Hola from San Marcos! This is just a quick update to tell you where I am and ask a favor. First, I am in my hotel room, in the charming town of San Marcos (Saint Mark), nestled in the valley of La Zona de los Santos (The Saint’s Zone). Nearby are Santa Maria and San Lorenzo. Of course, you know I had to come here – to pay tribute to the Saints and Angels and all the other good spirits that have helped me along, on this trip, including you, my readers.
       I’m staying in a nice hotel, in the center of this tiny town. I got here yesterday afternoon and liked the place so much that I decided to stay another night. I’d like to go explore, but for the moment I am dedicated to writing my posts on the last few days, to bring you up to this point.
        Throughout mi gran viaje (my big trip), people have written me, with interesting and supportive comments. I want to publicly thank Tammy, a brave woman in the U.S. Army in Iraq. She and her husband, who is stationed there as well, have gained inspiration and sustenance from reading my travel journals. Their dream is to come to Costa Rica. Tammy’s recent donation to my web site has enabled me to take this two night respite, in order to keep up my writing. I blew my travel budget on car repair at the beginning of the trip and have stayed only with friends, until now.
      The favor I ask of you is to drop me an email and let me know you are following along. I’m curious about how many people are reading this and traveling with me – virtually. Then, in future posts, I can say hello. I will only use first names, as I highly respect your privacy. And at the moment I will say hello to:
Lesley, Katie, Katty, Silvana, Abigail, Ilene (Elena)…..
Remember Romper Room? Betcha haven’t thought of that in years! Looking into my magic mirror,
“I see: Bruce and Ed, Tammy and Joyce, and hello to Linda and Annick.” I’d love to hear from the rest of you. Thanks.
       Watch for my next post later today.

       A friend in San Jose recommended this hotel (Thanks Katty!) and got me a discount. Had I not been guided here I would have missed the place, due to it’s appearance.
 
 
I highly recommend this hotel.
 

 
 
 

 
 
    

 
 

 

 
 

 
 

 
 
        Even though I am in my room writing, you can see that I am still enjoying my surroundings. The room is simple, but clean and spacious, with WIFI, too. The bathroom is nicely tiled and has a really hot shower (a rare treat, in Costa Rica). Breakfast is included and you can order anything you want. And if the day warms up, I’ll try out the pool! Hummmmm…….. I just might move in!