Paige Vidrine

When we arrived to Costa Rica, the drive in became an off roading adventure. First things first, we stopped to get fresh coconuts from a roadside peddler.

It was late by the time we headed to our home nestled in the mountain top and the only lights on most roads are those coming from the vehicles.

We found out quickly that You’re always one turn away from the roads less traveled, ones that seem to be more heavily foot traveled than anything else. We made that turn.

It felt like a trip through the backwoods country trails that only the locals should be guiding us through. Coincidentally, the country boy who travels those sorts of trails in every day life was the friend leading us through this terrain.

Through puddles of water so unknown, we hit the gas hard enough to make sure the engine wouldn’t flood if it got too deep, we were determined to find our way. On occasion, our bodies justled so intensely we would have to find something to grip to in order to stay still in our seats.

The road split at a point where no one was around but us and the option to travel through a puddle or hit a steep hill up was staring us in the face. Our guide slowly crept towards the puddle as we had a few times before on this trek. Google maps doesn’t work the same way up in the mountains where the only invisible signals you receive in some areas isn’t wifi but rather a calling from the elements.

As we were creeping forward we heard honking and yelling, “Amigo no!!!! Amigo!!”, a man was screaming from his truck. We knew right then we had been saved. “Es rio. Calle aqua”, he said.

The friend turned guide stopped his vehicle, got out and approached the man. “I’m sorry man I don’t know Spanish.”, he said. I hopped out and approached. “¿Que paso?”, I asked.

If ever there was a time that my brain saw it fit for me to remember what I had learned studying Spanish abroad it was now. “The road is this way! That is a River. Come this way.”, the man said in Spanish as he pointed us to follow him.

When I showed him our map, he told me he didn’t know but the main road would get us there. So we hopped back in our vehicles and headed his way.

Finally we made it to our destination before one of the vehicles got stuck in a shallow gully like drainage ditch on the way up to the house. I used my broken Spanish to explain our situation before the guard at the gate called our guide down from his house to escort us to our beautiful oasis of a home. We ended the night dancing poolside, drinking the beers that our host had someone drop to us, and anticipating what the adventure might hold if that had been the beginning.

Boy did it hold so much more.

The next morning we awoke to the most beautiful view and groceries that James, the country boy guide and husband to my friend Amanda, had gone and purchased before we arose.

I whipped up some eggs and made a buffet of fruits for everyone to enjoy. I can always find my peace in the kitchen.

Once everyone awoke, we headed to the closest beach where some walked along the edge, some played in the water and some packed the volcanic sand onto their bodies and meditated by the water.

This feather, wood and what seemed to be the blessing of the mother tree from Avatar landed in front of my feet along the path so I grabbed it.

We walked the monkey trail, saw wildlife and sunk deeply into our current reality. We were on a wild adventure.

Afterwards we found a local brewery to grab a bite to eat and orient ourselves. We came back that night to dance, but the Pacific side of Costa Rica is chill. The only people dancing were me and my friends.

During that time frame, James expressed his desire to go scuba diving. He had been certified before the trip. I was certified at 16 years old so I was excited to join him. Only problem was that I forgot everything so I drove myself into town before dinner time to do a refresher course with a local dive master.

The next morning I was as prepared as I could be. We loaded up before most were awake and we were off.

Arriving a the most stunning marina of sorts, our diving guide led us to a small boat much like the ones I grew up driving through the marshes in big lake.

They took us to a bigger boat which had all of our gear. After a quick ride out to islands in the middle of the pacific, we geared up and hopped in the water.

The last time that I had been diving was with my late brother in our teenage years. This excursion was special. As James lit up with excitement I recall the same joy I felt from my big bro when my dad was guiding us.

As fate would have it, we were diving alongside a seasoned diver who brought his high tech camera along. Before the trip was over I grabbed his what’s app so he could send me the pics of our adventure.

The excitement couldn’t escape James. Our first dive in, he was breathing so excitedly that he ran out of air pretty quickly. Good thing we had another tank and destination.

We all came back to the surface shortly after and enjoyed the freshest pineapple I’ve ever tasted before I had to go pee. They told me best thing was to strip down to the bathing suit and hop back in.

So I yanked at BOTH of the wetsuits I had on, which was an added layer of protection from the frigid conditions of the pacific. Finally, I jumped back in the water and tried to release my bladder all while a boat full of strangers were trying not to stare. Performance anxiety is a real thing. Needless to say, it was as awkward of a moment that I’ve ever had, but James made fun of me enough to make me accept the moment for what it was. I was the girl who listened to the instruction when everyone else just peed in their suits. Got it!

The next location was just as beautiful if not more. When we got back up from the water, you’re supposed to climb the ladder on the back of the boat to get in and I’m sorry but the tank was just too heavy. So I climbed enough to sit down on the boat and roll in. However, I rolled onto my back and got stuck like a turtle with my legs high in the air. It was hysterical. My stomach hurt from laughing. The driver of the boat, who really doesn’t have much of a job but to get us to our destination, came to my rescue, chuckling at me while I maneuvered my way out of my tank. The dive master told me, “I’ve never seen that before, but you could teach it!”

Everyone followed us up into the boat and got situated before we headed back. As I was looking at the islands, I couldn’t help but think, “I want to take the next trip to Alaska during whale mating season.”

“A whale!!”, the girl next to me said in that instant. We all looked out and there it was, a hump back whale.

Wonder struck is what we collectively felt. It was a kiss from the heavens.

When we got home, we ate before catching up with the group to go watch a beautiful sunset at Flamingo Beach.

We debated time and again if we would risk taking the “Monkey Trail” which was the fastest route to any destination we choose. Eventually I took the wheel and we realized that the trail we had gone on coming to the mountain was as bad as it could get. Everything else was smooth sailing. Moving past that fear opened us up to a world of adventure as does all of our confrontations of limitation.

At the beach my beautiful friend Amanda led us in a short yoga flow to release the tension. It’s just what we needed to ground into this amazing adventure.

The next day we found ourselves at a roadside shack looking for food.

When I walked in, I tried my best to communicate, but the barrier was thick. The lady behind the counter laughed a little before I stumbled my way through my order. I called the girls over to try the sweet plantain, cheese and passion fruit juice. Then we all took a picture together before the woman gave me a hug.

Sasha found us a great adventure in a national forest where we took a short hike to natural hot springs, mud baths and four beautiful waterfalls.

I separated from the couples to have my alone time in the mountain.

I met some Canadian friends who were so gracious with me.

Then I trekked with a local guide to the waterfalls. He left me there alone so I could meditate by the rushing water.

I wanted to hop in but surprisingly I do weigh the risks of being alone in a foreign land doing things that are inherently dangerous. I needed my crew just in case so I walked out to find them.

We made our way to the waterfall and immediately Bam, an old friend and my best friends boyfriend, scaled the side to make it to the top.

Most of us ended up right at the bottom of the fall, allowing the water to rush over our heads. I was in full pocohantas mode, diving in over and over again allowing the water to rush me to the rocks where I’d find my footing and dove back out.

Amanda did the same before I held her there on her back fully in tune with the natural elements.

You can’t help but awaken that inner child in a place like this. It’s wild because you really do feel the echo of the elements calling to you.

Heavenly is an understatement. This land is pure and vibrant in ways I had never truly imagined.

Intentions were set as we walked through the natural portals of energy beckoning our excitement.

I thought the trip was over until James pulled over to another spot. There we hiked to a waterfall so powerful that you’re not allowed to swim in the waters.

Sasha immediately broke down crying in awe. It was that stunning.

Traveling back to our place, we found a local spot that was perfect for a pre birthday celebration for Sasha.

It was a sweet way to end the night under beautiful lights.

The next morning the girls and I loaded up to head to Las Catalina’s for early morning yoga.

It was the grounding experience that I needed to bring all of the experiences deeply within my soul.

Tamarindo was our next group stop and it was as quick as it needed to be. Tourist destinations aren’t my cup of tea. I like to places where English is foreign. However, it was a nice middle point for the trip.

We ended the night at Flamingo beach once again where Sasha led us through a beautiful meditation and I offered thanks to the land.

Then we met up with another couple for drinks at a place called the shack before heading back for the night.

On our last full day, Amanda and I took off to a town called CoCo to get tattoos.

I added a palm tree to my life map. I have had this song Palm Trees on every playlist I make because it reminds me over and over again of the intentions I have for the future. I’m called to the coast.

The last nights celebration with friends was at a beautiful restaurant where we listened to each others stories, talked about the high points and enjoyed one another’s company. It was beautiful.

After dinner we went dancing. We were some of the only people dancing but who cares right?

Before it was all said and done, Sasha’s sweet boyfriend bought her a cake and candles. We all rushed into the house after dinner to get everything ready before Sasha had come in from her private room right outside the front door.

“Go get! Go around the back!”, I fussed as she entered the house too soon. Then Bam waited out back for her with the lit up cake.

After their special moment we went out to join them. I lit some divine feminine incense and blessed my friend before we spent the rest of the night enjoying one another.

Everyone turned in earlier than Amanda and I. We sat outside under the stars reflecting. I read portions of my book to her as she pointed out things she recognized in the constellations.

Miraculous, magical… I don’t know that the human language has words for such experiences.

I was determined to finish my book in this place, but a small voice told me it’s already done. I made some meaningful changes under the stars in Costa Rica.

I’m certain the energy in that beautiful oasis blessed me in some ways I will only understand when I look back in years to come.

Thank you Costa Rica! It’s been an adventure of a lifetime.