Virtual Costa Rica; Daily Boost, Boosted

Posted on by stanleyobando

Now that I’ve got my COVID-19 page set up (and updated daily with ideas and links to help you connect with or support the many Costa Rican small businesses and nonprofits that are being brutally affected by the current crisis – check it out!) it’s time to blast out some Costa Rican spirit-lifters.

For the next few weeks as I work from home and try to entertain my daughter, I’ll focus on virtual slices of Costa Rican life that can bring you some comfort or entertainment if you’re stuck at home – and organizations/businesses you can follow, support, or visit after this is over. (There are many more of these popping up than I can fit into a daily post, so follow along on Facebook where I’m sharing everything I find.) Today’s example: a volcano cam.

That’s right. You know how you frequently stop and think, “If only there were a way for me to check in with Volcán Arenal anytime of the day or night and watch clouds floating across that iconic cone?” Yeah, me neither, but it’s the little moment of zen I never knew I needed. Whenever you get cabin fever, take a look at this Volcano Cam and breathe for awhile. It makes me think of the hot springs, peaks, lake and waterfalls of one of my favorite parts of the country, which is also home to one of the country’s best local development entities, the Asociación de Desarrollo Integral La Fortuna. If you love La Fortuna, follow the ADI for updates – they’ll surely be having to think outside the box as the income from their tourism project gets demolished by cancellations, too.

Let me know if you check it out. I’m finding it strangely compelling. Yes, it’s Day 2 and things are already getting punchy. How are you doing? Wishing you health and calm during these crazy times.

I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook! During the COVID-19 crisis I’m focusing on slices of Costa Rican life that people can enjoy virtually during these tough times. If you see a great Costa Rica cam, FB Live, online class, photo series or other gem being shared from Costa Rica, let me know!

 

Day 4: Girl, volcano

Posted on by stanleyobando

When first I saw you
I was 21 and blissful.
You were spewing lava:
slow drools of red through the black night
under a cold rain.

I thought that was just how volcanoes behaved.

Today, when I visit you, you are quieter
I am louder
You are just as tall as ever
And so am I
I see how you command the clouds
I see the forests on your flanks and the scars through the trees;
I never noticed those before.
You’ve still got an angry-powerful core,
But now it’s just for you.
I didn’t have one yet, the night I met you.
Now I look at you and smile.

Inspired by the no-longer-lava-spewing Volcán Arenal, and by The Daily from The New York Times, “Keeping Harvey Weinstein’s Secrets, Part 1.” 

I’m a writer in San José, Costa Rica, on a year-long quest to share daily posts on inspiring people, places and ideas from my adopted home as a kind of tonic during a rough time in the world. Sign up (top right of this page) to receive a little dose of inspiration every weekday in your mailbox; tell a friend; check out past posts; and please connect with me on Instagram or Facebook!