Costa Rica: From Moon landscapes to a Moon house (Part 4 of 5)
Santa Theresa
Santa Theresa is one of the several party destinations in Costa Rica. We are ready for some "loco fiestas" but we are up for a surprise.
Moon landscapes
Already driving from Samara, we figure that roads are getting worse and worse the more south we go, but when we approach Santa Theresa, and even worse - when we enter into the little Pacific village - we are in disbelief with the moon landscapes on the roads (I must have been too shocked as I have not a single photo of that memorable view). The car is jumping and sinking at every meter, there is not a sign of asphalt - only dirt, which goes through every little hole in the car, all around the air. Some people have given up cars and have jumped on the scooters, wrapped in scarves in order to be able to breath.
As adventurous as it is, and being one of the most recommended destinations on the Pacific coast, we still cannot get the concept and charm of breathing dirt while on holiday. Santa Theresa loses us there. However, it does compensate with some formidable sunsets and great food (when we manage to find a table far from the dusty roads). Sadly, we find no open bars, as they all open the week after. Next time, Santa Theresa (or not). Wishing you better roads for the new year!
Montezuma
The integration of foreign and local
We leave Santa Theresa and drive an hour or two to the other side of the little peninsula, to Montezuma. Another popular destination, mainly among expats, shockingly neater than the half destroyed Santa Theresa. We read that it is mischievously called "MonteFuma". What we find is the cutest little village by the ocean, which consists of three or four streets, crossing each other, some very cozy bars by the water, plenty of nice and stylish restaurants and unpretentious "Sodas" (the local "fast food" eateries, where however food is freshly cooked, or fish is just caught from the sea).
The streets are animated by Rastafarians (many clearly not local, visibly expats, who have integrated quite well), juggling some random objects, dancing with fire, knitting bracelets, selling their handmade jewelry and little souvenirs, smoking whatever their heart desires...
The turtle, the bird and the dog - "A turtle saving operation"
Costa Rica is the most environmentally conscious country in the region. Its citizens and authorities care a lot for the preservation of nature and animals. Hence, the first thing we do in Montezuma is naturally....take part in a turtle saving operation. Local volunteers collect turtle eggs from the beach to protect them from humans and animals and keep them in the sand, safe under a net until they hedge. All the tiny turtles, smaller than my palm, are now ready to be let go in the water, where they belong. However, this is one of the most vulnerable moments in their lives as usually on their way to the water, prey birds are lurking and circling above them ready to grab them as a snack. For that reason, many people need to join the operation and surround the baby turtles to prevent them from being eaten by the birds. There is also a guarding dog, tiny but fierce, barking its whole soul to protect the baby turtles. Then just at its final steps to the water, one baby turtle gets more unlucky than the rest. The bird comes down rapidly and grabs it in the same moment. The tiny fierce dog chases it until the bird with the turtle gets lost in the sky. By its desperate barking, I could sense it is "crying". Nature, what to do... I hope the rest baby turtles from this fascinating operation have more luck through their way in the sea.
Our own Moon fairy tale - "The Green Lodge"
The sweetest for the end. Our host is an Austrian lady, who has escaped the European craziness, and now makes soap from avocado oil, paints abstract interpretations of nature and has built herself a magical house, called the Green Lodge. She does not live there, but rents it out. When we meet her for the first time and she makes a tour of the house, I can see it is a full expression of herself. The lady has something special going. The house has a circular shape and is bright electric green color, decorated with orange ornaments. The flowers in front of the house are exactly the same color as the decoration. There are no windows, just nets, which allow the air to pass freely, while you are still protected from the outside world (watch out for the scorpios, though, just in case!). Although you are in a house, you still feel you are right in the nature. Because of the circular shape and the dome inside, there is an echo and you hear nature acoustics as if you are in the open space. There are plants drawn on the walls in the kitchen, flowers and trees in the bedroom, and water creatures in the bathroom.
Every possible detail has been thought through and you love it even if you don't need it, because it is intelligent and beautiful.
We spend several magical evenings there, watching the moon. I have rarely seen such moon. There was something in this place, which made the Moon look so gigantic, and surrounded by a bright white light...go figure.
There is something to discover in every moment, without even trying. I guess this happens when your mind and soul are in flow, where everything feels right.The finale of our magical trip is nearing as we head to the Manuel Antonio national park by the coast. Join our final Costa Rica story here :)
