Madera Culebra

Here's something I was told you don't often see here, the Nica walking stick. I spotted this one while walking up the steps to Piedras y Olas a week ago. The gardener said if it bites/stings, the bite area will swell up, but it's not dangerous. Fire ants sure are; while on my land, I made the mistake of not looking for their tracks, and got numerous stings on one foot. And yesterday my daughter got hit by jellyfish while swimming north of Sjds. Luckily I didn't get hit, nor did anyone else in our group.

I am winding up a month long stay in town, which has been very enjoyable. Lots of relaxing, visiting with friends, and boning up on Spanish. Not sure I'll ever understand all I hear, or ever speak as well as I'd like, but I'll keep studying. The people I've met and met again have all been wonderful, and it's reaffirmed my commitment to coming down for good. There's so much more of this wonderful country to see and learn about, and I look forward to doing just that. Lucky, all of you who are already here!

Melanie