All right, here's a story, a true story, a human story and one that has nothing to do with convuluted laws, greed, power or any of the other short sighted shit that pertains world wide and leads to conflict, war, loss and misery.
Also, this is not for tourists.
Here it is.
Every year in the third week of January there occurs a convocation of families in the jungle canopy fronting a section of Playa Grande.
Multi-generational:toddlers,youth,parents,great grandparents--this familial group descends from San Juan to camp for a week, which custom has occured for over 100 years.
They erect tents, kitchens, and communal centers, complete with port-a-potties.It's a jungle beach front encampment with tradition.
As one granny told me over a plate of chicken, beans, rice and some killer mango salsa, "We do this every year. We get away from phones, TV, traffic, and all the rest of it to camp and be close to nature."
I could relate. Maybe that's why they let me in. While some chica braided my hair prior to dinner, I told my own abbreviated story.
Man, it was all right. I was drinking some Cacique, but they told me they don't drink alcohol or consume drugs of any kind.
"Christians?" I asked.
"No, no."
What then? Who knows?
This group of 100 or more are way cool, whatever their persuasion.
Hey, man. That's my Costa Rica. Won't find it in any guide book.
And by the way, when they broke camp, there wasn't a trace of their occupation.
Just thought I'd share.

THE reason I'm headed to CR after I receive my Energy Management: Renewable Energy degree here in Eugene, Oregon in 2 years time. I'll work for a few more years to save enough to head on down & live comfortably. I already have a Biological Sciences degree and have worked in the renewable energy field for about 6 1/2 years.

I'd like to get a green renewable energy scene happening in CR and spend the rest of my life groovin' in a more natural location.

I plan on visiting every year until then to check out different locations. I've already talked my ex project manager and his girlfriend into taking a tour with me next summer. My ex installer is now interested. These people are some of the nicest and smartest folks I know. I'll tell all the rest that International Falls, Minnesota is nice.

Thanks pg wizard. What a nice story. It is a relief to read those kinds of things. Especially the part about the campers leaving no trace. I have been living in the Caribbean (Puerto Viejo area)for two years and it's nice to know that the Ticos or anybody can car camp on the beach. The Ticos come in droves on the holidays. I just wish they were as tidy as the people you met in Playa Grande.
Read about my life in the Caribbean: http://www.travelexperiencecostarica.com

3._Montana_Gal_Goes_Tropical!_.jpg (146 KB, 2 downloads) Montana Gal Goes Tropical!