The drive down the coast took a predictably long time. Distance here has always been measured in time. The further one has to go, the larger the window required to estimate when one will arrive. The extreme unpredictable weather, inconsistent drivers and roadways that may or may not stay where they were intended, always make for a harrowing journey. Our trip was filled with sunshine and good company. The only excuse for our delay was the the caravan of tractors taking palm nuts to be processed into oil.

Rather than arriving in time to visit the beach and catch the sunset, the itinerary had to be adjusted. We rolled in late nearly missing missing our arrival window completely. Our greeting party had packed up and moved into the village. Anticipating our need to for both refreshment and nourishment, a closed bar was opened. There is nothing like friends in high places to make you feel welcome and safe. We were well fed and filled with beer. Content in all things the day had provided we spent a few hours catching up, laughing and making new friends. Without warning our timeline caught up. We were beat. Willing consciousness to hold on for a little longer, the first class service of dear friends delivered us to the cabina I had arranged for the next week. Just down the road and around the corner, it only took minutes before we found our place and were down and out.

Time here has never seemed to behave. Daytime and nighttime are the only absolutes. Both the calendar and clock battle for relevance on a daily basis. Setting appointments and deadlines can only be described as intentions, never as absolutes. More often than not, manana does not mean tomorrow.  In some cases it may never arrive at all.  Pura Vida.

Waking to the sounds and breath of the jungle gently brought me to consciousness just as the morning glow began to illuminate the imposing ridge that dominated the view. I slipped on just enough clothing to appear in public and to make myself comfortable. Adding shoes, reserved solely for this purpose I set out on a familiar morning walk .

I had spent many hours while living here exploring the jungle, beaches and village by simply walking. Communing with my surroundings this way has always brought me a level of comfort found nowhere else . Today was not an exception. I walked a familiar trek with purpose stopping only to great many familiar faces also starting the day breathing deeply. This would not be the only time I would immerse myself in this way while visiting . It is quite possibly the favorite pastime

Despite the lack of an itinerary or agenda, this trip had a very specific purpose. I had rolled in under the cover of darkness, quite literally, hiding my presence. My mission to appear from the shadows timed with a collection of other surprises. This left me in the awkward position of remaining incognito for more than two full days. A difficult task given the small community. Time however dissolved, as it does here, and before I knew it I was hidden in the back room of my favorite haunt. Waiting for my cue to appear without warning and be welcomed with a hug or a slap. Either would have been welcome, as both proved the surprise had held.