Costa Rica Castle

El Castillo, Buena Vista Beach Hostel

2012-01-22T10:29:00.000-08:00

From the looks of these pictures, things are going well in paradise. To contact Kim and the gang, check out their new Facebook page:

Link to El Castillo Facebook

El Castillo is Open!!

2011-11-29T09:58:00.000-08:00

I just spoke with Don Klaus and El Castillo is open for business! If you've ever wanted to experience the natural beauty of Costa Rica then don't miss your chance to stay at a historic landmark located right on the beach and estuary of playa Buena Vista. Accommodations are very basic, but if you can handle the rough edges you'll be rewarded with life long memories. Even if you don't stay in the rooms, stop by the Wunderbar and restaurant for an ice cold Pilsen or Imperial and say hi to Don Klaus and the new curators of El Castillo. I send my best to the new keepers of the Castle and will post new pictures when I get them.

Don Klaus - 506 8 539 9664

Welcome Back Sunshine!

2011-11-22T09:17:00.000-08:00

Here's a classic video celebrating the transition from rainy season to dry season. November has a great mix of sunny days with light afternoon rain and is one of my favorite months. The roads aren't dusty yet and tourist rates haven't kicked in so make a point to visit Guanacaste's Pacific paradise in November and December.

Curious about Rainy Season in Guanacaste?

2011-11-11T14:35:00.000-08:00

Here's a classic video I made after one of the craziest rainy seasons in years that flooded the estuary and almost took the Wunderbar (the beach bar) with it! Rainy season generally starts in May and then takes a break around mid-June for the "small summer" which is perfect weather, no people and just a little rain. It picks up again in October with big storms sometimes causing mudslides, washed out bridges and flooded streets. Stay tuned for some amazing video I have from inside a friend's house that was literally in the middle of a flooding river. Rainy season is a beautiful, misunderstood time of the year and a must see for anyone that loves Costa Rica.

p.s. Be sure you have a good roof!!

Animals Doing Well

2011-10-19T12:34:00.000-07:00

My friend and neighbor Britta lives just down the road from El Castillo. Since I've been gone, she makes sure the cats (Rose, Eve and Tattoo) get their food and medicine. This week she posted some great pictures. Thank you Britta and the kind people staying at El Castillo - the girls and tattoo look better than ever!

Farewell Castillo.......

2011-06-19T09:48:00.001-07:00

For the past two months, I've been living at my mom's place in northern California. She needs my help and as it turns out I need hers as well. El Castillo lies on shaky ground. The Municipality of Nicoya stepped up their years long effort to demolish the property because it lacks building permissions. Spurred by a new mayor the enforcement campaign is reviewing all properties close to the beach in Guanacaste. Over twenty years ago when Klaus built El Castillo, no zoning plan (plan regulador) existed in the area and farmers just sold their land. Since I arrived over five years ago I always knew it was a magic carpet ride. No secure future with El Castillo forced one to appreciate what was already here and live in the moment. For my friend and teacher Klaus I know the fight will continue and he may ward off the dogs of Nicoya for years to come, but my time ends for now. Already my plastic roof hut has been destroyed to appease the Muni and Hannes has left for Samara. I stored what things I could with friends and will leave this blog intact. Our special place will always be a magic vortex of life's connective energy surging with infinite possibility like every crashing wave on playa Buena Vista.

El Castillo 2010 / 2011

2011-03-30T11:46:00.000-07:00

It's been four months since my last post and the reason is simple....more video means hours more viewing and editing. Between Hannes and I we collected tons of great video which is something like downloading a terabyte of music and then finding the time to listen to it. In the end I feel it's the best expression to date of this magical place and people. Enjoy it and send me an e-mail with any questions.

Coco - Nutcracker

2010-12-05T10:39:00.000-08:00

What to do with deadly coconuts? Our new video answers that question with a holiday twist. The can he's shaking is repellent for the hundreds of black wasps living in the coconut leaves.

Summertime!

2010-11-22T08:38:00.000-08:00

We can all see clearly the rain has gone. We have a video camera thanks to Don Klaus and this first production celebrates the transition to summertime. And yes after making this video I did clean the camera lens:) Look for Summertime 2 coming soon where we show off the special people that join us here in paradise - come visit and be in the video!

"This time you, next time me"

2010-11-13T06:14:00.000-08:00

says the second Tico to stop and help me. My rear bearing on the motorcycle blew up from being lubricated with more water than grease on my way to Samara at 1:30 in the afternoon on this beautiful sunny Friday. I wasn't there five minutes and the first Tico on a motorcycle stopped and asked if I needed help. Next thing I know he's pulled out a wrench and sees that I'm having a hell of a time getting the main bolt out because it's rusted in the bearings. We're hammering, turning and torqueing, but only making small gains. I start to realize my day going a different way. The second Tico pulls up and almost simultaneously a large truck with a wooden bed behind him. Now it's a full committee in Spanish discussing my better option to get to La Bomba in this guy's truck. We lift my bike and move it as close to the front as possible. We tie down each tire, but there's plenty of play so I sit on the bike for the ride. And what a ride it was! Like riding a bull with my right hand clenched on the backboard and my feet steadying the swaying bike through the potholed highway. At La Bomba I see a familiar face and know that leaving someone without help just isn't what this town is about. Hours later I’m home again, but never lost my gratitude to all those in the world that stop and help. Next time me.

Tomas hits hard!!

2010-11-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

It's Friday night and I'm finally home after delivering bread Wednesday afternoon to Samara. It all seemed innocent enough - we heard Tomas might bring some rain as it headed north to Haiti. Wednesday's rain was gentle and steady without wind - really very pleasant. By 4pm the bread was delivered and I was having a drink with my friends Jack & Rhonda who have a house next to Rio Buena Vista in an area known as La Pista. It's actually an air park complete with runway. They have the place to themselves and are in the process of building a pool for the summer. During heavy rains the river can swell and water enters La Pista. Last May Jack & Rhonda first experienced the awkward helplessness of watching water come in your house. That time they had about eight inches inside and it was a discouraging nightmare to clean up. Wednesday night after a few beers we headed back to their house and I ended up spending the night since the bulb on my motorcycle went out. The gentle rain beat softly in the background. We awoke the next morning to the silent hammer of Tomas - the river had swelled during the night and was crossing La Pista. I walked the road a bit to check the depth, but I had no idea the expansion plans of rio Buena Vista. 15 minutes after walking the road and thinking I could manage to ride my motorcycle, the river took charge and there was no way out. The river was now 100 times wider and took up the whole of La Pista with a fast current. Now Imagine a house placed directly in the middle of this raging madness. We put sandbags by the front door and went inside to prepare for what we thought we could predict. A wet/dry vacuum ready at the door to suck up small leaks was like emptying the ocean with a spoon. Rising, rising rising the glass patio doors became fish tank walls as the water came up almost two feet. The sound of water rushing into a house is still strange to me - like springing a leak on a boat. We were trapped and didn't dare open any doors as the surge of water would cover what possessions we couldn't raise. Couches on chairs, mattresses up - we did what we could, which was mostly nothing but waiting and hoping the level wouldn't get higher. Their two dogs didn't know whether to walk or swim and were as trapped as us. Like a cherry on top, the smell of flooded septic tank ooze made for the perfect storm of house floodings. Finally the water abated and we opened the "flood gates" and drained the house. Natures ultimate act of irony stared us in the face - the only thing not flooded in La Pista was their not yet finished swimming pool! We spent the rest of the day cleaning the house since the water was lower, but not enough to drive. The rain continued on and off and we knew it might happen all over again, but doing what you can always helps in times of crisis. We drank a bit too much that night, but slept in beds that weren't wet and awoke Friday morning to a land of mud covering La Pista. The road was passable and my anticipation built as I knew I would be home soon. The long way is the only road with no river crossing and multiple bridges - it's the only way in and out during the rainy season. Imagine my surprise when I came upon this......

This picture was taken earlier and when I arrived both sides of the bridge were in the river.
I went back to Samara and then to Playa Buena Vista to see if the river was crossable at the beach (three rivers converge and empty to the beach at this point). The white water was powerful and although I've crossed my share of white water as a raft guide, I couldn't take a chance on losing my passport, money etc. Back to town to wait again. Jack arrived and said he could hold on to my papers and David generously let me store my bike at his restaurant in Samara. I headed back at high tide and made the swim. A reminder that I need to swim more, but all was ok - FINALLY HOME!!!! Today the sun is shining! I hope to post some video highlights soon.

Crocodile population grows by one and I'm no snake charmer

2010-06-13T15:18:00.000-07:00

Rousting reptiles begins with our neighbor Mike finding a baby Cayman in his house. He came over to release him and only set him down for a second..

Next comes a fearless snake that just wouldn't leave the bar. The standoff ended peacefully after throwing him over the fence.

Amazing Flood Part 2

2010-06-03T20:29:00.000-07:00

The rain lasted another three days and without internet, dry clothes or passable roads the magic was wearing off. Only kayaks could reach the turtle camp volunteers and while Hannis worked hard digging ditches, water madness brought me to dancing. In to everyone's life a little rain must fall and after hearing other stories of destroyed houses and great loss, we felt fortunate indeed - just in time to enjoy the returning sunshine. A newer deeper and wider estuary brings back our long awaited neighbors the crocodiles. All is well again.

Amazing Flood

2010-05-25T11:39:00.000-07:00

I'm starting to get excited about building a new kitchen on higher ground. Three days of rain swelled the estuary and took a huge bite out of our shoreline. The two palm trees that were slowly eroding just gave up and went swimming. My floor was wet, but not truly flooded and the Wunderbar escaped major flooding thanks to trench diggin Hannis. In five years I've never witnessed the ocean and rain work together so aggressively to reclaim the land. I'm listening and looking at what a wonderful spot the parking lot would make for a kitchen. Intense weather makes me feel alive so although things may be changing, it's an exciting time! :)

A Season of Kids and Pizza

2010-05-02T11:26:00.001-07:00

This dry season we had more kids at El Castillo than I can remember. Families that stayed for holiday and large pizza parties made for many fun moments.

Semana Santa (Tico Easter)

2010-05-02T11:15:00.000-07:00

Easter is a big holiday for Ticos and even our remote playa Buena Vista had some fun crowds.

River Ride

2010-05-02T10:16:00.000-07:00

Bart the Belgium does horse tours on beaches, over mountains and through rivers. This time one rider brought a camera - enjoy the view.

Tattoo!

2010-05-02T07:53:00.000-07:00

Another cat?!? Well I tried to say no when this guy wandered in two months ago, but look at him. He's fearless and spontaneous and the only cat I've ever seen jump three feet in the air and land directly on the back of a four foot iguana! The look on the iguana's face was priceless.

Just for Ben

2010-05-01T14:35:00.000-07:00

Ben loves this place! Here's a tribute to Marc & Anke's incredible boy who has visited El Castillo ever since he was born.

Ben the Artist & The Easter Egg Hunt

Rising Tides

2010-05-01T10:52:00.000-07:00

Nothing is permanent and all things always change including our beach/estuary front. The high spring tides push through the walls and put the ocean on our doorstep. Who knows how long our little paradise will stay above water, but that only makes me appreciate my time here even more.

From vision to done in two hours

2010-05-01T10:18:00.000-07:00

A Klaus favorite moment - see an idea and realize it immediately - Spontaneous change fights stagnation and sometimes even helps others. In this case, the refrigerator move works - well done Klaus!

More pictures!

2010-01-11T07:33:00.001-08:00

Bea and Stefan took some great pictures. Enjoy!

Summertime!

2010-01-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

Here are some recents shots from the holidays. The night parties were fun, but this year Christmas day and New Years day were both more fun.

And the cats?

2010-01-07T07:26:00.000-08:00

Eve and Rose are still cats in paradise. Ramone died and will be missed.

Creative Energy

2010-01-07T07:04:00.000-08:00

People don't just stay at the Castle. They're encouraged to look around and transform something into their own unique creation. Bea and Susie impressed us all.

What's Klaus doing?

2010-01-07T06:51:00.000-08:00

Never short of vision, Klaus again wants his penthouse. Last year he made some stairs to access the roof from his room, but let's just say it didn't work out. As you can see this time he's even more ambitious. The window to the world is also a classic Klaus project.

El Hombre con El Pan

2010-01-06T18:19:00.000-08:00

Instead of getting a job I started baking bread. In July I created a wheat loaf and a Ciabatta, outfitted my bike with plastic baskets and swam through the river to get to samara and sell my product. It's been growing slowly and combined with pizza at night makes everything more possible. It has potential as I enjoy the work and eat the bread. The morning pace is simple and the afternoon brings deliveries with time for visiting friends and possibly surfing. Did I mention the best part? I now deliver on a Honda GL125 motorcycle! Thanks to friends and family I bought this bike to grow the business. I miss the exercise of riding every day to Samara............NOT! Check out my bread box that has undergone intense field testing.

A Time For Change

2010-01-06T05:47:00.000-08:00

Rainy Season 2009 was tough. No work, no money and no transportation. Sounds familiar, but anxiety over uncertainty filled my head with doubt. I looked at other job options including teaching english and/or web programming - both left me empty with practicality and lacking passion. Clarity came as I realized nothing changed since I turned my life in this direction. I still have only myself to feed and the freedom to try "crazy" things and explore what works for me. Read the next posts for what happened and for now enjoy these images of the draining estuary. Two guys dug a trench from the estuary to the ocean that was only one meter wide and centimeters deep. These pictures were taken the next morning after it rained all night and the tide came in - the estuary drained completely in two hours!

Still Here

2009-05-20T08:13:00.000-07:00

A year ago Chris came to CR and soon after El Castillo. Whatever expectations he had are now replaced with real experience. One thing I learned is that he makes good videos - enjoy!

Fly By

2009-04-19T08:39:00.001-07:00

Last week Ashley flew into Carillo airport and took some cool shots from the plane of Samara and Playa Buena Vista. Always nice to get a different perspective.

Family Pizzeria

2009-04-18T11:56:00.000-07:00

All this time and I never made a post about pizza! Over the past four years I've cooked many different things in my restaurant, but in the past year I've moved toward themes. Smoked BBQ pulled pork and grilled fish topped the list last year and this year pizza. No new lessons learned - pizza is universally delicious for everyone and although it's available everywhere in the world, it never gets old. Normally I don't have an audience in the kitchen, but these German kids from San Jose love pizza and just kept coming back to watch. What is it about pizza?

Bullshit

2009-03-29T14:57:00.000-07:00

Some moments here make you look twice. Is that really a cow shit sitting on my table?!? Yes we have cows that stroll through (sometimes 50) and the herd leaves destruction and shit in its path, but this?? This cow was too motivated - he had to back up just right, line up his ass and drop a bomb. Not your everyday tropical paradise problem, but this is Costa Rica.

Thank You!

2009-03-19T11:30:00.000-07:00

A global community may sound like an idealistic dream, but on a person to person level I see the building blocks take shape. How we treat each other as people opens our eyes to the universal magic in all of us. Maybe this sounds a bit too esoteric so let's just say that when you do what you do with enthusiasm sometimes you get a care package!

Mail is delivered to the Castle by a guy on a dirt bike from Samara who comes maybe twice a year and deserves the beer he expects for his trouble. On Tuesday he brought a package addressed to me with the added description "Cocinero Americano alto rubio" - did I mention I love surprises? The names on the return address didn't spark any memories, which is normal here since you remember the people more than their names. Inside the big envelope I found two new high quality grill brushes and a paperback along with a note. Iris and Manuel from Montreal visited my restaurant in January 2008 and tried the grill plates. I remember them well because they were so interested in my little Weber grill that I brought from the states. Come to find out they have the smaller version and wanted to know the tricks of the trade. We talked about grilling and science fiction and they reminded me why I like my job so much. A job made easier with better tools that I can´t just run out and buy - my old grill brush was frequently borrowed to scrape rust off windows so the upgrade is much appreciated! The book "The Left Hand of Darkness" is a good read from page one and again not something easily available in paradise.

This is my first thank you post and my appreciation goes out to Iris and Manuel as well as those others who sent Christmas in a box (Claire, Kevin, Romi). Thanks for making me feel like a kid again!

A Job for Rainy Season

2009-02-14T06:13:00.000-08:00

Queensland tourism seeks a caretaker to promote the Great Barrier Reef by keeping a blog of experiences for six months. On top of living on Hamilton Island they're paying some 80k for the job which has generated endless amounts of free publicity. The website currently lists 15,500 videos received and from this, 50 will be top selected and then 10 and then one. Before you laugh too much at mine, check out some other applicants on www.islandreefjob.com - Whatever happens, it was great fun to make the video and reminded me how much I miss updating this blog. The video was made with borrowed computers and cameras and there in lies my technical problem. This year's dry season hasn't yielded too much fruit yet for computer shopping. The global knee jerk response to hold on to money shows me dry season can feel much like rainy season when it comes to pizza dollars. Looking past judgments on this season, the very fact that I'm writing this entry on a full stomach always makes me smile. Also I'm excited about the new opportunities created from needing some extra cash. Australia is one possibility but the world is completely open and I find myself where I did four years ago - free to apply my enthusiasm in any direction. Teaching English has come up again and doing so in Thailand sounds that much better - vamos a ver! For the moment I focus on what's really here - not so much work means more time to appreciate what's right in front of me.

Don Klaus Live and More!

2008-11-26T17:30:00.000-08:00

Chris took some good video while I was in California. Enjoy!

California Castle

2008-11-01T10:10:00.000-07:00

Since the middle of October I've been visiting my Mom in Northern California. I wondered if a post from here would apply to this blog and thought more about starting a personal blog. But after a couple weeks of doing projects it's become clear that there's no division between location and life and it's that attitude I hope to convey here. The power to create then construct resonates at El Castillo closing the gap between thinking and doing by stripping away the conditioning of modern living. In other words junk is opportunity and less cash forces more creativity. Typically ideas start with much enthusiasm, but falter quickly when the "to do" list overwhelms the project. The attitude of "it's not worth doing unless you do it right" can stifle creativity and limit satisfaction. Remember the days before digital when the decision to take a picture weighed heavily against expensive film and developing costs. Yes the extra preparation and thinking produced good pictures, but excluded all but the very dedicated to explore the creativity of photography. Now the tables have turned and we take a hundred shots to get one good one, but in my opinion it's simply more fun. My mom's path brought her to a new house owned by a good friend, but abandoned for the past couple years. The place used to be a sheep farm and is dotted with old buildings full of "junk" matching up very well with mom's list of projects. Lists organize thoughts well, but become so large in relation to what's really getting done that feeling down tops the very list. We started by focusing on what matters to mom - gardens and horse. We just finished five grow boxes averaging 4'x8'x2' using the existing lumber and nails and found old windows that make perfect box covers. Numerous horse gates are now fixed and all without a trip to the hardware store and the current project is making a dry place for Mack to eat. It's not all perfect, but functions well enough to give huge returns for little investment. But it's not just taking advantage of what's around you, it's making a difference in someone else's life and your own by pushing forward and getting things done lifting the stink of stagnation. The difference one person makes can't be underestimated. This happens at the Castle when someone takes the ball and runs with it - making their mark and sparking a motivational domino effect inspiring everyone. Klaus and I have repeatedly co-motivated our efforts and for my time here I can see my mom's spirits lift with every completed project. In turn when I'm feeling low, her energy is enough for both since the real lesson learned is the power of giving AND accepting help. My mom has her own life and knows what works for her. I'm so glad to finally be old enough to understand that and offer her help she really needs that gives her the drive to push forward with her own dreams.

Total Fluff

2008-10-02T21:22:00.000-07:00

Three months ago I looked down at my feet and saw two new arrivals at the castle. Well my compliments to all people brave enough to try any kind of parenting - even kittens. These girls have given me my share of stress, stinky poop and holes in my plastic roof from eager new claws. Hours and hours I´ve spent trying to seal my room only for them to discover another weakness. Of course in the end the cliche rings true - no problem is greater than the love they give back and your heart is a bigger victim than any roof or torn mosquito net. To be fair the girls are not the first cats to arrive on my watch. Ramone is the official cat of the castle with 20 lbs of uneutered alley cat he´s earned the name "scabby cat big head." Driven by impulse his fighting takes a tole with broken paws, ripped out claws and nasty cuts, but he gets through it all with that same smirk on his face. But Ramone adopted me and although I´ve helped him how I can he doesn´t really need anyone. The girls let me play parent and as such I´ll have them fixed as soon as they´re ready and before Ramone tries to claim his harem. Like any parent I have too much video of the cats, but remember it´s rainy season and in the next few weeks I´ll actually post a video with people.

Free again - lesson learned again

2008-09-19T12:28:00.000-07:00

If life gives you lemons, make lemonade right? When Costa Rica gives you shitty roads, get a motorcycle. Living with less is like turning down the noise to hear the music. It´s never been about a quest for poverty, but a search for more satisfaction in things I realize are important to me. Transportation and better yet reliable, fun transportation is a lesson I learn yet again here in paradise. When I first came to the castle and had the chance to cook, I had my backpack, two legs and the will to carry six frozen chickens daily from town. When I bought a used bicycle it was like being a kid again. Then came the old Land Rover and I was almost back to being a mobile modern person. But the hammer of reality hit hard owning a used, illegal car in Costa Rica. Five dollars a gallon for gas with a 5000 lb Land Rover meant I needed a lot more money. I´m happy I´m able to fix old cars, but laying in the mosquito infested mud dropping a starter kills motivation. So the stout 4x4 was reduced to guest pickup and emergency shopping trips. At the same time shopping was getting easier with all vegetables coming by delivery once a week and even fish being brought to my front door. The need for the freedom of transportation lessened since I was busy with exploring my new work. The walk along the beach to town kept me in shape and always made me feel better. Social connection came in dry season with guests and friends. Funny how traps are built from such seemingly content surroundings. Easier and easier it became to just stay here at the castle by the beach. Rainy season came and the reasons to stay in just kept growing - cars now have to take the long way to town since the river is too high to cross and the words "cut off" take on real meaning. The rain brings mud which makes walking a sloppy, slippery trek. There is nothing carefree about stopping by to see a friend, or make a friend. Back to the definition of living with less - the idea is not a punishment to money or things, just a recognition of what´s important and that availability can be more powerful than ownership. At this point it´s clear I need a change but I´m low on cash. Motorcycles are intrinsic to Costa Rican culture - with an infrastructure of roads that look more like trails most Ticos own motorcycles and the most revered are motocross. I owned a few street bikes in the states, but burned out on oily roads and blind drivers. I decided a motorcycle was just a smarter choice and set off to sell the land rover to raise cash. When you decide you want something or wish for something you send your ripple through the universe and the results spark the conversations of amazing "coincidence". My friend Chris is three months new here and the proud owner of a new 400 enduro hybrid from Honda. He also has a new love in his life and made plans to get his woman a motorcycle. Chris is a uniquely generous person in that he truly enjoys sharing. I say this because I´m fiercely independent and slice my own throat before taking help I need, which means I must be very convinced of someone´s motivations. We came together on owning a motorcycle half and half and we found a 1999 Yamaha 225 XT - the name should be changed to WOW!!! Instead of waiting until I raised my half, Chris made all this possible now and reminded me again that happiness comes from taking help and getting past your own ego saying you have to do it all yourself to be strong. Now the roads are roller coasters and "long way" means "fun way". Mud, dirt, and asphalt run together in an adrenaline paradise. But the return of freedom and spontaneity top the list of what makes life fun. Places only a few miles away are completely new to me and the simple act of getting away makes me fall in love with the castle all over again. Videos coming soon...

"We have a problem.."

2008-09-12T07:18:00.000-07:00

Starting this blog in rainy season means many stories will be about nature, the Castle, or our local population since tourists are not so common. When is rainy season? It´s not as simple as the guidebooks explain and depends where you are. Here dry season starts about the middle of November and the sunshine stays through April. May brings the first rains and can be heavy, but mid-June through August are known locally as small summer and although it rains at night, the days are still sunny. September and October tend to be the heaviest months for rain so I was a bit surprised when Klaus called me from Germany and said a couple comes to stay despite his warning of heavy rain and all the fun that goes with it. They arrived yesterday and this morning I drove them to Samara to get a new hotel. From the moment I saw them standing on the road I knew we had a problem. After 24 hours of travel from Germany to Costa Rica it´s tough for anyone to smile, but the shock factor was worse and they hadn´t even seen the car yet. The castle "Chariot" is a Dodge raider held together with parts from other cars and lots of luck - it´s very Tico. After loading their fancy new backpacks I turn the key and hear the familiar click when the starter doesn´t feel like working. I grab the trusty screwdriver, pop the hood and proceed to hot wire the problem. The raider sparks to life and the big my smile on my face doesn´t compare to the frown on theirs. People surprise me all the time so maybe things will get better. At this time of year you have to take the "long way" since the river is too high to pass. After 13 miles of bumpy dirt roads, the smell of gear oil and no conversation we arrive at the Castle. Chris runs the Wunderbar this month and has two cold beers waiting for our new guests. I sense the relief of finally arriving when the man says "everything will be all right as long as we have a clean, pretty room." Expectation and perception shape our experiences and give us all the ability to suffer or smile. Honesty without hesitation works for me in these moments so I pick up the bags and say "let´s go look at your new room." Now it´s my turn to gauge their honesty. Ten minutes later he walks from the room, sits at the table, takes a deep breath and says "we have a problem." "You don´t have to be very perceptive to see that" I say. In an instant the dam of awkwardness blows up and real conversation flows. They admit they need more luxury and although they want something off the beaten path, being trapped by muddy roads and rivers without a car is a bit much. They know they were warned about the conditions, but were very excited about such a peaceful retreat away from stress. We tell our stories and realize we have similar backgrounds and now the man opens up telling us more about the catalysts in his life that reawaken the question of satisfaction and happiness. This conversation is always welcome and it becomes obvious they´re not arrogant complainers, but a loving couple exploring their lives. I see the unique effect this place has on people whenever the environment strips away formality and leaves honesty. As I said earlier, people surprise me. I´m sure this couple will always remember their first night in Costa Rica at El Castillo. I know I will.

I Lost the Kayak!

2008-09-04T15:42:00.000-07:00

Some days in rainy season bring out bad judgement. Being wet and bored can make one yearn for a little adrenaline. It´s been raining steady now for about a week and a half, but what started last night and continued all morning was heavy. Young volunteers interested in saving the turtle population make a simple camp on the beach with no electricity and water that must be switched on manually every day from a remote location. Normally they cross the estuary from the beach side and walk through the castle for their daily chore. Sometimes when the estuary is too high we use the sit on top kayaks to run a taxi shuttle. That brings me to this morning. Two volunteers asked for a ride and I didn´t open my eyes or my brain wide enough to appreciate the conditions. It was between low and high tide, but the volume of water from rain was creating a very strong current running out to sea. I ferried the kayak across and reached the other side, but at that point I should have appreciated the strong current and said nope it´s not going to work, but what the hell. There were two guys, but only one needed to go for the water. The current was very strong and just getting in the kayak proved difficult. We finally got a good launch and we´re headed across toward the beach parking lot when a set of waves comes in and collides with the water going out - if you push two ends of a piece of paper together you´ll see the bubble the kayak was in. Kayak flips - we get it back over and get back in, but now we´re caught in the outward surge. A wave comes in and I see a chance to ride it back in the estuary - it´s good at first, but more waves hit from the side and the kayak is over again - this time we´re further out and it´s time to swim and get to safety - I tell my turtle guy to forget about the kayak and swim across the current until we´re clear and then back to the beach. I don´t know his name, but I give him loads of credit for getting through his panic attack and swimming back safely. He told me later that he developed a recent phobia of deep water being exposed to glacial lakes. This explained why he was screaming "I can´t breath, I´m freaking out, I´m not going to make it, I´m done!" - but as I said he calmed himself down and everything ended safely. Oh did I forget the title of this post?? No, but first I had to get myself back to the castle side of the estuary where this all began. That was quite a swim and reminded me that I´m no longer a raft guide! Back on the other side is when I realize there´s no kayak. These kayaks are very difficult to sink and yet I don´t see it anywhere. Under normal conditions the kayaks always return to the bay or the rocks of the reef. Since the tide was low I climbed around the reef still not believing the kayak could be gone. And after turning on the turtle campers water ( yes I could have just turned their water on and all this would not have happened but hindsight blah blah..) I walked up to Alegria for the tall view - nothing. As I write this post I´m happy poor judgement didn´t cause injury or death, but I´m very much hoping to work on my next post - I found the kayak!

A great place to start..

2008-09-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Has anyone seen this video on Youtube?

Originally made five years ago by German television featuring Guanacaste Costa Rica, this excerpt about Don Klaus and the Castillo shows the beauty of the place and gives insight into the character of the man. It´s in German but basically the commentator berates Klaus a bit saying his hotel remains empty because he doesn´t utilize the Internet, his car sits broken and he drinks wine in the afternoon. Klaus counters the stereotype of success or lack of it pointing out that with less here you can see more. This is not a hotel or hostel for those that travel with their lifestyles and keep real experience at bay. If you leave your expectations at home then you can really enjoy what´s actually here. The cameraman goes beyond all the words and reveals the bright colors, soft winds and ocean rumbles that make imaginations stir. Many Germans visit just because of this video and it´s a great starting place to see the castle. There is a nice touch of irony starting this blog with decent Internet access now available at the castle, but hey.....