Last Hours in Costa Rica

I've been hearing howly monkers (as I mistakenly said a few days ago, and have been calling them ever since) for hours, after waking at 4:30 am. Today we leave the Rich Coast, and for me it has been a magical, amazing -- and even a little bit mystical -- journey.

Breakfast will be served on the veranda of the main house of Nosara Bed & Breakfast in about 15 minutes, at 6:30, and the taxi arrives to trundle all of us writers and our luggage on our two-and-a-half-hour off to the Liberia Airport. Apparently in Costa Rica, International travelers must arrive at the airport three hours early, rather than the two hours required in the U.S.

I encountered bats, got up close and personal with howler monkeys, explored sea caves only accessible at zero tide, swam in the warm ocean, saw the famous green flash (see photo) and wrote many pages of poems, a few of prose, two songs and a series of comedy one liners about how to tell when it's way too freaking hot. I also greatly enjoyed the company of the other writers and drew inspiration and delight from their work.

I am sad to leave yet also happy to return home and see my lover, husband and friends. I know I'll also enjoy the MUCH cooler weather Oakland has in store tonight and for the rest of the winter. I'll leave you with a howly monker photo or two, as well as my list of one liners about the heat.

 You know it’s way too freaking hot when:

You break into a sweat parting your hair.

A cold shower has nothing to do with quelling your libido.

Opening your skull to put ice directly on your brain sounds like a fabulous idea.

Your sweat is sweating.

Your sweat glands have formed a union and are threatening to strike if you don’t give them time off.

You start writing strange stories about psychic, talking howler monkeys.

Sitting in one spot for hours then going to bed early sounds like your idea of a perfect Saturday night.

Your eyeballs feel like poached eggs.

 Wherever you travel, may you sink deeply in, find at least joy--if not transformation--have the time of your life and return safely.

Thanks for reading to the end. As always, comments are welcome.