Linear view vs. Masonry View

Archive for ‘Observations’

Chao, Santa Teresa

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Sunset, Santa Teresa, Costa Rica November 2019

Magical sunsets made my time on the Pacific Coast so very memorable! Though I am looking forward to visiting the cloud forest at Monteverde, I will certainly miss this quaint surfing village.

Dry Tropical Forested Hills
Brave Dog (Watch Dog)
Keep the Beach Clean
Positive Graffiti
The Waste Disposal System Needs Work
Horses Drinking From Creek
Wielding a Machete
Photo Taken at 11am
What No Parking Sign?
A Friendly Reminder
A Not So Friendly Reminder
Colorful Street Art
Subdued Street Art
New and Old Meters (Which is which?)
Overburdened?
Going Surfing
Look at the Size of the Rock, Good Idea, Poor Execution
Entrance to Banana Beach
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Maybe Not Such a Good Idea?

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In-line, Electric, Showerhead Water Heater, Santa Teresa, Costa Rice November 2019

Most Tico homes don’t have the necessary wiring or amperage to support water heater tanks (not to mention the fact that heating water requires a lot of electricity, which can be expensive). Those logistics coupled with the fact that hot water isn’t often necessary in this warm climate means that a simple, cheap option is often installed (note that I didn’t say that it was safe or even effective).

Enter the suicide shower, an in-line, electric, showerhead water heater. My first night using one was truly a shocking experience. There weren’t any instructions and since the water wasn’t warm, I reached up to adjust the knob. The little zing I received for my efforts immediately encouraged me to give up on that idea. I finished my cold shower in a hurry.

I have since learned that these devices seldom work, no matter what the setting. Now, I just try not to worry about it and hope for the best. Which is actually a pretty good way to deal with life in general, don’tcha think?
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Tropical Paradise?

Well, it was bound to happen. Even though I’ve been careful, I am now host to the lovely intestinal parasite, giardia. This little bugger causes a diarrheal disease aptly named giardiasis. I’ll spare you the gory details but I will say the symptoms are triggered by food. So, not eating has suddenly become quite appealing (thankfully, drinking doesn’t seem to be a problem).

I had this once during college and clearly remember the experience. I even know exactly how I contracted it back then, I drank untreated water out of a mountain stream (hence the nickname “beaver fever”). It was so unpleasant that I don’t drink out of streams any more. There are any number of ways to ingest giardia down here so I can’t pinpoint the source this time. Ah well, this, too, shall pass.

I am sharing my misfortune so that those of you dealing with the record breaking cold spell understand that as I stroll down the sandy beach on a warm, sunny day I am suffering, too. That’s living in paradise for ya!

 

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My Daily Routine

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Enjoying the Morning Sun – (Sleepy) Cat on a Hot Tin Roof

I thought I’d share the mellow routine that I’ve settled into during my time in Santa Teresa. Daybreak occurs around 5:30am every day of the year down here (since Costa Rica is only about 10° north of the equator the day length doesn’t differ much). After one or another animal alarm wakes me, I get dressed; swimsuit, cover up, and hat.

First order of business, sweeping out the sand and bugs that accumulated from the previous day (some of the unavoidable hazards of living in a tropical, beach town). Then it’s time for desayuno. By 8am I’m out the door, headed to the beach, after a quick stop at the mercado to buy a fresh banana.

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Main Street in Santa Teresa During Rainy Season

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Path to the Beach

The beach is siete minutos from my house, though I prefer walking further south toward Mal Pais (the fisherman’s village) since it is less congested down there.

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This View Never Gets Old

I have a favorite spot where I do yoga and then spend the next few hours reading, writing, or just watching the surf. The climbing midday temperature and my growling stomach are signals that it’s time to head back to mi casa.

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Walking North Toward Playa Carmen

After a refreshing shower and a bite of almuerzo, I spend time with the neighbor’s cute pup. We play tug of war (with an old rope I beachcombed) before retiring to my hammock for some relaxation.

By 4pm I’m wandering back down to la playa to get a good seat for the daily sunset extravaganza.

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Dry Season Has Begun, Drawing in the Dust is a Fun Hobby

After the sun slides away (around 5:30) I meander back to the market to pick up provisions for cena. At this point I’m in for the night unless I’m meeting up with friends later.

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Santa Teresa Sunset

It is a simple, uncomplicated life and I’m incredibly grateful to be spending this time in el paraíso.

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Signs of Encouragement

The laid back vibe out here on the Nicoya Peninsula attracts artsy people. As a result, there are fun, inspiring signs posted just about everywhere.

 

 

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