Traveling to Costa Rica is both easy and relatively inexpensive. A short stop in Ft Lauderdale and three hours later, we were flying above the beautiful Costa Rican landscape. Everyone was glued looking out the windows in awe of the natural beauty. It is true that photographs never do justice to what your eyes see (and what your heart feels).
Prior research on Costa Rica revealed univeral agreement that Costa Ricans are warm and giving people. I found this to be true immediately upon arrival. We were greeted at the airport by CPI personnel - our first "Buenos dias" and firm, friendly handshakes. Since this first impression, I have been thoroughly pleased and appreciative of the support, guidance, and overall encouragement provided by CPI. We have a permanent chaperone, Joe, who is gracious, accommodating, fun, and easy-going. He will be with us for the entire three weeks. Joe is originally from Miami. Spanish is his first language and his family heritage is Puerto Rican and Cuban. Although "North American" (as I've been reminded that we are all Americans, Costa Ricans and us), Joe has made Costa Rica his home. We also have a driver, Benjamin, who speaks no English but seems to enjoy the jovial nature of our group as I catch him smiling from time to time at our antics. And we have many antics (but I will save those for family and friends at a later time).
Our first weekend in Costa Rica was eye-opening and educational. We stayed at the Hotel La Condessa, a five-star establishment with a beautiful view of the Central Valley. The first morning, we were greeted with a beautiful sunrise at 5 AM.
Beginning my inquiry into water use and sanitation in Costa Rica, I asked Johnny a few related questions. He informed me that water in Costa Rica is clean and safe to drink, derived from three drainage basins and numerous watersheds. (I confirmed this online). As in most countries, most water is used for agriculture. As we're in the rainy season, I am unsure whether water is collected (such as at homes or farms) for later use. This will be for later investigation.
On Sunday evening, following our visit at Poas, we went to CPI for orientation and our Spanish test. At 5:30 PM, we then waited with our luggage to meet our familias Ticas. All anxious and equally excited, we waited. The first car drove up and a woman walked up. Whose mama Tica would she be? As Joe spoke with her, then glanced at the list, he said, "Elizabeth..." I did not expect to be first, as I wanted to see my students off with their families. I greeted my mama and walked down the hill and my papa Tico put my luggage in the trunk. We quickly discovered I do not know Spanish, and they, no English. I grabbed my handy iPad with translator app that does not require internet. A lifesaver. Our first conversations on the short drive to their home seemed long and tedious as I typed in the backseat what I wanted to say. Today, four days into the homestay, it has been much easier (coupled also with four hours of daily Spanish class) and I rely less and less on the app.
My family is comprised of a retired couple around my parents' ages with three children: Johnny, Humberto, and Carolina. The boys live with us and Carolina, 10 minutes by car. They have two adorable grandsons aged 7 and 10 months. I sleep in the daughter's bedroom and we all share one bathroom. Everyone hangs out in the kitchen and living room beginning at 5 AM except for the papa who sleeps until 7. I've adjusted my habits from the States, admittedly challenging the first day and night, but now no problem whatsoever. In just days, my conversational abilities, as well as my abilities to relate in general, have improved immensely. I feel I made a break-through last night in particular as I witnessed Johnny's birthday and was then invited to Carolina's house where she offered me a new bag of Cafe Britt cafe. A very sweet gesture, which I interpreted to be of acceptance into their family, even if temporarily.
As I begin to "Find Out" about water use and sanitation in particular, I ask locals questions when appropriate. This morning, I ate breakfast with my mama Tica (as I do daily) and told her about our wonderful visit to La EcoVilla, a sustainable living community founded by (North) American Stephen Brooks and his wife Sarah. There, we learned about Brooks' plans to create a real community where people know their neighbors, have common values concerning consumerism and sustainability, where eventually a school will be built for community children founded on Waldorf principles. We sat in the grass listening to Brooks' vision and then toured the property, sampling delicious fruits and smelling leaves (including the tree that inspired the Chanel No 5 parfum). I was interested to learn that the founder of the Story of Stuff will be part of this community, and that they expect to have most homes built within a year. As part of the plans, they will have a bio digester for the septic system, trapping and using methane gas for energy. The location was chosen specifically due to its location by a clear river from which they will pump underground water. We saw in person one of the naturally replenlished lakes where tilapia are raised. I look forward to returning here in the future and seeing Brooks' vision come to fruition.
I explained all we learned about La EcoVilla to my mama Tica, I returned to the topic of water. Eida, mi mama Tica, said she liked the idea. She said it's good to save water for future generations and we should not waste it. Y yo soy de acuerdo.
(By the way, I learned that phrase today and mi profesora de espanol complimented me on my progress. Poco a poco...)
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