Horseback Excursion Numero Dos

Hola, buenos noches from the Rica!  Today, instead of just one, many were greeted bright and early by the loud howler monkeys at the lovely hour of 4:30 a.m.  Once everyone got out of bed, we smelled the aromas of Jackie’s delicious breakfast.  It included toast, chorizo sausage, gallo pinto (rice and beans), scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and orange juice.  After finishing the tasty breakfast, the two groups were off on their adventures for the day.  After a bus ride to the horseback riding area, which included driving through water that was very exciting, we pulled up to see all the horses lined up by the trees.  We each got to pick our own horse, which each had their own creative and distinct name.  Annaliese chose to venture through the rainforest on a mule, which she decided to name Guacomule.  As we were trotting up the mountain through the jungle, there were amazing views and some pretty funny moments.  From Claudia’s horse racing to the front all the time, to Annaliese having to walk her mule down a steep hill, there was never a dull moment.  Also, to Kate’s surprise, her horse, Tequila, decided to jump in a hole as we were journeying through the water.  Mr. Fallon was not very excited for this excursion, and when his horse started galloping, he was very surprised and nervous.  The horses were always keeping us occupied, including having Mr. Como’s and Mr. Fallon’s horses separated for safety precautions.  But, their were some slower moments where we could admire the gorgeous scenery because some horses, especially Alex’s, were starving and wanted to taste the bright green bushes.  As we were arriving at lunch, we were just getting out of the rain and had to journey across a bridge, which only three could cross at a time, so we wouldn’t die.  Adonis was with us the whole time helping us, and during a delicious lunch of fresh tortilla chips, black beans and rice with tuna, and fresh fruit juice.  As we were eating, Adonis surprised us with the fact that we were eating squirrel, which at the time we believed, but a little while later he told us it was really just tuna.  After lunch we went on a creek walk in the cool water, and found our way back to our horses.  We rode them back to where the cars would be waiting for us.  We drove back to David’s, one of our guides, house and got to meet his adorable son, Diamond.  After that Marvin picked us up to go get some ice cream at the local supermarket and then drove us back to the lodge.  Next, we relaxed in and soaked up the peace and serenity the rain forest has to offer.  Once we heard the dinner bell, we rushed to eat homemade lasagna, a gorgeous looking salad, and bread.  As we were eating we realized Annie had been bitten or stung by a bullet ant.  The chaperones and Captain Morgan and Randy helped get her to some comfort.  After dinner we did the usual routine of going around and saying our favorite part of the day, thanking someone, and talking about a food we tried.  As Mardi Gras is approaching we decided we are going to get in the spirit by preparing and awarding beads to people who do wonderful acts during the day.  Today’s recipients from our horseback riding group were Kate for calmness, Annaliese for compassion, Daniel for strength, and Mr. Fallon for self- sacrifice.  As we are writing this many people are going to look for a scorpion which the chaperones found with the backlight  all while we are enjoying scrumptious ice cream which Randy served us.  We love and miss you all and look forward to seeing you, but don’t ever want to leave this beautiful place.  Pura Vida!
Annie and Kate Juliani