It was Costa Rica, a vision of crowded, colorful houses and flat tin roofs caked in flaky, thick rust, and hillocks of kaleidoscopic litter cascading down the dirty streets. It was the sun, the blistering rays of hydrogen and helium particles, or perhaps it was the paint, the dewy fluid of banana and honey hues. Whatever it was, we were all aware of the change coming gradually upon us.
We were in Upala, Costa Rica: fifteen or so teenagers in a canton in the province of Alajuela, equipped to serve the native Costa Ricans. I can only speak for myself, but my nose was lifted a little higher than it should have been. I came to Costa Rica believing that the native Costa Ricans desperately needed me, that I would somehow drastically change their lives. No, no. I was served a sublime slice of humble pie. I desperately needed them. They drastically changed my life.
A Costa Rican pastor led us to his church—a turquoise, one-room building of cement walls and tin boards. The desolation of the church was alleviated by the radiant attitudes of the church members. They lived a life in sincere peace, despite their decrepit circumstances and limited opportunities. Every part of their bodies—their eyes, mouths, and mannerisms—overflowed with genuine love and happiness. It was haunting. It was surreal. I walked into the church and at the first glance of the exterior building, assumed that I was better than them. I adorned myself in a cloak of superiority, and the illusion of an authentic concern for them was my mask. The thing that I did not know was that my mask was similar to one created by botulinum toxin; its purpose was to conceal flaws, but it ended up appearing even more false.
The amazing thing was that they saw right through me. They knew that I felt this way, but they still welcomed me with open hearts.
After two days of spending time with such hospitable people, we were given the task to paint the walls of their church and outdoor bathroom. All my preconceived notions and delusions of them were stripped away. No feelings of “I’m-better-than-you” or “I-am-the-best-thing-that-happened-to-your-life” existed anymore. The cement walls that we were painting over were emblems of my prior feelings. Goodbye, cold, raw, ugly walls. Goodbye, arrogance. Paintbrushes immersed in banana paint stroked and spattered the walls. Hello, warm, refined, beautiful walls. Hello, humility.
Costa Rica impressed upon me that the world is big and life is hard. Still, the earth continues to spin and revolve, the sun sets and rises, and people smile and rejoice. They are able to radiate with smiles indicative of happiness in spite of unfortunate situations. And I was the one looking down on them? Funny. I realized that we are all the same: we feel pain, we enjoy bliss, and we understand love in different ways. Unity exists despite diversity.
I needed them. The process of reverse-botox was no easy or painless operation. Mark my words: it hurt. But they opened my eyes to the social discrepancies of a different country and the astonishing perspectives of a different people. I was disillusioned by the banana paint and the blistering sun and crowded Costa Rica: impoverished regions exist in the world today. But if they needed me—for what reason? I do not know exactly. Maybe they needed me so that I, in turn, would show others that we can no longer be complacent with ourselves. We should not choose apathy over empathy. We are all connected.
And emotional botox is ugly.
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This site is really helpful. Will bookmark this and share with friends.
this is a beautiful piece of work!
this is a beautiful piece of work!
We went to Crown Paradise Cancun on 22nd Aug 09, a family of two kids age 9 and 3. It was the best experience. I have been to Maui, Hawaii in the summer of 2006, it beat that up. Couple of steps from the club to one of the best beach so you don't have to go exploring the place for beach fun. Take fresh cooked warm meals to the beach along with drinks, it is so convenient. You can never be hungry as room svcs is 24 hrs. 5 fancy restaurants you can dress up and go in the evening. Child care facilities all included. The perks are endless and the people are friendly.
Would love to go back in a heart beat
Really nice post. Thanks for sharing us.
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses
Great article! It's good to know that there are lots of arts and athletic activities for kids to do at these lighthouses.
here is new information about the Alashan Desert in Inner Mongolia that listed in the UNECO, I think.
I love the grassland, horses, sheeps, clean and blue sky, red sun and silver moon, …
My husband and I are looking to host a family reunion in June, 2010 for about 25 family members – we would need lodging for all (8-10 bedrooms) and meals. All coming from Maryland – need travel information; driving distance and nearest airport. Thanks you
Pick this one Claudie!
According to a report by Channel 6 in Wilmington, Bald Head Island was named for a geographical feature, not an anatomical one. In sailors' terms, the "head" of an island is its highest peak, the landmark most visible at distance from the sea.
When first seen, this island next to the Cape Fear River (and a very important navigation point) could be spotted by its highest point, a sand dune at the river's mouth. A high point or 'head' covered in sand was known as a 'bald head' therefore the island's name.
let us know how your visit goes!
I already know Puerto Plata, I visited it last year when some friends and I went to pick my big brother up at charlisangels Caribbean vacations, he was spending an single vacations there. I have to admit this city has beautiful places.
hi
This is a beautiful island. I was there with my 5 year old just before Hurricane Wilma damaged the reefs, and I hear that it's all come back nicely. It's a great beach for kids cause it's very clean sand, with shallow warm water. No surf either…
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Thank you very much-
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President, Jan Wilkins Enterprises – Roanoke, VA
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What is the origin of the name, "Baldhead Island"?
Need a form traveling with my daughters and my dog to Canada
For a safe and affordable vacation in a country where same sex mariage is legal, your stay with us will be unforgettably restful, welcoming and adventurous. The Centre Goéland, a non-profit and charitable centre in Prince Edward Island Canada can offer your family a vacation experience with a cultural and linguistic flair on the southern Acadian coast of Prince Edward Island. Our retreat and camp centre caters to groups and offers packages as per your groups' request. Contact information: http://www.centregoeland.org,info@centregoeland.org, Fax:902-854-3454, Phone:902-854-2546. Ici on parle français.
We had a terrible time with the dot2dot service. When we arrived at St. Pancras we were not able to find the van. We called for assistance but were put on hold for 15 minutes. Unfortunately, there is only a fifteen minute window to catch the van. Even so when we finally got through the agent directed us out the wrong door and the call was disconnected. When we called back we were on hold for another 9 minutes when we saw a dot2dot van drive by us and ignore our attempts to wave it down. We ended up catching a very expensive cab to Heathrow. When we contact dot2dot about this thinking we could get at least a partial refund we were told to kiss off. They claim there service is good, but 15 minute holds and wrong directions under these circumstances is not good service.
Other than that this is a good article.
What kind of form need kid to have to travel with no parents. Parents will met him(her) at distanation aeroport.
Thanks.
Skiboards are not just for kids.
A very nice overview of the city with lots of great information (And thanks for mentioning the CVB, Positively Cleveland, as a resource for travelers.) I'd just add two points–for those who haven't been to Cleveland in years, there are some new downtown dining/nightlife districts in addition to the west bank of The Flats that include Gateway, East Fourth Street and the Warehouse District. And, in addition to nearby Geauga Lake, there is what has been repeatedly voted the greatest amusement park in the world–Cedar Point. Also, travelers looking for discounts might want to try the Cleveland Plus Pass, a multi-attraction discount ticket that gives admission to 10 major attractions at a savings of 30% or more.
What's more fun for kids than camping?
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My name is sanjib adhikari. I am a register trekking guide in the Nepalese Himalaya. After working several years as a porter, and becoming fluent in English and Chinese languages, I became a guide in 2001. I have spent the past 7 years as a professional trekking guide, .I have been working 6 years in severl companey but now I am currently working as an independent guide.
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wow…very nice views and good adventures,and everything there were look like morning pearl bright lighting,and it's seems to me that was very happy family enjoying them happily and freely as their desires appeared on each them own faces,mates.I ask you might add any other interesting views like those above available .
THANK YOU
Sue Morse: Please see the form at the end of the article. Fill it out with the proper informatin and the forms will be sent to you. Thanks!
please email me a travel permission letter and also a medical permission letter.
Thank you
My name is Mercedes Abreu I was a Teachers' Assistant at John Young Elementary School.I love children! During the summers I would babysit kids whos parents had to work during the day.I have also worked whith many diffent age groups,ranging from new born to school aged children.
i like 2 job there what i can do
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parisattitude was indeed hepful during our stay in Paris on june 2009.
nice hotel to stay
i'm feeling watch envirment
It is an interesting experience to find prejudice you thought never existed. Great story!
This is awesome. You set the scene really well.
I love how you only focused on the greeting. Very memorable.
Wow, what a privilege! Twelve private accesses per year!
You guys really need to add a place to click on for the prices because i 39 and was hoping to take my ten kids up there camping but i do not know the prices… and i actually thought about being a regular camper there. your gonna loose alot of money since no one even knows how much we are supposed to pay!!!!
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dear you
we want to travel to your country but we can't.we need visa for it and visa need to invitation and invitation letter need to your kind attend.
please inform me.
sincerely yours
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Hello,
This is a nice and valuable article. Thank you very much.
I like to work beside the beach such as having shop, ship, and selling sea shells
I like to work beside the beach like have shop ,ship or sea shels
Great title, great story.
Amen. Terrifying. It’s amazing that you got to travel there, though.
Wow, what a great opportunity!