I am in Costa Rica! I arrived on Monday and made my way to one of the youth hostels recommended by my Lonely Planet guide. The atmosphere of the place was rather like some parts of my college experience... lots of people with dreadlocks hanging out, red lighting. More so than the one gray hair I found in my head earlier this year, stepping into this hostel gave me the feeling that I am oooold. The girl at the reception handed me two sheets and a pillow sheath and showed me to my dorm, which was littered with big backpacks. I had a top bunk. Looking up, I saw that there was someone else´s stuff already on there and I pulled it off, revealing a small gray kitten hanging out behind the big pack. Since I was trying to make the bed, it was necessary to get the kitten off. I talked to it in a sweet voice and extended my hand towards it, not knowing that it was a lethal warrior. It promptly and viciously clawed at my hand, which I jerked back just in time. I attempted several times, but the kitten had claimed the bed as his perch. I was a little embarrassed to have been outdone by a kitten.. and a little more embarrassed at having to ask a young guy who had just stepped into the dorm for help. He nicely got him down, suffering only a few scratches along the way. I made my bed and eventually headed out to grab some dinner.

The next day, I headed to Cahuita, a small beach town, where I am now. The trip took 3 hours on a bus and I was sitting next to a skinny old man who sang the entire time in a nasal, scratchy voice... love songs, religious songs... the whole entire time. No wait, he did stop for a few minutes when he downed some oreos and two sandwiches... but aside from that, the singing was continuous for most of the ride. He also stopped to tell me a little about his life. He was very kind. His wife, had died 6 months earlier and he told me that he was seeking a new wife, but that finding a life partner was hard. I nodded in agreement.

I finally made it to Cahuita and found a place to stay... a small room for 6 bucks a night. Today´s plan includes hiking and definitely some beach time. I´ve met someone to hang out with for a few days, which is nice. One thing that I am realizing about myself is that I like to share my experiences and feel lonely very quickly with no one to do that with.