Sunset in Playa Pelada, March 2020
A Season of Change
At the end of each high season, I like to reflect on the people that I had the pleasure to greet at vacation homes, and how everyone enjoyed their stay in Nosara. Nosara’s high season this year was unlike any other.
Throughout the season, I was in the presence of change.
I was concierge to some very personal moments in the lives of the guests that I welcomed to Nosara.
I welcomed the family of a WISH child whose wish was to learn to surf in Costa Rica. I supported a return guest facing her fear of surfing after a bad accident the year before. I assisted four friends, one terminally ill, on their last surf trip together. I reassured a mom that her family’s first Christmas abroad would still be full cheer. I welcomed the families of a bride and groom that stayed at one vacation home all together to honor the nuptials. And I arranged a surprise gift of a birthday cake and in-home massage for a 40th birthday celebration.
I witnessed a lot of joy amidst some big changes for these guests.
Locally, we too, changed as a community. From September to February, we gathered several times to honor the lives of friends and family members in Nosara that we lost this season.
Whether we’re processing the loss of a friend or loved one, facing our fears, creating new traditions, celebrating milestones, or planting new seeds on our life path, the one thing that remains true is that life is full of uncertainty.
Change is always present.
Nosara’s high season ended early with the COVID-19 pandemic. With the virus rapidly making its way throughout the world and changing the course of daily life as we all know it, it seems that bigger changes are still to come.
For our small community, so reliant on tourism, only time will tell if all the small businesses that add to the charm of Nosara will survive to see another season.
I have hope that they will.
Nosara is a spirited community and one with a resilient heart. The people that live here are determined to self-sustain.
The Amigos de Costa Rica, together with the Nosara Food Bank and Nosara Civic Association, have arranged an emergency fund where donations can be made to provide food for the people in Nosara that no longer have income. Here is the link if you would like to donate.
The Nosara Spanish Institute just launched on-line Spanish language classes for new students and alumni, and both Pilates Nosara and Harmony Healing Center are hosting free fitness and yoga classes via their Facebook pages.
So even if you can’t be in Nosara to participate in person, you can still be part of Nosara’s virtual community and join a class!
I think I can speak for the whole community in saying that we look forward to welcoming guests to Nosara once again. Until then, be safe, be kind and extend grace to everyone during this time of uncertainty.
Pura luz y vida.