in the jungle..the mighty jungle...

Indeed. The Jungle. I realise I have been a bit neglectful of late (since I met up with my family in fact) so since New York is long gone and we are in a completely different country, I am just going to move right on to that.

So Costa Rica! Where everyone is friendly and the weather likes to 'monsoon' for at least an hour everyday. Right at this very moment I am sitting in my hotel room doorway (the only place the WIFI works) listening to the sounds of the volcano jungle which is quite a harmony once the sun falls, though we have yet to see a toucan or a monkey or even a tarantula- not that I am complaining about that one.
We are staying at the Arenal volcano, literally right at it...here is the view from our hotel room...

This is an active volcano; apparently back in the day there were tours which allowed people to walk right around the crater, but there were too many deaths at the hand of volcanic ash and eruptions so this is no longer offered. Damn. We have seen smoke but no fire, but a couple of other brand new experiences I have had here more than make up for it.

Yesterday I went swinging through the jungle canopy on cables, ranging from about 50-100 metres high and 130-900 metres in length. Swinging through a forest canopy for nearly a kilometre while trying to keep your hand from flying off the cable is not as easy as it looks, and I ended up having to be rescued on this one. But I can proudly say I conquered (almost) all the other lines with my sheer charm and good looks. And the explicit instructions from the guides.

After this quite full on adventure we spent today pool hopping in the natural hot springs at the base of the volcano. Very relaxing....

Which we followed with a lovely buffet style dinner, a la Australian country pub...Oh Costa Rica, we love you.

in the park.

After almost a week of uncertainty and intercontinental phone calls, a plan has emerged from the ash. My lovely mum and sister will be arriving at JFK on Monday evening, for a week of exploring the city, before we head to Costa Rica so I can begin my much coveted summer.

This means, of course, that my original four days in the city have been extended to about two weeks. And since I am soon to be sharing my New York adventure, I want to wait for the arrival of the two lovely ladies before anymore exploring is had. Which means I have had several empty days (and two more ahead of me) to fill without treading on the toes of all the things I want to do with my family.

Central Park to the rescue! What a gorgeous place to wander around in or sit and read a book or do a painting. The beginning of spring, the blooming of my favourite tree, the blossom, the sweet smell of flowers and the simple joy of people ready for summer.

This is the place to go to get away from all the frantic people and the sirens and the beeping...a soothing oasis amid the intense, crowded metropolis. If it wasn't part of the city, I don't think my mind would be so caught up in it all. As it is however, there is a time in the future when I think I could call this place home, at least for a little while.

But for right now, I will continue to enjoy spring in the park and eagerly anticipate the arrival of the first of my travelling buddies and the good times that will be had.

new york new york.

Hey Friends. I am now officially extending my stay in the great city of NY. Like I really had a choice. My flight was cancelled yesterday, as were so many others, although I guess I should count myself lucky I found this out while I still had relatively comfortable accommodation and I am not now living at an airport. Thankyou Mister Volcano! That was the biggest fake expression of gratitude I have ever made.
Anyway, about my itinerary. I did actually stay on track for the first few days..then I heard about this volcano and fiasco ensued, which involved me frantically trying to replan everything, in colloboration with my family on the other side of the world with an enormous time difference. Ahhh...stressful times.
But so far I have been to the Guggenheim museum, the Moma, the Natural History Museum, St John's Cathedral, the New York Public Library, Times Square (so full on I could only handle it for about 20 minutes...but I did get to see the famous Naked Cowboy), Central Park (my favourite place so far), 5th Avenue (lots and lots of ridiculously expensive designer stores...) and I have seen the Statue of Liberty from the Staten Island ferry.
I have not yet walked the Brooklyn Bridge or eaten Brooklyn pizza....or in fact any pizza at all. But it is ok, as now I have extra time to finish seeing whatever it is I would like to see. Once I am done organising of course.
I am supposed to be in London right now...and I only have concrete plans as far ahead as Thursday, after which I am homeless and confused.
This volcano has certainly put my planning skills to the test and made me realise that my stress levels will probably severly affect me later in life.
Anyway, there you have it my friends...the now ongoing New York trip. And who knows where I will be next week..or whom I will be with. I hope it is somewhere amazing with some people I love.