While cruising the CR classifieds on a Yahoo group the other day it was a bit jarring to see a ‘for sale’ ad for a Glock, as in the gun preferred by most North American law-enforcement agencies. It is apparently legal to pack in Costa Rica but like most things, nobody can be bothered with the paperwork. In Granada, Nicaragua, people need to be reminded that weapons are not allowed in the park.
Centro Turistico, Granada
It poured rain for about an hour tonight — the first time in almost four months of continuous blue sky in Atenas, the Costa Rican town that boasts the best weather in the world. The air is fresh and the wonderful smells of the tropical forest waft up the nose like a freshly sprayed floral perfume. The change in season is distinctive and Costa Rican winter is coming. Soon, the crunchy brown grass will be lush and green again and the rains will come every afternoon. God, how am I ever going to live through another Canadian winter after one without cold and snow.
The kids are finally loving school and eagerly dress every morning in their uniforms and march off without complaint. It is amazing to hear them greet their friends in Spanish and play in another language. Bilingualism (and I don’t mean a smattering of French) should be mandatory in Canadian schools. We are so myopic in North America.
Every day that passes brings me closer to our return to Calgary and the home we left almost a year ago. I’ve coined a new term for my old life: suburban suicide. The big question looms — how am I going to go back?
Continental Airlines has to have the nastiest and most unhelpful staff I’ve ever encountered. They were rude from the moment we stepped on the plane to fly to CR and even ruder when when I’ve tried deal with them over the phone to make airline reservations to return to Canada. I will never fly that airline again and if I can ever help, avoid Houston airport forever.
After seven months in Latin America, we are finally taking Spanish lessons. It would have been handier doing this at the beginning of the trip instead of the end. Somehow I always manage to do everything backwards.
Life’s problems follow you wherever you go but they sure are easier to work out when the mind is not cluttered with a million things to do. A sabbatical year is more useful than 10 of therapy and probably cheaper in the long run.
Six years ago today two beautiful babies were born to an incredible woman in Calgary. Three weeks after that, my first child was born. The trio became very best friends and so did their moms. The same month we moved to Central America, my friend’s family moved to another city in Canada, about an eight hour drive away. It will not be the same going home without them there.
Happy Birthday Aiden and Abby. We miss you.
Love the random thoughts – enjoy every second of the coming months – as you have already noted, life will never be the same, however, sadly it is easy to slip back into those North American ways….
We are missing our Pura Vida, but with the snow melting and the grass peeking out we can imagine once again the beauty of Canada- and appreciate it in a new light! The winter has been very hard for me, I still wear my winter coat, layers and a toque, even when it’s above 0 on the nice days, I can’t ever seem to get warm. I had a chuckle about the Continental comment – we had misery with them as well! but alas, if it takes you to where you need to go – Pura Vida!
Hey guys,
I enjoyed your post. Maybe you are a country girl at heart.
I enjoyed your random thoughts. Your comments and Nataghia’s about Continental Airlines were an eye opener. We were planning to book through Continental when we move to CR later this year. We have heard they are the best airline for travelling with pets. The last time we flew to CR we went via American, never again.
It’s snowing again in Calgary. This winter will not go away!
Enjoy the warmth and sunshine.
Your thoughts touched me in so many different ways, Suzanne and brought back some long forgotten memories of my own . . . I know exactly what you mean about returning ‘home’. Canada is a wonderful country – but it is not the only one!
Yes, we end up wondering back to our homeland; sometime for just a period in time and sometimes to stay. Most often either is derived through some level of necessity. And yes, over time we take on the appearance of sliding back into the north American suburban mode. But I don’t think we are ever really the same as before our journey. Each adventure changes how we look at the world and our relationship to it. Coming home will be a new journey for you – even though it will only have been a year since you left as you pointed out it is not the same. Nothing ever is!
Cheers.
N.