A visit from the President of Costa Rica

Just an update on our ATV... last Monday, Kevin was able to finally start the ATV (I didn't have to tow him into San Marcos... phew). We drove to get the emission test done and passed with flying colours. We then promptly drove the ATV around the corner to the mechanics to get a full service done. We left it there for two days. We got the call on Wednesday that it was ready to pick up. The mechanic said the carburetor needed a good cleaning and he changed the spark plug, too. It runs beautifully now. 

Bigger news, on Friday, President Solis came to our little village of Rio Blanco to celebrate the completion our new bridge. He went to two other rural towns before he arrived at ours, and by the time he did arrive, the weather had turned nasty: it was lashing down with rain. There were about 40 or so neighbours waiting for him and we all had to cram into Martin's rustic restaurant. It was certainly cozy. There were approximately 15 police officers standing by as security. No one was searched. No weapon detectors. Just simple people waiting for a government official, who happens to be a really humble and decent guy. The mayor of Santa Maria said a few words of appreciation, thanking the President for the infusion of investment in our region. The government has invested the equivalent of $1,205,500 U.S. for a new bridge, road improvements, women entrepreneur programs, agricultural programs, etc. The President stood up and said a few words, too. I shook his hand, which is as close as I'll ever get to shaking any president's hand, I'm guessing.

When the rain finally subsided, we all went out for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. It's fair to say that even the rain didn't dampen the mood. There was a camera crew capturing the event for the nightly news, which is a pretty big deal around here. It's not often something big like this happens in our midst. I'm very grateful for the experience (unfortunately, Kevin had to leave early to tend to the ponds... we know where his loyalty lies).

Mayor of Santa Maria (everyone calls him Oso, which means "Bear")

President Solis

the villagers of Rio Blanco... I'm in there somewhere.