If we took a holiday....

Costa Rica. Ah, where to begin. The beauty, sure, but that's to be expected in a gorgeous tropical climate. We all know of turquoise waters, long sandy beaches with mountains in the background and exotic foliage that is outright stunning. What I was not prepared for was the total beauty and freshness of the Costa Rican "ticos". The people are inside and out lovely. Visually the pore less cocoa skin, ink black hair(not a grey in sight), slim bodies and perfect, white chiclet teeth are not to be believed. But it is the spirit that is even more attractive. From the moment you are welcomed at the little! airport in Liberia, through customs and immigration and then the rental car, you are treated to the big smile and welcoming attitude. They are very proud of their country and are seemingly genuinely happy to have you visit. There appears to be no stress at all. They just don't get the concept. If you want anything faster, they will just politely tell you, "Oh, no can do." This may explain the lack of wrinkles and grey hair. There is about 1 beat up car for every square mile of people and they mostly walk--up hills or bike. Many times I saw 3 people on one bike pedaling up a hill to the market that was 3 miles from their home! Hola and a smile and even a precarious wave to all of us staring slack-jawed! Diets of fresh fruit and vegetables along with fish and combined with all the daily exercise keeps most looking healthy. Can't remember the last time I witnessed 3 kids on a broke down bike, riding up a hill, in 90 degree weather to a dusty field, carrying mitts, ball, and bats to get a game going. Crazy what can happen without video games or even television! Hammock resting , observing nature and just conversing seem to be the order of the day when not at work. Families outside at tables laughing and visiting while dogs and cats laze about is a common sight. Very spiritual, family oriented people indeed. Should you fall in love with a Costa Rican, be prepared that YOU will be doing the moving--they will not be leaving their beloved country and family. Loco Gringos!! Small houses with no A/C are the norm. But, the houses are all hand crafted with extreme attention to fine detail. Use of indigenous wood makes them all look like little jewel boxes. I observed a construction site where one guy had a hack saw while his partner had a wheelbarrow! Smiling while toiling in 90 degree weather. Horses and cows walk freely around the villages, and I saw a man rounding up a cow while talking on his cell phone! I could not find trace of ego, social competition, or ranking of any sort. Respect and consideration for each other and us gringos was the standard. I did yoga on the beach with a native instructor and was invited to see her home and stay with her anytime I wanted to visit. Why wouldn't I be invited--I had known her for all of about 1 and a half hours!! The simple and uncomplicated life makes me feel ridiculous for all the excess I have. Just not becoming attached too much to these things, that are so taken for granted, is my only hope for that mental peace that they seem born into. Rushing around, indulging, and accumulating "things" seem like a total waste of time. (again, crazy gringos!) Then there's always the maintenance and stress that comes with "stuff." Guess, all I can do is try to take the memories and apply some of those lessons to my life. By nature, I am not really stressed (yoga helps) but I could learn from the gentle nature of the Ticos. Seems to work for them! And if I ever need a refresher course, it's 40 minutes to the airport, 3 hour flight to Miami ,overnight layover, 3 hour flight to Liberia, customs and immigration, then a 2 hour drive to my favorite village. You kidding? Too much stress. Wait! I know this one--una cerveza, por favor!!!! xo