I’m trapped in a tropical paradise and need to get over my need for things to run smoothly, and as planned! This is an excellent exercise in living in the moment, enjoying where I am and who I’m with. Finding joy and satisfaction in the little things. Practise makes perfect, they say, but I don’t easily dial down my need for activity, for exploration and the desire to push myself physically. It’s just who I am. 

I’m at the beach, high up on a friend's finca overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The town of Santa Teresa lies hidden below – a place where we spent a number of Christmases as a family. Oddly enough, that doesn’t cause any emotional angst. It’s hot and dry and idyllic and filled with howler and white-faced monkeys, multitudes of birds and even a pixote (coatimundi) up a papaya tree yesterday, batting at the fruit until one came off, then climbing down incredibly quickly – think fireman on a pole – and scampering, with the fruit I presume, into the undergrowth.

It isn’t often that one gets a full week of relaxation in the company of three girlfriends who have known each other for more than two decades. At least, it isn’t for me although I know many women, and I encourage my girls to start this habit, who arrange annual get-aways with their female friends to ski or paint or cycle or practise yoga. 

Women add so much to the richness and health of my life. One thing I’m learning, or having reinforced, during this year of discovery is that people, community and friendships are what makes the world go around. This week has been such a gift.

Highlights:

A midday plunge in a tide-pool to coincide with Mads’ polar plunge into Lake Michigan last weekend. I suspect I stayed longer in the water than she did!

The birds! 

If I don’t go for an early-morning run along the incredibly dusty roads, I’ll wander with my binoculars at sunrise and be overwhelmed by birds. To list a few that I’ve seen (clockwise from top left): black-headed trogon, squirrel cuckoo, painted bunting, long-tailed manakin, Lesson's motmot, plus I've also seen baltimore orioles, a tropical kingbird, hummingbirds galore and various woodpeckers.
(photos not by me!)

More highlights? Sunsets from the rancho, rocking in the amazing Costa Rican leather rocking chairs with my friends and a cocktail, solving the world’s problems, nattering or just sitting in silence. Magic.

The ease of being with people I’ve known a long time, the simple meals we throw together (think sautéed peppers with onions, olives and capers over pasta, or roasted spiced cauliflower with zucchini and pickled carrot salad, or the minestrone soup that I brought from San José), the laughter and joy. Surprised by joy. I love that expression.