Blue zone life
I woke up and ran 5 miles on the beach. My shoulders and back were sore from Rebecca's class, so it felt good and horrible to move first thing. After my run, I headed back to Harmony to prepare for check-out. I had one more thing I wanted to do before I left...the sauna / cold plunge combo in the Healing Center! They asked if I wanted a guide for my experience. At an extra charge, absolutely not. I spent 10 minutes in the 165 degree sauna and then 30-45 seconds (neck, down!) in the 20 degree plunge pool. I repeated 3 times, with a cup of tea in between. Trying to control my breath during the plunge was difficult, but with a little extra focus on long exhales, I was fine. And my body felt incredible. I took my last outdoor shower with the world's best bodywash flavor - Costa Rican Coffee & Lemon - and headed back to the Sendero for the next 2 nights. They welcomed me back with open arms and coconut water, which felt nice; like home.
Costa Rica's Nicoya Peninsula, home of Nosara, is one of 5 "blue zones." Blue zones are parts of the world where, on average, people live longer. The other 4 blue zones are Sardinia, Italy; Icaria, Greece; Okinawa, Japan; Loma Linda (CA), USA. In studying these regions, researchers have identified the things they have in common: slower paced lifestyles, active & outdoor days, pure & local eating, and deeper connections to family & community. I now understand first-hand. I am early to bed (most places close at 9:30pm), early to wake, active & outside much of the day, eating a lot of fresh fish, fruit, and vegetables, rarely drinking (big lemonade culture), and connecting with interesting, open people. Dad, the 7-day fast ain't worth it. Get your butt to Nosara! Earlier this week I had my most active day since getting the Apple Watch 2 years ago - just about 20 miles. The last time I got up to those types of digits was with Myra in Hanover (if you know Myra this checks out + we had no car) and Maggie & Brodie in Aspen (the classic accidental 10-mile hike). "Pura vida" the Costa Ricans (can I say we yet?) say in greetings and goodbye's. It means pure or simple life. They are onto something.
I watched the sunset and had dinner at Howlers with Elyse (her last night!) and a few other solo travelers that she introduced me to. We were quite the global bunch, representing 7 countries - US, Canada, Italy, Russia, Netherlands, Israel, Germany. Candidly, there were a few very annoying people in the bunch, which was a bummer. This is NYC Kiki talking, who doesn't accept everyone as they are and whose gears grind easily. Goal upon my return: find a healthy balance with Nosara Kiki. These minor annoyances aside, I love Elyse and the fish tacos, guac & chips, and spicy marg were delish.
I love this place and cannot wait to tell you about my day today, which I will do tomorrow. Spoiler alert: surfing!!!
Pura vida,
Kels
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