Derecho Sagrado

Currently I am sitting in my new favorite place: a coffee shop called Derecho Sagrado. Not only does this place have amazingly high quality coffee and local Kombucha, but it is a gathering place for some of my favorite people.

Halfway through my trip, I met a pair of locals who have all moved from the United States to Tamarindo. Adrian is an amazing glassblower and a local guide, and Timber just through hiked the AT in a few months, has a rich academic background both as a teacher and a student, and has been a mentor in my yoga journey. Aside from them, I have met countless people here at the coffee shop who have so many stories and skills to share. After my initial Botella de Leche family moved on in their travels, I've been left to spend practically all of my time here at the coffee shop with my new squad. I wake up, do about 30 minutes of yoga, take a shower, and then take the shortcut to Derecho Sagrado where I'm guaranteed to see someone willing to have a conversation. The amount of learning, listening, sharing, and laughing I've done at this place has been remarkable. One of the most important lessons I've taken away is the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up to their level. All of these people are 5 to 10 years older than me and have more experience and background than I can fathom. When I look at them and realize that is exactly where I want to be by the time I'm their age, I'm filled with excitement and motivation. As I mentioned earlier, the struggle to stay on top of my physical health is persistent. However, since meeting these people I've been on fire. Every day I exercise discipline and self care in a way that means a lot more to me now that I understand what it's for, and I have something to work towards.

Today is my last day in Tamarindo. Tomorrow morning I will get on a bus to San Jose and fly to Ecuador to meet Mateo. When I think about leaving, I feel sad. More important than that, though, is the feeling that I've really connected with a place and its people in a meaningful way. I'm glad I'm sad to leave, because it means I'm leaving a part of me behind in this town. It's a part of me that I know I can always come back to and have an environment that welcomes me and feels like home. Now, when I look out on my future destinations, I'm more excited than ever to get to know so many different places in the same way. Bring it on!

Peace and so much love,
Jonah

Comments

  1. IsaiahOctober 6, 2023 at 1:16 PM

    and so next chapter begins…

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousOctober 6, 2023 at 4:31 PM

    Jonah
    For some reason I wasn’t able to see this recent post yesterday, but I was so happy when I checked today and there you were! You are so inspiring. You write so beautifully.
    Your stories are enriching and your quest for learning is so admirable! I love you!
    Keep us connected,
    grammaM

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousOctober 8, 2023 at 4:48 AM

    What a wonderful picture of what a GAP year is supposed to be: enrichment, people, coffee houses, inspiration, yoga, language, intellectual discourse, and joy. I love your writing. It is so descriptive. And I look forward to the next blog entry, from Ecuador! Say hi to Mateo from all of us! I love you, Mom

    ReplyDelete
  4. AnonymousOctober 10, 2023 at 5:37 PM

    Jonah, You are a thoughtful writer and I’m loving hearing all of these stories and thoughts. I’m in awe of your quest for learning and life experience! Stay safe. We miss you!!! Much love, Nancy (and Lincoln)

    ReplyDelete
  5. AnonymousNovember 3, 2023 at 4:46 AM

    I was happy to read that you now understand self care that much more - especially at a young age - you are very wise

    ReplyDelete

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