Before leaving for Cuba, on February 25, 2016, I spent a few days at Playa Santa Teresa. The bus trip to the Pacific coast, to the west of San Jose, includes a ferry ride and takes five hours or so. The beach there is a big draw for surfers, who provide lots of entertainment for those of us who don’t expect to ever touch a surfboard

Drawn to the Sea

 

Born in Kansas
I remember being glad to learn
just before I turned thirty
that sea tides come and go
not one but
two times each day

Now thirty-seven years later
waves heaving toward the shore
warm ocean, gleaming sun
breeze stiff and cooling
constant drone of tumbling white

When I say “born in Kansas”
they recoil, “tornado”
on their lips
I’m drawn to the sea
but fearfully

Cinema scenes loom
desert island stranding
shark fin racing
stinging, scorching
everywhere the unknown

Fear doesn’t care
attaches to whatever’s
near
still drawn
to the sea

 

A higher view of Costa Rica

Ron and Sonia, like brother and sister for decades, took me to Cibu. It's elegant, way off the beaten track, and specializes in coffee and chocolate. Everything delicious and el ambiente, muy tranquilo.

Ron and Sonia, like brother and sister for decades, took me to Cibu. It’s elegant, way off the beaten track, and specializes in coffee and chocolate. Everything delicious and el ambiente, muy tranquilo.

Cibu

Cibu

He looks happy!

He looks happy!

Ron & Sonia shared salad, empanadas and sweet potato fries.

Ron & Sonia shared salad, empanadas and sweet potato fries.

Quinoa salad included four little cheese squares, tomato slices topped with layered slices of yellow squash and zucchini interspersed with quinoa.

Quinoa salad included four little cheese squares, tomato slices topped with layered slices of yellow squash and zucchini interspersed with quinoa.