Week 2: Nature will Pursue Nature

Friday has arrived, and it feels like much more than a week has passed, more like an eternity. We transitioned from the mode of leaving the country to the pursuit of travel. That was the plan, but there wasn't really a plan, so we started searching for attractions. I find it hard to believe I would ever come here for a family trip just like this. If I did, I’d probably be disappointed. The atmosphere is very American, the attractions are well-engineered, prices are sky-high, and the food is very weak. But in our context, as waiting immigrants, the nature experiences are impressive. Very quickly, I found myself chasing images of eagles (as common as pigeons in our country), flowers, monkeys, or just landscape pictures. It’s bizarre because I hate taking photos (and I’m pretty bad at it too).

We arrived at a new home in a green, humid resort complex, away from the hustle and bustle of Americans (who seem to consider Costa Rica a jump to Eilat). The complex was very local. My neighbor, Alexander, adopted us and showered us with gifts. He gave me tamales that his wife made (a sort of corn dough filled with meat wrapped in a banana leaf), a smoothie made from obscure fruits, and everything he thought we needed. Every time he called me over the living fence and handed things to me. On our last day there, he brought over a ladder to our yard, picked coconuts for me, and taught me how to open a coconut with a machete. In the absence of words, I thanked him in the most anthroposophical way I could and drew him a picture.

We wandered through enchanting rainforests. We crossed hanging bridges while soaking wet and naked, and I bravely faced my fear of heights. During our travels from park to park, we passed through endless forests, and every shabby corner along the way could be considered a nature gem in Israel. This made me question the business logic of Yuval's company: planting trees in Costa Rica? Perhaps we should just sell ice to Eskimos.. After all, global warming is happening; they must need ice the most.

Before we move on to this week's song, here’s an angry quote from Ofri from last week's song: Every time I ask for a shake, you say kebab shake.

Yuval and I started a spiritual journey following the 12 holy nights, reading daily texts and trying to align with them. Somehow, the physical journey every day presents exactly what the text demands of us. Long conversations about the past year, which has been crazy for both of us, and generally the things we've gone through in recent years that have led us to where we are now. Thanks to Aya for putting this song by Evitar Banai in our hands and reminding us of the power of words:

Year after year, from season to season, I peel off.

I am an end, I am infinity in the skies and in the abyss.

A soul in a body.

We drove 5 hours south on Amnon's recommendation and arrived at Manuel Antonio - a stunning surf beach adjacent to a nature reserve. To get to the beach, you walk through a monkey forest. We arrived in the evening and for the first time had a delicious dinner at an Italian restaurant. Mozzarella cheese, prosciutto, excellent pasta. What a joy.

That night I dreamed of school and woke up sad. I let the tears flow a bit, put some music on the speaker, and gradually started to dance in the kitchen. Michael shot me shocked looks. Yuval was busy with work emails and a mini panic attack about her new role, as the illusion of freedom shattered and she returned to the ground of reality. Ofri enthusiastically joined me in the dance, followed by Mati hesitantly, and then Yuval abandoned the computer and joined. Michael remained dumbfounded. From there, the day just soared higher. We went to a beautiful beach to surf. Well, we didn’t really surf, but there was a surfboard by us. Michael was the only one who managed to stand on it and even move a few meters. We came home after sunset dazed, broken, scratched, burned, and happy. Mati even said: Dad, I love you. What more could I ask for.

Another week without sugar - check, breakfast of rice with beans - check, 3 morning runs including one family run - check, already two weeks of not smoking - check, a post for Saturday - check.

See you next week.