Running from the law

Sundays are a time of reflection, calm and peace. So when I suddenly lurch to the side as the Trooper whips a sharp U-turn in the road, shortly after we leave church, I'm shaken from my light thoughts. Glancing out the back window I notice a police check point, flagging down passing cars, checking passports and possibly Revision Technica de Vehiculos. RTV, as its shortly called, is a car's insurance that must be renewed each year. Our's has lapsed but we do have an appointment next week to get it in to be checked. Until that happens, should you get pulled over the fine can be as steep as $250.

"Let's do lunch," someone suggests as we find ourselves quickly slinking away from the law, heading toward Brasilito. One to never turn down food, my momentary anxiety melts away to grumblings of the stomach as we discuss what our choices are. I've seen signs everywhere for a place called Outback Jack's, an Australian Bar and Restaurant. Rumors have spread that it can be quiet expensive so we stop to take a look. Discovery - Lunch is affordable, dinner is expensive. The location of the place is at the end of a dirt road right as it starts to curve and the ocean parades on the other side. Seating outside is vacant, arriving before most lunch eaters, we are given hand decorated menus that just have to be photographed.

As conversation piddles along, our wonderful lunch guest who's joined us on the run (she chose today to carpool with us) enlightens me to a question I've been wondering. Witch's Rock, the large stone mass with great surfing actually has a story behind it's name. To my great pleasure she shares the tale of how when the winds are really strong, the rock howls and the locals thought it was haunted by a witch. I'm noticing a growing trend of unhappy women in Costa Rica lore. What about the men? Were they the ones that created the stories or just not intimidating enough to keep unwanted visitors away?

Eating with the warm breeze delivering hints of delicious smells, music from a three man mariachi band overpowers the rush of the ocean. Their serenades are merry and its the first time I've heard the legendary minstrels. With warmed body and tummies we drift back to the Trooper to make our way home. Will the check point still be there? Assurances are made that they don't stay long, but I secretly hope they will be so we can turn around and get dessert. With healthy disappointment the roads are free of enforcement and we find our way to our modern abode happy, filled and without further excitement. Ah how I love Sundays.

In closing I must mention that our postcard to the outside world did reach it's intended recipient. Total time was 15 days and all bets were lost. So we'll have to be sure to send things half a month before to ensure they arrive on time. Who's birthday is next month, we'll have to send your card now. This does not mean, however, that items can be sent to us. It is simply a one sided delivery system. Sorry to all those who wished to shower us with gifts of deodorant, books and sunbutter. Those things will have to wait to be delivered in person when you come to visit. Can't wait to see you!