Saturday, July 16, 2011

"Welcome to the Rancho"

There were some very sad ‘Ciaos’ said leaving Barbara and Mauricio’s farm. I met some pretty darn amazing people, both gringo and tico, during the month that was spent there. There were Marvin, his wife Ana, and his 5-year-old daughter Jennifer, who lived “just across the street”. Marvin, having spent his entire life on farms in Nicaragua and CR, was quite the guy to explore the jungle with. He took us bird hunting (for dinner meat), spear fishing (for dinner meat), and killed a rabbit or two (that also ended up on a plate). An amazing family, who are more generous and friendly than most and will be missed until my next time through.

            Next on the list, the other farm hand Simon, his girlfriend, and their 8-year-old son Señor Kenneth. Simon was a bit easier to communicate with because of his laid-back attitude and slow chattin’ style. He would come over to our place a few nights a week for help with his English homework. We did what we could but English aint alls too smart of a language, if you know what I mean. “No no, read and read are spelled the same but read differently in past and present tense.” Nonsense. Good guy, Simon.

            Besides being absolutely amazing people, Barbara and Mauricio have to be the cutest couple around. Enough said. In a snap, the folks of Lecheria Las Lapas. Zach and I will be headed back there in a month when the pigs are ready for slaughter to have a pig roast for Z’s birfday. MMMMM choncho! Onwards and outwards.

            After a few buses and a few hours we arrived in tourist packed Puerto Viejo. This place is a huge attraction for week long college age vacations with its awesome beaches and resort town feel. Mixed emotions for me about the trip to PV. I wanted to try and stay away from the gringos and immerse myself in Costa Rican culture up to my ears. But the beauty here is outstanding and has definitely overshadowed the sunburned ‘Chads’ and oiled up ‘Ashleys’.

            After much debate on where to stay, we ended up at Global Creek
( http://www.aglobalcreek.com/ ). Just a few miles outside of town, it is a pure and beautiful oasis in the treetops. Global Creek operates as a volunteer program for people wanting to learn practices in permaculture as well as the growing, maintenance, and harvesting of cacao trees. Aki and Katelyn run the place and live in a small cabina with amazing ocean views. Group meditation, yoga, and meals are held at the rancho, a glorified deck with small roof and views of ocean as far as the eye can see. What a place this is. I wake every morning in awe that such beauty exists.

            2 more weeks and moms come!
           
            

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