A warm breeze comes through the screen in the guest cabin. A perfect day of overcast, with just enough sun to shine through to dry our clothes on the line. Warm enough to stay comfortable and yet not so hot that it’s uncomfortable to work in. Much needed rain came in the night and I felt the earth sigh of relief for now the plants are well watered and the air is fresh of the smell of it. This place feels more like home with each new day as the pace and the smells in the air become ever more familiar. Each day feels like several, packed with learning and wonderful experiences as well as reflection, relaxation and rejuvenation. As each day brings me closer to my departure from this magical country, I am increasingly saddened to be leaving but so thankful for all that I’ve been so blessed to experience during my time here. I couldn’t imagine a better place to conclude my time here in Costa Rica.
Last week we journeyed to the home of a friend of Susanna and David’s to process sugar cane for the juice. We took the canes she had already cut down, scrubbed them, cut them into pieces and put each piece through a press that is turned by hand. What a wonderful experience, the flavor uplifting and satisfying, especially compared to the white processed grain sugar we are used to in the states. We each take a turn pressing in the rain, so refreshing after several dry days.
Finally, in the garden where I most belong, the ground where Susanna desires a new lasagna style garden bed makes the natural shape of the beginning of the flower of life. I decide to listen to my intuition and follow the shape of what we now call the triad. Digging into the fertile volcanic soil feels so natural to me. Soon I have the first layer of the bed dug and the shape defined. I go to gather coconut husks, grabbing a couple fresh extras from the trees next to the kitchen to share and enjoy. I fill the bed with the husks that I cut into pieces with a machete, a very satisfying process I might add, and go on an adventure to harvest horse manure from the fields.
In the presence of the horses, serenity washes over me as the only noise that I hear is the rushing creek and the gentle chomps of the horses consuming the grass nearby. I wander from pile to pile, scooping it into the bucket. I soon notice that the horses are following me, turning away to pretend to be minding their own business when I turn to face them. Giggling, I continue moving, looking back frequently making a game of it. I can see the curiosity in their eyes as I harvest their waste for the garden. Eventually they lose interest after getting their fill of loving caresses and curious games. I put the manure into the garden and then proceed to harvest the dried banana leaves from nearby. I turn to notice a flower on the ground next to me. This was not just any flower, but that of the Maracuya, more commonly known as passion fruit. The name nearly does this extraordinary, intriguingly breathtaking flower justice. Intricate and divine, and the sight of it alone is an entirely uplifting and sensuous experience, not to mention the divine flavor of the fruit that succeeds it. I go to harvest more banana leaves and layer the inside the bed. The next layer is of our food scraps. Finally, I place the topsoil from the original digging and cover up the bed. The last touch is a border of fresh banana leaves, perfectly framing the strange and beautiful shape that was inspired by the mysterious forms of the Mother Earth.
Today I observe the final pieces of the wood burning oven that we began building over the last few days. What an amazing work of art, so simple, functional and beautiful. I can’t wait to taste the wood fired flavor of all the possibilities that open up to us because of its creation.
