"Are people really this nice?" That’s the question I kept asking myself during my stay in Costa Rica. By the end of my seven day trip I discovered the answer is a resounding, “yes!” I expected the staff at the resort to go above and beyond courteous – but the people in the neighboring towns of Montezuma, Playa Carmen, Santa Teresa and Mal Pais, were just as organic.
There is a collective consciousness in Costa Rica and it’s centered on love and compassion. It was not just the native Costa Rican’s but all the world implants that showed me a peaceful world is possible. In the U.S. the idea of peace sounds more like a Disney inspired fairytale then a foreseeable reality. Countries that are not founded on the ravishes of racism have a different idea of how to live. There isn't a group of the shamed, intermingling with a group of the resentful.
In Costa Rica they often say “PURA VIDA,” which means “PURE LIFE." I think a lot of us get trapped in the day-to-day demands and the idea of a pure day is far fetched, let alone the idea of a whole life that is pure. What’s considered a pure life is relative and unique to each of us but we can not follow a plan to experience pure life, we have to create it.
I highly suggest traveling abroad to see what the world has to offer. America is only the land of the free in theory, clouded by a matrix of obstacles to keep us confined and stagnant.
SHELLI TINAE – YOUR COSTA RICAN TOUR GUIDE
As your official tour guide, I would like to highlight some of my favorite parts of my Central American adventure:
TORTUGA ISLAND
We took a 30 minute ride on a speed boat across the Nicoya Peninsula to Tortuga Island. It is owned by the Costa Rican government but leased to a family for 99 years. The family is the only inhabitants of the scenic island and their livelihood is based on tourism, as several boats enter their bay everyday loaded with attentive tourists.
MAL PAIS CANOPY TOUR AND SUNSET
If you are looking to have the time of your life, you have to canopy through the rainforest. At Mal Pais there were 11 platforms. The thrill of ziplining 11 times through the lush rainforest was amazing. There are just you, the cord you dangle from, the beauty of the rainforest and the Howler Monkey’s that occupy the region.
After the canopy at Mal Pais we went to the ocean shore and watched a captivating sunset. It’s amazing how the Sun, with the ocean as its background, put me in a mood to pray and give thanks to the Sun for being so faithful each and every day. Think about it; have any of us ever been this faithful? Well, we can sure try.
MONTEZUMA
We took a taxi to Montezuma, a small town about 20 miles from our resort at Tambor Beach. It's a Bohemian influenced area with great food, people and a beautiful beach. A lot of American's have claimed this small piece of heaven but it still has its Costa Rican authenticity.
NEW AND OLD AMIGOS
I went with my girls and loyal travel buddies, Sahsha and Marcia. We always have a good time on our excursions and Costa Rica was no different.
We also linked up with some cool people from Toronto, Canada and Tampa, Florida. We met many people that I will undoubtedly keep in touch with but these guys are definitely worth mentioning. We met Adrian, Gemma, Brian “Bubba”, Steve and Paula on the second day off our voyage and I think we spent the rest of our trip with them!
I am so very thankful for the Costa Rican energy. I somehow feel renewed which has prompted me to take their idea of "pura vida" with me so it will infulence my life.
Share your mind with me! I'm also here to answer questions for any of you interested in taking a trip there.
Blessings!
3 comments:
As your soul sis and travel mate, i strongly encouage all people to step outside their inter country boundaries and explore other worlds. As you do so, you, too will expand! Paz y benedicciones!
SahshaJay
I'm moved Shelli :) I definitely want to take a trip to Costa Rica. In fact I have been talking with my friends about road trippin and considering buying a lot. An associate of mine is selling several lots. My first purpose would be to get soem of what you got :)))))))) hahahahahahaha..... Girl, if I didn't know better, I would think some Don Juan caressed that "WHAT IT DO" :)))) And trust, I am not hating if he did! ooohK. Just clowning. You know me. I'm serious about wanting to stand in the sands of Costa Rica. Work me through it...what does my budget need to be if I only need lodging three of seven days?
BTW, you write beautifully. I'm happy for you that you've decided to express yourself and flex your thang :) Do what you do lil' sis:)
Also, lastly, sorry to hear about Ganny. You are all in my prayers.
Thx for responding, and the compliment on my writing. I discovered my passion. Give thanks!
I really think you'll enjoy Costa Rica. I'm considering buying property there so I would love more information on your friends properties.
Okay, if you only need lodging for a seven day trip it will cost you about $500. You can typically find great deals online, as many people have made Costa Rica a vacation hot spot! The average temperature is 90 degrees year around so you have much leeway. I'm going to forward you entire kodak photo album so you can see all its riches. Blessings and thanks for your prayers.
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