"Love only grows by sharing. You can only have more for yourself by giving it away to others."
-Brian Tracy, motivational speaker and author
September, 2015 - After leaving Panama, I decided to keep a more detailed running commentary of events. This means what you're reading is going to be over-saturated with a stream of consciousness diary from our remaining time in Costa Rica...
My apologies... I'll attempt to avoid this, starting in Nicaragua, and spare you long-winded play-by-plays in lieu of more bite-sized entries post-CR.
My apologies... I'll attempt to avoid this, starting in Nicaragua, and spare you long-winded play-by-plays in lieu of more bite-sized entries post-CR.
Bullet holes riddle the stone of what was once a stronghold. Now, the building holds a historic museum of Costa Rica's past. In the meantime, our efforts since we last checked in have been to polish off exposure to Tico culture during the very short amount of time we spend in this country. Having studied life in Costa Rica's largest city and capital, we took the opportunity to investigate treasured natural landmarks and tranquil country culture.
Time constraints, budget shortages, geographic efficiency, and local offers found us primarily in the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio (abutted to the Pacific Oceanside resort town Quepos), in addition to the remote and revered Corcovado forest upon Costa Rica's wildlife hot spot, the Osa Peninsula: "The most biologically intense place on earth," according to the National Geographic Society.
Time constraints, budget shortages, geographic efficiency, and local offers found us primarily in the Parque Nacional Manuel Antonio (abutted to the Pacific Oceanside resort town Quepos), in addition to the remote and revered Corcovado forest upon Costa Rica's wildlife hot spot, the Osa Peninsula: "The most biologically intense place on earth," according to the National Geographic Society.
Manuel Antonio is, before anything else, tropically GORGEOUS and touristically saturated... It was difficult trying to select pictures to post!
The main beach flaunts a stretch of soft sand lawns flanked with luscious jungle greenery against the blue waters. The gently curled waves of surf-worthy swells reached as far as the beach itself on either side, where dark, raw rock formations create a natural, prehistoric cradle for the tourist's delight.
The main beach flaunts a stretch of soft sand lawns flanked with luscious jungle greenery against the blue waters. The gently curled waves of surf-worthy swells reached as far as the beach itself on either side, where dark, raw rock formations create a natural, prehistoric cradle for the tourist's delight.
I felt immediately compelled to document the scene, and as expected failed to convey it's commercial-able qualities. Oh well, with more practice, maybe!
US presence is heavy, here, making it easily navigated for an American and giving a strongly vacation-y appearance, to me.
US presence is heavy, here, making it easily navigated for an American and giving a strongly vacation-y appearance, to me.
With English being the primary language along the strip, and resorts specking the forested hills behind the beach's palm trees, it didn't feel remarkably authentic. But it certainly did feel easy-going and worthwhile.
Oh, and the sunsets... Yeah, those are worth it...
Oh, and the sunsets... Yeah, those are worth it...
Vendors roam the beach hawking their wares. Among the most popular? Why, freshly hacked coconut milk, of course!
Don't miss the sunsets... But also don't forget bug spray, if you don't like the little devils impolitely asserting themselves.
The national park of Manuel Anonio is tucked a little ways beyond the locally owned shops and restaurants that crowd the beachside streets at the end of the main road from Quepos into Manuel Antonio.
The park itself was a surprise, for my expectations. Based on reviews I've been given, the area is regularly praised for it's frequent animal sightings of a wide and enticing variety, but they must have been shy when we visited!
  | A few sleeping baby bats, a deer, and a handful of iguanas just about rounded off the first half of our visit. A pretty little waterfall lay at the end of one of the trails, and a the up-again-down-again gravel-and-guardrail trails afforded a good deal of rain-forest botanicals. We heard the hoots and hollers of howler monkeys (but sadly had no sightings) providing an effectively animalistic soundtrack for the gently winding raised boardwalks and main, two-lane road cutting through the park's woodlands. |
I have been working on tempering my expectations for the future and limiting my judgments of the past. This was a good occasion for me to exercise my discipline.
| It wasn't until our second half that we were bestowed privileged by the most sought after inhabitant of them all: The Sloth. In all honesty, sloths just don't do it for me... They are odd-looking and strangely assembled things, with faces that looking mockingly at observers. They're rare, yes, but beyond their renowned eccentricities they aren't colorful or exciting enough to rank highly on my Must-See List. That said, I've been avidly searching for a sloth to snap for my little brother since we came to Costa Rica (shout out to Gavin!). His hilarious impressions of the beloved perezoso (literally translated to "Lazy" from Spanish) making it's weekly bathroom trip to the forest floor has always been an endearing and comical event, in my past. It's a much requested, party livelying impression at the Strawn Family house. So: Sloth? Check. Let's see what else we find... We happened upon a wee lil' raccoon resting in the tree, heard the aforementioned howler monkeys in the distance providing a natural ambiance, and were able to peek a handful of timid White-Faced Capuchin on the final stretch of the last pretty beach, where we were expecting to exit and catch our bus back to San Jose. |  |
We happened upon a wee lil' raccoon resting in the tree, heard the aforementioned howler monkeys in the distance providing a natural ambiance, and were able to peek a handful of timid White-Faced Capuchin on the final stretch of the last pretty beach, where we were expecting to exit and catch our bus back to San Jose.
VERY unfortunately, our well-planned, tightly packed time table was unexpectedly diverted when a pious ranger rejected our request to leave by our intended route (which would have landed us at the bus' doorstep). Apparently, the exit we intended to use had been closed sometime in the recent past... and we quickly scampered the ENTIRE park's length back to the main entrance (where we thankfully caught the bus with time to spare...).
While exploring, local Ticos seemed quite plentiful in the park, but they were typically quick-moving and spoke in conversational, casual tones and volumes. Most were in the national park to hit the beaches, which is perfectly understandable, considering their sigh-worthy beauty. They pulled coolers on wheels and toted bloated purses full of beach gear and extra clothes while cruising down the scenic paths, most bee-lining for the blue waterside.
As we left the park, it felt clear that this really was a tourist town, both for locals and foreigners alike. Even so, it had it's fair share of natural splendor, Anglo familiarity, and opportunities to unwind and take things a little slower, all making it an enjoyable experience, on a whole.
Plus, ANY town that sells lemon sweet-bread *THIS* big and THIS tasty for two bucks is A-OK in my book!
Ever since my first tasting of Latin American sweet bread in high school Spanish class, I've wanted to attend an authentic Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration and just go mad... In November, it's finally happening!
Ever since my first tasting of Latin American sweet bread in high school Spanish class, I've wanted to attend an authentic Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration and just go mad... In November, it's finally happening!
During the between, after leaving Manuel Antonio but before we dared traverse the far more rustic Corcovado, we abandoned coastal territory and headed for the highlands.
The terrain higher up, moreso than anywhere else I've ventured in this tropically lauded land, is STUNNING.
The terrain higher up, moreso than anywhere else I've ventured in this tropically lauded land, is STUNNING.
The ascending cerros ("hills," pronounced "sare-roes") were sometimes entirely shrouded in thick, pure cloud-layers that mysteriously hid the high hills. Breaks in foggy curtains rewarded travelers with slices of the steep, sheer cliffs covered completely in a heavy cloak of rich plant life.
It was wild... It was so separated... It was wonderful.
Raindrops began to splatter the bus windows and obscured the view as we increased altitude and the temperature steadily dropped twenty degrees.
It was wild... It was so separated... It was wonderful.
Raindrops began to splatter the bus windows and obscured the view as we increased altitude and the temperature steadily dropped twenty degrees.
A darling angel's face followed us from San Jose to outside of San Isidro... She seemed to have a disability of some kind, and her spirit was so precious and sweet! She enjoyed pretending that SHE was the one taking pictures of US. "THIS," I thought to myself, "is what I've been waiting to see..."
The whole thing just seemed so... Untouched... Virginal... Unencumbered by and ignorant of the rest of the planet. The entire experience boasted an air of mysticism and grandeur, I felt a fool for not taking more pictures of these cloud forests to remember what had become one of my favorite views yet.
It was one of the first times that I wondered if the locals here knew what they had outside their windows and on their doorsteps. And that night I would have the opportunity to ask one..
The whole thing just seemed so... Untouched... Virginal... Unencumbered by and ignorant of the rest of the planet. The entire experience boasted an air of mysticism and grandeur, I felt a fool for not taking more pictures of these cloud forests to remember what had become one of my favorite views yet.
It was one of the first times that I wondered if the locals here knew what they had outside their windows and on their doorsteps. And that night I would have the opportunity to ask one..
Margarita, amongst her brother Maurizio's charge. Our ride into the mountains was in response to a local invitation, where we would spend a few days with a host family in San Vito, a small village only a few miles from the mountain-ranged Panamanian border.
Of the eleven siblings in this family (yes, 11), almost all still live in or around this little town where they grew up years ago.
We were immediately and warmly welcomed into the house of the matriarch (a woman I wound up naming "Santa Cecilia") next door to her daughter Margarita and son-in-law Marcos, who were in turn next door to her son Maurizio and his wife Kathia.
Both parental sets have have two children.
It was instantly apparent that we were undeserving of the adamant hospitality with which the family graced us...
Of the eleven siblings in this family (yes, 11), almost all still live in or around this little town where they grew up years ago.
We were immediately and warmly welcomed into the house of the matriarch (a woman I wound up naming "Santa Cecilia") next door to her daughter Margarita and son-in-law Marcos, who were in turn next door to her son Maurizio and his wife Kathia.
Both parental sets have have two children.
It was instantly apparent that we were undeserving of the adamant hospitality with which the family graced us...
Even before arriving, we had sheepishly succumbed to pestering them with emails when we were lost in town, and they eventually responded by all piling into their family car and fetching us from our pitiful plight, smiles on their faces and arms awaiting an embrace.
These are special people.
These are special people.
Tropical flowers in radiant display at the botanical gardens just down the road from families' homes.
More than any other part of this week, there is just not sufficient time to describe the family here... Such open-hearted people living so simply... Such land-loving and peace-seeking minds....
Thriving bamboo groves, also found in the gardens by the family property. Mothers Margarita and Kathia (who are both enrolled in school for a career in education while their husbands work metal and tend a botanical reserve, respectively) let us ask our questions about childhood normalcy and typical Tico living while we all worked to find our communicative common ground between two languages.
It took some time, but we found a rhythm!
A lot could be said about what was discussed.
My favorite take-aways were two things: a fierce and fast little guerrilla kiss from the fantastically animated and lovable Gina (about four years old) and an oration from Margarita who passionately and inspirationally expressed her desire for the children of the world to learn the importance of charity.
It took some time, but we found a rhythm!
A lot could be said about what was discussed.
My favorite take-aways were two things: a fierce and fast little guerrilla kiss from the fantastically animated and lovable Gina (about four years old) and an oration from Margarita who passionately and inspirationally expressed her desire for the children of the world to learn the importance of charity.
"If you make others happy, you will become happy. You cannot make yourself happy by only taking care of yourself!"
Getting acquainted with the snuggly, lovely, giggly Gina, after she surprised EVERYONE (especially ME!!!!) with a swiftly planted wet one right on the smackers... (Photo credit: Daniel Heintz)
Her speech went on for several minutes. I felt so sweetly touched that I nearly cried...
The family-centric attitude these individuals have waterfalled down from their very impoverished but loving and generous parents, whose strong sense of values cascaded into their children "through their actions, not their words."
The family-centric attitude these individuals have waterfalled down from their very impoverished but loving and generous parents, whose strong sense of values cascaded into their children "through their actions, not their words."
Path walking and forest bathing...
These people, who were strangers on Thursday, took us in and fed us for two days last week.
They asked no questions and accepted no payment.
In fact, Daniel had to be sneaky while I distracted our hostess in order to help with the dishes...
Times such as these seem to more accurately spotlight my own deficiencies of character, which I feel could really use some attention...
They asked no questions and accepted no payment.
In fact, Daniel had to be sneaky while I distracted our hostess in order to help with the dishes...
Times such as these seem to more accurately spotlight my own deficiencies of character, which I feel could really use some attention...
Margarita (and especially her parents) exemplify that kind ideas and giving thoughts are all good and well, but it is by the DOING of kind acts and GIVING of yourself over to helping others a personal way that can bring strength, harmony, peace, and happiness to more than just one person...
As a self-proclaimed over-thinker, it seems that a little more DOING and a little less thinking might be in order for me.
I know it to be a hard thing! Turning thought into action, that is.
But if what Margarita says is true, and it certainly seems that her parents lives are a testimony to the claim's validity, it's well worth a try.
As a self-proclaimed over-thinker, it seems that a little more DOING and a little less thinking might be in order for me.
I know it to be a hard thing! Turning thought into action, that is.
But if what Margarita says is true, and it certainly seems that her parents lives are a testimony to the claim's validity, it's well worth a try.
Saying goodbye-for-now to those wonderful, amiable people felt unceremonious and inadequate...
Margarita didn't mind.
I feel I frequently fail to appropriately express gratitude and convey effective thanks in such situations, but they all seemed unfazed, and punctuated our departure with a fervid and sincerely declared, "Come back soon!"
Pura Vida : Pure Life.
I feel I frequently fail to appropriately express gratitude and convey effective thanks in such situations, but they all seemed unfazed, and punctuated our departure with a fervid and sincerely declared, "Come back soon!"
Pura Vida : Pure Life.
Beautiful textures found in the forest.
Margarita sent us off to meet with her beloved brother, Nito, who works as a guide in the natural wonderland of the Corcovado reserve. This geographic jewel secluded within Costa Rica's biodiversity hot spot had once showered Daniel with adventures and epic tales, last he went. Let's see if it lives up to the legend next week!
This expanse of rainforest is LITERALLY in these kids' backyard... Hide-and-go-seek could take a loooooooooong time...
PS- And now, for adorability's sake, as a reward for making it to the end of this week's ramblings, to melt your heart and to help heal mine, and ¨just because,¨ I'd like to introduce you to our daughter: Osa Gina Heintz Strawn...
She adopted us, really, and protected us on the jungle paths, fighting off ant armies and battling any semblance of loneliness a human could feel. She didn't seem to belong to anyone, that I could tell.
She could accompany us where ever we went. And when our daily duties took us beyond her boundaries, she would go to our back door to wait for us to come home.
Sadly, we had to leave her... We still talk about her almost everyday... How somehow, SOMEHOW, we MUST have been able to bring her... Osa, we miss you... Please be waiting at our backdoor when we come home...
She could accompany us where ever we went. And when our daily duties took us beyond her boundaries, she would go to our back door to wait for us to come home.
Sadly, we had to leave her... We still talk about her almost everyday... How somehow, SOMEHOW, we MUST have been able to bring her... Osa, we miss you... Please be waiting at our backdoor when we come home...
A great, big thank you and shout out goes to Holly Hatton! Holly was gracious enough to make a contribution to our fund raiser to help us explore more family for the education app where we eventually hope to donate our findings. Please click here and visit our fund-raising page to see how to contribute!
Thank you, Holly!
We will keep exploring the world. Trying to make it better!
Thank you, Holly!
We will keep exploring the world. Trying to make it better!
Explore the world. Make it better.
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LOVE it? Visit Daniel's store here!
There is more to see than a post has room for!
Click the links and take a gander at our internal gallery or Instagram account!
LOVE it? Visit Daniel's store here!
So... Where are we now????
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