1976 Dominical Costa Rica
Talking about the old days,
as old people tend to do,
I remember Costa Rica in 1975
the year I stopped my engine at the beach,
and said to my 4 year old daughter, “We’re here”
An entire beach,
as far as the eye could see,
wild untamed, uncivilized and majestic.
I knew I had finally arrived to the spot
that it would be my home for the rest of my life.
Everything was new and primitive and exciting,
No electricity , no running water,
unless you brought your own via gravity from the nearest creek.
We boiled our beans twice a day on wood stoves.
made fresh rice daily and maybe an egg was laid or a fish was caught.
A trip to the nearest town was a sojourn.
Although only 25 miles away, it took
hours and hours, to traverse the harrowing roads,
the mudslides, the rockslides, the bus breaking down.
Passengers smoking with the windows open, chickens clucking.
We buried our own dead, cured our own sick
no doctors, no banks, gas stations or supermarkets
One small general store sold dry good supplies
and once a month we went to town to bring in the rest.
We were a population of 63 adults; I did the census on horseback.
We walked or we rode horses, only 3 cars in town
We watched the sunset, the whole community
sitting on rocks watching that sun descend then sizzle in the sea.
For us it was the greatest show on earth.
We helped each other, laughed together, cried at funerals,
birthed our calves, and had the blessing to live so remotely,
We counted on each, so united in community.
That pioneer spirit was in us all, it showed in our eyes,
and it showed in our lives.
Karima Hoisan
Jan.12, 2024
Costa Rica
Digital Rabbit Hole 
Amazing! You have such a life. 🙂 And you’ve always grabbed it with both hands!
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Awww thank you Dale. I wish I had more pictures but not many cameras around. I was inspired because a fellow old-timer hehe posted that bus pic of the road on fb before it was even graveled…and I remembered it!! Brought back a flood of nostalgia from the good ‘ol days:)
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what a blessing to live so closely to nature, especially in community! rich memories indeed! ah, soulkin, what a satisfying focus to throw oneself completely into a newly chosen lifestyle! most especially with so many others. such a blessing! & the journey, & the learning, continues!💥🚀🌈💞✨✨you are overlighted by devas who are delighted with your heartfulness❤️❤️💞💞
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Ohhh Wow thank you for this comment soulkin, and especially your last line that made me smile (a very bright smile) You of all my WP friends, know what I am talking about.. You did it, in your own geographical choice, in your own remote sanctuary. I love that bond as you know:) Talk tomorrow🤗 Inshallah!
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yes, & looking forward to it📲🥰🥳
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Me too:)🌹🎈🕊️🦋🤗
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❤️❤️❤️
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🙏🙏🙏
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Wow what a life time of experience and memory. I remember the time I grew up in southern China. Although I grew up in the city, but I spent every summer and winter holidays in the village my mum came from. My uncles and grandparents were farmers. No electricity, no toilets, we carry water from the river for household use. We rode the tractor to the nearby town for a convenience store. People use everything on and in the land for everyday living. Lots of bamboo, for food and craft. Wonderful time of my life (my memory from 5 years old). Felt complete freedom.
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Oh Cassa what an amazing experience you had in China in the countryside your mother called home. Yes all you say reminds me of those days when I first arrived…I was 28 with my daughter so young…and yet I think it shaped us positively…as I am sure you feel about this experience with grandparents and uncles you will never forget. Thank you for this beautiful comment full of your sharing:)
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Such a beautiful write Karima! Laughing when you said “Talking about the old days,
as old people tend to do,”
We’re not old, are we?😂😂
love your poem and memories so beautifully shared of the care of our souls!
xo ❤️
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Aww thanks Cindy..A dear friend of mine, Jan Betts *The artist, who lived these days too here, reminded me that there is a lot more to remember..but I just am not into writing the book..and I promised her that now and then i would remember a little more hehe here on my blog. I am so glad you enjoyed these memories. I am only old in years.. my spirit (and my voice) hehe have remained ageless.. Alhamdulillah:) as I see yours have too:):) Hugss Cindy:)
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It’s my absolute pleasure! I love that, and maybe someday you will turn it into a book from your blog, which would be a semi-easy thing to do. Well, we know none of it easy, but in the event you want to you could definitely do that, and it would warrant riding a book. In the meantime, it’s really lovely to hear your voice share these extraordinary experiences and so awesome you remember flashes from time to time. Exquisite writing and delivery. In my mind, I am young until I get off the floor or the couch lol. 😝 ❤️😇
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Heehee yes spirit doesn’t lubricate the knee caps:)
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Great memories of rural living. I can identify with the no running water or electricity and this was in the UK in the 1950s!!!!
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Thanks David for commenting and seems you too had the pioneer spirit in you too:) Wow back in the 50’s must have been remote like we were in ’75. I always compared moving to Costa Rica like going back 100 years to the 1800’s. It was more that, than just moving to a foreign country:)
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Such beautiful and enticing memories, Karima! You sure have been leading a special life. Here’s to many more such wonderful memories. Hugs! ❤
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Thank you so much Joey and alhamdulillah I am living a pretty great life so far…and yes here’s to more to come:) I will send you a message, having login issues in SL so no Greedy dates so far, I miss you:) Glad you enjoyed my reminiscing. Hugs!!
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Such courage you have! What a wonderful poem! It reminds me of moving to rural Arizona in the late 1980s, only not that primitive!
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Thanks Dawn, I think you have that pioneer spirit in you too 💪🏼😃
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I do, but not like yours!
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Great to hear about your early days. I understand the pioneer feeling as we set up our farming life in India. Belated New Year greetings from wintry Punjab, Karima.
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So great Chris that you are in Punjab Happy New Year to you and a very happy healthy, creative new life too:)
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Karima, your imagery you paint of the wild beach, the challenges of daily life, and the tight-knit community resonates with a sense of adventure and unity, and your words beautifully capture the pioneer spirit and the profound connection within the community. Well done!
~David
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Thanks so much David..it was inspired by seeing that photo of the old bus we used to take back in the 70’s. While we are living it, I guess it just seems like “Life” but then years later, we look back and get a whole new perspective…I’m so glad you enjoyed my “looking back”
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Lovely memories, Karima! In close community, a spirit of cohesiveness does exist, but I salute your courage and conviction throughout your amazing life 🙂
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Thank you Kaushal for these positive words…I’m glad you enjoyed my memories and thank you for what you said about my life. I feel so thankful everyday that I came down here when I did.
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I love this poem so much, as it reminds me of the resilience and strength I found in books like Little House on the Prairie when I was a young girl. The ending line of this poem too sits and hits just right and is completely inspiring. Beautiful! ❤
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Aww thank you Layla..like being a real life young adult book:) I am so glad you loved it… this makes me smile and yes, I have never regretted making that move…Never:):) Your comment is very gratifying for me:) 🤗
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Beautiful imagery and love shared of finding your gift in the land you love and that continues to teach you so much. Raising your family and the community you shared are so heartfelt and warming Dearest Karima! It almost makes me want to move but then I would miss all of the history we too share in a land I love. ❤️
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Awww thank you so much…my destiny took me very remote but if I had to chjoose to do it over again,..oh yes! I would in a heartbeat. Thank you for all your beautiful comments Cindy!! Always:)
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You’re very welcome and I love that you live in the dreams of your heart. I have your next two episodes on my radar❣️
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Woo woo hope to post the final one this week ! Big hugs Cindy… just keep being fabulous!!!
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