Friday, May 8, 2009

Appreciating My Surroundings, Costa Rica

By Arthur P. Maxwell

Darnit! I lost the page I was just working on, so I am switching modes, finished with work for the day. That absolutely stinks... but , whatever. It's not so bad. This is a vacation and I'm not too concerned about how I get my work done. As long as it gets done. A Work/Vacation... what a novel idea. I love whoever thought of it, whoever coined the term deserves a medal.

I'm at the luxurious Sol Papagayo Resort on the Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. I'm here with some guys from work. We're working with an organization that protects Americas tropical wilderness. We're discussing a land purchase to unite the biological corridors of Central America. Somebody up there must love us because they hooked us up with this plush hotel.

We are super grateful to the owners of this place for having us here. Since I first checked in I have been in awe at the sheer abundance of life surrounding this hotel. The grounds are spectacular. Flowers and fragrances are stirring up emotions that I haven't tapped into in a while. Feeling grateful for the chance to be here.

Every time I entered the lobby, or the gardens for that matter, I was greeted by the hotel staff, by name. This alone makes me feel that somebody is doing their job right. In this culture its not common for staff to be asked to remember names of guests. It gives me a strange sense of security and comfort. I feel I belong here.

While here I plan to do a little kayaking, a little swimming.. who knows, maybe Ill finally get certified to go scuba-diving. Its a lot cheaper here than anywhere else Ive been. I could also see myself taking some windsurfing lessons. Now THAT would be sweet.

I am meeting later on today with some guys that work in conservation. There are a few biological research stations up in the mountains around here. Apparently, students come from far and wide to study the rich biodiversity of the cloud forests. There is a huge need to bridge the gap between the already protected lands in Costa Rica and other Central American Nature Reserves.

Well, right now I'm gunna soak in the sun and jump in the water, then shower up and head over to the conference room. This place is mind-boggling. I must buy a camera and capture the gardens and hotel surroundings.

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