Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair

Flowers are the thing today. Waking up to another sunny, warm day here in Paradise. I could hear birds chirping and looked outside to see a hawk sitting in a nearby tree. Lots of bird photos followed which I will put in another blog entry.

This week is the Flower and Cafe Festival and we are on our way. We arrived just before opening time of 11:00 and luckily found a parking space on the street. A short downhill walk took us to the entrance. Tickets are $1.00 for seniors and no ID required which I find sad that no one questions that I am a senior. The flower area and adjacent fairgrounds are all ablaze with color and craft booths. There are more booths on the street and carnival rides in an adjacent lot.

Inside I am loving the gorgeous displays of begonias, marigolds, roses, geraniums, daisies, salvia and many more colorful blooms. The beds are sponsored by companies and include large ceramic frogs, butterflies, turtles and more wildlife that stay here year round.

Jeff met up with a kindred spirit

We walked around and met two different English speaking couples who live here in Boquete. We got some tips on where to buy groceries, best restaurants, pharmacies and weather. One couple explained that the huge stadium are adjacent to the flower area is actually a disco. They said it is quite a party and goes on until 4:00 in the morning. Later I met our neighbors who said they could hear the music last night and we live miles away.

Lots of food booths were opening now and I tried a coconada which is best described as a big, round macaroon. Comes in several flavors mixed with coconut and corn flakes and I liked it a lot.

Time for lunch and we decided to not eat "junk food" and headed a few blocks into town.We went to Big Daddy's which is noted for its fish tacos. Neither of us had them, but will the next time. I had a bowl of vegetarian (bean) chili over rice with cheese. Really filling and good. Jeff had a shrimp po boy that was loaded with shrimp and nice tomatoes and a remoulade sauce. We sat outside and watched the world go by and enjoyed just being alive and well.

Next up was the interviews at our Spanish school. We have signed up for 20 hours of lessons starting on Monday. Well go from 1 to 5 every afternoon next week. We were both pathetic at the intake and sure we'll be in the most basic beginner's class.

After a ride in the countryside we returned home. Jeff is napping while I am typing this. I did meet our neighbors and found out where the trash goes which is very important (mas importante.)

 Highlight and click on the link to see a video of the festival.
 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5RWQNHxUkdU&feature=youtu.be