February 27, 2011 – Adiós Paraíso

It is always a sad day when we have to leave our Paradise, but all good things must come to an end. I must say that an extended stay in Costa Rica provided us with enough time to both explore the beauty of the country with the relaxation a vacation affords. Jackie and I are both leaving refreshed, relaxed, and, knowing we will be returning soon, leaving with an anticipation of our next experience in Costa Rica.

Our flight changes left us with a layover of 8 hours in Mexico City, which afforded Jackie more than ample time in the Duty Free shops throughout the airport. Unfortunately, my purchase of Centennario at the San Jose airport could not be checked onto our flight from Mexico City to Chicago, so, after some repacking of laptops into one bag, and the liquor into the other bag, we were able to check in another bag that we were hopeful would arrive at O’Hare unscathed.

Now, for those who are inventive, would someone create an airport chair or bench that is comfortable to sleep in?

Arriving in a rainy, cold Chicago, being greeted by a wise cracking U.S. Customs agent who missed his calling as a comedian, and gaining entry into our Homeland, the long wait for our luggage begins…only to find out it is not all there. The hootch and the souvenirs arrive in good shape, but the clothes, shaving kit, make-up & female hair care items (gasp!) are sadly missing. While we were waiting for the luggage carousel to suddenly materialize our luggage, we notice a dog carrier with a puppy in it sitting at the end of the claim area. When we realized our luggage did not make the flight, Jackie picks up the dog carrier to take to the secondary Customs agent to plead for the unretrieved dog. After assuring her that he would see to the puppy, he passed us through to make a lost baggage claim, which took about 45 minutes to get someone to help us.

It was reality time when I went to the remote lot and had to scrape 1/2 inch of ice off the windshield. This is far from Paradise. I return to the International terminal to pick up Jackie and off to the local hotel for a few hours of sleep before I have to head to the Chicago office to begin another work week. But, after the time together with my wife in our private getaway, I am in a good place. My mind (if not my body) is ready for what work and life deal out. So, I say bring it on! Give me what you’ve got. My temporary tan and formatted brain can handle whatever is dealt until we visit Paradise again.

Now…off to Wisconsin. That is so wrong.

Pura Vida.

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