Orosi Valley and Tapanti National Park

Holy hand grenades, Blattman.  This spectacular valley is just outside of Cartago--a hop, skip and a jump away from San Jose!

We drove into the sleepy, rural town of Orosi, just past Paraiso and noticed a poster on the bakery bulletin board.  We were just in time for the rodeo!  We headed back toward Ayala Campo, where the grounds host weekly events, and spent a rip-roaring couple of hours enjoying down home bronco ridin'  and horsey musical tires.  Then about a hundred or so crazy locals got into the ring with a charging live bull---yes, just for kicks (literally).  We enjoyed the whole evening until the ruthless wrastling of one unfortunate bull.  That was when we'd had enough...

Early in the morning, we headed into Parque Nacional Tapanti, where we meandered along the verdant trails that wended toward the green river.  We played all day on the rocks and jumping into tranquil pools of pristine, cool water.

Before we headed home, we checked out the Mirador.  Wow, what a view.  We loved this area, and we'll definitely be back soon!

Irresistible Irazu Volcano

Well, we actually managed to get to the volcano this time before the fog rolled in!   After two tries,  this is the first time we could see the black, chalky bottom of the main crater.

Also, the volcanic sand was nice and warm, great for taking a nap.

Worth the trip!

L'Shana Tova - A Sweet New Year

Here's our apples 'n honey! (Have e a happy new year!)

Awards and Accolades for the Blatt Twins

Marina isn't just a cheerleader,

She's a flyer.  She's the brave soul that gets lifted to dizzying heights, all the while smiling, and then dropped and caught.  Go Panthers!

And, Benji just get elected to Vice President of Student Council.  Yes, we have a politician in our midst.  This politician just spent a weekend at the  Model United Nations Conference in San Jose.  There, he presented his position on behalf of Israel and sucessfully passed a resolution. 



Announcement Video
Swearing-In Video

 Model United Nations

50th Birthday in Bosques de Escazu

Ilana's 50th birthday party was a smashing success.  We rented out the poolside clubhouse at Bosques de Escazu, hired a karaoke dj, bought a ton of wine, beer, chips and salsa, and invited a great group of 40 friends to celebrate with.  When each of our guests arrived, Tara, our gracious master of ceremonies, placed a name on their back for them to divine who they are through yes/no questions.  Then, after an hour of karaoke and dancing, Tara m.c.'ed a hilarious trivia game, translated into Spanish by Erik P.-- a good sport!  The birthday cake was mocha chocolate chip and delicious.  Who would have thunk that we'd be line dancing poolside and listening to Latino techno pop and having a great time in Costa Rica for Ilana's 50th.