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Yesterday I got back from visiting my family in Costa Rica. My mom and I were going to go together last year, but the trip was canceled when everything was locked down due to COVID.
When she told me she bought a plane ticket, I figured I would go before we get locked down again.
Reflecting back on all that I have learned in Costa Rica. First off is that I have the coolest boss in the world for allowing my family and me to do this. I also have the most wonderful wife for facing her fears to shake up her life and leave her comfort zone for an extended period of time. Without further ado here is a quick list of things I learn or relearned on this trip
Recently I had the amazing opportunity to visit a sloth rescue center on our way to Puerto Viejo. First, we saw the famous sloth Buttercup and she was scratching herself at a normal speed. Not in the molasses-slow way you think a sloth would move at all. That was the start of all my preconceived notions of sloths being wrong.
I realized something about myself (not for the first time) that the people I like the most are usually those that laugh at my jokes. What is even better is when you find people that can joke along.
“Is there anything you miss from Texas?” my wife asked.
“Hmmm. Maybe Central Market. Pink Lady Apples. Cider from BJ’s.”
“So… just food.”
“Well, I would like to see my mom and brother… once again. Before I die.”
Our first month here has been amazing. I have so much more hope for the future. Getting out of your daily routines is the best thing you can do for yourself. A week does not cut it. It was almost two weeks before I could just breathe. Maybe I am wound tighter than some, I don’t know.
I should start by saying my grandpa is someone I have looked up to since I was just a little lad. Not just literally. At 84 years old he can still hold himself horizontal on a pole. He is a larger life figure who has a life full of adventure.
We were in a waiting room today and there was footage of an elephant rampage going on in India on the TV. I asked if he had ever ridden an elephant. He told me that he rode an elephant, a camel, a Brahma bull… he even rode a horse when another horse tried to have sex with it?
This morning, I woke up to the sound of rain. Coming from Texas where it seems to rain two weeks out of the year, I have always loved the sound. It symbolizes life and renewal.
After the rain, a mist rolled in and now I am writing to you from inside a cloud.
We have been in Costa Rica for a week and while it is amazing, I have to fight to take the time to do my day job. Between my family wanting my time and being distracted by the surroundings (both great problems to have) work is a challenge. I slacked a little during the week and had to make up hours on the weekend. I tend to get a little stressed out about it but then realize that I am in paradise and essentially life is amazing.
So here I am in Costa Rica. I had to work all day but I was on a hammock on a balcony with my wife and son and a flock of hummingbirds.
At one point a small toucan landed 3 feet away from me and we just stared at each other for a little bit.
This amazing opportunity would not have been possible without my boss, the owner of the coolest company in existence, but I have to kick a special shout out to the internet! Without the internet, most of the coolest things in your life would not be possible.
By this time next week, I will be living the high life in Costa Rica. Literally.
Rancho Naturalista has an elevation of between 2528 and 3850 feet according to the website and I am currently around 587 feet. Might as well be in space.