I’ve been back in Brooklyn for a couple of days now, and am just starting to get my head straight after a truly incredible journey to Costa Rica. I was on a press tour sponsored by the Rainforest Alliance, and met so many wonderful people who are doing seriously great work to better all of our lives. Anna, Yessinia, and Irene of the Rainforest Alliance were incredible hosts; and the other media types on the trip became fast friends. But the country itself made the greatest impression on me. Costa Rica’s natural beauty was stunning. We saw three-toed sloths and poison dart frogs; adorable and sweet saguates (street dogs) galore; plenty of rain; lush, dense rainforests; foggy mountaintop farms; an idyllic banana plantation and factory; a flower factory; and a sustainable agriculture school. There were bizarre and delicious fruits everywhere, haunting bird cries, and pristine landscapes for miles.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was our visit to a small passion fruit farm. The farmer and his family had recently planted their first half hectare of vines, and I was touched by their pride and generosity. While visiting the farm near dusk, the sun dipped and the skies unleashed a torrential downpour. We took shelter in a farm shed, and before we knew it, candles had been lit and fresh coconuts were hacked open and shared with everyone. We were pretty sure an awesome party was about to get going, but then we had to leave for the long trek home.
Though I can’t wait to share with you the details of the trip, and all the terrific things the Rainforest Alliance is doing to make an enormous difference in Costa Rica, today I wanted to share some of my favorite images. It was rainy, humid, and dark, so these images are of-the-moment, raw, and real, and I really do treasure every one.
These pictures are amazing! I can’t wait to read and see more about your trip!!
Thanks Jan! I’m slowly getting my thoughts together, but it was a big trip filled with realizations large and small. As soon as the fog clears I have a lot of research and writing to do.
Ah, we were just in Costa Rica last fall and these photos brought me back. So beautiful, Elizabeth! We always look forward to going back there. Can’t wait to hear/see more 🙂
Thanks Laura. Costa Rica was such a wonderful, laid back place. My only regret is not getting to either coast. Thrilled that you like the photos!
Wow! Thanks for sharing. Your post made me fall in love for Costa Rica.
I’m so glad, Reeva! It’s definitely an amazing place.
beautiful photos! so lush and green… makes me want to visit costa rica myself. xo
Hi Robyn, Thanks for such a nice comment! I’m glad to hear you like the photos!
What a dream trip. Everything looks so lush! Looking forward to more pics and your thoughts on the trip.
Thanks Nicole! I need to dive in and edit a few more so I can share them. Now that I’m back in the swing of things here, Costa Rica feels like a dream.
Be-ooh-ty-ful! I love costa rica- the animals and the plants are amazing 🙂
Some Snapshots Blog
Jess
SO amazing! Thanks Jess.
Very cool photos. And glad you enjoyed your trip to Costa Rica. Please share more details when you can. The passionfruit is just one of many tropical fruits you’ll see at markets in the country. Some are eaten but many also make great smoothies and juices, like the guanabana and tamarindo. My personal favorite is the papaya – although it’s an acquired taste for a lot of people.