see as i saw

As I walked back from the lakeshore today, I noticed that the gate to the Caldwell Lily Pond was finally open.  Although the vegetation is still in its infancy, that sense of zen still exists.  Somehow urbanity fades away once you walk through that gate.

In other topics related to state of mind, I had a conversation with my Dad the other day about El Camino de Santiago, a pilgrimage route across northern Spain.  It's something that I've been familiar with for years, thanks to my infatuation with Paulo Coelho's books, but my Dad only became acquainted upon watching a movie recently.  I've casually thought that it would be an extraordinary mental and physical journey, traversing 750km on foot, especially since it's in Spain.  Apparently that movie piqued my Dad's interest too, and he asserts that he'll do the journey with me.  One thing everyone should know is that planting a seed related to international travel is not safe with me, unless you intend to follow through; I've already started initial research on this trip.  Seeing as my parents international experience spans only as far as Canada (which doesn't count when you grow up in Michigan), this would be quite the intense foray into world travel for him, although a commendable starting point.  But me, I'm ready to leave tomorrow.  Since that won't happen, I'll settle for buying Coelho's book detailing his pilgrimage on the Camino.

Accepting that tomorrow is my last full day in Sámara is kind of rough.  If only there was a way to merge my two completely disparate worlds.  It did get me to thinking about some things that haven't been a part of my life for nearly a month, but seemed integral to daily life in Chicago.

- Jeans: This might not sound that strange, but it will be odd to go from a daily outfit consisting of a swimsuit and flimsy cotton cover up to all of that heavy denim.
- Credit card: Costa Rica is pretty heavily cash-based.  I've been living on bills and coins for a month...even for my lodging.  Those were heavy ATM withdrawals.
- Hair dryer/flat iron: I don't miss these, but dry hair is a necessary evil in Chicago winters.
- Full-length mirror: Focus on appearance has been pretty much negligible for the past month.
- iPod & DVR: I was practically able to add TV to that list, but I've watched a few shows before bed in this last place.  Not using my iPod surprised me at first, but the sounds of the waves and the reggae music piping in from the Gusto Beach bar are a perfect background.
- Driving: Maybe not that odd for most Chicagoans, but I usually get behind the wheel at least once in a week.
- Gloomy weather: I've literally seen the sun every day for four weeks.  This is a streak I'd prefer to keep going.
- Meat: Somehow, during my first week here, I accidentally lived as a vegetarian.  After that, I thought I'd challenge myself to keep it going...and I did.  There's a good chance that I'll hunt down a cheeseburger pretty quickly upon returning to the U.S. though.

It has definitely been an interesting change of pace and routine.  There are a few things I won't miss: daily full-body sunscreen application, omnipresent sand (not just at the beach), and bugs everywhere - ants crawling on my towel and my body, bugs in my shower and my bed, on the floors and the walls.  On the other hand, I won't begin to enumerate the things that I will miss.

Besides seeing all of the people that I love, I'm starting to notice other cravings for home.  Many of them are food-related, like french fries, iced mochas, and Subway (for whatever reason).  More than anything, I can't wait to luxuriate in the comfort of my own bed and pillows.  I may not move for an entire day.

It was already dark when I arrived in Santa Elena last night, so the view was virtually non-existent.  I awoke close to sunrise this morning though, as the light was beginning to creep into the valleys.  This view is actually what I could see from my bed, by merely parting the curtains.  Unfortunately there's a communal balcony outside of my curtains and that could've been awkward.  So I grabbed some of the complimentary continental breakfast and a cup of Tico coffee, then settle in and watch the sun rise from the communal kitchen that offers the same vista.

From this vantage point, what you're seeing off on the horizon is the city of Puntarenas and the Golfo de Nicoya.  They're at the western end of the country, a journey approximately 50 miles long...but taking nearly three hours to complete.  Seems absurd until you take into consideration the change in elevation, from 4,000+ feet to 13 feet.

In other activities today, I managed to buy two days worth of groceries for under $6 (and things are marked up in this town because it's heavily touristy).  I also spent some time suspended over the cloud forest canopy and wandering through the flora.  It wasn't exactly a hike, more like a walk with occasionally exaggerated heights.  The perspective was interesting though.  I think tomorrow's actual hike will be more my speed.

For two hours the bus wound around the mountainside, sometimes feeling ominously close to tumbling down.  If you're afraid of heights, it's probably the last vista you want to see.  Otherwise, the vast expanse of green valleys and mountain tops was surreal and exhilarating.  From the opposite side of the bus, you could see the sun setting.  They just don't have views like this in Chicago.

Overall, it was another interesting day of misadventure in Costa Rica busing.  I've determined that it's one of those things that everyone should do at least once in their life (on the same list as serving tables and working in retail), because it gives you a new perspective and appreciation.  Having to wait five extra minutes for a CTA bus doesn't seem like a despicable and unfair act after waiting four and half hours in the 90 degree heat with a 23 pound pack.

Needless to say, I arrived in Santa Elena too late and too exhausted for exploring.  Tomorrow I strike out to explore this mountain town and what it has to offer.  Oh, and if I ever decide to write a book, I'm strongly considering a rather remote mountainside locale.