After we had eaten, two of Aris’ sisters and I were sitting in the living room when the chairs began to dance and rock. It felt like it went on for several minutes, although I’m certain it was under a minute. It stopped for a moment, and then continued on again.
Turns out there was a 5.2 magnitude earthquake whose epicenter was in Conception – only 45 miles away! Aris said that they felt it even more up on the hill at her cousin’s house. It wasn’t scary – perhaps if it had been stronger it would have been. (David pointed out that this was the strongest quake I've ever experienced) More about it
here
A couple of Aris’ sisters wanted to go up to the border with Costa Rica, so we jumped in the car and went. Turns out it was just a few blocks away! Of course, a "few" blocks is a long way when it's up a steep street! We walked across the border – unmanned as far as I could see – and went into a couple of shops. Then, we went back down the hill, and sped past the family’s house. I saw Aris’ car and, not wanting a repeat of yesterday morning when I kept them waiting, I was a bit concerned. I used “What’s App” to tell her where we were, and then to send her the photos of us at the next border crossing several miles away.
A digression: If you are using "What’s App” now, I’d love to know so we can chat – for free! If you aren’t, please consider getting it (and letting me know so we can chat) It’s really great – you can chat and send photos easily and for free (did I mention that before?) All-in-all, a terrific app.
We returned home and a whole new group was assembling – along with most of those from yesterday. Aris and the boys were there, but they weren’t yet ready to leave (phew!) Once again, the happy, busy, loving family greeted and kissed each other. It’s wonderful. And there was another demo of the beauty products. And food. More food.
We were getting ready to leave when Aris’ aunt made soup. So we stayed for it since, of course, it was amazingly good.
Finally, it was time to depart. After many kisses good bye, we piled into the car and sped back to David. There was rain splatters en route home, and the many twists and turns gave us a completely different view than we had on the way to Rio Sereno. This time I got more of the shots I wanted while in the back seat, the boys quietly napped. Aris said they were sort of like puppies, all piled together, and so they were.
We returned to David and I checked into my hotel. This time, I’m on the first (2nd in US) floor, so it won’t be as hard to get up or down as it was last time when I was on the 2nd (3rd) floor. And the elevator is working which it wasn’t last time. But, alas, the internet is not working. I’ve been able to download email, but not to send it, and I can’t get to the web.
So I wrote these entries, and prepared for tonight’s dance!
At 8 pm, Aris picked me up and off we went to meet her high school friends and maybe dance a bit. It was fun seeing all of them again, but unfortunately, a headache which had been building all day blossomed into a full-blown monster and I had to cab it back to the hotel. Darn it!
I fell into bed and straight to sleep the moment I got back.
Aris and her friends danced until 1:30 am. At which point I had been in dreamland for many hours.
