Pura Vida

Pura Vida – the words of the Costa Rican people…translated they can mean many things, but I understand them as “what happens will happen, just let it be”. So as I write this blog nearly a month after the fact I find myself using this simple, but useful phrase– I’ll get around to telling my tale when I have time. And now, lacking on specific details – but remembering important experiences I bring you a daily account of my most memorable experiences in Costa Rica…enjoy!

Day 1 – After a sleepless night (due to intensely strong thunderstorms), a crammed car ride, a short flight and a long bus ride I found myself in La Fortuna Costa Rica with a view of a volcano – the first one I have ever seen!

 

Day 2 – A ride through the country side of Costa Rica landed us in the small village of Santa Teresa. We played soccer with local kids, spoke in broken Spanish, and ate amazing food. That night we stayed at the resort on the lake (I had the “honeymoon” suite), though I didn’t get in the lake like many of the others on my trip. Earlier I had cut myself with rusty barbed wire and was not willing to risk some strange infection for the pleasure of cooling off – I could do that in a shower!

 

 

Day 3 – An early morning made for cool work. We helped dig near 30 post holes for the beginnings of a community garden. Again, we ate great food, still spoke in broken Spanish and enjoyed some “native” dancing from one of the local kids – And what I mean by native is actually booty shaking!

 

 

Day 4 – This day we found ourselves in the town of Nueva Arenal – a town relocated up the mountain because Costa Rica build a dam and flooded Arenal (for the sake of clean energy). We stayed in cabinas above a restaurant called Moyas. Moyas has the most amazing pizza you will ever eat – let me rephrase – they have the most amazing food you will ever eat!

 

 

 

Day 5 – We spent the morning painting the benches surrounding the community soccer field and the afternoon relaxing at the lake. This time I did get in the water – the cut had scabbed over and I was now less worried about what strange infections I might contract, I was just hot and tired!

 

 

Day 6 – This day began with rain, and lots of it. So instead of finishing our paining we sanded and stained 35 chairs and 2 tables to be used in a local school. I also had the opportunity to meet local people who are instrumental to the success of the Led2Serve organization as well as form the basis of relationships I hope last a lifetime. As the rain cleared we took the chance and went out to finish our painting project. We completed 2 dugouts and both goal posts!

Day 7 – This was our adventure day! I went zip lining (kinda scary, but only because I know how everything does work - and sometimes fails) and hiking on the hanging bridges. I saw a sloth, a toucan, howler monkeys, spider monkeys, capuchin monkeys, wild boar, and a relative of the capybara!

 

 

Day 8 – Rise and shine was early and soon we found ourselves on a plane headed for Georgia. Though I was not saddened by the end of my trip because this is simply the beginning of my journey!