Feliz Cumpleaños, Mamá!

I returned Costa Rica to celebrate ‘mama*’ 70 birthday. We took a weekend getaway to Rio Celeste. We spent 1st afternoon in the ‘tree’ maze (interesting culture difference, in US, maze is usually seasonal, made of dried corn after harvest in the fall yet in CR, the maze are green trees, I guess year-round?). We sang happy birthday to ‘mama’ over cake, pizza, and ice cream (summer in CR, 2nd difference from US). Our cabins are near the river, I fell asleep with rolling water.

Next day morning, we went canopy, zipping over the blue river and green forest…I love flying. We went tubing in the afternoon (another difference river vs. snow slope in US). Maneuvering in the water is interesting, clapping left ‘ right, lifting myself up to go faster, and twisting through rocks, very cool.

After a delicious Mexican dinner, we drove home through mountain yet this part of road was tough…curved and up ‘n down, no public light, heavy fog, faded to almost invisible middle line, and tiny reflection dots on the edge of road. My friend almost tear up so I took over driving. I didn’t know the road, barely saw anything, and there was no car in front of me to follow yet I stayed calm and moved slowly. At my friend’s screaming, I stopped at one point. A young man came out from the car behind us; he turned on the emergency lights, and asked us to follow him. I don’t know how long the drive yet the 2 small lights led us through the darkness. We got home almost 9pm, tired yet safe and grateful. My friend called ‘angles showed up’. I agree.

On Monday, I went to tías for lunch and visited old friends. ‘Mama’, her walking buddies, and I took a long walk to her childhood neighborhood (I love the area) in the late afternoon, surrounded by green and breeze. We rewarded ourselves with BBQ, music, and dance at a friend’s backyard afterwards.

Last day and ‘mama’ birthday, I wanted to invite the whole family to eat out (save ‘mama’ work) yet ‘mama’ preferred a rosarios de ninos at home. She said it’s her birthday tradition. Well, I respect her choice; I accompanied her shopping and helped making piscocho (baked ring-shape snack) like I used to. Rosarios de ninos is a religious ceremony that we sat around the front yard singing along with the band citing phrases from bible. A full moon and cool evening, I asked ‘mama’ if she’d be cold and want another layer. She said no and held my hand while we listened to the singing. I didn’t understand all the words yet I know God will protect ‘mama’ and her family. Afterwards, I helped serving food and drink.

My red-eye flight was delayed so I stayed a bit longer after all guests left. ‘Mama’ and I, as usual, sat in the kitchen. I watched her finally eating a bit. Later, she accompanied me to the airport with her son driving. We didn’t say much on the way but held hands. 4 days short trip yet wonderful catch-up and new experiences. I’m fortunate to have a loving family in Costa Rica, gracias a dios y pura vida!

*mama of my host family in ’21. She treated me like a daughter.