Costa Rica – Establo San Rafael
Costa Rica 2014 :: A trip inspired by Zion’s 13th birthday.
To celebrate his coming of age – no, we don’t do trips for every birthday!
Do you remember being 13? The straddle between dependence and independence, our views and values take new meaning, our emotions expand and we try to find our place in this world..
I want Zion to know that even though his body will transform and he will become a man – our spirit is better when we keep the child’s spark of wonder, imagination, possibility, and justice. It’s ok to play. I want him to know the value of family and the special place he has in ours – Always and Anywhere. What better place to learn such lessons as on a family getaway to Costa Rica.
Our first destination / Establo San Rafael.
Abel picked us up from the airport and drove us to his and Brenda’s home/Ranch. About 1 hour South West of San Jose in the fresh rolling mountains of Puriscal. We had peace of mind not to have to drive these windy steep roads – just enjoy the new colours and the sun. We had decided to keep it a surprise for Zion. His love for horses has mounted greatly in the past year and this, we hoped, would be a chance for him to delve in. To better develop his way and carry tools home to work with the horses on grandpa’s farm.
Our cabina was very rustic at the back of the property. Elmir didn’t get much sleep worrying about keeping all of us (and himself) safe from critters (ie. scorpions, snakes, spiders..). The only scorpion we saw was a little one in the barn (local scorpions sting but are not dangerous). I found it strange to hear all kinds of new nature noises and not be able to match them up with an image in my head. The first one that was pointed out to me will forever be my favourite: the kissing sound of a gecko – makes me smile every time.
The setting was wonderful, set privately on a little cliff with it’s own yard and a perfect view of far off mountains. Leaving the yard, we stepped into the horse coral and walked with the horses to the main house. The horses are so well taken care of and their demeanour proves it.
Other animals on the Ranch included 3 dogs, a guinea pig, 2 geese (one a mush for being pet), rabbits, cats, and 2 goats.
Zion started off just playing with the goat (head bunting..) but, when we were not watching he decided to take a ride – the billy goat did not approve & Zion learned a valuable lesson :p
We spent much of our time at the main house – lounging in the hammock, playing, and dreaming up the rest of our 5 weeks in Costa Rica. Zion soaked up all aspects of horse care and natural horsemanship principles. Zion was matched up with a lovely Pinto named Lluvia (rain in Spanish). He learned to play games with her, that develop confidence and have her join up with him as though he was another horse. He went on a trail ride, did some basic jumping, dressage, and riding lessons with saddle and bareback.
Brenda and Abel were wonderful hosts – providing us with nutritious home cooked meals (complete with fresh squeezed orange juice and seasonal fruit 🙂 They took us to explore the area and we were often joined by a work study named Danielle, Santi (Abel’s dynamic grandson), and other friends and volunteer travellers. You may see a black Jeep in one of the pictures – now imagine how excited our boys were to sit in the back of it, all squished in, no seat belt, 10 in the vehicle.
One excursion took us to a multi-generational family farm that works together to produce sugar (from sugar cane), honey, meet, fruits and vegetables, eggs.. It was very interesting to see the tools they used and the process of sugar making. The yard was full of treasures (to me). We drank fresh squeezed cane juice, and sampled the days brown sugar. We tried to help – but I wondered if they were just being sweet and would later have to re-do what we had done.
We went for a hike to a waterfall, a swim in the river, a “fancy” Costa Rican stable that works horses for traditional parades, and the city of Puriscal to visit a saddle maker. Elmir went Orange picking with Abel and, as much as I would have joined them, Eamon was ready to play in the sprinkler.
A special highlight was the Party they threw for Zion’s Birthday** We had make your own pizza’s on the deck complete with bonfire, balloons, music, and chocolate cake (so delicious that we had to do a remake of that before leaving 🙂
It was a very special night. I felt so well taken care of and got to sit back myself to enjoy it all under the full moon of January 15th, 2014.
After 5 nights at Establo San Rafael, my 2 boys were very sad to leave.
They had no idea of the other adventures awaiting.. (more later 😉
Message from Zion:
Establo San Rafael was a very nice and cheerful place. Brenda and Abel,
The owners of the ranch are kind and helpful. They take very good care of there many animals. I learnt so many new things about horse training after going there. And now I look at horses in a hole new way. I miss that place so much and definitely want to go back. If you are ever going by Puriscal you should absolutely stop by.
