Contemplation

Given that my youngest would not have taken to sitting in a seat for hours on end before now, a long plane ride has been delayed for two years. One reads a lot and hears a lot in that time. I was prepared for stressed out, rude flight attendants and overly serious TSA employees. On the contrary, everyone was actually very pleasant. I also expected to see signs of a weary economy, but that was difficult to grasp given our short stay and the incredible contrast of the "basic needs" between Costa Rica and the United States.

Returning to suburban USA from rural Costa Rica is like entering some kind of science fiction show. Everything is smooth and orderly, clean and fast. Trim little lawns give homes quiet space from the streets, and the windows have no bars. Right away we dove into the simple pleasures that I have never stopped missing over the last five years. Our first outings were to the playground and the library.

It is not to say that my youngest has been devoid of entertainment during her three years of life, but taking her to a local park was as good as Disney Land. She had never been to a really cool playground before and climbed on the big, safe play structures with slides and swings and other diversions. It was all a little overwhelming at first, but she warmed up to it pretty quickly. At the library, an entire room was dedicated to children's books and we left with an armload. My oldest savored these experiences as well, but what topped the cake for her were the endless smooth sidewalks just outside the door where she was able to let loose on her cousin's scooter.

I felt like we were at a resort, when in fact, we were only partaking in the ordinary. Life in Costa Rica is adventurous, but it is not easy. The roads are rough, driving is tricky, and walking is either right on the paved road, or through the rocks and mud of the quieter back roads. On top of the ease of getting around and enjoyment of incredible public amenities, everything worked, all of the time. Internet, telephone, electricity and water were all going strong for two solid weeks. It was an odd feeling.

Giving up the jewelry box has been worth it for the sake of living slowly while our kids are in their tender years. The fact that we are in a Spanish speaking environment justifies the distance, for now. It is not all about phenomenal parks and pedestrian walkways. The United States offers a wide array of different experiences worthy of sampling. This is the beauty of life. That we are able to savor the moment, while never forgetting that we have wings and the power to fly.