Resetting Our Speedometers

    Though much of our trip has been relaxed and unhurried, with beach days and restful afternoons and one rainy day when we did nothing at all, today's arrival in the pueblo of El Valle de Anton was even one step further. First of all, our mascots here are a black dog named Snoopy and a three-toed sloth named Dahabie. The sloth, perezoso in Spanish, is the slowest, most sedate and relaxed creature in the world. It is believed that just being in the presence of one can lower your heart rate.
    Our accommodation for the next few days is a guestroom in the Casa Mariposa, run by a Swiss expat and her Colombian husband. Among other things, they ride bikes, do not own a car, have chickens, quail and rehabilitate sloths.
    El Valle sits in the crater of a long-extinct volcano so we're nestled in a verdant bowl with mountains all around us. One such mountain is called La India Dormida (the sleeping Indian) which amazingly looks like the face and upper body of a reclining woman.
    Today's accomplishments include 1) getting here, thanks to our faithful driver Mario, 2) enjoying a slow lunch at a local restaurant, 3) practicing more Spanish, and 4) buying groceries for the next few days. I was delighted to find Chobani Greek yogurt from New Berlin, NY and Duane scoped out more local beers at the Rey Supermercado.
    Walking nearly from end to end of this small village reminds us of our own village back home - people know each other, they tolerate tourists, and restaurant choices are somewhat limited. Tonight we balanced our hearty lunch with a cheesy pizza for dinner and coffee and tea at a local hostel/lounge.
    Tomorrow, we'll attempt a local hike and make time for relaxing in the garden. Very slowly, very deliberately, and living squarely in the moment.

Leaving Albrook the day after New Year's

Perezoso (sloth) at Casa Mariposa in El Valle