By A Thread: Sunday Explorations

There was so much to explore in Costa Rica and fortunately for us new local friends, Marva Dixon, her husband and Consuelo Taylor Anderson made it possible to trek around Puerto Limon and move south to Puerto Viejo on our last Sunday in the country. Our friendly and knowledgeable guide David Carnegie of Caribbean Costaricans Tours gave us quite a treat. In a long established spiritual tradition the tour began with a prayer following by all of us of joyously singing "He's Got the Whole World in His Hands" as we motored toward our first stop in the original community where Blacks settled. David's grandfather was a minister in this church.

The church is very important in this seaside community. David advised he no longer attends the Episcopal Church as he likes much more lively music and participation in the services. These are some of the churches we observed during our Sunday tour.

Additional view of the church

Church Interior above and framed drawing of larger downtown Episcopal Church.

Exterior of downtown St Mark's Episcopal Church with adjacent school.

St. Mark's School

These ladies reminded me of my childhood in Texas but I never had such a beautiful and dramatic Sunday School teacher

Sunday Worshipers

Sunday School Teacher. She is a beautiful subject for a portrait.

Episcopal Church on hilltop.

First Baptist Church downtown

Catholic Church in center of town

As you enter Puerto Limon from San Jose you get a striking view of the cemetery that is on both sides of the street. These white monuments to family and friends is very touching and keeps us in touch with our memories of love and loss. I am reminded of my mother and so many others who have touched my life.

The historic tour would not be complete without showing the House of Culture downtown and a variety of houses as we steadily made our way uphill. We learned about Jamaica Town, the start of the railroad service from Puerto Limon to San Jose. The ancestors of present day Afro-Costa Ricans came from Jamaica to build the railroad for United Fruit Company and thereafter to work in the banana plantations.

The community points with pride their connection with Marcus Garvey and the Black Star Line.

Love this stairway to the top floor of the Community Hall--Black Star Line Building that was incorporated by Marcus Garvey who organized the United Negro Improvement Association (UNIA).

Downtown had many interesting and colorful buildings and street art.

This woman graciously let me take her photo. She lives a block from the Episcopal Church.

I don't know what this building is but who can pass up a pink building.

We are in color paradise. I'll be quilting for a long time because of this adventure.

We didn't get to try this restaurant but I sure liked the blue.

This is one of my favorite views. With the heat I definitely would not be able to walk up those steps; who am I kidding, I might not be able to walk up these steps no matter what.

More public art even on the poles.

When we left the downtown area we traveled up the hill to get the scenic view of Puerto Limon.We were amazed at lushness of the trees and flowers.

Scenic view as we move steadily upward.

Adriene, Marion, Marva, L'Mercie, EdJohnett and , Dr. Steele

Flowers in yard facing the hilltop view.

House with a view.

David and Adriene loves dog and couldn't resist trying to get a closer look at this puppy.

As we moved upward we observed this public art outside one of the high school. Wish I could have gotten the images without the fence but it is still enjoyable to see.