In the name of keeping it real, I'm gonna tell you about reverse culture shock, something that few travelers ever let seep out of the traveling circle. No one warns the newbies. So for those of you who have been following my blog, living vicariously, and planning those trips of your own, let's talk about the realities of coming home.
So let's see, I've been home for about a week and a half now, and I while I can't believe it's been that long, I've not been able to get too much done in that amount of time. When you move somewhere, everything is new and you have to get into new routines and go to new stores and get there in a different way maybe -and you EXPECT that when you move away from home. But when those things happen to you when you come home, it's a different story. You expect to come home to your comfort zone, things that you're used to, safety. But that's the thing, you don't realize some of the routines that you've traded in for new ones while you've been away.
Here's an example. While I used to feel comfortable and safe driving to Kroger, my favorite grocery store, now, I am used to walking to BM (the grocery store in Puerto Jimenez). Once inside Kroger, I cannot navigate the aisles like I used to because I am used to the layout of the BM, not to mention the bright lights, the colors, the store's size, the beeping registers. Great, I immediately forget what in the world I came here for (which is NOT usual for me!). Once I finally DO find the item I am looking for, how do I CHOOSE?! There are like 14 different brands of the same thing that yet, are all slightly different. TOO. MANY. OPTIONS. Finally, I am stunned by the price tag. It's in dollars -1's ,5's, 10's - and not in colones - 1000's, 5000's, and 10,000's - and I no longer have to convert in my head. What, by the way, are quarters and dimes and decimal points?? Gosh they still feel like play money. What in the world is happening? Why do I feel so out of place in such familiar territory?!?!
AND THEN I drive home (which, oddly enough is still a struggle in itself), only to unload my groceries to find that I don't have half the things I need to cook the recipes that I'm used to cooking. COME ON, I just want to relax with an avocado, Tabasco, and egg wrap - a safe haven, a comfort food. But guess what, I don't have Tabasco or tortillas because they are not located next to the items that trigger my memory to get them. I'm so distracted by the bread that I forget tortillas, and I rarely shop the condiment aisle, so I didn't even pass the Tabasco. I never used to cook with it, so I never thought about it, but now it's something I'm used to. Now that I'm magically back in my bubble, it's not in my grocery store routine, even though it's in my regular diet! Make sense? So, no comfort food for me. Sigh...even the food is compromised!!
AND THAT'S JUST A TRIP TO THE GROCERY STORE. That doesn't take into account my frustration with the fact that people wear shoes inside and how no one here composts. The amount of trash we create kills me. Packaged items are everywhere - and they are packaged INSIDE packages! Who does that?! You HAVE to drive if you want to get anything done, and stop lights and stop signs are basically my arch enemies. Also, how is it humanly possible for me to have so many THINGS in my room?!? I don't even wanna think about how retail stores make me feel. And schools?! I'm scared to teach here again - I might hug a child or take my shoes off or wear a tank top at work or do something else equally unforgivable. Oh I know what it'll be - I'll be late to work. I had NO problem switching over to Tico time (I am habitually late anyway), but it's been a real struggle to be somewhere when I say I will. I'll get there eventually, but I might be an hour late.....
How exhausting. Literally, everything I do is exhausting. While I don't feel UNcomfortable, I don't quite feel comfortable either. It's like every little thing is only slightly off....Not off enough for you to recognize it off the bat, but just off enough for you to know something isn't quite right. But you can't tell WHY it isn't quite right, because this is your comfort zone and you know everything already remember? This feeling makes you feel like you've gone crazy, like you've lost your mind. I have never felt so mentally unorganized in my life!
NOT TO MENTION (I know this keeps getting more intense ha that's the goal), I'm working through letting go of some old memories that I left behind. I've taken time for myself to heal, mostly in Matapalo, but coming back makes it even more real. BUT, the good news is, while this whole thing is a sporatic struggle (because things pop up out of nowhere and unexpectedly), I've got the best support system ever. My friends and family at home pull me up by my bootstraps and get me going, and my friends abroad keep me going with memories of the best times of my life. I'm chuggin' along, and it's been wonderful to see friends and family after so long, but I do miss the laidback life style and jungle retreats of good ole PJ and Matapalo. I'm used to escaping every weekend, so finding solace here can be a little more challenging. Plus, WHERE ARE MY SPORTS. I am gonna lose my mind EVEN MORE if I don't go to the gym or go hiking or swim laps or something, anything. Oh but wait, IT'S FREEZING OUTSIDE and my wimpy self is afraid of the cold. Cool.
So, sorry for those of you who have been affected by this struggle, and an infinite thanks to those who love me anyway and drag me out of my hole. I'm usually the one doing the dragging, but when home, the most comfortable place in the world, suddenly becomes surprisingly unfamiliar, it can make a person look, sound, and feel crazy, especially when no one warns you about it. Slowly but surely, I will replace those comfortable habits of my "other" home with new ones here, just like I did when I originally moved away. I am in the mindset that while this is home, and things are familiar, I am at a different stage in life, so I have to keep moving forward, which requires constant change anyway. While old habits may feel comfortable, traveling (and then coming home) is all about creating new boundaries to your comfort zone, so picking up where I left off defeats the purpose (especially in romantic relationship!).
In closing, Salud to a new year that brings new habits, new routines, new relationships (added to the great ones I already have!), new travels, and of course, new adventures!! (And a new job. Don't forget about a new job...)
Friday, December 27, 2013
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Cavin' It
So this reverse culture shock thing. It's a sneaky little monster. It's only day one, and I have been surprised by so many little things that bug me out. Sometimes, it's totally in your face, and you get so overwhelmed by things like lights, colors, noises, and for me, things that are fast (like cars and people walking fast and fast service at restaurants). That part hasn't been fun so far - I was quickly overwhelmed landing in Atlanta less than 48 hours after being on the surfbreak at Matapalo. But let's skip the serious stuff for now.
Let's see how this whole, functioning in a normal society goes for me today. I've gotta evolve from the cavewoman I have become. :)
Wanna hear some funny culture shock moments that I've already had? First, before I left the airport, upon realizing I could now flush toilet paper, I got distracted and then almost fell into the toilet with surprise when it flushed itself. Ah, automatic things. That's something I forgot about. Then, I almost burned myself with hot water in the sink. Forgot that the left side is hot.....And speaking of hot - I am mesmerized by this whole electric stove thing. It gets hot WITHOUT FIRE. I don't have to carry around a lighter and dodge gas fireballs every time I wanna cook. I also couldn't bring myself to use the microwave this morning, and I'm still hand washing my dishes. Too many appliances all at once. I gotta ease my way back into it! Haha. Last - have you ever realized how SMALL dimes are!? They seem so fragile compared to chunky colones coins!!
The day is still young too. I've got plans for a manicure later, and I just know I'll do something like try to speak Spanish to the Asian ladies - in my mind, anyone at this point who doesn't understand me, doesn't understand me because I'm not speaking Spanish. I'm also going to get sushi. I struggled with the large menu at Cracker Barrel last night, so maybe I'll handle having a choice it better this time.
It's been nice to have my crew back too!! Mom met me at the airport, and then Gracie and Alex were waiting on the porch for me when we pulled in the parking lot. Of course, they stormed downstairs and bombarded me with hugs. Once upstairs, they had also made a "Welcome Home" sign, accompanied with a bottle of White Zin. The night (and wee hours of the morning) were spent giggling, catching up, and giving each other a hard time. Just what I needed after a long day. Good friends truly make everything better.
Let's see how this whole, functioning in a normal society goes for me today. I've gotta evolve from the cavewoman I have become. :)
Tuesday, December 17, 2013
Saying Goodbyes
I know it's been a long time since I've updated, but I haven't been able to sit still long enough to write! Go figure. This shouldn't be surprising at this point! Haha
Overall, I've been doing the same ole same ole - escaping to the jungles of my beloved Matapalo, staying in my quaint little tent, and learning to totally carve, shredding the wave, mae (haha imagine that in my best surfer voice). I've even gotten Paco addicted too - he's standing up and turning on green waves! AND, I met the owner of the nicest resort in the area, and he gave me (plus a friend) free lunch (followed by gourmet dessert!) and access to the exclusive waterfall hiking trail. The resort is on the mountaintop overlooking the Pan Dulce break and the untouched jungle, so needless to say that day was full of wonder, adventure, beauty, and the royal treatment!
Other than surfing...A few weeks ago, I had another friend, Robert, come down from Escazu and hike Corcovado National Park with me. If this tell you anything, National Geographic describes the park as "the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity." Pretty cool, huh? We took Friday to hike the 8 hours into the park to Sirena Station, and we spent all day Saturday, and much of the day Sunday, exploring the trails around the station. Our favorite hike was a 4am jungle hike. We were some of the only brave souls going at this whole thing without a guide, but no more than 15 feet into the trail, we see two eyes, about waist level, coming for us! I then saw two of the same eyes that were only maybe knee high. Oh no, had we just run across an aggressive mother puma and her baby cub or something?!?! Afterall, the two were coming straight for us!!! Frozen, we watched a tapir and it's baby emerge into the light of our flashlights. COOL! And what a relief! Tapirs are very docile, and partially blind, so she must have been blinded by our lights. She got about 10ft away from us before she turned towards the river for her routine bath at dawn. We saw many other wild animals (like ant eaters, snakes, crocs, plenty of exotic birds, and monkeys), but we were the ONLY ones to see the tapir and it's baby that weekend!!! So much for needing a guide! We explored each trail in the area except one before we caught the boat to Bahia Drake. We had originally planned to hike out, but our feet were torn up, so we had a change of plans. Thanks to travel agent Paco, we were able to get a boat ride to Drake, where we stayed the night and caught the oddest series of transportation ever back to Jimenez. Let's just say, the 4am "bus" ended up being a pick up truck (that we shoved 15 people into), a broken down short bus, and a regular sized bus that got us home 3 hours later than planned. Oh well, it just added to the adventure!
The last few weeks of school have also been an adventure. I think we changed the date of the last day of school about 3 times, so needless to say, my students stop showing up on the earliest of those dates haha Parent conferences went well - I'm happy and proud to say that I DID make a difference while I was there. My older students were very sad to see me go. They told me they had enjoyed that I made class interesting, and indirectly, they told me that my passion for teaching showed through my work in the classroom. The parents were also sad to see me go, and it warmed my heart when the mother of my most difficult student told me she could tell a big difference in her child's motivation at school. She told me that her child had commented on how well we got along, and the fact that I took interest in her made the difference. More than any money in the world, this is why I am a teacher.
My last weekend was spent in Matapalo of course. AND Mother Nature heard my prayers - a swell came in Friday-Monday, right on the money. I'll admit, the swell was a little HUGE for me on Saturday, but Sunday and especially Monday, I caught some good rides. I am so excited that I can see myself improving. I still wipeout hard, but I have also learned to turn so that I can cruise up and down the face of the wave. A long way from riding whitewater on a 9'6 longboard just months ago! And I am addicted FOR SURE, like I always knew I would be. Ever since I was young, I knew this would be a sport I'd get hooked on. I will never live far from a break ever again. In fact, one of the hardest parts of leaving was parting with my beloved board. I knew it, but I didn't fully realize how good of a match my board and I are. It has been exactly what I've needed to learn, grow, and push my limits on the wave. Just like a first love, my first board will always hold a special place in my heart. I trust it's next owner (a fellow surfer and friend of mine) loves it well.
Overall, I've been doing the same ole same ole - escaping to the jungles of my beloved Matapalo, staying in my quaint little tent, and learning to totally carve, shredding the wave, mae (haha imagine that in my best surfer voice). I've even gotten Paco addicted too - he's standing up and turning on green waves! AND, I met the owner of the nicest resort in the area, and he gave me (plus a friend) free lunch (followed by gourmet dessert!) and access to the exclusive waterfall hiking trail. The resort is on the mountaintop overlooking the Pan Dulce break and the untouched jungle, so needless to say that day was full of wonder, adventure, beauty, and the royal treatment!
The new king of surf
And the newest surf instructor in town
A set coming in a Pan Dulce, seen from Lapa Rios (the resort)
Jumping off the falls at Lapa Rios
Other than surfing...A few weeks ago, I had another friend, Robert, come down from Escazu and hike Corcovado National Park with me. If this tell you anything, National Geographic describes the park as "the most biologically intense place on Earth in terms of biodiversity." Pretty cool, huh? We took Friday to hike the 8 hours into the park to Sirena Station, and we spent all day Saturday, and much of the day Sunday, exploring the trails around the station. Our favorite hike was a 4am jungle hike. We were some of the only brave souls going at this whole thing without a guide, but no more than 15 feet into the trail, we see two eyes, about waist level, coming for us! I then saw two of the same eyes that were only maybe knee high. Oh no, had we just run across an aggressive mother puma and her baby cub or something?!?! Afterall, the two were coming straight for us!!! Frozen, we watched a tapir and it's baby emerge into the light of our flashlights. COOL! And what a relief! Tapirs are very docile, and partially blind, so she must have been blinded by our lights. She got about 10ft away from us before she turned towards the river for her routine bath at dawn. We saw many other wild animals (like ant eaters, snakes, crocs, plenty of exotic birds, and monkeys), but we were the ONLY ones to see the tapir and it's baby that weekend!!! So much for needing a guide! We explored each trail in the area except one before we caught the boat to Bahia Drake. We had originally planned to hike out, but our feet were torn up, so we had a change of plans. Thanks to travel agent Paco, we were able to get a boat ride to Drake, where we stayed the night and caught the oddest series of transportation ever back to Jimenez. Let's just say, the 4am "bus" ended up being a pick up truck (that we shoved 15 people into), a broken down short bus, and a regular sized bus that got us home 3 hours later than planned. Oh well, it just added to the adventure!
We made it into the park!
Looonnnggggg hike....
Anteater!
And other "wild life" haha
Taking the boat out to Drake
The last few weeks of school have also been an adventure. I think we changed the date of the last day of school about 3 times, so needless to say, my students stop showing up on the earliest of those dates haha Parent conferences went well - I'm happy and proud to say that I DID make a difference while I was there. My older students were very sad to see me go. They told me they had enjoyed that I made class interesting, and indirectly, they told me that my passion for teaching showed through my work in the classroom. The parents were also sad to see me go, and it warmed my heart when the mother of my most difficult student told me she could tell a big difference in her child's motivation at school. She told me that her child had commented on how well we got along, and the fact that I took interest in her made the difference. More than any money in the world, this is why I am a teacher.
My last weekend was spent in Matapalo of course. AND Mother Nature heard my prayers - a swell came in Friday-Monday, right on the money. I'll admit, the swell was a little HUGE for me on Saturday, but Sunday and especially Monday, I caught some good rides. I am so excited that I can see myself improving. I still wipeout hard, but I have also learned to turn so that I can cruise up and down the face of the wave. A long way from riding whitewater on a 9'6 longboard just months ago! And I am addicted FOR SURE, like I always knew I would be. Ever since I was young, I knew this would be a sport I'd get hooked on. I will never live far from a break ever again. In fact, one of the hardest parts of leaving was parting with my beloved board. I knew it, but I didn't fully realize how good of a match my board and I are. It has been exactly what I've needed to learn, grow, and push my limits on the wave. Just like a first love, my first board will always hold a special place in my heart. I trust it's next owner (a fellow surfer and friend of mine) loves it well.
My true love haha
Being silly between waves
Alright, so now the burning question on everyone's mind - "Are you excited to come home?" Ahhhh what a tough question. I've laughed, I've cried, I've made some big decisions, gone through a big breakup, and had some big adventures here. Yes, living in Puerto Jimenez is very challenging, and would I like to live there long term? No way. But it's been a learning and growing experience for sure. I've learned so much about myself by doing things alone - going to the jungle alone and surfing and forging my own way in the teaching world. Spiritually, I am also a stronger person, and I've seen a few characteristics in myself that I wasn't so sure I had. I've gained guts, or "intestinal fortitude" as a coach once put it. I've made wonderful friends with like mindsets and met even strangers who encourage me along my path of great, unknown adventures, and what I've taken away from that is that I'm NOT crazy! My dreams CAN be real, and I CAN pursue my passion for teaching in this way.
As far as coming home from this whirlwind, I am very nervous. No one warns you about REVERSE culture shock, and it hit me hard when I came back from Escazu last time. The thing is, compared to Jimenez, Escazu is soooooo westernized and similar to home. If I had reverse culture shock coming home from THAT, I'm scared to see what it'll be like this time....I'm going to freeze, first of all, and English will feel somewhat foreign in public places. Everyone will look weird and be wearing weird clothes, and what in the world is a dishwasher or clothes dryer again?!?! Blankets?! What are those? A CAR - like I even know how to drive anymore. Everyday complaints will seem so trivial. Waking up to noisy traffic or people yelling instead of macaws squawking and monkeys howling....Not to mention, by U.S. standards, I am broke out of my mind. On top of all this, I'm coming home for the most chaotic time of year - Christmas. (Luckily, I've already got some presents made and others ready to make!)
So, in the end, yes I will be happy to see friends and family, but I am sad to be leaving friends and the place I've come accustomed to. Matapalo, especially, is such a rare gem that will always hold onto my heart. You never know, maybe I'll end up there again one day, surfing Backwash. Back to my surfing stomping grounds.
The other question on everyone's mind - "So what's next?" Great question. I'll let you know when I figure that part out.......I'm looking for a job though, so please let me know if you know someone who knows someone or anything! My hopes are high to do a Workaway (Google it) on the northern coast of Spain, where I can teach English, improve my Spanish, and live ON the beach, right in front of the surf break. Sounds pretty sweet to me...........
Onto the plane. Peace out, Costa Rica. Once again, you have not failed me. Pura Vida.
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Surfing Through Life's Lessons
Okay, so we all know I am not by any means a pro at this surfing thing yet, but it is a part of weekly life these days! I have tested out my board a few times now, and we bonded today after I was slammed on my fins and gained my first official battle wound. Most importantly, I am learning a new sport, one that I have always wanted to become good at and integrate into my everyday life. The key word here is LEARNING….It’s been a while since I’ve tried to pick up a new sport, and I am surprised at how much and how quickly I am taking in a variety of information. What also amazes me is that the lessons I am learning are actually pretty much life lessons as well. Here are 10 things I am learning along the way in my adventure to become a real-life surfer girl.
1. Educate yourself beforehand. Just like you would not jump right into buying a car, you cannot just jump right in to buying a board and hopping on the nearest wave. You must know ahead of time what kind of board you are looking for – should you rent? Should you buy? Longboard or shortboard? Once you have a board, you need to find the right beach for your skill level. Paddling into a wave that’s too big for you or riding a shortboard “just to look cool” can get you into serious trouble at some breaks. On the other hand, not only can it be dangerous, but not knowing what you’re doing can be plain miserable if you’re never successful with the wave.
2. Work WITH Mother Nature, not against her. Check out the weather conditions – which direction is the wind blowing? What’s the tide schedule? When is the bet tide time for this specific beach? When is the next swell due in and from what direction compared to this beach? Who cares if it’s sunny or rainy, you can surf as long as it’s not lightening…BUT if you overlook these sport specific weather patterns, you can miss all the good surf that goes along with it!
3. Look before you jump. Just like anything else, with practice, you will gain “the eye.” Just like a defensive specialist in volleyball can predict a hitter’s next move, a surfer learns to read his opponent as well – the wave. Is the wave a point, beach, or reef break? When will it break? Left or right? Are there obstacles, such as rock or other surfers, that I need to be aware of in the water? How far apart are sets? Which waves in the set look the best (or worst)? It is important to know these things, the more you watch and participate, the faster you learn the things to watch for. Simply sitting and watching a wave can help you get to know it better.
4. Take calculated risks. I’ve said this one before. But think about it – here comes a wave. It’s a little big, but you’re right in position. Do you go for it, or do you chicken out? There are only 3 outcomes: You take it and it’s the best ride of your life, you take it and you totally get crushed, or you let it pass you by. Just like in life, you can succeed, you can fail, or you can let life pass you by.
5. But know your limits. Mother Nature can be your partner in crime, or she can show you who’s boss. If you are caught in something you KNOW you can’t handle, then don’t do it. For example, don’t paddle out with a longboard in 10ft waves that are eating locals alive. It’s all about RESPECTING the wave and not getting cocky. Trust me, if you forget this lesson, Mother Nature will gladly remind you to be humble.
6. Get back up in the saddle when you fail. You are going to fall, and sometimes you are gonna just absolutely EAT IT. But you know, the more you wipeout, the less scary it becomes. You realize that even if you get pushed down, you’ll likely pop back up. Even if the wave breaks on your head, once it happens enough times, it’s old news, and you learn how to handle it mentally and physically. Even the best pro surfers wipeout, so even when you “fail”, it’s all part of the process of getting better, just like in life.
7. Be decisive. I can be quite indecisive sometimes, and when you’re surfing, this is not a good quality. You must decide your next move quicker than the waves are coming in. Of course there are all kinds of timing decisions – when to paddle, when to duck dive or go over the wave, when to catch the wave, and when to take the wave head on and leave it for someone else. You can’t float between taking a wave or not taking a wave – you have to decide quickly to go for it or let it pass.
8. Respect the pecking order. There is a certain etiquette to surfing, and it is important to know that every wave does not belong to you. You must wait your turn (and remember to be patient – see #10) as you must respect those who have been waiting longer than you. Locals and other surfers in better position for the wave usually have priority as well. You must work your way up that totem pole and earn the respect of others in the lineup.
9. Physical and mental endurance. Obviously, surfing is a great workout, and your arms will feel like lead from time to time. This part only gets easier. Mentally, you must be sharp and aware of your surrounding (see numbers 1, 2, and 3), and when you are getting pounded by a set as you’re trying to paddle back out, you have to stick to your guns. Keep paddling. Don’t give up. The set will be over soon, and if you give up now, you’ll just get caught in a worse position for the next set. Just. Keep. Going. Science has proven that, no, your arms will in fact not fall off.
10. Patience. Patience. Patience. And Persistence. Sometimes, sets may be few and far between one day, or Mother Nature may just not be cooperating at all for weeks on end. Be patient, and waves will come. If you are patient, and that does not work, simply be persistent.
So in closing……….Is it next weekend yet?!?! TAKE ME BACK TO THE WAVEEEEESSSS!! :)
1. Educate yourself beforehand. Just like you would not jump right into buying a car, you cannot just jump right in to buying a board and hopping on the nearest wave. You must know ahead of time what kind of board you are looking for – should you rent? Should you buy? Longboard or shortboard? Once you have a board, you need to find the right beach for your skill level. Paddling into a wave that’s too big for you or riding a shortboard “just to look cool” can get you into serious trouble at some breaks. On the other hand, not only can it be dangerous, but not knowing what you’re doing can be plain miserable if you’re never successful with the wave.
2. Work WITH Mother Nature, not against her. Check out the weather conditions – which direction is the wind blowing? What’s the tide schedule? When is the bet tide time for this specific beach? When is the next swell due in and from what direction compared to this beach? Who cares if it’s sunny or rainy, you can surf as long as it’s not lightening…BUT if you overlook these sport specific weather patterns, you can miss all the good surf that goes along with it!
3. Look before you jump. Just like anything else, with practice, you will gain “the eye.” Just like a defensive specialist in volleyball can predict a hitter’s next move, a surfer learns to read his opponent as well – the wave. Is the wave a point, beach, or reef break? When will it break? Left or right? Are there obstacles, such as rock or other surfers, that I need to be aware of in the water? How far apart are sets? Which waves in the set look the best (or worst)? It is important to know these things, the more you watch and participate, the faster you learn the things to watch for. Simply sitting and watching a wave can help you get to know it better.
4. Take calculated risks. I’ve said this one before. But think about it – here comes a wave. It’s a little big, but you’re right in position. Do you go for it, or do you chicken out? There are only 3 outcomes: You take it and it’s the best ride of your life, you take it and you totally get crushed, or you let it pass you by. Just like in life, you can succeed, you can fail, or you can let life pass you by.
5. But know your limits. Mother Nature can be your partner in crime, or she can show you who’s boss. If you are caught in something you KNOW you can’t handle, then don’t do it. For example, don’t paddle out with a longboard in 10ft waves that are eating locals alive. It’s all about RESPECTING the wave and not getting cocky. Trust me, if you forget this lesson, Mother Nature will gladly remind you to be humble.
6. Get back up in the saddle when you fail. You are going to fall, and sometimes you are gonna just absolutely EAT IT. But you know, the more you wipeout, the less scary it becomes. You realize that even if you get pushed down, you’ll likely pop back up. Even if the wave breaks on your head, once it happens enough times, it’s old news, and you learn how to handle it mentally and physically. Even the best pro surfers wipeout, so even when you “fail”, it’s all part of the process of getting better, just like in life.
7. Be decisive. I can be quite indecisive sometimes, and when you’re surfing, this is not a good quality. You must decide your next move quicker than the waves are coming in. Of course there are all kinds of timing decisions – when to paddle, when to duck dive or go over the wave, when to catch the wave, and when to take the wave head on and leave it for someone else. You can’t float between taking a wave or not taking a wave – you have to decide quickly to go for it or let it pass.
8. Respect the pecking order. There is a certain etiquette to surfing, and it is important to know that every wave does not belong to you. You must wait your turn (and remember to be patient – see #10) as you must respect those who have been waiting longer than you. Locals and other surfers in better position for the wave usually have priority as well. You must work your way up that totem pole and earn the respect of others in the lineup.
9. Physical and mental endurance. Obviously, surfing is a great workout, and your arms will feel like lead from time to time. This part only gets easier. Mentally, you must be sharp and aware of your surrounding (see numbers 1, 2, and 3), and when you are getting pounded by a set as you’re trying to paddle back out, you have to stick to your guns. Keep paddling. Don’t give up. The set will be over soon, and if you give up now, you’ll just get caught in a worse position for the next set. Just. Keep. Going. Science has proven that, no, your arms will in fact not fall off.
10. Patience. Patience. Patience. And Persistence. Sometimes, sets may be few and far between one day, or Mother Nature may just not be cooperating at all for weeks on end. Be patient, and waves will come. If you are patient, and that does not work, simply be persistent.
So in closing……….Is it next weekend yet?!?! TAKE ME BACK TO THE WAVEEEEESSSS!! :)
Tuesday, October 29, 2013
It's the Small Things
I know it’s been a while since I’ve updated, but this past
week has been pretty rough….I’m missing home pretty bad (loved ones, sane
people, The Weather Channel, a dryer, chocolate), and my work-life has just
been turned upside down.
Before I get into that though, I want to thank each and
every person who has supported me throughout this journey. I am surprised by the
overflowing words of excitement and encouragement that continue to come in, and
it’s nice to know that there are people watching out for you, even from far
away. Whenever I am having a tough day or am lacking motivation, I read and
reread the notes, cards, emails, and messages that you send me that are filled
with “You can do it!” and “Enjoy the ride!” and “We believe in you!” And
because you believe in me, I can pick myself up and overcome whatever is
keeping me down. Seriously, those small words mean the world to me here. Thank
you.
Allllllrighty then. Let me tell you about the last week from
hell.
I’ll preface this starting two weeks ago when we had “winter”
break, which is really “It’s-the-middle-of-rainy-season-and-we-all-need-to-get-outta-here”
break. Have I mentioned that all the
people who can afford to shut down their business for the month escape and
leave the peninsula for all of October?? Yeah. That’s what people do to cope
with rainy season here – they avoid it. So this was our chance to have a week off
school to “avoid” rainy season (which actually hasn’t been that rainy this year…).
My plan was to catch a series of buses to Dominical, a tiny,
hippie-surf town on the Pacific coast just north of the Osa Peninsula. Of all
my travels in this country last time I came, I had remembered Dominical to be
my favorite. I had loved the hostel (and their famous fish tacos which no
longer exist ugh) and surfing at Dominicalito down the road had been perfect.
While there, I was going to look for a surfboard to buy. Then, I’d catch a bus
to Escazu to visit old friends and students at CDS and stay with my beloved,
sweet Oky again. I hadn’t been able to contact her since I left, but I always
missed her like she was family.
In order for me to recap my adventures of the week and not
write an entire novel, I will list the highlights (well, exciting points since
some were less than ideal) instead.
- Day 1 in Dominical was spent looking for a board. Unfortunately, no one had anything they wanted to sell that was in my price range and size requirements because it was low season. All signs pointed to Jaco at this point. Do you remember how much I just loooveeee Jaco?!?! Exactly, I despise it. But I would have to go if I wanted a board….
- Day 2, I made new friends. Michelle was another solo, female traveler like me staying at the hostel, looking to surf and chill. She was even my age, and although she was originally from Dubai (with parents from Zimbabwe), she was attempting to get a visa to work in NYC. I also made friends with Zoltan (or “Z”), a 27-yr old American expat with longgggg, blond, hippie hair, clear blue eyes, and a passion to start a hippie commune on the nearby jungle mountaintop that he recently purchased. Later, I would meet Rob, a surfer from New Zealand who owned a car and was roadtripping the entire Pacific Coast, starting in British Columbia, with his friends. He was here waiting on his friends to catch up from Nicaragua, and in the meantime, he was our adventure-seeking means of transportation.
- A seashell-hunting stroll on the beach with Michelle ended in a woman yelling Spanish curse words at me and trying to attack me. I had asked a man on the beach a question, and she must have been his suspicious girlfriend watching from afar. Thankfully, the man was able to hold her back while I escaped. I tell you the people here are suuupppeerrrr jealous!!! Once reunited with Michelle down the beach (she was doing her yoga while I continued my walk), we noticed a very inappropriately naked man sitting on the rock watching her……….GET ME OUTTA HERE.
- On the other hand, Michelle and I enjoyed 2 days of surfing in Dominicalito. We would walk there early in the morning (about 40 minute walk), surf, soak up the sun (I had successfully escaped the rainy season!), and then we’d hitchhike back. One day, we even met another solo female traveler at the hostel, and we single girls ruled the wave. I forgot the other girl’s name, but she was from Slovenia and currently living in the Canary Islands. I was enjoying meeting people from all over!
- After surfing on Day 3, Michelle, Zoltan, Rob,
and I hoped in the car, headed to check on Z’s car in the shop at Matapalo (no,
not the same one I’ve been visiting…). That turned into “Tourguide Z” taking us
on an adventure to Playa Matapalo where I found handfuls of tiny sand dollars,
a dip in a jungle river to cool off, lunch at a “truck stop,” and a tour of Z’s
mountaintop property. The drive up required 4-wheel driving skills that Rob had
thankfully acquired on his journeys, and once at the top, we enjoyed an
incredible view of the Pacific Coast (it was so clear you could even see my Osa
Peninsula!) and a hike through untouched, primary rainforest. WHAT A DAY!
The view
Primary Rainforest Hike
Me and Z
Z's "Farmhouse"
- The next day, rain found us and the waves were
too choppy, so instead, we ventured to Playa Ventanas, named so aptly for its
window-like caves that lead to the ocean. At low tide, you can swim in the
waves that are rolling in through the caves!!! We were the ONLY ones on the
beach, so we enjoyed the tranquility of a beach fit for a deserted, tropical
island. Z even scavenged coconut, sugar cane, and bananas for us to enjoy.
Around sunset, we headed to the beach next door to explore the gigantic bat
cave that was also accessible during low tide. It was almost dark, but we could
hear the bats chirping, and we knew they’d fly out in search of dinner any
second – we didn’t stay long!
The "Ventanas"
Rob's first sugarcane
Bat cave - Day 4 and it was time to go, sadly. I was
enjoying my personalized adventure tour group!!! But, I was in search of a
board, so Jaco it was. I hate that
place, but thankfully third time was the charm. I was on guard all day, on a
mission to get in and out asap, but I found a board!!! And I NICE one at that!
I spent a little more than planned, but I know I can get that much back out of
it in the end. Even my local surfer friends in Matapalo (the real one)
commented on how nice of a board it is. HOORAY! I had escaped Jaco unscathed
and with a surfboard that was exactly what I was looking for.
- FINALLY I arrived in Escazu! The mountains were
beautiful, and it was just as I had left it (minus the addition of a wonderful
taco restaurant by Oky’s house and newly paved sidewalks). And Oky was also
just like I left her. She looked just the same, and was as warm, loving, and
welcoming as she always has been. My heart was bursting with joy seeing her
again. I missed my Tica mom! Her house was just as beautiful too, not to
mention I had missed her food more than I had thought. YUMMMMM. The intern she
had staying with her was even nice, so I was more than content to be back.
- School the next day (Day 5) was chaos, in the best way. I didn’t realize how small and sparsely supplied my classroom here was until I walked into a classroom of 16 third graders!!! I had forgotten what it was like to have a full classroom with same-aged kids! I was happy to see Mrs. Calderon and many of my other friends who were still there, and it was nice to find out that they remembered me too! I even saw some things I had made that Mrs. Calderon still used in her classroom! Ahhhh, I was in my happy place. Tomorrow was even UN Day at school, so there was a buzz of excitement as students practiced dances and parades and planned their outfits. Tomorrow would be fun
- And it was! The kids came in traditional dress
from the country that they’re originally from, and there was a Parade of
Nations that the whole school participated in. THEN, THERE WAS FOOD.
International plates from all over the world filled the outdoor hallways by the
classrooms, and I certainly enjoyed samplings from a huge variety of countries!
I saw several of my old students (who are now in 5th grade), and
they were soooo surprised I was there!! But they remembered me, and one of the
parents asked me to come back and teach a younger sister in 4th
grade next year….Hm…..we’ll see! J
- Day 7 brought a Saturday with Robert (the intern
living at Oky’s house) at the good ole Costa Rica Country Club, also just as I
had left it. I even remembered how to get there. I was in HEAVEN…Pretty people,
poolside service, sun, and endless hot water in the waterfall showers. The free
shampoo and conditioner was even organic, biodegradable, aromatherapy stuff
that supported the Corcovado rainforests conservation projects back on the Osa.
AND, I was able to blow dry and straighten my hair, which I hadn’t done in
about 3 months. OH MAN, I was a pampered princess for the day, and it was
AWESOME. The lunch that followed was equally as awesome - fish, mashed
potatoes, and vegetables all artfully cooked with NO “complete season” and
arranged perfectly on my plate, poolside. After the Country Club, Robert and I
ventured to the Multiplaza (the huge mall, remember?). We window shopped (and I
spent too much money on so-called “necessary supplies” that I couldn’t get on
the Osa) and then we went to a movie. OMG I have never been so happily
overwhelmed in my life. Like Robert said – too much excitement for me for one
day! Haha the movie, Elysium, was a thriller, so it really was quite a bit of excitement!
And I was happy.
- Sunday, I was very sad to leave Oky. She had spoiled me rotten – cooked my favorite foods for me (she remembered!!!), the maid did ALL of my laundry, and I was loved and taken care of. J I want to visit her again when I pass back through San Jose on my way home, and Robert is supposed to come down and hike Corcovado National Park with me at the end of November!
Back in Puerto Jimenez, I rested for what would be the most
insane school week yet. I was so relaxed, and poor me had no idea it was all
about to come crashing down to an unfriendly, halting stop. I was in for it,
and I didn’t even know it.
Monday I show up and I was sent straight to the principal’s
office. Oh no, what had I done?!?! Whew, turns out nothing….Today was Megan’s
first day gone on maternity leave, which we were prepared for, BUT Amanda’s dad
tragically died over break, so she moved home to be with her family and mourn
the unexpected loss. WHAT. I was suddenly the only “veteran” left, and I wasn’t
even that much of a veteran!!!! Holy cow. Who was gonna fill in?! At first,
they wanted to combine my little girls with Amanda's PreK/Kinder class and give
them to Dominique, Megan’s maternity sub. Then I’d move to 1st/2nd
grade and give them exams that I was not prepared for. Uh…..this was not a good
idea – too much change for too many students and teachers…the whole school
would be turned upside down!!! Instead, we decided I’d stay with my regular
classes, Dominique would take over Amanda’s instead of Megan’s class since
there were more students, and Marco, along with our brand new volunteer Alana
(she literally arrived THAT day), would handle the three students in Megan’s
class. THEN, I after this news, I walked
into my little girls classroom with 5 students!!! I had left with only 2 or 3 –
one was back from a broken leg, my two regulars were there, and I had not one
but TWO, entirely new students! Ohhhhhh man. What a handful. Turns out one new one understand ZERO English, and the other has been so isolated in the jungle that while he understands English, he is nonverbal. This day was interesting, to say the least...
The rest of the week consisted of us all getting on our
feet. Poor Alana walked into this mess, and thankfully I think she’ll be able to
handle it, but I was trying to help her adjust as best I could. Marco also
notified us around Wednesday that he was planning to move back home on
Saturday, so Alana would now have the class by herself. She was coming down
here expecting to volunteer and HELP, but instead was given her very own
classroom that was chaos in and of itself. In all this disarray, at home, Alana
decided to stay at a hostel, and Marco moved out on Thursday to a hostel, so I
was suddenly and abruptly left to myself in the house! Oh and the
printer/copier broke at school and was not going to be fixed until next week.
Cool. Exams were next week (which is now this week), and that was just another
kink in all this mess.
WOW what a week. Do you see now why I didn’t have a second
to update this blog??! I was staying until 5pm almost every night trying to get
things together for exams, organizing my life, etc. and I am proud to say I
even got all of our math games for the rest of the year made and laminated!! I
had picked up several ideas from Mrs. Calderon (again…haha), so I was antsy to
get those ideas settled and in action.
Last Friday, I escaped to the jungles of my beloved Matapalo
as usual. I surfed Backwash Saturday to try out my new board, and IT IS
PERFECT. I got totally rocked a few times, but I was also successful a few
times – this tells me that I can grow with this board and really improve but
not get frustrated. I can do it, but it’s a nice challenge. SO happy with my purchase,
especially because (like I said earlier), my local surfer friends even
commented on how nice of a board and brand it was. Sweet.
Back to PJ Saturday night though, since I had to made my
visa-renewing border run on Sunday. Many people had their doubts that I could
do it in one day – you are technically supposed to stay out of the country for
48-72 hours to be able to get another 90 days in Costa Rica, and they have
become more and more strict on your necessary paperwork to be able to enter
Panama. Plus, transportation had to line up perfectly, and in this country,
that’s sometimes a challenge.
Understatement. I missed the first lancha (water taxi) to
Golfito at 6am. Turns out, (of course) I knew a guy at the dock leading tours,
and he knew of a guy that could take me at 7:30. This meant that I missed my
7:45 bus in Golfito to the border at Paso Canoas, but luckily buses left every
hour. BUT the bus I wanted next left 10 minutes early as I finished breakfast
at a soda in Golfito. Shoot. At the bus stop waiting for the NEXT bus that
would come in an hour, a collectivo taxi pulled up, shouting “Paso Canoas!”
Whoa that’s where I needed to go!!! Plus, he only charged $8 for an hour ride.
Cool. That was super lucky. I was suddenly back on track, time-wise… Until I
got to the Panamanian border without a proper bank statement – they sent me to
an internet café to print one out, and when I returned, the line was at a
standstill. An hour and 15 minute standstill to be exact. Would I make it?! I
was planning to burn time in Panama so I didn’t look suspicious, but after
receiving my Panamanian entry stamp, I walked around the building to get water
and some chicken before standing the Panama exit line. Once stamped there, I
walked back to Costa Rica, and without a hitch, got stamped back into Costa
Rica after leaving only 3 hours earlier. BOOM. I would now be able to catch the
bus back to Golfito at 12:45 – the last one that would get me there in time for
the LAST lancha back to PJ. I was one lucky girl. I was on the bus, and I made
the last lancha no problem. BOOYEAH, I did it. Thank goodness.
Now, this week has been actually nice, so far. I know it’s
only Tuesday, but here’s to hoping for a smoother week that ends in a wonderful
weekend in the jungle. Alana should be along for the ride this time, and
hopefully the waves will not fail us. I’ve cleaned out my house too – I mean
CLEANED OUT. All things from volunteers are donated, laundry done, kitchen
cleaned and organized, and my house even smells like autumn. Maybe now, I can
make it my home so that I struggle less with homesickness and loneliness. For
now though, keep the kind words comin’ and I’ll keep chuggin’ along.
Monday, October 7, 2013
You Can't Take Money With You....
This weekend, I learned that $70 was well worth my sanity. In a heartbeat, I'd spend it again. No second thoughts, no doubts, I'd fork it over fast than you can even say "colones."
Here's the back story. I have been going to Matapalo almost every weekend to escape - I just can't say no to the peacefulness that it brings. I'm learning to heal there, and I always come back centered and ready to tackle the work week ahead! Plus, I am a beach addict, so it's like a double whammy.
However, this weekend, I was planning to stay in town. After all, I'd been going to Matapalo every weekend, and I needed to stay home for once and save money for my trip next week. We have the whole week off school, so I am going on what I like to call a mini surf trip to Dominical (I want to buy my first board here), and then I will be going to Escazu to visit all my lovely friends and family (Oky) from my last stay in Costa Rica. I'm planning to visit the school and see my kids too!!! Needless to say, this will cost money, especially if I spring for a board (which would be my graduation present to myself, and it would also save me money in the long run).
BUT....To no avail. I went out dancing Friday night only to be reminded that the men here are pretty much all pigs. I love dancing with them - it's fun, fast paced, and challenging since I'm still learning the steps. Plus, it's exercise, which I am dying to get these days. (This whole volleyball withdrawl thing is killin' me over here.) But then, oh, turns out all the men harass me even though the are all taken. Good.
As a result, I woke up Saturday morning ready to get out of this place! I slept late since I stayed out late, so I missed the first collectivo at 6am. I argued with myself for all of about 15 minutes about whether I should go or not. IT WAS SUNNY (!!!) and I had had a pretty rough week, due to a mixture of circumstances, and after last night, I knew I couldn't take another day without a break. I knew that if I didn't go, I'd only have another terrible week, and it wasn't worth it. It just. wasn't. worth it. Forget this. I threw together my things. Like that. You know why, BECAUSE I CAN. Because I have no one I have to report to, no one to tell me no, no one I have to ask first, no one I have to take with me, no one I have to babysit. If I wanted to go on a whim, all I had to do was pack. So I did. I was so irritated the whole time, just-a cursing myself for not doing this yesterday. Packed, ready, and I even had food and water already. I was OUTIE 500, mae. I rolled up to the collectivo stop early, I admit, because I was so antsy.
FINALLY, the collectivo was leaving. I do not exaggerate when I say that I was more relaxed before we even pulled past the Palo Mango - the last real markable spot in town. By the time we hit the first cow field (which around here is no more than 5 minutes), I knew I had made the right decision. Jessica, listen, it's only $40...You really can't take it with you, and it's worth your weekly sanity refreshment.
OH and was I right. It was soooooo worth it. I got to my little Kapu, beach side. I was hoping to surf this afternoon, but it just wasn't in the cards. I had checked Pan Dulce and Backwash on the walk down, and the tides were too high. Plus, I hadn't been able to land a board yet, and Encanta la Vida was too expensive to rent from for just an hour or two. When I arrived, Macho showed me to my room. Unfortunately, my platform was taken. UGH. BUT, free upgrade to a private little house (with a lock), complete with kitchen, shower, and toilet. I was at first excited, but I quickly grew to miss my tent. This place was hot, and it felt too big and lonesome for just me. The upside was that it was closer to the beach, so the waves were super loud as I fell asleep later that night.
The weather was beautiful! Warm with a cool breeze, so I decided to take a walk. I walked up the beach path to Pan Dulce and back down to the beach I call Nextdoor (because its nextdoor to both Backwash and Pan Dulce), and the little jungle beach trail was relaxing.
I took a break, watched some surfers, then headed to The Crack. The Crack is the southern most beach, and it was actually a clear evening, so I was hoping to see as much of a sunset as I could. Turns out I couldn't see past the point, so the sun set over the land, but it was still gorgeous!! I meditated, reminisced, centered, and healed here for a while, until it started getting dark, and then I headed to Playa Matapalo to finish watching the sky go to sleep.
THE WAVES WERE SO PRETTY. I was mesmerized and like a bat out of hell all at once. I didn't watch long, since I had watched earlier, and I headed out after the set. The water was bright blue and perfectly cool. The sun was shining too, hot on my back. I paddled....and paddled...and paddled. Finally, out of breath, I was past the break. And I'll admit, the waves were a liiittttllleee bigger than they had looked onshore, of course, probably 5ft-7ft waves (or in surf terms, "shoulder to overhead"). But I had duck-dived my way out, after all, so I knew I was strong enough of a swimmer to handle it. I was excited, and THEN I caught my first wave. It was fast, and I even could feel a little drop-in...something I had not previously gotten to experience due to my usually smaller wave size. AND I SURFED THE WAVE all the way until it died!!! WOOOOOO go me. At this point, I think "totally stoked" would be a good term to use for how I felt.
The next set brought another, shorter ride for me, and a TOUGH paddle back out. The set coming in while I paddled was easily overhead, and I got caught right in it. Wrong place, wrong time, kinda thing. BUT after probably 9 hours of paddling (just kidding, it only felt that long), I made it back out past the break. I rest a set or so since I could barely lift my arms. The next sets were huge, and I remember having one "Uh oh" moment as I narrowly escaped getting crushed by a 7footer. I made it though, and was ready to catch my next wave.
Soon, another overhead set came in. We're talking 6-7ft waves here. Like, if I'm standing up, the waves would be over my head (hence the name, "overhead" waves...) I went for it, and HOLY COW, they weren't kidding when they said this was a fast wave. I caught it AND I STOOD UP!! I did it!! I was surfing waves as big as I was. SO PUMPED!!! I probably only stayed up for about 5 seconds, but STILL. Take that, POW, I did it.
And then I fell. And I fell hard. The wave closed out and pushed me deep, disorienting me for a few seconds. It was odd....I got totally rocked, but after watching surfing and growing up around waves (even small ones), it was exactly what I expected. Yep, this is what I always guessed it felt like to get it handed to me, so I didn't panic. I drank the whole ocean, but I didn't panic, and I was up again, cursing and ready to get out of the water. I wasn't particularly mad at anything, except maybe that I had fallen and missed the ride. I rested there for a second, before deciding that I was just kidding about the getting out part. I was too excited, plus, I remembered that $20 I hadn't wanted to spend. I WILL get my money's worth.
This time the paddle out was much easier. The waves were turning off. It was literally like Mother Nature had one more good one in her and then she flipped the switch. I just chilled on my board, and Drew (Nela's boyfriend) gave me some pointers on getting your bearings on where the waves usually break in relation to the land. We also saw a sea turtle swimming about 10 feet from us! So cool!! I lounged on my board, got too much sun on my back, and enjoyed the cool water. Surely, Mother Nature had one last ride for me.
Yep, She did. One more good one. It was probably a shoulder-high, and I rode it nice and easy all the way in. Thanks, Mother Nature for a redeemingly smooth ride after you asserted your dominance on the last one.
Once ashore, I threw out my towel and attempted to tan my front to match my probably red back. A (very sketchy) fishing (cocaine) boat had moored itself close to shore, and (ironically) all of its crew were hand paddling into shore, crammed in a tiny rowboat. Ha. Drew and I had been joking about the illegitimacy of the boat's appearance before, and their illegal immigrant rowboat didn't help the situation. However, they turned out to be quite friendly. Drew went up to talk to them since we had agreed we wanted some fish, and they paddled out to their boat on our surfboards while I waited on the beach. Before long, they came back with two, whole, very pretty Mahi Mahi that they had caught earlier. And lucky us, they were even going to clean them for us and GIVE them to us. Yes, GIVE. For free. They had caught so many, and they still had 5 days on the boat, so they said they had plenty. CHICKAYEAH. A great day of surf and some free Mahi Mahi to top it all off?!?! I'll take it.
We hung out with our "pirate" friends while they cleaned the fish, and one of them scaled a coconut tree "como un mono" so we could enjoy some fresh pipas, or simply, coconuts with the side cut off so you can drink the water. Later, they also shared some strange tree fruits with us that I had had before, but still can't remember the name.
Once the Mahi was cleaned, we were off. We stashed the fish back at Drew's house in the cooler, and after dropping some supplies off back with our pirate friends (they had wanted Coca Cola, but all we had was rum...), I headed to Pan Dulce. Maybe I'd get lucky, and keep this surf day going.
No such luck. It was as flat as the Gulf of Mexico. Oh well, I had gotten more than I expected out of Backwash, and I was proud of myself for handling it so well. It had been the perfect storm for a surfer like me....I wouldn't consider myself intermediate yet, but I'm strong in the water and a fast learner when it comes to sports. I had a friend helping me learn the wave, I had a good board, the wave wasn't crowded so I could learn surf etiquette with less pressure, it was sunny, the waves were challenging but not overwhelming, and there was even a longer board on the wave than me! (That's good because short boarder can get frustrated with long boarders, so I wasn't the "loser" of the bunch hahaha.) SUCH a perfect day, and I think it's time for me to admit that I have the early symptoms of addiction. Blast if I'm ever land locked again.
Needless to say, I came back to Jimenez happy as a clam. I was riled up from the surf, and I made fresh Mahi Mahi fish tacos that were THA BOMB. A little crunchy feeling from the sun, but exercised, centered, and satisfied, I knew that I had never spent $70 better in my life.
Here's the back story. I have been going to Matapalo almost every weekend to escape - I just can't say no to the peacefulness that it brings. I'm learning to heal there, and I always come back centered and ready to tackle the work week ahead! Plus, I am a beach addict, so it's like a double whammy.
However, this weekend, I was planning to stay in town. After all, I'd been going to Matapalo every weekend, and I needed to stay home for once and save money for my trip next week. We have the whole week off school, so I am going on what I like to call a mini surf trip to Dominical (I want to buy my first board here), and then I will be going to Escazu to visit all my lovely friends and family (Oky) from my last stay in Costa Rica. I'm planning to visit the school and see my kids too!!! Needless to say, this will cost money, especially if I spring for a board (which would be my graduation present to myself, and it would also save me money in the long run).
BUT....To no avail. I went out dancing Friday night only to be reminded that the men here are pretty much all pigs. I love dancing with them - it's fun, fast paced, and challenging since I'm still learning the steps. Plus, it's exercise, which I am dying to get these days. (This whole volleyball withdrawl thing is killin' me over here.) But then, oh, turns out all the men harass me even though the are all taken. Good.
As a result, I woke up Saturday morning ready to get out of this place! I slept late since I stayed out late, so I missed the first collectivo at 6am. I argued with myself for all of about 15 minutes about whether I should go or not. IT WAS SUNNY (!!!) and I had had a pretty rough week, due to a mixture of circumstances, and after last night, I knew I couldn't take another day without a break. I knew that if I didn't go, I'd only have another terrible week, and it wasn't worth it. It just. wasn't. worth it. Forget this. I threw together my things. Like that. You know why, BECAUSE I CAN. Because I have no one I have to report to, no one to tell me no, no one I have to ask first, no one I have to take with me, no one I have to babysit. If I wanted to go on a whim, all I had to do was pack. So I did. I was so irritated the whole time, just-a cursing myself for not doing this yesterday. Packed, ready, and I even had food and water already. I was OUTIE 500, mae. I rolled up to the collectivo stop early, I admit, because I was so antsy.
FINALLY, the collectivo was leaving. I do not exaggerate when I say that I was more relaxed before we even pulled past the Palo Mango - the last real markable spot in town. By the time we hit the first cow field (which around here is no more than 5 minutes), I knew I had made the right decision. Jessica, listen, it's only $40...You really can't take it with you, and it's worth your weekly sanity refreshment.
OH and was I right. It was soooooo worth it. I got to my little Kapu, beach side. I was hoping to surf this afternoon, but it just wasn't in the cards. I had checked Pan Dulce and Backwash on the walk down, and the tides were too high. Plus, I hadn't been able to land a board yet, and Encanta la Vida was too expensive to rent from for just an hour or two. When I arrived, Macho showed me to my room. Unfortunately, my platform was taken. UGH. BUT, free upgrade to a private little house (with a lock), complete with kitchen, shower, and toilet. I was at first excited, but I quickly grew to miss my tent. This place was hot, and it felt too big and lonesome for just me. The upside was that it was closer to the beach, so the waves were super loud as I fell asleep later that night.
The weather was beautiful! Warm with a cool breeze, so I decided to take a walk. I walked up the beach path to Pan Dulce and back down to the beach I call Nextdoor (because its nextdoor to both Backwash and Pan Dulce), and the little jungle beach trail was relaxing.
Playa "Nextdoor"
The Crack at Sunset
Playa Matapalo at Sunset
Playa Matapalo at Sunset
SO nice. I hadn't been able to watch a full sunset here yet, only partial ones. Next, I'll wait for a clear morning to watch the sunrise over the ocean. Ahhh.
The next day brought lots of energy! I was wide awake at my usual time, about 7am, and ready to surf! I had been trying to borrow a board so I wouldn't have to rent one for $20 at Encanta la Vida, but I had no luck. Again, I argued with myself about spending the money, so I came to a compromise with myself that I would walk down and check the waves first. Backwash - nice, but am I good enough?....Pan Dulce - I should wait. Back to Backwash it is. Ah, crap, the waves were nice. Tide was good. Only 3 surfers on the wave. Not too big, but green enough. Oh forget it, the $20 was worth my sanity too. I even reasoned with myself that if I was serious about buying a board, I wanted to test out what I was looking at getting - a tall 7' or short 8' board, and I heard Encanta had a decent selection.
I walked up and there it was. A 7'8ish Mini-Mal that embodied exactly what I had been looking for. Sweet. Why yes, I will test drive this for my sanity.
Again, I sprint-walked as fast as I could back to Backwash, board under my arm. I even picked up another gringo and his son who were looking for a good spot to longboard and boogie board. They were nice to talk to, and started calling me Bama and asking where a bama girl learns to surf. Good question....ha. I did have to correct them on their battle cry (at first they said those awful words that are too offensive to inscribe here).
THE WAVES WERE SO PRETTY. I was mesmerized and like a bat out of hell all at once. I didn't watch long, since I had watched earlier, and I headed out after the set. The water was bright blue and perfectly cool. The sun was shining too, hot on my back. I paddled....and paddled...and paddled. Finally, out of breath, I was past the break. And I'll admit, the waves were a liiittttllleee bigger than they had looked onshore, of course, probably 5ft-7ft waves (or in surf terms, "shoulder to overhead"). But I had duck-dived my way out, after all, so I knew I was strong enough of a swimmer to handle it. I was excited, and THEN I caught my first wave. It was fast, and I even could feel a little drop-in...something I had not previously gotten to experience due to my usually smaller wave size. AND I SURFED THE WAVE all the way until it died!!! WOOOOOO go me. At this point, I think "totally stoked" would be a good term to use for how I felt.
A calm Backwash
The next set brought another, shorter ride for me, and a TOUGH paddle back out. The set coming in while I paddled was easily overhead, and I got caught right in it. Wrong place, wrong time, kinda thing. BUT after probably 9 hours of paddling (just kidding, it only felt that long), I made it back out past the break. I rest a set or so since I could barely lift my arms. The next sets were huge, and I remember having one "Uh oh" moment as I narrowly escaped getting crushed by a 7footer. I made it though, and was ready to catch my next wave.
Soon, another overhead set came in. We're talking 6-7ft waves here. Like, if I'm standing up, the waves would be over my head (hence the name, "overhead" waves...) I went for it, and HOLY COW, they weren't kidding when they said this was a fast wave. I caught it AND I STOOD UP!! I did it!! I was surfing waves as big as I was. SO PUMPED!!! I probably only stayed up for about 5 seconds, but STILL. Take that, POW, I did it.
And then I fell. And I fell hard. The wave closed out and pushed me deep, disorienting me for a few seconds. It was odd....I got totally rocked, but after watching surfing and growing up around waves (even small ones), it was exactly what I expected. Yep, this is what I always guessed it felt like to get it handed to me, so I didn't panic. I drank the whole ocean, but I didn't panic, and I was up again, cursing and ready to get out of the water. I wasn't particularly mad at anything, except maybe that I had fallen and missed the ride. I rested there for a second, before deciding that I was just kidding about the getting out part. I was too excited, plus, I remembered that $20 I hadn't wanted to spend. I WILL get my money's worth.
This time the paddle out was much easier. The waves were turning off. It was literally like Mother Nature had one more good one in her and then she flipped the switch. I just chilled on my board, and Drew (Nela's boyfriend) gave me some pointers on getting your bearings on where the waves usually break in relation to the land. We also saw a sea turtle swimming about 10 feet from us! So cool!! I lounged on my board, got too much sun on my back, and enjoyed the cool water. Surely, Mother Nature had one last ride for me.
Yep, She did. One more good one. It was probably a shoulder-high, and I rode it nice and easy all the way in. Thanks, Mother Nature for a redeemingly smooth ride after you asserted your dominance on the last one.
Once ashore, I threw out my towel and attempted to tan my front to match my probably red back. A (very sketchy) fishing (cocaine) boat had moored itself close to shore, and (ironically) all of its crew were hand paddling into shore, crammed in a tiny rowboat. Ha. Drew and I had been joking about the illegitimacy of the boat's appearance before, and their illegal immigrant rowboat didn't help the situation. However, they turned out to be quite friendly. Drew went up to talk to them since we had agreed we wanted some fish, and they paddled out to their boat on our surfboards while I waited on the beach. Before long, they came back with two, whole, very pretty Mahi Mahi that they had caught earlier. And lucky us, they were even going to clean them for us and GIVE them to us. Yes, GIVE. For free. They had caught so many, and they still had 5 days on the boat, so they said they had plenty. CHICKAYEAH. A great day of surf and some free Mahi Mahi to top it all off?!?! I'll take it.
We hung out with our "pirate" friends while they cleaned the fish, and one of them scaled a coconut tree "como un mono" so we could enjoy some fresh pipas, or simply, coconuts with the side cut off so you can drink the water. Later, they also shared some strange tree fruits with us that I had had before, but still can't remember the name.
Once the Mahi was cleaned, we were off. We stashed the fish back at Drew's house in the cooler, and after dropping some supplies off back with our pirate friends (they had wanted Coca Cola, but all we had was rum...), I headed to Pan Dulce. Maybe I'd get lucky, and keep this surf day going.
No such luck. It was as flat as the Gulf of Mexico. Oh well, I had gotten more than I expected out of Backwash, and I was proud of myself for handling it so well. It had been the perfect storm for a surfer like me....I wouldn't consider myself intermediate yet, but I'm strong in the water and a fast learner when it comes to sports. I had a friend helping me learn the wave, I had a good board, the wave wasn't crowded so I could learn surf etiquette with less pressure, it was sunny, the waves were challenging but not overwhelming, and there was even a longer board on the wave than me! (That's good because short boarder can get frustrated with long boarders, so I wasn't the "loser" of the bunch hahaha.) SUCH a perfect day, and I think it's time for me to admit that I have the early symptoms of addiction. Blast if I'm ever land locked again.
Needless to say, I came back to Jimenez happy as a clam. I was riled up from the surf, and I made fresh Mahi Mahi fish tacos that were THA BOMB. A little crunchy feeling from the sun, but exercised, centered, and satisfied, I knew that I had never spent $70 better in my life.
Monday, September 23, 2013
Jungle Addiction
Yep, it's official. I am addicted to the jungle. There's just no place like off the grid to slow your thoughts down, set em up straight, and center yourself. There is nothing there to stress you out either....no cars, no work, no daily grind. For me, it's an escape with just enough people to make it interesting, and the surf, sand, and rain forests to relax you. Even the mud and lizards and rain and bugs and all of the less than ideal things are still less stressful than "normal life" stressors. I just can't be in a bad mood when I fall asleep to the sound of crashing waves and wake up to howler monkeys. I mean, I guess that could get old, haha, but I do like rising with the sun and having a cup of coffee on the deck as I listen to the forest come alive.
Alright. So. I've debated about whether to put this in my blog or not, but let's face it, life here is different than life at home - some things are safer and some things are more dangerous. It just all depends on there you go. One of the things that is safer here is hitch hiking. Yes, hitch hiking. Don't panic. It is somewhat of a normal part of life here. Most people don't have cars, and need the occasional ride into or out of town, especially since the bus/collectivo system can be seasonal and sporatic. So, in reference to the theme of my last blog, this is something I would not do by myself, nor would I do it after dark. While this is considered safe here, it can be unreliable, and therefore you must know your limits. I needed an ally just in case (Marco was with me), and you never know (I learned) how much you will be riding and how much you'll actually walk. Walking is a bigger part of hitch hiking than I thought....
We started at the BM (grocery store) in town, and got our first ride, easy from there. In fact, it was the first guy that passed us with our thumbs out. For future reference, thumb out is a universal sign for "I need a ride" and it works here! We got in the backseat of his (very nice) Toyota truck, and learned that he was only going a little ways down the road, but hey, something was better than nothing. He dropped us off when he needed to turn off, so we gathered our stuff and started walking. After a while, another car came past. Thumbs out. He slowed down. We hopped in the bed of the truck.
This guy and a lady that looked like his wife were headed to Tamales, a place on the way to Matapalo. Again, something was better than nothing. Again, when he needed to turn off our road, he stopped, we got out, said thank you, and kept walking. This time, all of the cars seemed to be headed in the wrong direction, towards Puerto Jimenez. We walked...and walked....and walked. I was carrying a gallon of water in one hand, a bag of groceries in the other, and my backpack was strapped to my back. I was thankful that I packed lightly this weekend, compared to some of my other weekends. Still, my traps were getting tired, and I knew they'd be sore. The walk was beautiful though....we passed through rain forests, and we could see the ocean sometimes. We soon got to a cow pasture - the last pasture before you get into the real jungle. The pasture was backed with a rain forest mountain, and you could literally HEAR the jungle off in the distance. Thankfully it was also a clear afternoon, and there was actually a sunset!
See??? Even when it rains, how can I be upset in a place like this?! Saturday was spent lounging for most of the day, broken up by some walks here and there. We even sat on the beach and watched it get dark...again, there was a semi-sunset! I've heard sunsets here are beautiful, so I can't wait to see a proper one here. There was a storm over the Gulf with lightening too, but you could still see some stars and the sunset in the other direction. Ah. Relaxation at last. Escape at last.
This morning we woke up to more rain and barking howler monkeys. Something must have been in their territory today because they sure were mad! I slept late today, 8:30! And Marco was still sleeping after I made breakfast and enjoyed my porch coffee, so....I headed to the beach! Of course! The waves were big this morning, but as the morning turned into afternoon, they were cleaning up nicely. I'd say about 10 surfers stayed on the 6-8ft waves for most of the day. It was fun to watch them really show off, and on the other hand, really wipe out! Haha! My friend Pollo was surfing, and after a while (a while meaning, I would have died of exhaustion a million times over by then), he got out of the water. He came over, stood next to me, and out of no where, invited me surfing. SURE! YES! I had been dying to get back on the water since I haven't had a chance to surf in over a year since I was in CR last, and I had been asking him if I could borrow one of his boards (he's an instructor remember, so he has beginner ones like I need haha).
I was already in my bathing suit, and had everything I needed, so we went. We walked up the road, and then out on the beach. The beaches here are small little stretches on sand punctuated by black, rocky headlands, and as you go away from the point there where I usually am, the waves get smaller. Pan Dulce, the beginner surf beach, is all the way at the top, past Matapalo beach and the intermediate beach, Backwash. We walked on the beach when we could, and we took forest trails around the rocky points until we were spit out at Pan Dulce. If you know about surfing (which I've learned a lot just watching recently), Pan Dulce is a looonnngggg right point break, meaning that you generally ride the wave to your right once you get up and it starts breaking from a rocky point on the beach.. This is good for me, since I ride regular stance with my right foot in back- I like to turn to my right Here, you paddle out near the rocky point, wait for a break, and ride for a long time back in. The long ride means...you guessed it, a looonnnggg paddle too! Thankfully, the waves were the perfect size for me....Not too big to where I'd get pounded on the paddle out and not too small to where I couldn't get a good ride. We got in the water and PADDLE, PADDLE, PADDLE for a long time before I was in position for my first wave. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to get up since it's been so long since I practiced....BUT I GOT UP! On my first wave! And I rode it all the way in! The paddling was worth the ride, and I'm happy to say that it was like riding a bike - your body just doesn't forget. :) Hooray! This is what I had been missing.
After more paddling back out, I was able to catch 5 more waves before my arms became anvils. I am happy to say that of the 6 total waves I caught, I stood up, and surfed all the way in on ALL of them! I could really get into this I think! If only someone would give me a board and ship me off to all the best surf locales. Any takers??!! Christmas is coming up....I need a used longboard in the upper 8 foot range (8'6" - 9')....HINT HINT. Haha
This is Pan Dulce, but I'll admit, not my picture...I was too excited to be surfing that I didn't get any pictures this time. Maybe next. But look all the way out and you'll see the point I was telling you about....You catch the waves there and then ride back in this way....
What a good day. Now it's back to good ole work....Hurryyy uppppp next weekend! :)
Alright. So. I've debated about whether to put this in my blog or not, but let's face it, life here is different than life at home - some things are safer and some things are more dangerous. It just all depends on there you go. One of the things that is safer here is hitch hiking. Yes, hitch hiking. Don't panic. It is somewhat of a normal part of life here. Most people don't have cars, and need the occasional ride into or out of town, especially since the bus/collectivo system can be seasonal and sporatic. So, in reference to the theme of my last blog, this is something I would not do by myself, nor would I do it after dark. While this is considered safe here, it can be unreliable, and therefore you must know your limits. I needed an ally just in case (Marco was with me), and you never know (I learned) how much you will be riding and how much you'll actually walk. Walking is a bigger part of hitch hiking than I thought....
We started at the BM (grocery store) in town, and got our first ride, easy from there. In fact, it was the first guy that passed us with our thumbs out. For future reference, thumb out is a universal sign for "I need a ride" and it works here! We got in the backseat of his (very nice) Toyota truck, and learned that he was only going a little ways down the road, but hey, something was better than nothing. He dropped us off when he needed to turn off, so we gathered our stuff and started walking. After a while, another car came past. Thumbs out. He slowed down. We hopped in the bed of the truck.
This guy and a lady that looked like his wife were headed to Tamales, a place on the way to Matapalo. Again, something was better than nothing. Again, when he needed to turn off our road, he stopped, we got out, said thank you, and kept walking. This time, all of the cars seemed to be headed in the wrong direction, towards Puerto Jimenez. We walked...and walked....and walked. I was carrying a gallon of water in one hand, a bag of groceries in the other, and my backpack was strapped to my back. I was thankful that I packed lightly this weekend, compared to some of my other weekends. Still, my traps were getting tired, and I knew they'd be sore. The walk was beautiful though....we passed through rain forests, and we could see the ocean sometimes. We soon got to a cow pasture - the last pasture before you get into the real jungle. The pasture was backed with a rain forest mountain, and you could literally HEAR the jungle off in the distance. Thankfully it was also a clear afternoon, and there was actually a sunset!
Since I'm keeping this real and all, I will admit that I started getting a little nervous, seeing as we were still walking and not to Matapalo yet. After an eternity, a truck passed....but to no avail...He was so loaded with furniture and family that he couldn't fit us. At this time, I texted a friend, asking for the possibility of help, but ALAS! A truck! We waved him down, and without a question, he offered a ride. AND HE HAD AIR CONDITION. Amazing. Luckily, we were actually pretty close, so he was able to get us to the top of Matapalo, near where the collective drops off anyway. We had made it before dark. HOORAY. As we walked down Matapalo road, it got dark fast under the canopy, but we were ready with our flashlights and headlamps.
We finally arrived at our cozy little platform. At laaasstttt. Ahhhh. Comfy beds, the cleanest sheets known to man......Not too shabby. After dinner, I was out when my head hit the pillow. I was thankful to have made it after a surprisingly long journey, and I was happy too that it hadn't rained on us on the way!
It ended up raining all night, which sounded nice on the tin roof, not like rocks this time. We woke to more rain, but I grew up going to the beach in the rain anyway (thanks, Mom), so I threw on my rain jacket, and headed to the beach!
Even in the rain, it was gorgeous. I walked down a little and climbed on the rocks since it was low tide. I could see electric blue and orange (yay!) fish and neon guppies bigger stripped fish in the tide pools, and there were tons of crabs scurrying around on the rocks. When I looked back towards The Crack (see that pointy rock offshore?), the mountain was hidden in the clouds and the ocean spray made everything misty. To me, this was the perfectly painted image of what a secluded rain forest beach should look like. :)
This morning we woke up to more rain and barking howler monkeys. Something must have been in their territory today because they sure were mad! I slept late today, 8:30! And Marco was still sleeping after I made breakfast and enjoyed my porch coffee, so....I headed to the beach! Of course! The waves were big this morning, but as the morning turned into afternoon, they were cleaning up nicely. I'd say about 10 surfers stayed on the 6-8ft waves for most of the day. It was fun to watch them really show off, and on the other hand, really wipe out! Haha! My friend Pollo was surfing, and after a while (a while meaning, I would have died of exhaustion a million times over by then), he got out of the water. He came over, stood next to me, and out of no where, invited me surfing. SURE! YES! I had been dying to get back on the water since I haven't had a chance to surf in over a year since I was in CR last, and I had been asking him if I could borrow one of his boards (he's an instructor remember, so he has beginner ones like I need haha).
I was already in my bathing suit, and had everything I needed, so we went. We walked up the road, and then out on the beach. The beaches here are small little stretches on sand punctuated by black, rocky headlands, and as you go away from the point there where I usually am, the waves get smaller. Pan Dulce, the beginner surf beach, is all the way at the top, past Matapalo beach and the intermediate beach, Backwash. We walked on the beach when we could, and we took forest trails around the rocky points until we were spit out at Pan Dulce. If you know about surfing (which I've learned a lot just watching recently), Pan Dulce is a looonnngggg right point break, meaning that you generally ride the wave to your right once you get up and it starts breaking from a rocky point on the beach.. This is good for me, since I ride regular stance with my right foot in back- I like to turn to my right Here, you paddle out near the rocky point, wait for a break, and ride for a long time back in. The long ride means...you guessed it, a looonnnggg paddle too! Thankfully, the waves were the perfect size for me....Not too big to where I'd get pounded on the paddle out and not too small to where I couldn't get a good ride. We got in the water and PADDLE, PADDLE, PADDLE for a long time before I was in position for my first wave. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to get up since it's been so long since I practiced....BUT I GOT UP! On my first wave! And I rode it all the way in! The paddling was worth the ride, and I'm happy to say that it was like riding a bike - your body just doesn't forget. :) Hooray! This is what I had been missing.
After more paddling back out, I was able to catch 5 more waves before my arms became anvils. I am happy to say that of the 6 total waves I caught, I stood up, and surfed all the way in on ALL of them! I could really get into this I think! If only someone would give me a board and ship me off to all the best surf locales. Any takers??!! Christmas is coming up....I need a used longboard in the upper 8 foot range (8'6" - 9')....HINT HINT. Haha
This is Pan Dulce, but I'll admit, not my picture...I was too excited to be surfing that I didn't get any pictures this time. Maybe next. But look all the way out and you'll see the point I was telling you about....You catch the waves there and then ride back in this way....
What a good day. Now it's back to good ole work....Hurryyy uppppp next weekend! :)
Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Mi, Migo, y Yo: Una Adventura Individual
First things first, I promised an update about the Independence Day festivities from this weekend. I am surprised to say, I was not surprised! Haha...so far, most of the Costa Rican celebrations I've been too have had a pinch of wacky, but this one was fairly "normal." After non-stop drum and dance practice that started back in August, I was anxious to see if the constant, repetitive, noisy practice was worth it. Friday night, there was the Desfilas de Faroles, or Faroles Parade. All of the kids in the community are required to make a farol for school. Best I can tell, faroles are handcrafted patriotic symbols made into lanterns on a stick. These can range from the flag and crest to a historic house, and there is always a light inside to represent the torch carried around the time that Costa Rica gained its independence. Friday morning, the torch run began in the northern part of our peninsula, and throughout the day, the torch was passed down through the towns. Runners carried the torch all the way down the Puerto Jimenez for the celebration and parade Friday night. Yes, high schoolers RAN the torch all the way down the peninsula, just like they do in the Olympics. Pretty impressive! They finally arrived at the collegio (high school) around the corner, and the festivities began. The collegio's "auditorium," which was more like a small warehouse with NO FANS, soon became packed with people (I'd guess over 1,000 people attended), and they lit the final torch. Everyone was carrying brightly colored faroles lit up with lights or candles. Eventually, the auditorium emptied a little, and we were able to squeeze in to get a look. In the middle of the floor, pairs of high schoolers were all dressed up in satin shirts and fancy, customary dresses, and they danced "Baile Typico" or typical dance of Costa Rica. I definitely enjoyed this part! The girls were beautiful, and their dresses flowed and shimmered as they twirled, and the ruffles on their tops bounced with them.
After the dancing and singing was over, people gathered outside and began the Desfilas de Faroles (the parade, remember?). There was no order - people just began walking and carrying their faroles! No drums (thank goodness), only threatening lightening and thunder. (Sidenote: I've learned that it can threaten to storm here and never actually storm, unlike at home where it comes in whether you like it or not!). We walked down the main road past the supermarket and shops, and people slowly branched off to go home as we passed their streets. We walked all the way down to the soccer field, where it pretty much ended.
Then, we were off to the bar with some of the volunteers from the forest camp...Underwhelming....they weren't so friendly, and the dancing was reggaeton and discoteca instead of salsa and latin. There were tons of people, and I did witness an all out, hair-pulling girl fight, but overall a fairly uneventful evening for it to be such a celebration earlier!
Sunday morning, I was up earlllyyyyy - we had to be at an Acto Civico Obligatario (mandatory community event). The people gathered in the same auditorium at 7:30am to sing national anthems, pledge, and watch more traditional dancing. I people watched more than anything, but of course, the dancing was again, fantastic.
After the ceremony, before the parade, I escaped to go pack. I was supposed to go to Matapalo for a little getaway. I could hear those same drums leading the parade all the way around town (that's how small town is, and how loud those obnoxious drums were!!).
Okay so many of you probably think I am crazy for going to the jungle by myself. I just needed some time to myself! It gets hard when you live in a full house when someone is ALWAYS home....I just wanted to blast MY music, wear what I wanted, DO what I wanted, WHENEVER I wanted to do it! I'm a little independent I guess. Let's preface this by saying I asked around first - everyone I talked to said I'd be fine, and I now that I have a phone, I have a few friends in Matapalo that I could call if I needed anything. So while traveling alone is always a risk, this one was a calculated, planned, prepared for risk. I've been there before, stayed in the exact same place, and I feel comfortable there because really there's no one there to hurt you. You only have to worry about animals and snakes, and if you take precautions and be smart about your food and bring lights, you're fine. Plus, Coneha, the hostel dog, follows me around and guards my porch at night (I heard her chase away a few critters this weekend, so she does her job!).
I arrived Sunday, midday, and got settled in my cozy, familiar, little platform. I headed straight to the beach to relax while the weather was nice. Ahhhhhh relaxation at last. The waves were small again - this season is apparently all messed up due to climate change. The waves are supposed to be huge now, but they are flat, and the locals are predicting less rain than usual in October (YES!) and the swells to roll in around December. I hope I get to see the big waves before I leave!
A relaxing afternoon led to a chill evening cooking. And guess what, I cooked for ME and I only had to clean up after ME. I didn't have to ask anyone else when they were hungry - I ate when I was hungry. It got dark while I was in the kitchen, and there were only sounds from the frogs, birds, and crashing waves. I'll admit I was a little nervous walking back to my platform in the dark, but a little fear keeps your heightened senses aware of your surroundings, which is healthy. Once at my platform though, I was able to light some candles, play some Jack Johnson, watch the lightening coming in, and listen to the sounds of the untouched jungle. I now knew my "neighbors" that live on two sides of my hostel, and I knew they were close, so that was comforting, and if Coneha was relaxed, then I knew there was nothing to be worried about. This time to myself was so peaceful. Then, early, I climbed into those comfy beds with the cleanest sheets known to man. Ahhhhhh. This is what I needed.
Sunday night brought a torrential downpour! The lightening was bright through the canopy, and since my platform tent is mostly mesh, I could see it well. Being the weather nerd that I am, I tried to stay up and watch it, but I kept falling asleep. Here, the storms take their time, lingering where they want, unlike the relentlessly fast storms that blow through at home. Then the rain came, and I felt as if I was trapped in a tiny metal box while people threw rocks at my box. It was so loud on my tin roof!! Exciting! This is when I could hear Coneha chasing critters every once in a while - they were probably just trying to find shelter from the storm too.
An exciting night made for a late morning - by late I mean I slept until 8:00! Ha! Here, I usually rise with the sun. And guess what?! I got dressed, made breakfast, and headed to the beach, ALL in MY time. I didn't have to wait on anyone to wake up or get dressed (I usually have to wait because when it comes to the beach, I don't waste time!). I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and laid on the beach. Walked where and when I wanted too. I didn't have to do anything but exactly what I wanted, and I'm definitely NOT used to that. Come to find, it's VERY nice, and I look forward to practicing this type of decision making more in the future since I am young and free with a whole life ahead of me!
My friend Pollo showed up a little later - I had asked to borrow a surfboard to practice, but he told me it was too flat, even for me. Instead, he offered to teach me and take me paddle boarding! SURE! I had what I needed with me, so we hopped on his quad and just left. And I could, because it was just me! We picked up some boards and paddles and headed to the beach by his house. The wind had picked up pretty quick, which made my first time a little challenging, but I'm at least athletic and love sports. The new exercise was welcome too, since I've been unable to find any volleyball worth playing. I got on the board, on my knees, and he pushed me out as I began to paddle. When I was far enough out, he showed me how to stand. He had already been standing, and of course made it look sooooo easy. I hopped up in paddleboard stance....Yeah, not as easy as he made it look of course! I wobbled and teetered for a while, attempting to catch my balance in the wind, and I managed a few strokes. The wind was pushing us in the opposite direction we were trying to go, so I paddled as hard as I could without loosing balance. Before too long, I was starting to get the hang of it! I could feel that I'd be sore in my torso tomorrow too...Just as I was getting used to it, here comes a wave! Out of nowhere, a pretty decent sized one for being off the shore. I took it head on, and lost by balance forward. I didn't want to fall forward on the board, so I fell instead to the side. SPLASH. I was in the cool, quite-refreshing, green water. Actually this was kind of a nice break! I hopped back on though, and finished paddling to the little protected cove we had been aiming for. Once there, we were able to get off and float around and swim in the beautiful green waters. We had wanted to go far out to try to see whales, but when the winds picked up, we headed for the cove instead.
After a short swim, we headed back. Going back, I almost didn't even have to paddle! The wind pushed me almost the whole way! Of course, Pollo caught some of the small waves on the paddle board, but I wasn't brave enough for that yet. Maybe next time.
I was starving after this, so lunch time it was! After lunch, I headed back to the beach, and took an unplanned, impromptu nap on the sand. Paddleboarding had made me sleepier than I thought! When I woke up, the surfers were attempting to catch some of the waves, so I watched and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.
Before long, it was time to catch the good ole collectivo, or as my mother refers to it, the immigration bus. I was surprised to see only one other person on there, who was white, when the collectivo is usually packed with people from all over, all walks of life, and sometimes there are even animals or motorbikes on there! It had just began to rain, so the ride back was GORGEOUS. The road passes by a bunch of farmland backed by jungle-covered mountains. The rainclouds hung low in the treetops. I felt like I was driving through a scene of Jurassic Park! I was able to just take it all in - what a nice way to end a relaxing solo retreat.
And there you have it. I went on a trip by myself. GASP. Unheard of you say?! Dangerous you say?! I know that I have to be very careful as a solo traveler in a foreign place, but its empowering to know that you CAN do something by yourself. As a female traveler, so many people think you can't do ANYTHING alone, that you are somehow incapable of doing anything by yourself because the whole world is out to get you just because you are perceived as weaker or less aware, just because you are a girl. All of that is bologna. Again, YES you have to be smart about where you go alone and how you go there, but females CAN arm themselves with the knowledge and street smarts that they need to be able to do things like this. There are some limits, like traveling to the Middle East as a single gal, but you just have to KNOW those limits.
It's not solo travel that get you - people, and yes even women, go at it alone, safely, all the time. It's being stupid that gets you. And that can get you whether you are traveling in a group OR by yourself. Here's an example - if I had decided to have too many beers alone, I could have gotten disoriented and lost in the jungle. On the other hand, I could have had too many beers in a group situation and left with a stranger. Either way, it's knowing your limits and being smart that keeps you safe.
That being said, baby steps. I was only gone one night, and the jungle was only 30 minutes away. Plus, I had friends there and was familiar with the topography and landscape. AND, my weekend ended up being a wonderful escape, so it just might happen again soon. :)
Moral of the story, keep your wits about you, be smart, and go for it. You never know where the path of life will lead you.
After the dancing and singing was over, people gathered outside and began the Desfilas de Faroles (the parade, remember?). There was no order - people just began walking and carrying their faroles! No drums (thank goodness), only threatening lightening and thunder. (Sidenote: I've learned that it can threaten to storm here and never actually storm, unlike at home where it comes in whether you like it or not!). We walked down the main road past the supermarket and shops, and people slowly branched off to go home as we passed their streets. We walked all the way down to the soccer field, where it pretty much ended.
Then, we were off to the bar with some of the volunteers from the forest camp...Underwhelming....they weren't so friendly, and the dancing was reggaeton and discoteca instead of salsa and latin. There were tons of people, and I did witness an all out, hair-pulling girl fight, but overall a fairly uneventful evening for it to be such a celebration earlier!
Sunday morning, I was up earlllyyyyy - we had to be at an Acto Civico Obligatario (mandatory community event). The people gathered in the same auditorium at 7:30am to sing national anthems, pledge, and watch more traditional dancing. I people watched more than anything, but of course, the dancing was again, fantastic.
After the ceremony, before the parade, I escaped to go pack. I was supposed to go to Matapalo for a little getaway. I could hear those same drums leading the parade all the way around town (that's how small town is, and how loud those obnoxious drums were!!).
Okay so many of you probably think I am crazy for going to the jungle by myself. I just needed some time to myself! It gets hard when you live in a full house when someone is ALWAYS home....I just wanted to blast MY music, wear what I wanted, DO what I wanted, WHENEVER I wanted to do it! I'm a little independent I guess. Let's preface this by saying I asked around first - everyone I talked to said I'd be fine, and I now that I have a phone, I have a few friends in Matapalo that I could call if I needed anything. So while traveling alone is always a risk, this one was a calculated, planned, prepared for risk. I've been there before, stayed in the exact same place, and I feel comfortable there because really there's no one there to hurt you. You only have to worry about animals and snakes, and if you take precautions and be smart about your food and bring lights, you're fine. Plus, Coneha, the hostel dog, follows me around and guards my porch at night (I heard her chase away a few critters this weekend, so she does her job!).
I arrived Sunday, midday, and got settled in my cozy, familiar, little platform. I headed straight to the beach to relax while the weather was nice. Ahhhhhh relaxation at last. The waves were small again - this season is apparently all messed up due to climate change. The waves are supposed to be huge now, but they are flat, and the locals are predicting less rain than usual in October (YES!) and the swells to roll in around December. I hope I get to see the big waves before I leave!
A relaxing afternoon led to a chill evening cooking. And guess what, I cooked for ME and I only had to clean up after ME. I didn't have to ask anyone else when they were hungry - I ate when I was hungry. It got dark while I was in the kitchen, and there were only sounds from the frogs, birds, and crashing waves. I'll admit I was a little nervous walking back to my platform in the dark, but a little fear keeps your heightened senses aware of your surroundings, which is healthy. Once at my platform though, I was able to light some candles, play some Jack Johnson, watch the lightening coming in, and listen to the sounds of the untouched jungle. I now knew my "neighbors" that live on two sides of my hostel, and I knew they were close, so that was comforting, and if Coneha was relaxed, then I knew there was nothing to be worried about. This time to myself was so peaceful. Then, early, I climbed into those comfy beds with the cleanest sheets known to man. Ahhhhhh. This is what I needed.
Sunday night brought a torrential downpour! The lightening was bright through the canopy, and since my platform tent is mostly mesh, I could see it well. Being the weather nerd that I am, I tried to stay up and watch it, but I kept falling asleep. Here, the storms take their time, lingering where they want, unlike the relentlessly fast storms that blow through at home. Then the rain came, and I felt as if I was trapped in a tiny metal box while people threw rocks at my box. It was so loud on my tin roof!! Exciting! This is when I could hear Coneha chasing critters every once in a while - they were probably just trying to find shelter from the storm too.
An exciting night made for a late morning - by late I mean I slept until 8:00! Ha! Here, I usually rise with the sun. And guess what?! I got dressed, made breakfast, and headed to the beach, ALL in MY time. I didn't have to wait on anyone to wake up or get dressed (I usually have to wait because when it comes to the beach, I don't waste time!). I ate what I wanted, when I wanted, and laid on the beach. Walked where and when I wanted too. I didn't have to do anything but exactly what I wanted, and I'm definitely NOT used to that. Come to find, it's VERY nice, and I look forward to practicing this type of decision making more in the future since I am young and free with a whole life ahead of me!
My friend Pollo showed up a little later - I had asked to borrow a surfboard to practice, but he told me it was too flat, even for me. Instead, he offered to teach me and take me paddle boarding! SURE! I had what I needed with me, so we hopped on his quad and just left. And I could, because it was just me! We picked up some boards and paddles and headed to the beach by his house. The wind had picked up pretty quick, which made my first time a little challenging, but I'm at least athletic and love sports. The new exercise was welcome too, since I've been unable to find any volleyball worth playing. I got on the board, on my knees, and he pushed me out as I began to paddle. When I was far enough out, he showed me how to stand. He had already been standing, and of course made it look sooooo easy. I hopped up in paddleboard stance....Yeah, not as easy as he made it look of course! I wobbled and teetered for a while, attempting to catch my balance in the wind, and I managed a few strokes. The wind was pushing us in the opposite direction we were trying to go, so I paddled as hard as I could without loosing balance. Before too long, I was starting to get the hang of it! I could feel that I'd be sore in my torso tomorrow too...Just as I was getting used to it, here comes a wave! Out of nowhere, a pretty decent sized one for being off the shore. I took it head on, and lost by balance forward. I didn't want to fall forward on the board, so I fell instead to the side. SPLASH. I was in the cool, quite-refreshing, green water. Actually this was kind of a nice break! I hopped back on though, and finished paddling to the little protected cove we had been aiming for. Once there, we were able to get off and float around and swim in the beautiful green waters. We had wanted to go far out to try to see whales, but when the winds picked up, we headed for the cove instead.
After a short swim, we headed back. Going back, I almost didn't even have to paddle! The wind pushed me almost the whole way! Of course, Pollo caught some of the small waves on the paddle board, but I wasn't brave enough for that yet. Maybe next time.
I was starving after this, so lunch time it was! After lunch, I headed back to the beach, and took an unplanned, impromptu nap on the sand. Paddleboarding had made me sleepier than I thought! When I woke up, the surfers were attempting to catch some of the waves, so I watched and relaxed for the rest of the afternoon.
Before long, it was time to catch the good ole collectivo, or as my mother refers to it, the immigration bus. I was surprised to see only one other person on there, who was white, when the collectivo is usually packed with people from all over, all walks of life, and sometimes there are even animals or motorbikes on there! It had just began to rain, so the ride back was GORGEOUS. The road passes by a bunch of farmland backed by jungle-covered mountains. The rainclouds hung low in the treetops. I felt like I was driving through a scene of Jurassic Park! I was able to just take it all in - what a nice way to end a relaxing solo retreat.
And there you have it. I went on a trip by myself. GASP. Unheard of you say?! Dangerous you say?! I know that I have to be very careful as a solo traveler in a foreign place, but its empowering to know that you CAN do something by yourself. As a female traveler, so many people think you can't do ANYTHING alone, that you are somehow incapable of doing anything by yourself because the whole world is out to get you just because you are perceived as weaker or less aware, just because you are a girl. All of that is bologna. Again, YES you have to be smart about where you go alone and how you go there, but females CAN arm themselves with the knowledge and street smarts that they need to be able to do things like this. There are some limits, like traveling to the Middle East as a single gal, but you just have to KNOW those limits.
It's not solo travel that get you - people, and yes even women, go at it alone, safely, all the time. It's being stupid that gets you. And that can get you whether you are traveling in a group OR by yourself. Here's an example - if I had decided to have too many beers alone, I could have gotten disoriented and lost in the jungle. On the other hand, I could have had too many beers in a group situation and left with a stranger. Either way, it's knowing your limits and being smart that keeps you safe.
That being said, baby steps. I was only gone one night, and the jungle was only 30 minutes away. Plus, I had friends there and was familiar with the topography and landscape. AND, my weekend ended up being a wonderful escape, so it just might happen again soon. :)
Moral of the story, keep your wits about you, be smart, and go for it. You never know where the path of life will lead you.
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