<8> The Transition

When we arrived in Costa Rica, we landed in the Guanacaste airport, recently renamed as a lot of people ended up in Liberia, Africa, by mistake (sorry, what?!) Immediately, the smile crept across my cheeks. I couldn't, and didn't want, to stop it. I was elated. The heavy, sticky humidity, the fresh, earthy smell in the air, and the smiles. Everyone was masked up, but their eyes were smiling, I could see it- in everyone.

Happiness. We settled in, finally unpacked and organized everything, did a big haul grocery shop and then ...nothing. We both started feeling really isolated, our condo is in a really awkward area, just off the main road, between towns. The closest place to get groceries is a 45 minute walk, the nearest beach is even further. We got this place because it was the only one we found that was pet friendly and not overly expensive. So it's hard- having to ask for a ride to the store, feeling like beggars... The one guy we knew before coming here lives half an hour away from us, so it's not an easy ask. But as I said, "Help will always be given to those who ask for it." You just may have to ask more than one person. I had searched FB marketplace for a high chair, it just happened to be another Canadian who was selling! She was happy to deliver it and when Chase went out to collect it, she said to message her if we ever need anything. People are imperfect beings but golly can they be nice! Right after, we went into the pool that's just off our main bedroom patio. While we puttered around in the pool, in awe of this child that is so happy and carefree, a few people came out and sat under the palapa. I'd posted in a few Facebook groups that we'd arrived and we're happy to meet people, share food and make friends. One of the people started walking towards us and said "are you Caitlin?!" I was shocked- how does this man know my name?! "Yes, I am!" "Awesome! I saw your post on Facebook and put it together, nice to meet you!" And so it began. Transitions are always hard for me. I really struggle with the in-between. I like being settled and comfortable or complete chaos, nothing in between. Meeting those people, slid me more into feeling settled. The folks who live across from us, offered to take us to the grocery store, so we said thank you and went! We shopped separately because we needed different things and we bumped into each other in one of the last aisles and it felt so natural "running into" a familiar person in a grocery store. Community is everywhere.

It's been a week since we arrived and we're starting to feel more at ease and settled. I really miss my rocking/ nursing chair though, I'll have to go to the second hand store down the street and see if they have anything! Mr Baby is growing so quickly, it's hard to stay comfortable sitting in bed! He's grown so much since we arrived, his independent play is coming back (it took a hiatus after the big journey, he was attached to my hip for the last while) and today he learned how to roll his toy car instead of banging it on things! He also had his first experience with blocks and really enjoyed disassembling the tower I made for him. He's certainly learning how things move and work; We were in the pool earlier and he kept letting go of his toy, for longer and longer periods, watching it float away and grabbing it just before it was out of reach. Watching his mind grow is absolutely beautiful and amazes me daily. He's either sick or teething or both, sleep is hard to come by and his little head is full of snot, so we've been having a lot of cuddles. He's just as happy and determined, curious and busy; just a little extra snotty.

There's a dog park/ run on the compound too, it's completely fenced in and so far all Mako does is sniff around, hopefully she'll use it for it's full potential for ZOOMIES soon, it's been a while since she's been able to run; walks just aren't the same. The cats have officially settled in, Nox did immediately, but FurElise hid in a closet all week, only coming out for basic needs- I think she was nervous I'd shove another pill down her throat if she came out, poor thing. I guess that's a downside to drugging cats for travel, they start to lose trust. At least she's back to her usual self now, it seems wet food is the key to her heart. They all seem to be enjoying the new climate, I often find the cats sun bathing and Mako has found comfort on the hard, cold tile floor.

We're looking at purchasing a cheap vehicle as rentals here run about 1K/month and we could spend that on one we own instead and are then able to sell when we leave, but so far we haven't struck gold, so we continue to ask for help. As someone who it notoriously independent, even at my own detriment, it's very new for me. I'm constantly saying "no worries if not!" and pushing the awkward guilt away, reminding myself that if I was the one offering help, it's because I'm happy to and not just being polite.

We sent a shipping crate full of stuff before we left and it arrived yesterday, just in time! I'd packed some of our go-to's for colds in it so I was able to provide Mr Baby some relief. It's also to have some of our familiar possessions, making this temporary residence feel more like "home".

Living and learning.

Pura Vida!