Joanna Biggar's Blog

Good flight despite cheapo USAIR. No food, no movies, no sound system, OK, I can take that. But no pencils to fill out the migration forms? Really.

It was dark when we landed, so seeing this place has been left to this morning’s treat. But it was a happy landing — I got to see Doug briefly at the airport, and Lenny was there to whisk us to his place in Guacina, about 20 mins from the airport.

Riding here I thought I was back in Africa, with sounds, smells, open sewers, vespas darting about. Here is an incredible estate. Gorgeous huge hacienda, swimming pool, koi pond, acres of tropical trees and fruits, and animals everywhere. Inside dogs and cats. Outside parrots, wild birds, insects (but dry season, so not bothersome) roosters doing what they do, and the occasional python or fer de lance. Not frequently encountered.. Skin of one killed on the land decorates a wall, and it was killed only because it insisted on eating the chickens. The land also contains ancient burial site where tools and ritual objects have been excavated. We are surrounded by hills now abloom in flame trees and mountains with a volcano that’s been smoking lately visible in the background.

It is, in short, paradise. Do not weep for me Argentina, or Costa Rica either.