Day trip

While my parents were here we took several little day trips. One day we went to visit the charming towns of Grecia, Sarchi, and Zarcero. Grecia has a beautiful little town square full of benches and tall trees in front of the unique metal church. (You can see the corner of it in the picture in my blog header!) A bit farther up the road is Sarchi which is famous for the traditional ox-cart painting (see picture below) and is full of souvenir shops. The largest shop also has a workshop in the back where you can watch the men painting the ox-carts which is always fun. And finally we went a little further up the mountain to the town of Zarcero. The town itself is small, but the drive is gorgeous. And the park area in front of the town church has a gardner that shapes the bushes into figures which you may remember me showing before. I love getting out of the city and exploring the beautiful country in which we live!! Pura vida!!

The church in Grecia which is unique because it is made of metal. (Can you see my Mom and Dad in the doorway?) I love all the different churches in Costa Rica. I wish I could take a week and travel to each little town and take pictures of each church and park. I may have to do that and then make a charming little shutterfly book. :o)


This is an actual painted ox-cart. The story has it that the men painted their carts so fancy to draw the attention of the ladies as they passed by. Now it is a very well-known style of Costa Rican painting (and heritage).

Obviously this isn't a real cart, but is the same style and is actually a sign in fron of the souvenir store.

The church in Zarcero being restored.