Home Home on the Range

Santo Tomas is a cowboy town. They were everywhere, all decked out in big buckles, pointy toed boots and stylish hats. This past weekend ( April 17 to 19th) we were graciously invited to join a group of teachers from the local Christian school to a ranch. It has become an anual tradition to visit with the family of prior students. In the past it has included branding cows ( which is what we thought we'd be doing) but it had to be done a week or two earlier. You can´t wait too long or else someone can take the cows before it is clear who they belong to.

Though uncertain about getting on and riding a horse we all had to give it a try and spent most of the afternoon doing that. Good thing they were so tame and easy going. When we were not horse back riding we were relaxing in hammocks or eating fried chicken and baked potatoes or other typical Nica food ( tostones - fried plantain, gallo pinto - rice and beans, jalepeño cream sauce over tender meat). Our first night we roasted hotdogs and made smores by the bonfire. Now that was certainly a taste of home!

We went to a rodeo. It was pretty comical because we all went with pretty big expectations and were all disappointed. There was alot of dancing, several horse shows and bull riding, with a little lasoing. Ohh and lots of talking. The band was awesome. People went to socialize and party mostly.

the Visit to the Ranch