All around Costa Rica local towns are hosting their annual “Fiesta Civica” which includes the local rodeo. Our closest town of Brasilito (about a 10 minute drive away) recently hosted their event and we were able to catch a rodeo as a family (no running from the bulls for Mark this time!). Everything takes place after sunset with a parade, fireworks, food and beer, and the rodeo.
Always interesting is the fact that so many people put their lives in harm’s way just to ride a bull-or run from one. Of course, there is a spot specifically set up from the ring directly to the ambulance for those in need. 
Rincon de La Vieja:
One of the closest volcanos and national parks near our house is Rincon de La Vieja. Since the boys had school off on Thursday and Friday, we decided to take a short trip there. Although you can’t get up close to see the crater of the volcano as it is still considered “active”, you can see the boiling mud pots and steam coming up from the earth. It’s very interesting and very smelly with all of the sulfer that comes up with the steam. It reminded me of the boiling swamps you would see in Star Wars or The Princess Bride!
We lucked out finding a hotel near the volcano that was situated on a river where we could swim and relax in hot tubs/hot springs overlooking the river. They also had a pool and hanging bridge; the boys were daring enough to walk the bridge, I was NOT (note the sign with the “Capacity 5”)!
Other interesting notes:
- Ray and John had the opportunity to play soccer together on the same team last weekend! The JV team needed extra players so Ray moved down from Varsity to help them out during the game, and John moved up from his younger team. It was fun to watch!
- One of Mark’s new favorite fruits-apparently it is a mango, but I’m not sure how. It is VERY sour and you eat it with lime and salt.
- Who doesn’t love uniforms? Especially on this little guy. The boys’ school has classes for 3-year olds. We plan on taking this guy home with us! I’m pretty sure his mom won’t mind as they already have two older boys…
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Until next week, Pura Vida! The Beilmans
Beilman's Trip to Costa Rica 
Oh my, green mangos are the best!!! I wish that we could find some here.
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I always love reading about your adventures. Good to know about the sulfur smell. I am sure Brooke will not be a fan when we go this summer to see the volcanoes! (We know the smell from when we were in Yellow Stone a few years back)
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