Don't Panic!!

6 days to go and the ceiling has decided to leak! 

This is made more worrying as we have a prospective renter coming to view on Friday!  With the best will in the world there's no way she won't spot this - have even considered making it into some type of water feature but think I'm on to a loser.  Have suggested that Dave stands under the leak to stop the sound of splashing, but would have to hope she doesn't notice water running down his face, which is probably unlikely.  I think we'll just have to fess up.  Luckily we have great friends here and the work should be sorted out within the next few weeks - before she'd want to move in, but after we've left!

We've both been really touch by the kindness of friends here in Spain, with people looking after the house whilst we're away and organising meals to send us off.  I'm really going to miss friends both here, in France and the UK - thank goodness for Mobiles, Skype and Facebook!  It's really quite strange to think that not that many years ago worldwide communication was so much more difficult - now it's simply a case of having mobile or internet connection. 

It's also interesting to note that 2nd/3rd world countries have more or less missed out mass landline comminucation and gone straight to mobile.  When we were in Senegal (5 years ago) I remember thinking how much better the mobile connection was than in Cumbria (UK).  Will wait to see how this compares to Costa Rica!

After thought on shoe situation!

 

insidecostarica.com/2012/10/24/260-aftershocks-after-yesterdays-earthquake-in-costa-rica/

This morning's concerns (previous post) have rather paled today as realise that I am about to spend at least 3 months in a very beautiful but seismically active country.  They've had 3 earthquakes (5.6 to 7.5) in the past 7 weeks.  Another good reason for leaving particularly high heels behind I feel.  Looks like I may have enough problems keeping my balance at times!

However, I've done my homework and told Dave what we need to have packed for our emergency bag (in case of tsunami):

• First Aid kit and any prescription medicines
• Enough canned /dry food and water to last 2 days (plus can opener)
• Flashlight and batteries
• Small radio and batteries
• Change of clothes and blanket
• Basic toiletries, repellent, sun screen, baby supplies
• Copies of personal documents (passport), family phone numbers, extra set of keys.

I've also noted the local tsunami evacuation areas and the latest advice for what to do if caught indoors in an earthquake:

• Get to the floor
• Take cover (under a table or something to protect your head and neck)
• Hold on!

I have to say I'll need to look at this further as Dave thinks the advice is to stand in a doorway with a lintle.  However, this was what he was told when living in San Fransisco over 30 years ago so I think my info my be a little more up to date.  Having said that I'll do whatever needed should we be in the situation to have to take cover!!

The fact that I've focused time and effort on finding out about:

1. The practicalities of surviving an earthquake
2. How to avoid becoming the victim of petty crime
3. The problems of prostitution in San Jose

is not because I'm fixated on the likelyhood of disaster but simply because I like to be informed inorder to best protect myself and my curmudgeonly husband (knowledge is power).  The truth is I can't wait to get there!!

Dave, on the otherhand, knows nothing of these practicalities but can give a full list of the creeks and estuaries where we're most likely to come across crocodiles. - No we're not going to do this!

Woke early worrying about shoes!

Realised that the beautiful flowery heels I'd thought would be so good for Costa Rica were likely to be completely wrong for:

a) Standing up teaching all day and

b) The rainy season!!