2020-05-24
by Ragna
Our physical distancing in Costa Rica over the last 2 months
Motto: CHANGE IS THE ONLY CONSTANT – breathe and smile – and don’t worry be happy!
At least that is what I imagined myself to do…
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Driving restrictions? Can’t drive anymore?
Never-mind, we never had a car. But our e-bikes could go on deserted roads during peak restrictions around Easter.
Costa Rica – Ojochal – Cycle in the neighourhood
School’s closed?
Deep breath. Biggest change.
Smile and figure out the online schooling program of LPE and how to structure a day that keeps the kids entertained.
Costa Rica – LPE – online mindfulness and literacy class
Can’t start my volunteering program at the Reserva Playa Tortuga as it is closed due to the crisis?
No worries there is another big volunteer task waiting for me, HELPCA, our local delivery service of organic and pesticide free products.
Costa Rica – HELPCA – our delivery service for organic and pesticide free products
Can’t go to the National Parks and not even to the beaches anymore?
Very deep breath. This is the most painful for us.
How about – exploring our neighborhood on foot and bike?
Costa Rica – Ojochal – walk in the neighbourhood
But why not just access our nearest beach via the hidden back entrance of a volunteer run nature reserve?
Not a good idea, the bridge is not repaired as the NGO is closed. Murky waters prevent us from acting illegally …
Costa Rica – Playa Tortuga – broken bridge
Can’t go to popular waterfalls anymore?
Never-mind there are hidden rivers with little waterfalls or pools for swimming. Do cows count as witnessess?
Costa Rica – semi – wild cows at our river bath
Can’t demonstrate on the streets for climate justice.
Why not paint our messages with chalk on the ground and join the largest online strike (Fridays for Future) ever?
Costa Rica – online activism – Save the Climate
But how to ensure the children get sufficient physical exercise? Otherwise they’ll never go to sleep or keep fighting forever…
No worries our friend with Indian roots sends us just what we (our children) need. A link to cosmic yoga, full of amazing, magic yoga stories online straight from Downunder!
Cosmic Yoga
From the perspective of our older daughter: Can’t invite my friends for my birthday party.
Disappointment and some arguments with her parents. Deep breath.
What if I invite my friends to a 2 hour zoom video call and become the biggest book worm ever?
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From the perspective of our second daughter: Can’t show to my friends that my first tooth fell out.
Being sad, tantrums, a deep breath and some cuddling:
Never-mind I just stop chewing on my fingernails all together. And enjoy sisterhood.
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All: Can’t stand the heat at the end of the dry season?
Sorry that has nothing to do with the restrictions and you just have to endure this.
How about we build the biggest Lord of the Rings puzzle ever during midday heat inside the house? And on top just enjoy the fruits growing in our (and neighbour’s) garden!
Costa Rica – Ojochal – Fruits from the garden
Now, we look back at the last 2 months, and of course not everything has been rosy. Each one of us had their moments of cabin fever, frustration or anger. However, there seems some silver lining on the horizon. We have already had some amazing firsts: meet a friend, get a takeaway pizza, stay at a remote mountain hut, go at sunrise to the beach. To be continued….