I love to travel. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, learning about different cultures… and I especially love seeing unspoiled mountains, rivers, oceans, forests, jungles, deserts, and every other ecosystem found in our natural world. Seeing the world through international adventure fills me with awe and wonder. I have had the great good fortune to visit 23 countries in the past 19 years. Every trip has been enriching, mind expanding, and generally wonderful! But in all that time, there are only 2 countries I’ve returned to. I’m about to make my second visit to Canada in a couple of weeks; and I just finalized the itineraries for my NINTH visit to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica, and in particular the Osa Peninsula in the southwest corner of Costa Rica, is my favorite spot in the world. The Osa is home to Corcovado National Park, dubbed “the most bio-intense place on the planet” by National Geographic. This park is covered by primary and secondary rainforest and is home to 4 species of monkeys, 2 species of sloths, at least 2 species of anteaters, 5 species of big cats, an astounding 450 species of birds including toucans and scarlet macaws, and a bunch of critters you’ve probably never seen before like tapirs, and coatimundis, and kinkajous, and collared peccaries. Wildlife viewing is simply incredible.
Visiting parts of the Osa can feel like stepping back in time to when paved roads were rare, no one had air-conditioning nor imagined it was necessary, people walked wherever they could, and food was grown within a mile or two of where you lived.
Costa Rica is one of just a handful of special places on the planet where good health and happiness converge. It is home to one of the original 5 “Blue Zones” in the world and its people are ranked among the happiest in the world. “This is a place where religion, family, and social interaction are the main values, unlike trying to get ahead, or financial security, or status. Their cities are set up so they’re bumping into each other all day long. They walk to the markets, where they have conversations with people.” This culture is reflected in the way Tico’s welcome visitors to their tiny country as well.
Add to all that, meals in Costa Rica are some of the best I’ve had anywhere in the world, a fact that no doubt stems from the abundance of fruit and vegetables and seafood that comes straight from the source to your table, often the same day it was harvested.
When I visit the Osa, my whole being is engaged. The sights, sounds and smells of the rainforest work their magic on me. Every wildlife sighting electrifies me and fills me with wonder. Using my body to hike, climb, paddle a kayak, or swim in the ocean wakes my muscles and makes me feel strong. The sweet friendliness and good cheer of the people who live here fill me with warm feelings of welcome.
Each visit to Costa Rica leaves me feeling purified… My body feels stronger from an abundance of physical activity. My skin is glowing from sunshine and good foods. My heart is full from time spent with good people, new friends and old friends. And my spirit is at peace from spending so much time in this unspoiled environment that still reflects our Creator’s design. No wonder the nation’s motto is “Pura Vida”. That’s Spanish for “Pure Life”.
If you’re interested in joining me in Costa Rica in January or February 2023, HERE is a link to the trip information.
