the Uber driver, so he let us off a little before the entrance to the park. It took two boys, two dogs and Jeff to help the driver turn around without falling over the side of the mountain.

The trail was paved which was good but super uphill which was hard for me. But the views were worth it.

The views were great and it was so nice to be in a forest again.

On the way back down we passed a roadside altar.

And we waited for our Uber back in the local Cafe.

I got super bitten up but insects while Jeff was ok. I read once that mosquitos are attracted to carbon dioxide. This might explain it. I was huffing and puffing as we hike up while Jeff wasn’t even breaking a sweat.

Sabaneta

On Wednesday Jeff and I went to explore the neighborhood of Sabaneta. We were in a quest to get my laptop fixed.

We stopped to get coffee and try one more time to plug in my laptop. The coffee was great. The laptop not so much.

We also stopped to get some meds. It was so interesting to see this display case with a nun statue. We also saw this in someone’s from porch.

And another statue on the roof of this different pharmacy.

So even though my laptop is toast, it was a fun day off looking around and seeing a more work a day neighborhood.

Birthday

On Tuesday we celebrated my birthday in Mt favorite way, by relaxing. Jeff made me pancakes for breakfast, I went for a massage, and we went out for dinner. Dinner was OK but the Oreo tiramisu Jeff got is for dessert was incredible.

Sven and Sergio helped Jeff blow up ballons while I was out.

Thank you to everyone for the birthday wishes. All your comments, texts and calls made my birthday even that much better.

Moving to an AirBnB

On Monday we moved from our hotel to an AirBnB. The hotel was good although after three days we were tired of the included breakfast.

After breakfast we had time between checkout of the hotel and checking to the Airbnb so we studied some Spanish. Once we got to our apt we went grocery shopping.

It was nice to be able to cook dinner. I love going out to dinner, but eating in is nice too.

We made a simple dinner of pasta and green beans which was delicious.

Earthquake and the park

On Sunday we woke up to an earthquake. The above photo is a recreation. We had woken up and were about to get up when the entire bed started moving. It took us a few seconds to realize it was an earthquake. It was a 6.5 and pretty far away from us. We felt it but there wasn’t damage or anything.

Our hotel had an included breakfast, but it was just ok. Second breakfast was much better and prettier.

We went to the Parque Ecologico. It’s a beautiful park on the river.

I love the park bench recliners.

It was a great relaxing day.