We were just finishing our morning coffee on the deck on our first day at home when we heard a motorcycle (moto) cruising down our road. It was Lilo Mora, our cuidadore (caretaker) with his son, Fabian & grandson, Daniel on the back. (3-4 people on a dirtbike style moto sans helmets is typical around here.)
Lilo dropped by to say Hola! And invite us to Fabian's 18th birthday party later in the day. We said yes and not just because the party is at a neighbor's pool Ranchito. We are always happy to be included in the Mora family gatherings. Don Amado & Doña Marlyn are the patriachs of the extensive Mora family of 9 sons & 1 daughter. Lilo being one of the younger sons. They are very friendly and don't mind when I mangle Spanish in chatting with them. They are our neighbors with Don Amado & several of the sons living on farms on our road.
For those who are vegetarian, you will want to stop reading now. Around here chicken & fish are popular protein choices because the Golfo Dulce is full of delicious fish and chickens are inexpensive to raise. For a special event, Ticos serve pork. Lunch was a BBQ marinated pork with yucca, rice and a tomato fresca salsa. Lilo raised the pig and slaughtered it just 2 days before. We were enjoying fresh, locally raised, melt-in-your-mouth, delicious pork. The birthday boy blew out his candles on a cake decorated with a futbol (soccer ball) & cherry ice cream topped off the meal.
Heartwarming seeing the Deep Joy on Michaels face. Tears come easily as the joy is felt