We are arriving here at the lowest of the low season. The rain will get so bad that no tourists come and the long term expats even leave for a while. We will be here because the kids’ school is in session. The long term expats hand down their wisdom with caution that makes me wonder what is to come. It seems this place is not for everyone and the culture shock learning curve is steep. I’m hoping my transient history has only set me up to be resilient or more prepared than most.
(Oh my, I am writing this at 4 am because I’m still jet lagged. I just heard a ferocious roar and defensive meow, lot of banging near our front door... poor kitty.)
So the car issue is unfolding with expected complications (which is why I did not want a car!) A random expat in a cafe in town told us never to use Bank Popular. Only use Bank of Costa Rica. It doesn’t matter anyway though because tourists can’t open bank accounts unless they are incorporated. This enormous concept led the expat to offer his most valuable advice: “Never do anything without a lawyer!” I asked, “like what, open a bank account, get a car...?” He returned a haunting “Anything!” With perfect timing Maya said, “Can we still go to the beach?”
Maya’s and Oliver’s fearless spirit of adventure and exploration is both delightful and alarming. They will walk into the wild, off the cliff and into the strongest wave. These moments are when I feel bad that Sean will not be here with us. He facilitates pushing the limits better than me and he can also save the day when that has gone too far. I have given the kids opportunities to be limitlessly exploring and then I have too much fear to let them do it. Ah, the irony of motherhood.
I don't know any mother who can balance limitless exploring with safety perfectly. That is a tough one for any woman! But at least you are trying to give them some space while also keeping them safe. So hard to do. Sounds wild there - truly. And radically different - a real departure from anything familiar. A very stressful experience indeed, even if the stress is "good stress" for good reasons, by choice. So remember that no matter what, cut yourself a break, treat yourself kindly and go easy on yourself as much as you can. I know. Easier said than done. But in times like these, this is the kind of stuff I'd want you to do...:) xo
ReplyDelete