Water Taxi . . . .

So who would think car troubles were a blessing, but the Beast has to officially be put down. Something to do with the muffler and loud noises. I'm sad to see our trusty steed put out to pasture, but having a reliable mode of transportation is a necessity here. Especially a 4x4. Because of this happening, I was forced into experiencing something new that I probably would not have done.

First let me explain something. From Playa Grande you can see Tamarindo down the beach. Tamarindo is the largest town in the area and a total tourist spot. Now you'd think,why not just walk there if you can see it? I wish. Such an action is not possible because there is a large estuary that runs between Tamarindo and our side of the beach. (An estuary should you not know, like me, is a fancy word for river that runs into the ocean. Not a place where they keep birds or house lizards. Boy that was a bit of a disappointment) So we drive to Tamarindo to get groceries and to drop me off at the Organic Market, and it usually take us twenty minutes to get there. Talk about places farther then they appear!

So where is this all going? Well when the call came in that the Trooper was a no go for my usual pick up from the Market, I wondered what other options I had. First there is always the trusty taxi downtown, but it would probably cost an arm and a leg and I'm quite attached to both of them. Second, I could try to figure out some sort of bus transportation system but I'm not ready to tackle that challenge just yet. (I need more info then "stand there and look for a gray bus") What did that leave? Since I really wasn't dressed to swim across the river, and hadn't yet mastered my crocodile survival phrases I figured I'd give the water taxis a shot. What did I have to lose but a little dryness and a long walk down the sandy beach.

Like usual, I tried to glean as much information, in a casual manner, from the local transplants before I left. What I learned was: A) Yes they were real B) They cost about 500 colones ($1) and C) they stopped running around 5pm. Glancing at the clock and noting the time, I used the bathroom, got a drink of water and grabbed my two plastic bags of organic goodness (I would not have used plastic but I did not know I'd be barefooting it and had not brought a larger purse). Not knowing the exact location of the "taxi stop" I trudged through the sand spotting a boat and figured I could always holler out my question and be pointed in the right direction. As I neared the inlet where more boats were moored, I was greeted by two gentlemen casually standing on shore and not apprently waiting for anything. One asked something that I now realize included the word "bote" and I stared at them a moment. Then acting like the completely clued in individual that I am, I pointed towards the inlet and said "Taxi agua alli?" They simply stared back and I shrugged moving on figuring they had said something I had completely misunderstood. Not unusual . . . .

Getting closer to the original boat I had fixed my sight on, I hear running and the gentlemen who'd asked the question appeared at my side. I pointed at an empty boat and said "Alli?" He nodded. What I really wanted to ask was "So are you a water taxi driver? Is this your boat?" Sometimes when you don't speak the language you just kind of guess. Blessedly I got it right and after a few brief Spanish questions, I was stripping of my sandals, heading into the water towards a boat with bolted down blue wooden seats. Now I've never taken a water taxi before, but there is nothing like taking your shoes off to get into a "taxi". It just seems so whimsical and fun. With bags in one hand and sandals in the other, I scrambled into the boat as he pushed it out and started the engine.

Apparently his only passenger, we rode in enjoyed silence and my one minute boat ride was over quicker then it took to mentally prepare for it. With reluctance I handed over my fare and splashed over the edge with a sigh. Like the ride, "it's a small world" I wanted to do it again, but there were things that needed to be done and I think Diego, my boat driver, might have thought it odd that I just staid in his boat for three trips. Who knows, maybe he just would have smiled and held out his hand for the correct fare. I was too grown up to find out, but there is always tomorrow. - Should you need a water taxi, I have his card. It has his email, cell phone and house number. Give him a call and he'll be waiting for you at the estuary, your own private water taxi driver. The story will impress all your friends back home, I'm sure of it. - Three people waited on the opposite shore and boarded my boat for a return trip. Standing on the deserted beach, I adjusted my load, twisted up my hair and prepared for the long hike back. I'd walk this far before, once, but not wearing clothes that covered three quarters of my body, lugging groceries and wearing a purse. Some how I felt a little over dressed, but oh well, I was on my way home barefoot.

Walking along the beach later in the day is a pleasant experience and it crosses things off my to-do list. First - exercise is completed. A necessity but not necessarily done as often as I should. Second - you get your vitamin D for the day; meaning you get tanner, feel better and won't suffer from SAD. Third - there is nothing like a little walking to call to mind that really, you can get anywhere just by doing it. Sometimes I forget that's possible because so often it seems you can only "drive places." Granted it takes a whole lot longer, but you save on gas, help the environment and get in touch with your local, rustic, sweaty self. I love it!

The shores of Playa Grande are not populated so normally with a few passing strangers, it's yours. I walked along the edge where the water slips up on shore, just enough to get my ankles and feet wet. Lost in thought, it took me a while to realize I had a winged procession in front. Several water birds strolled in front of me, clearing the way and making sure it was safe to pass. Quite honored by their presence, I noticed they kept looking back at me to make sure I was following them, and then would scuttle a few feet ahead and wait. Company on a walk always adds enjoyment, and this small group was no exception. Once it was determined that we had passed beyond the "dangerous" stretch, they moved on in a different direction leaving me alone with my meandering thoughts.

It's funny. Every since I started this blog, I've been looking for things to write about. Challenges turn into stories, fear is now replaced with thoughts of "Oh, Oh, this would be so cool to write about." I wish I'd decided to do this earlier because who knows how much more I would have done, or could now remember. Granted I'm still working on the adventure part of my life, but I think slowly I'm getting there. Especially living with my family here. God is so great with his wisdom ruling our lives. Even though every day here is such an adventure, I can't help but wonder what he has planned for me next. Where will I be needed and what new place will I travel too? Only he knows, and I pray each day that he'll show me how to live in this moment and not worry about the next.