Pura Vida meets Vida Loca

Following a three year hiatus caused by uncontrollable factors such as Covid and the arrival of a granddaughter, your intrepid volunteer couple are on the road again. Our adventures take us into the heartland of Costa Rica. Actually we are situated in the suburbs of San José, the nation's capital, where we will be spending our next two weeks at the Sloth and Wildlife Rescue Center.

We have decided to eschew the luxuries of our comfy life back home, prepared to sacrifice all creature comforts to assist the local creatures. But I lie.While previous missions have had us sleeping on 4 inch foam pads on the floor of a lean to in Madagascar or in the stifling heat of what was, effectively, a concrete cell block in Ghana, or an electricity/wifi deficient jungle hut in the Amazon (loyal followers will recall those adventures) we have been assigned a glamping style cabin 

with lights, wifi, hot water showers, 

flushing toilets, 

a swimming pool,

etc. etc. 

While these amenities would normally elicit a 'dayanu', or 'this is sufficient', at the rescue center there is maid service that will make our bed and clean our cabin, laundry service, cooked meals, and full internet functionality. 

While some of you vacationing in more traditional locations may think that these basic amenities barely meet subsistence levels, allow me to add that massages and manicures are available upon request. And the constant chirping that we hear are from the local fauna, not our spouses.

Be that as it may, one of the major reasons that Lori and I selected Costa Rica as the beneficiary of our benevolence was based on the unique history of this central American nation, particularly in contrast to its neighbours. Over the next couple of weeks, I will delve into the history and political uniqueness of a very happy story. A visitor cannot spend more than a couple of hours here without hearing the phrase 'Pura Vida'. Much like the expression 'Jambo', heard throughout Africa, it is a form of greeting as well as an overreaching statement reflecting the culture, values, and attitudes of the 'Ticas', as the locals call themselves. This is a country rich in natural resources. Water is plentiful, energy is 97% obtained from renewable sources including wind, hydro, solar and, most interestingly, geothermal from volcanoes.

I will delve into other aspects which elevates this small country to a model of peace, prosperity, and efficiency as the days pass by. Take careful notes as there will be a test at the end of the term.