Change

"Change" is quite the buzz word these days. It is being wrapped up in promises and offered to a world that is simply covered in need. The only thing that is certain, as they say, is change. There is no doubt that the current times are a test to our personal strengths and weaknesses, but the human spirit can withstand great storms. I hope, with many, that the changes already set in motion are to the benefit of good. For any of the hope we share to manifest itself into real change we must resist the bliss of ignorance, empower ourselves with knowledge, be capable and never turn our backs on injustice.

Simple Pleasures

My grandmother always had great stories to share from her youth. Often she would reminisce about the simple pleasures that life offered way back when. Christmas was no exception. As a little girl she would wake up early Christmas morning and the family would all go out to the barn. As she entered the quiet space, her eyes would quickly adjust to the light of what seemed to be hundreds of tiny little candles perched on the tender limbs of the great evergreen tree. My grandma strung popcorn to decorate her tree. This is a woman who was born to a horse and buggy and left behind a Cadillac. Her generation has had the unique experience of seeing things change like no other has or may ever.

I often think that the passing of time has left behind a lot of the charm of life. My grandmother's memories of gifts included a single stocking filled with treasures such as paper and pencils, oranges, and a new handmade dress for her doll. I strive for my girls to enjoy such simple pleasures. Even in rural Costa Rica, I find that I have to shield my family from the material element of Season's best. I am convinced that Christmas is turned on by a switch. One swift flick, and suddenly towns are all bustling with cars and people frantically trying to get "it all" done. Odd, high pitched renditions of familiar holiday tunes roll out of little storefronts and amble their way across the streets. To think that it will all shut off with the same immediacy seems to me, a little forced.

Of course, it is simply delightful to my girls. They love to hear the goofy songs, and walking past fancied up windows and decorated trees on peoples' porches is a treat. They look forward to the promise of a special gift to open, and the fun of baking cut out Christmas cookies. For them, Christmas time is some kind of colorful magic that seems to have been blown in by the wind. That we do not own a TV saves us from some of the pressure of an endless stream of wants bounding out of the mouths of our girls. My only hope is that this inevitable festivity somehow holds some of that same innocence for them as it did for my grandmother.

The Riding Lesson

Stick around long enough, and you are bound to hear me calling out for my girls to slow down, watch out, or be careful. I do believe that one of the first Spanish words my oldest daughter learned was cuidado (careful). Equipped with a great since of humor, she has lovingly given me the title of "chicken mama." It's true, I can be a little over protective. So, one can only imagine my thrill when it became apparent that horses were to be a part of my girls lives. Call me crazy, but taking up a hobby involving massive animals that tend to kick backward sounds excessively hazardous.

My own worries aside, it was still very important for my husband and I to make sure that our daughter learned to ride horses under the safest possible conditions. We were very happy when our friend Brenda Nasse had her ring at Establo San Rafael ready. A big, flat, enclosed area covered in a thick layer of sand sounded like a good way to start off. Brenda also has a wide variety of horses, and we appreciated knowing that our little girl would be able to start out on an easy going, predictable horse. Congo, as he is called, is an old gelding who has just enough pep to make the ride fun for our daughter, and enough years behind him to not spook at just anything.

Brenda’s own experience and passion for horses is really incredible, and we feel privileged to have her as our daughter’s instructor. Not only is the pace slow, and the environment controlled and safe, Brenda is also teaching her how to communicate with the horse she is riding. For Brenda, it is much more about perfecting each step and working up to bigger things, than pushing riders to do fancy stunts before they are ready. Each time I observe a lesson, and see my little girl working with these big beasts, I beam with pride at her accomplishment. Dangers are everywhere, and watching my baby pursue her passion with horses in such a great place reminds me that often the reward only comes after the risk.

If you live in Costa Rica, or are planning a visit and would like to know more about Brenda, her horses and the many activities she offers throughout the year at Establo San Rafael, please feel free to visit her website: www.establosanrafael.com

Ten Meters West of the Two Yippy Dogs

There's no doubt that Costa Rica is changing. Even in the five years we have been here, traffic in our little town has doubled. Roads are bigger, and smoother. There are not as many street vendors and fewer stray dogs. The park is a little more manicured, and the streets are, believe it or not, a little less smelly. Costa Rica is evolving, and with the transition to a more polished society, we must sacrifice some of the quirky charm that has made Costa Rica so unique. Next on the list of big improvements is an official postal address system. Yes, this most basic element of city planning has been excluded until now.

With only a handful of actual numbered streets in major cities, Costa Ricans rely on landmarks to find their destinations. For example, our address begins: 50 meters South West of the public telephone, last house... When taking directions, it is not uncommon to be guided by a tree, a blue fence, or even a couple of cows. This system is used throughout the country, and while the majority of landmarks are places like churches and gas stations, there are also references to where things used to be, such as the old Coca-Cola plant. While the system can be frustrating, it represents the life that countries like Costa Rica are "developing" away from; the simple life that had the time and space to find the house just past the fig tree.

With the small isthmus bulging with more developments and fewer people who know their neighbors, the old system has simply passed its time. The reality is that to keep pace, Costa Rica has to modern up. Just imagine a 911 response team trying to speed to the rescue of someone who lives south of the chicken place. Put yourself in the shoes of a postman starting his first day on the job. Already, official zip codes have been assigned and there is a push to name and number all streets, homes and businesses. The undertaking will be costly, and will demand a change in the mindset of Costa Ricans. I will miss this amusing detail of life here. However like everything else here, I hold confidence that it will take a very long time.