Se Vende Queso Aqui

That was a roadside sign.  I'll explain that later. 

Today we left our home away from home, said goodbye to Cecilia, who took extremely good care of us during our time with Earthwatch in her beautiful cabinas:

Said goodbye to my new little dog friends (many dachshunds running around all the time, walking us to town and just being entertaining overall)

Said goodbye to coffee plants (not coffee,) and to our super cool group of volunteers.  

Also, we said goodbye to Sebastian's safe driving.  Driving through the rain on the ever present narrow, winding and steep roads, trying to ignore my sense of impending death, I reflect on my first week here in this beautiful country.  Of course, given the circumstances, my thoughts are a little disconnected, but here they are.  The last night of Earthwatch was really something that has stuck with me.  Being so warmly welcomed into someone's home (Alba actually told me "Me casa es tu casa,") just made me happy.  I assume that people are partly so nice because we are attached to this fantastic coffee research, but truly, I just think that many the people here have a warmth about them that does not exist in Boston.  We waited for Interbus at a charming cafe near the airport which turned out to have more nice people and great food, a delicious salad with salsa, hearts of palm and balsamic vinegar.  Yummy and healthy.  Then got on the bus, which I must add is 100% carbon neutral.  Even the taxis here are eco-friendly!  I have to figure out how...

On our drive, I saw tons of happy cows.  Did you know some of them don't like the rain?  I saw a huge bunch huddled under trees waiting for it to stop.  Super cute.  Don't they know its the rainy season?  They live here!  It may never stop!  I can't wait to have my farm.  I learned that I can probably grow most of my own food sustainably if I do it right (biointensive farming.)  Also, I think I will have some cows too, but not for meat.  Pets!  To make cheese, like the goats.  And then I can sell it!  And that was the sign...we sell cheese here.  Finally made it to the next destination safely, I am learning to trust these drivers, and here in Monteverde, we have lots to look forward to.