A note for 2008 Costa Rica Program
by Brianne Esmeyer
I am hypnotized by the delicate creatures fluttering about in the butterfly garden. I slowly look around me, overwhelmed by brilliance. The dominant paradigm of color which I have held for thirty years is quickly transformed by this alternative palette. The softest pink coupled with the deepest blue surrounded by an inexplicable blinding white. I am breathless. I want to capture everything I see, and I fear forgetting this beauty. The camera does no justice to this incredible experience. It is time to leave for another adventure. |
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I close my eyes and allow the warmth of the gentle sun wrap around me. Although my eyes are closed, I am confident I am glowing from its embrace. It is not blazing, but rather comforting as it follows me everywhere I go. Often, I stop and smile, flooded with tranquility. I am standing on the bank of a white sand beach listening to the water gently lap onto the shore. Again, it is time to leave; there is so much to do.
I reach my home stay and instantly begin to salivate like one of Pavlov’s dogs. I know my mama has something cooking. I am eager to enter. I walk in and take a greedy sniff. Then I inhale slowly and deep. I sigh as I release the savory air. I attempt to figure out what the sensational aromas are. I am confident that fresh cilantro is nearby, but the other flavors dancing in the air remain a mystery. Daily I tell my mama,”Mi estomogo esta alegre otra vez! My stomach is happy again! I am surprised that the fruits which I have enjoyed since childhood now have a different flavor. A richness unmatched back home and a subtle sweetness which leaves me yearning for more. |
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The freshness of the fruits, vegetables, and cheeses are made apparent by their tantalizing colors. Deep greens. Soft yellows. Warm reds. Creamy whites. I retire for the evening eager to explore more of this beautiful region tomorrow.
I feel as though I am strolling through one of Georgia O’Keeffe’s paintings when suddenly, I am seized by a wave of an alluring aroma. Rich robust. Coffee. I am compelled to stop and have a cup, not to be ruined by sugar or milk. I hold the cup and inhale the brew as it cools. I then take my first sip. My palate awakens. Time no longer exists as I sit in the café enjoying my fortune.
I continue my journey through the painting alone. It is dusk. The warmth remains, but the radiance of the sun has retired for the day. I have no fear walking alone. Everyone is cordial and I continuously hear “hola” encompassed by warm inviting smiles. I am in a strange place, but I feel as though I am at home. I wander through friendly shops browsing at the wares. Desperately searching for something to captivate the beauty which I have come to know. Nothing compares. I am forced to hold onto the memories I have stored. I return to my home stay. Another day quickly passes me by. |
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My family greets me with warmth and love excited to hear about my day. Again I am greeted by the arresting aromas emanating from the kitchen. I talk about the diversity and allure of the rainforest and eagerly divulge my fascinating adventure in the butterfly garden. I attempt to recreate the experiences that I hold.
Time is not my friend. The days pass by without warning. I know my journey is coming to an end. I toss around the idea of not boarding the large cold plane and disappearing into the rain forest. Begrudgingly, I take my seat. One greeting plays over and over in my mind as I look out the plane’s bleak window, “Welcome to Costa Rica”.
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