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messymormonmission · 2 years

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see:PTSD or C-PTSD or let’s put the C back in PTSD or a mental jail

So trigger warning this one’s about trauma and I don’t dig into different types of trauma outside mormon mission stuff but it’s not a walk in the park any time.

So the trick with, not just watching movies about vets with PTSD but meeting a couple folks in real life and seeing the damage battle does to people’s brains means that when I think, ‘hey, this mission thing seems kinna like a trauma but I didn’t see combat. And I didn’t even go through a basic training thing where they broke us down oh wait nevermind on that last one’

According to this article, a few things:

CPTSD is new, 1988.

Originally used for trauma as kids (like sexual trauma) it’s now considered to apply to a broad range of situations, including adults.

The trick is time. It’s persistent over time.

From the article, emphases mine:

…There is abundant evidence suggesting that duration of traumatic exposure—even if such exposure occurs entirely during adulthood as with refugees or people trapped in a long-term domestic violence situation—is most strongly linked to the concept of complex PTSD. During long-term traumas, the victim is generally held in a protracted state of captivity, physically or emotionally, according to Dr. Herman (1). In these situations, the victim is under the control of the perpetrator and unable to get away from the danger.

Now. The examples shared are extreme - concentration camps, human trafficking captivity, long-term abuse. And comparing that to going around in a shirt and tie and annoying people all day for two years feels a little like convincing my mom I’m sick when she thinks I’m not and I feel sick but I’m not SICK ENOUGH.

Well: Did I feel on my mission that I was in a state of captivity, emotionally. Was I under the control of someone else. You mean my mission president and whoever he decided was in charge of me? Sure. Did I decide where I lived. No. What I wore? No. What I did? No. When I did it? No. Were there consequences for disobedience? Yes. Were they a smack on the head? No. Were they skilled manipulative emotional mind f’s? Yes. Were they based on the previous mind f’s I’d been raised on, so worked totally great? Yes.

But I could have left at any time, it was totally up to me!-ish. I decided to go and I decided to stay. Of course. Because there were no consequences for going home early, except letting down God, my mission president, my district leader, city, ancestors, etc. Bringing shame to my and my family’s name, bringing the sins of the people who I could have helped save on to my head, becoming a pariah in my home community, potentially never marrying a Mormon lady in a temple and thus not getting into the celestial kingdom (never going to heaven), and in all likelihood getting barred from God’s presence (going to hell except we don’t believe in hell except we really really do), I would say yes, yes for me it fit that description, yes something along those lines, stakes pretty high, emotional captivity, yes.

I was uniquely prepared (as were many others) with a wonderful cocktail of conditioning to be in a trance-like state where we did whatever we were told even though underneath there was something screaming out “you’re kidding, we can’t even listen to Enya?” And over time, over a long enough period of time, the brain changes to kind of give up and be angry and try to get along all at the same time.

More from the article, emphasis mine, with annotations for some reason in Mario rhythm:

An individual who experienced a prolonged period (months to years) of chronic victimization and total control by another may also experience difficulties in the following areas:

Emotional regulation. May include persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, explosive anger, or inhibited anger.

Depresso, mucho saddo, all pentupo, check.

Consciousness. Includes forgetting traumatic events, reliving traumatic events, or having episodes in which one feels detached from one’s mental processes or body (dissociation).

Bad sleepo, bad dreamo, no me no, check.

Self-perception. May include helplessness, shame, guilt, stigma, and a sense of being completely different from other human beings.

Checko to checko checko checko checko.

Distorted perceptions of the perpetrator. Examples include attributing total power to the perpetrator, becoming preoccupied with the relationship to the perpetrator, or preoccupied with revenge.

“People leave-o the churcho, but can’t leave it alone-o” check

Relations with others. Examples include isolation, distrust, or a repeated search for a rescuer.

No trusto no people, no love-o, please save-o (check)

One’s system of meanings. May include a loss of sustaining faith or a sense of hopelessness and despair.

And, a checkity check-o, our rappo is dunno.

Thanks Mario.

I’m a broken record about this but the trick of course is that no one comes out of a concentration camp in better shape than they went in. The stuff I’m trying to untangle is some people’s lifeline. Not me, but some people. People I know and love. Missions help some people find who they are and meaning in their life, or something. Teaches self-reliance. Close-up magic. Again, not me.

So, when the idea comes up that this was destructive for me, another idea smashes into it and tells me it should have gone better it’s gone well for so many it was a commandment it was a priesthood duty it was the Lord’s will it’s your fault you’re a bad person you don’t have enough faith you didn’t work hard enough you’re a bad person.

And veeeeeerrrry quietly, in the back of my mind, more lately than ever in my life, a warm little moon-goddess voice is like, yeah it was really painful. It set you back. You should have been, I don’t know, living on your own and making new friends and eating too much crap food and staying up late and doing things people who when they turn 19 instead of slamming the developmental brakes and turning it all over to someone who wanted to be a general authority when they grew up. But I did. So it goes.

NOVEMBER 16, 2021 (11:47 PM)

#mission trauma #exmormon #mormon mission

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messymormonmission-old · 3 years

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see:PTSD or C-PTSD or let's put the C back in PTSD or a mental jail

So trigger warning this one's about trauma and I don't dig into different types of trauma outside mormon mission stuff but it's not a walk in the park any time.

So the trick with, not just watching movies about vets with PTSD but meeting a couple folks in real life and seeing the damage battle does to people's brains means that when I think, 'hey, this mission thing seems kinna like a trauma but I didn't see combat. And I didn't even go through a basic training thing where they broke us down oh wait nevermind on that last one'

According to this article, a few things:

CPTSD is new, 1988.

Originally used for trauma as kids (like sexual trauma) it's now considered to apply to a broad range of situations, including adults.

The trick is time. It's persistent over time.

From the article, emphases mine:

...There is abundant evidence suggesting that duration of traumatic exposure—even if such exposure occurs entirely during adulthood as with refugees or people trapped in a long-term domestic violence situation—is most strongly linked to the concept of complex PTSD. During long-term traumas, the victim is generally held in a protracted state of captivity, physically or emotionally, according to Dr. Herman (1). In these situations, the victim is under the control of the perpetrator and unable to get away from the danger.

Now. The examples shared are extreme - concentration camps, human trafficking captivity, long-term abuse. And comparing that to going around in a shirt and tie and annoying people all day for two years feels a little like convincing my mom I'm sick when she thinks I'm not and I feel sick but I'm not SICK ENOUGH.

Well: Did I feel on my mission that I was in a state of captivity, emotionally. Was I under the control of someone else. You mean my mission president and whoever he decided was in charge of me? Sure. Did I decide where I lived. No. What I wore? No. What I did? No. When I did it? No. Were there consequences for disobedience? Yes. Were they a smack on the head? No. Were they skilled manipulative emotional mind f's? Yes. Were they based on the previous mind f's I'd been raised on, so worked totally great? Yes.

But I could have left at any time, it was totally up to me!-ish. I decided to go and I decided to stay. Of course. Because there were no consequences for going home early, except letting down God, my mission president, my district leader, city, ancestors, etc. Bringing shame to my and my family's name, bringing the sins of the people who I could have helped save on to my head, becoming a pariah in my home community, potentially never marrying a Mormon lady in a temple and thus not getting into the celestial kingdom (never going to heaven), and in all likelihood getting barred from God's presence (going to hell except we don't believe in hell except we really really do), I would say yes, yes for me it fit that description, yes something along those lines, stakes pretty high, emotional captivity, yes.

I was uniquely prepared (as were many others) with a wonderful cocktail of conditioning to be in a trance-like state where we did whatever we were told even though underneath there was something screaming out "you're kidding, we can't even listen to Enya?" And over time, over a long enough period of time, the brain changes to kind of give up and be angry and try to get along all at the same time.

More from the article, emphasis mine, with annotations for some reason in Mario rhythm:

An individual who experienced a prolonged period (months to years) of chronic victimization and total control by another may also experience difficulties in the following areas:

Emotional regulation. May include persistent sadness, suicidal thoughts, explosive anger, or inhibited anger.

Depresso, mucho saddo, all pentupo, check.

Consciousness. Includes forgetting traumatic events, reliving traumatic events, or having episodes in which one feels detached from one's mental processes or body (dissociation).

Bad sleepo, bad dreamo, no me no, check.

Self-perception. May include helplessness, shame, guilt, stigma, and a sense of being completely different from other human beings.

Checko to checko checko checko checko.

Distorted perceptions of the perpetrator. Examples include attributing total power to the perpetrator, becoming preoccupied with the relationship to the perpetrator, or preoccupied with revenge.

"People leave-o the churcho, but can't leave it alone-o" check

Relations with others. Examples include isolation, distrust, or a repeated search for a rescuer.

No trusto no people, no love-o, please save-o (check)

One's system of meanings. May include a loss of sustaining faith or a sense of hopelessness and despair.

And, a checkity check-o, our rappo is dunno.

Thanks Mario.

I'm a broken record about this but the trick of course is that no one comes out of a concentration camp in better shape than they went in. The stuff I'm trying to untangle is some people's lifeline. Not me, but some people. People I know and love. Missions help some people find who they are and meaning in their life, or something. Teaches self-reliance. Close-up magic. Again, not me.

So, when the idea comes up that this was destructive for me, another idea smashes into it and tells me it should have gone better it's gone well for so many it was a commandment it was a priesthood duty it was the Lord's will it's your fault you're a bad person you don't have enough faith you didn't work hard enough you're a bad person.

And veeeeeerrrry quietly, in the back of my mind, more lately than ever in my life, a warm little moon-goddess voice is like, yeah it was really painful. It set you back. You should have been, I don't know, living on your own and making new friends and eating too much crap food and staying up late and doing things people who when they turn 19 instead of slamming the developmental brakes and turning it all over to someone who wanted to be a general authority when they grew up. But I did. So it goes.

#mission trauma #exmormon #mormon mission

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coolhorseracing · 4 years

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Kentucky Derby 2020 Live Stream Free

The 2020 Kentucky Derby is the 146th restoration of The Best Two Minutes in Sports. While the top spot in Pony Dashing Country's 2020 Kentucky Derby contenders rankings keeps on being held by Dennis' Minute, a weekend ago's prep results prompted critical change. Supported by his Trick Stakes G3 win, Real climbed to the No. 4 in the client produced list, an aftereffect of HRN perusers allotting star appraisals to different 3-year-old colts. To start putting your turn on the rankings, pursue a free record today.

Accumulating a 90 Beyer Speed Figure, Credible cavorted home at Santa Clause Anita Park by 7 3/4 lengths over stablemate Azul Coast. The Kentucky Derby 2020 Live Stream Sway Baffert-prepared child of Into Insidiousness yearling, whose greenness in the stretch doesn't appear to have deflected HRN perusers, is next expected to place his 2-for-2 record in the line in a Walk prep race. Others in the Best 5 starting around early afternoon Tuesday were Reproducers' Cup Adolescent champ Tempest the Court, Raisers' Cup Adolescent Turf legend Structor and Eight Rings, an Evaluation 1 victor from the Baffert animal dwellingplace.

Additionally moving up is Chance It, who best in class to No. 11 in the wake of taking Gulfstream Park's Mucho Macho Man Stakes. The Cash Swap foal, prepared by Saffie Joseph Jr., outlived As Observed on television going a one-go mile to set himself up for a beginning on the Derby trail. Then, among those descending is Respect A. P. The normal Hoax most loved missed the race - it would have denoted his stakes debut - with coach John Shirreffs saying the foal was off to his right side front. It is obscure when the Respect Code yearling could race once more.

At the point when the crowns turn out, we know the commencement to the 2020 Kentucky Derby Celebration has started. On Monday, the five ladies chose to fill in as Princesses in the 2020 Kentucky Derby Celebration Imperial Court were presented in a function at Macy's in Oxmoor Center. The Regal Court Program is facilitated by The Fillies, Inc., a volunteer gathering that works intimately with the Kentucky Derby Celebration.

The celebration's Illustrious Court is an open door for young ladies to procure grant monies, just as to fill in as an official represetative for the city and the Kentucky Derby Celebration, held during the two weeks paving the way to the Kentucky Derby on the primary Saturday in May. A last see Pony Dashing Country's 2020 Kentucky Derby Contenders list before the schedule transforms foretells some change into the new year. A trio of 2-year-old stakes in the coming days - Water channel's Jerome, Gulfstream's Mucho Macho Man and Santa Clause Anita's Hoax Stakes - figure to lift their individual champs.

With the Reproducers' Cup Big showdowns completed, the pony dashing schedule flips back to the very first moment to begin its most foreseen season Kentucky Derby season. The way to the 2020 Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Hold will, as it generally does, take a lot of surprising wanders aimlessly as contenders rise and fall with each passing prep race. A week ago observed open-length wins by two colts who, in spite of indicating inability, declared their essence as top Derby contenders in Freedom Lobby Jerome Stakes and Bona fide Hoax Stakes. Estimating the 20-horse field – and in any event, taking an early remain on a potential champ sponsored by a future bet – is a yearly feature of Derby season, and the bookmakers at William Slope have begun taking fixed-chances future bets on Derby 146, which will be held May 2, 2020.

In the minutes paving the way to Wednesday's Jerome Stakes at Water channel, the child of Constitution became unruly after understanding this wasn't simply one more walkthrough toward his third profession start. It was race day. Coach Michael Trombetta considered Freedom Corridor a wild man in the enclosure. While Trombetta avoided marking it an issue, it's a worry, the mentor included.

He unquestionably realizes the distinction among tutoring and game time, said Wellman, with Shroud Pure blood Accomplices battling Autonomy Corridor alongside Twin Rivers Hustling Stables and the team of Kathleen and Robert Verratti. Notwithstanding tricks in the enclosure, Autonomy Lobby escaped last of six in the Jerome. That is on the grounds that when the doors opened, his head was positioned to the side.

Freedom Lobby experienced little difficulty in his earlier beginning, an open-lengths triumph at a similar one-mile Water system trip in the Nashua Stakes G3. On debut, nonetheless, he likewise broke gradually Sept. 21 at Parx Hustling and was comparably guided out wide to put ability in plain view.

Freedom Corridor proceeded to crush an overmatched Jerome field by four lengths, hitting the wire under racer Jose Ortiz in 137.27. The exertion enlisted a 84 Beyer Speed Figure, a good number given the clumsy beginning.With a wide assembly last Wednesday at Reasonable Grounds, the recently turned 3-year-old Significant Bolstered made himself a lady victor as well as impelled himself on the 2020 Kentucky Derby Radar. The Ghostzapper yearling, prepared by Greg Foley, situated fifth leaving the most distant turn of a 1/16-mile lady unique weight race trip at Reasonable Grounds.

Racer Brian Hernandez Jr. directed Significant Sustained to the far outside entering the stretch, pursuing four adversaries to his inside. Under negligible encouraging, Significant Bolstered found another rigging and passed up them all inside the 3/16ths post. It siphons you up and places you in the game, Travis Foley, aide to his dad, disclosed to Reasonable Grounds attention after Significant Nourished's 4 ¼-length lady score. The manner in which that he did it was outwardly amazing, and it makes it energizing. For More Details About Kentucky Derby Go To This URL.

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kentuckyderby2020s · 4 years

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How to Watch Kentucky Derby

The 2020 Kentucky Derby is the 146th restoration of The Best Two Minutes in Sports. While the top spot in Pony Dashing Country's 2020 Kentucky Derby contenders rankings keeps on being held by Dennis' Minute, a weekend ago's prep results prompted critical change. Supported by his Trick Stakes G3 win, Real climbed to the No. 4 in The Kentucky Derby 2020 Live Stream client produced list, an aftereffect of HRN perusers allotting star appraisals to different 3-year-old colts. To start putting your turn on the rankings, pursue a free record today.

Accumulating a 90 Beyer Speed Figure, Credible cavorted home at Santa Clause Anita Park by 7 3/4 lengths over stablemate Azul Coast. The Sway Baffert-prepared child of Into Insidiousness yearling, whose greenness in the stretch doesn't appear to have deflected HRN perusers, is next expected to place his 2-for-2 record in the line in a Walk prep race. Others in the Best 5 starting around early afternoon Tuesday were Reproducers' Cup Adolescent champ Tempest the Court, Raisers' Cup Adolescent Turf legend Structor and Eight Rings, an Evaluation 1 victor from the Baffert animal dwellingplace.

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kentuckyderbybroadcast · 4 years

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Kentucky Derby 2020 Broadcasting Channels

The 2020 Kentucky Derby is the 146th restoration of The Best Two Minutes in Sports. While the top spot in Pony Dashing Country's 2020 Kentucky Derby contenders rankings keeps on being held by Dennis' Minute, a weekend ago's prep results prompted critical change. Supported by his Trick Stakes (G3) win, Real climbed to the No. 4 in the client produced list, an aftereffect of HRN perusers allotting star appraisals to different 3-year-old colts. To start putting your turn on the rankings, pursue a free record today.

With the Reproducers' Cup Big showdowns completed, the pony dashing schedule flips back to the very first moment to begin its most foreseen season: Kentucky Derby season. The way to the 2020 Kentucky Derby Introduced by Woodford Hold will, as it generally does, take a lot of surprising wanders aimlessly as contenders rise and fall with each passing prep race. A week ago observed open-length wins by two colts who, in spite of indicating inability, declared their essence as top Derby contenders in Freedom Lobby (Jerome Stakes) and Bona fide (Hoax Stakes). Estimating the 20-horse field – and in any event, taking an early remain on a potential champ sponsored by a future bet – is a yearly feature of Derby season, and the bookmakers at William Slope have begun taking fixed-chances future bets on Derby 146, which will be held May 2, 2020.

Freedom Lobby experienced little difficulty in his earlier beginning, an open-lengths triumph at a similar one-mile Water system trip in the Nashua Stakes (G3). On debut, nonetheless, he likewise broke gradually Sept. 21 at Parx Hustling and was comparably guided out wide to put ability in plain view.

Freedom Corridor proceeded to crush an overmatched Jerome field by four lengths, hitting the wire under racer Jose Ortiz in 1:37.27. The exertion enlisted a 84 Beyer Speed Figure, a good number given the clumsy beginning.With a wide assembly last Wednesday at Reasonable Grounds, the recently turned 3-year-old Significant Bolstered made himself a lady victor as well as impelled himself on the 2020 Kentucky Derby Radar. The Ghostzapper yearling, prepared by Greg Foley, situated fifth leaving the most distant turn of a 1/16-mile lady unique weight race trip at Reasonable Grounds.

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ewh111 · 3 years

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Annual List of Favorite Film Experiences: The 2020 Pandemic Version

Happy new year! So happy to finally arrive at 2021! All the best for a much better new year!!

What a year it was. Since March 12, I've spent 98% of my time within the confines of my condo. The good thing is that as a natural introvert, I have not yet gone stir crazy. I get plenty of social interaction via Zoom. And as a type-2 diabetic, I have been especially careful, staying at home, going out only for essential work or errands, like groceries. I'm grateful that my extended family connected more through the pandemic via weekly 90 minute Zoom family check-ins.

After just two months of work from home, I surpassed the longest time I hadn't been on a plane in over 15 years. (In 2019, I took 42 flights--15 of them international; in 2020, just eight, all prior to the first week of Feb.) As someone who typically travels a lot for work, it's strange to be so stationary. But I'm not complaining. Without the daily commute, travel, and regular schedule of evening and weekend events, I've quietly appreciated the ability to get more sleep, find time to exercise, and even lose some weight. As I reflect upon the past year, I choose to look at the silver-lining and see this period as a positive, massive macro re-balancing of my life.

When things do get back to some semblance of normalcy, the ones who will have the most difficulty adjusting will be these two girls, Freddy and Maxie, who have been so spoiled with attention over the past 10 months.

Now onto this year's favorite film experiences.

What a strange year for film. The last time I experienced a communal movie-going experience was at the Sundance Film Festival back in January. Since 2020 will be remembered as the year of an uber-significant election and home confinement, it seems appropriate to begin this year's conversation with these two themes: democracy and geography, aka places we couldn't travel to.

LESSONS IN DEMOCRACY

Boys State

One of most riveting experiences is my favorite film from the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. This documentary follows four participants in the Texas edition of the week-long Boys State program. The filmmakers lucked out by selecting four boys whose journeys turned out to have fascinating dramatic arcs during the week. What unfolds is a totally engaging microcosm of the political dynamics in the rising generation of voters in America. Trailer: https://youtu.be/E1Kh_T5ZBIM

Hamilton

What a delightful escape from confinement and inability to see live theater by revisiting the stage musical phenomenon via the viewpoints of multi-cameras. It was a new way to appreciate the words, the music, the choreography, and staging of this remarkable work about Alexander Hamilton and his fellow founding fathers. Trailer: https://youtu.be/6s9sNvkjpI0

What the Constitution Means to Me

Missing live theater? Here's another gem to take in. Fast-paced, funny, deeply personal, and defiant, playwright Heidi Schreck plays herself in a mostly one-person show, revisiting her days as a teenager debating the meaning of the Constitution in dingy American Legion halls, linking her personal family history to our country's founding document. Trailer: https://youtu.be/P2zSRdVanDY

Crip Camp

Incredibly inspiring and engaging documentary about Camp Jened, a Catskills summer camp for teens with disabilities in the 1960s and 70s, which prepared many members to become leaders in the movement that eventually led to the passage of the ADA. An important piece of lesser known history and fight for social change and equity. Trailer: https://youtu.be/XRrIs22plz0

TRAVELING WITHOUT LEAVING THE COUCH

My Octopus Teacher (South Africa)

A truly meditative and surprisingly moving documentary. In a kelp forest off the coast of South Africa, a noted underwater photographer documents his, dare I say "friendship," with an octopus whom he visits every day over the course of a year. Trailer: https://youtu.be/b-lbIJHlmbE

76 Days (China)

New York-based filmmaker Hao Wu worked with two journalists in China who recorded harrowing, fly-on-the-wall footage inside four Wuhan hospitals at the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak, a clearly risky endeavor unsanctioned by the Chinese government. While this may seem unappealing to watch as we still struggle with the crisis, this apolitical, humanizing, compassionate, and ultimately uplifting film documents and honors the courageous doctors and nurses and their relationships with patients and family members grappling with the unfolding crisis over the course of the full 76 day lock-down in Wuhan. Trailer: https://youtu.be/x_f6-jhbsR4

Your Name Engraved Herein (Taiwan)

The highest ever grossing LGBTQ film in Taiwan, as well as its most popular domestic film in 2020, this is a sensitive, poignant, slow-burn story of coming out and first love in an all-boys Catholic school in a still socially-repressive Taiwan immediately after the lifting of martial law in 1987. Trailer: https://youtu.be/mzfVBg54BGw

A Sun (Taiwan, again)

Driven driving instructor father + marginalized night-club hairstylist mother + high achieving, golden child # 1 son + disowned black sheep younger son serving time in juvenile prison = unhappy family. This multiple winner of Taiwan's version of the Oscar, A Sun is an intricate, engaging, character-driven family drama full of disappointment, redemption-seeking, and tragic setbacks, but uplifting in the end. Trailer: https://youtu.be/LBogLcE2wNQ

Gunda (Norway)

An unusual viewing experience, I did not expect to be so drawn in and highly moved by this intimate, up-close and personal barnyard portrait. A totally mesmerizing and beautifully filmed, black and white, wordless and scoreless documentary (only ambient farm sounds with no humans in sight)--just a sow named Gunda and her piglets with interludes by a one-legged rooster and herd of cows. And yes, there's a subtle message. Trailer: https://youtu.be/05Gc2lANyTQ

The Painter and the Thief (Norway, again)

An intriguing and fascinating documentary about the strange and complicated story of a female Czech artist, whose two most important paintings are stolen from an Oslo art gallery in broad daylight, and the thief who turns out to be an addiction-addled male nurse who she unexpectedly befriends during the trial. Trailer: https://youtu.be/LKBiKDZSf_c

Mucho Mucho Amor (Puerto Rico)

The story of the iconic fortune-teller with millions of followers in the Spanish-speaking world: the bedazzled and caped, effervescently flamboyant, gender non-confirming, Puerto Rican television astrologer Walter Mercado. Disappearing from the airwaves without a trace in 2007 after decades of daily uplifting telecasts, no one knew what happened or where he had gone. Until these filmmakers tracked him down. Here, they tell his story in this loving portrait of the legend, in time to participate in an exhibition dedicated to his 50 year career at a Miami museum before his death last year. Trailer: https://youtu.be/XEJqiucxyrs

Welcome to Chechnya (Russia)

A gut-wrenching and chilling documentary about courageous activists who help LGBTQ individuals flee the repressive regime of Chechnya where violent, homophobic beatings and executions play out regularly and whose leader denies the existence of gay people in his republic. The doc plays like a menacing thriller with the filmmaker going to great lengths to protect the identities using elaborate digital facial disguises. Trailer: https://youtu.be/GlKkj_aHMXk

Tenet (Russia, the Amalfi Coast, Oslo, the future, and the past, among other places)

This is not an easy film to like. One of the most anticipated on my list of "must sees," but the pandemic delayed my viewing till its recent VOD release. Was it worth the wait? Well, it was almost incomprehensible for the first third. But it is here because I'm still thinking about it long after watching and is high on my list to rewatch. To enjoy on first viewing, you should stop trying to figure it out and just let it wash over you and enjoy the ride--it will eventually make (some) sense. Despite all its complexities, Christopher Nolan's ambitious concept boils down to a simple plot: rich Russian bad guy (Kenneth Branagh) wants to end the world and an unnamed secret agent-type guy known only as the Protagonist (John David Washington) tries to stop him. Oh, and there's reverse entropy. And inverted time. And yeah, there are spectacular scenes with time moving forward and backwards at the same time. Like its title, the film is one giant palindrome. Trailer: https://youtu.be/AZGcmvrTX9M

Apollo 11 (Space)

Watching this documentary is like witnessing Neil Armstrong, Michael Collins, and Buzz Aldrin's mission unfold before your eyes live, in real time. Put together from previously unreleased, stunningly crisp, and beautiful archival footage and communications audio from NASA, this is a breathtaking experience that captures the awe of the achievement without talking heads or commentary. Trailer: https://youtu.be/tpLrp0SW8yg

HOW TO DEAL WITH DEATH

Soul

This time out, Pixar tackles existential questions, like what it means to be alive and what is the "before life" in this metaphysically jazzy and terrifically "soulful" film featuring a predominantly Black cast. Trailer: https://youtu.be/xOsLIiBStEs

Dick Johnson is Dead

One would not expect a filmmaker's decision to document her father's descent into old age and dementia to be such an enjoyable and amusing ride. The result is a uniquely comic and bittersweet approach on how to handle his mortality, including envisioning and staging various ways he might accidentally hasten death. Her inspired choice to embrace the time left with her father in this way is endearing and touching without being sentimental. (And the director happens to be a college classmate: Kirsten Johnson, Brown '87.) Trailer: https://youtu.be/wfTmT6C5DnM

AND THREE MORE

Mank

David Fincher masterfully tells the tale of Herman Mankiewicz, the writer of Citizen Kane. Part social history, part examination of the underbelly of Hollywood's Golden Age, part homage to Orson Welles and Citizen Kane, the film is beautifully and evocatively shot in lush black and white with standout performances by Gary Oldman as Mank, Amanda Seyfried as Marion Davies, and a screenplay by Fincher's late father, Jack. Trailer: https://youtu.be/aSfX-nrg-lI

David Byrne's American Utopia

An exhilarating and spirited concert film by Spike Lee who beautifully captures the exuberant grey-suited, bare-footed David Byrne and his similarly wardrobed bandmates on a minimalist stage--a perfect remedy for home-confined and connection-starved human beings during these unusual times. The Byrne-Lee pairing perfectly "makes sense" as you take in the penultimate number, a cover of Janelle Monáe’s "Hell You Talmbout." Trailer: https://youtu.be/lg4hcgtjDPc

Sound of Metal

A character study of self-discovery and emotional truths, Riz Ahmed gives a riveting performance as a heavy metal rock drummer who suddenly loses his hearing. The immersive experience is enhanced with the film's amazing sound design. Trailer: https://youtu.be/VFOrGkAvjAE

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Borat Subsequent Moviefilm (perhaps the film most representative of the craziness of 2020), Ma Rainey's Black Bottom (great performances by Viola Davis and Chadwick Boseman), The Personal History of David Copperfield, Da 5 Bloods, The Way I See It, The Invisible Man, Trial of the Chicago 7, I Lost My Body, The Life Ahead, Wolfwalkers, The Bee Gees: How Do You Mend A Broken Heart.

In the Queue

Minari, Nomadland, Bacurau, Small Axe, Beanpole, The Forty Year Old Version.

2020: THE YEAR OF NON-STOP STREAMING

Honestly, given the lack of traditional theatrical releases, I did spend an inordinate amount of time streaming shows than I normally would. It has made me wonder about the challenges of narrative storytelling in the 90-120 minute format vs. the longer episodic format which is so much more conducive to storytelling and character development.

MY TOP 30-SOME FAVORITE PANDEMIC STREAMING EXPERIENCES

In descending order of bingey-ness--is that a word?--i.e., inability to stop watching episode after episode. (And occasional commentary...)

Dark (Netflix)--I gave this German series a special shout-out last year (Twin Peaks + Stranger Things + The Wire + time travel), and season 3 finally arrived this summer. So good, I devoured it twice in one week. Complex, mind-bending, and addictively dense storytelling with time travel that makes sense (Tenet, take note) and super satisfying series finish. Ultimately unraveling the intertwined family tree of all the time-traveling characters will make your head spin for days.

Money Heist (Netflix)--I needed something to replace my addictive need after Dark, and four seasons of this Spanish heist/thriller fit the bill perfectly. Plus, I think the series is rich in lessons on organizational behavior and leadership development/dynamics. Dissertation, anyone?

The Umbrella Academy (Netflix)--Not a genre I typically find appealing (superheroes), but I loved the combination of family dysfunction, sibling rivalry, humor, and more time travel. After finishing the two seasons, I really missed the characters and can't wait for next season. And as a JFK assassination buff, I loved that season 2 took place in Dallas,1963.

The Queen's Gambit (Netflix)--Girl survives car crash in which mom dies, grows up to be charming woman who is addicted to alcohol and does chess.

The Flight Attendant (HBO Max)--Girl survives car crash in which dad dies, grows up to be charming woman who is addicted to alcohol and serves first class. But not anything like The Queen's Gambit.

The Great* (Hulu)--Wickedly dark comedic period piece (Catherine the Great's 18th century Russia) with colorblind casting where scheming powerful people plot to get out of loveless marriage.

Bridgerton (Netflix)--A light romantic period piece (Regent era England) with colorblind casting where scheming powerful people and debutantes try to get into marriage and maybe find love.

Tiger King (Netflix)

The Crown (Netflix)

Sex Education (Netflix)

The Last Dance (Netflix)

Better Call Saul (Netflix)

Never Have I Ever (Netflix)--Best narrator ever!

Ozark (Netflix)

Watchmen (HBO Max)

Ugly Delicious 2 (Netflix)--David Chang is back with interesting take on food and culture. The classism of steak-eating?

Flavorful Origins (Netflix)

The Great British Baking Show Season 11 (Netflix)

Pen15 (Hulu)

Mrs. America (Hulu)

The Good Place (Netflix)

Ted Lasso (Apple TV)

Alex Rider (Prime)

Love, Victor (Hulu)

Giri/Haji (Netflix)

Ratched (Netflix)

The Undoing (HBO Max)

Lovecraft Country (HBO Max)

Zerozerozero (Prime)

Industry (HBO Max)

The Boys (Prime)

What We Do In the Shadows (Hulu)

We Are Who We Are (HBO Max)

Pose (Netflix)

Normal People (Hulu)

Indian Matchmaking (Netflix)

Middleditch & Schwartz (Netflix)

Schitts Creek (Netflix)--Don't be put off by this comic treasure being so low on the binge scale. The series gets better with each season, and I'm slowly watching it because I know the end is coming, and I don't want it to end.

#bestmovies2020 #bestTV2020 #favoritefilms2020

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noespensaressentir · 4 years

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DIFICULTAD, QUE SIGNIFICA ESO?

En esta sociedad en la que vivimos con demasiada asiduidad utilizamos la palabra dificultad, problemas, culpa… palabras que no nos ayudan a darle el valor necesario a este maravilloso viaje llamado VIDA.

Nos hemos acostumbrado a vivir en una sociedad donde todo esta al alcance de un teclado (porque se puede hacer casi de todo a través de internet), pero no en todos los lugares la dificultad puede atender al mismo significado.

Como todos sabéis, en Abobo y en especial para estos niños estos días han estado llenos de emociones y de sensaciones encontradas, todo ello provocado por tener que vivir experiencias nuevas.

Tras el entrenamiento de la mañana, su nuevo recorrido no es para ir a trabajar a buscar botellas de plástico, limpiar coches, recoger maletas o trabajos varios, sino su recorrido todas las mañanas (más o menos una hora andando) con el tráfico de Abobo es para ir al colegio. Una nueva experiencia que les obliga a caminar casi dos horas al día para poder llegar la escuela.

A su vez, esa sensación de alegría por ir al colegio, presenta también su parte de superación, porque imaginaros lo que puede ser llegar a un sitio donde nunca has estado, donde no tienes experiencia anterior y donde todo te parece que te suena a chino.

Esa sensación es la que nos han transmitido este fin de semana cuando hemos hablado con ellos tras su jornada de trabajo en su casa, ya que durante el fin de semana lo que están haciendo ahora mismo es construir su propia casa, como todos vosotros sabéis.

En media docena de frases hemos intentado resumir sus sensaciones en esta primera semana de clase, de la que han podido disfrutar estos pequeños grandes maestros de vida, y en donde tras escucharles brevemente te das cuenta de que nosotros utilizamos esas palabras como problemas, dificultad, culpa… en contextos que están muy alejados de lo que realmente puede ser un problema, dificultad o similar.

Ellos no tienen interioriorizado ese vocabulario en su día a día, y creo que si nosotros fuéramos capaces de darle un cambio a nuestras expresiones del día a día conseguiríamos un sentir mucho más positivo en nuestra vida.

Os invitamos a que en momentos de supuesta dificultad, seamos capaces de reflexionar si lo que estamos viviendo es dificultad o simplemente es nuestra mirada y nuestro pensamiento lo que nos esta haciendo confundirnos.

Namaste.🌸🙏🏻

Eli y Antonio.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/no-es-pensar-es-sentir

DIFFICULTY, WHAT DOES THAT MEAN?

In this society in which we live too assiduously, we use the word difficulty, problems, guilt ... words that do not help us to give the necessary value to this wonderful journey called LIFE.

We have become accustomed to living in a society where everything is within reach of a keyboard (because almost everything can be done through the internet), but not in all places the difficulty can attend to the same meaning.

As you all know, in Abobo and especially for these children these days have been full of emotions and mixed feelings, all caused by having to live new experiences.

After the morning training, his new route is not to go to work to look for plastic bottles, clean cars, pick up suitcases or various jobs, but his route every morning (about an hour's walk) with the Abobo traffic is to go to school. A new experience that forces them to walk almost two hours a day to get to school.

In turn, that feeling of joy at going to school also presents its part of overcoming, because imagine what it can be like to reach a place where you have never been, where you have no previous experience and where everything seems to you that it sounds like Chinese .

That feeling is what they have transmitted to us this weekend when we have spoken with them after their work day at their home, since during the weekend what they are doing right now is building their own house, as you all know.

In half a dozen sentences we have tried to summarize their feelings in this first week of class, which these little great teachers of life have been able to enjoy, and where after listening to them briefly you realize that we use those words as problems, difficulty, guilt ... in contexts that are very far from what can really be a problem, difficulty or similar.

They do not have internalized that vocabulary in their day to day, and I think that if we were able to change our expressions from day to day we would achieve a much more positive feeling in our life.

We invite you that in moments of supposed difficulty, we are able to reflect if what we are experiencing is difficulty or it is simply our gaze and our thinking that is making us confused.

Namaste.🌸🙏🏻

Eli and Antonio.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/no-es-pensar-es-sentir

DIFFICULTÉ, QUE SIGNIFIE-T-ELLE?

Dans cette société où nous vivons trop assidûment, nous utilisons le mot difficulté, problèmes, culpabilité ... des mots qui ne nous aident pas à donner la valeur nécessaire à ce merveilleux voyage appelé VIE.

Nous nous sommes habitués à vivre dans une société où tout est à portée d'un clavier (car presque tout peut être fait via Internet), mais pas dans tous les endroits où la difficulté peut avoir le même sens.

Comme vous le savez tous, à Abobo et surtout pour ces enfants, ces jours-ci ont été pleins d'émotions et de sensations mélangées, le tout causé par la nécessité de vivre de nouvelles expériences.

Après l'entraînement du matin, son nouvel itinéraire n'est pas d'aller au travail pour chercher des bouteilles en plastique, des voitures propres, ramasser des valises ou divers travaux, mais son itinéraire tous les matins (environ une heure de marche) avec le trafic d'Abobo est d'aller à l'école. Une nouvelle expérience qui les oblige à marcher près de deux heures par jour pour se rendre à l'école.

À son tour, ce sentiment de joie d'aller à l'école présente également sa part de dépassement, car imaginez ce que cela peut être d'atteindre un endroit où vous n'êtes jamais allé, où vous n'avez aucune expérience préalable et où tout vous semble que cela ressemble à du chinois. .

Ce sentiment est ce qu'ils nous ont transmis ce week-end lorsque nous leur avons parlé après leur journée de travail à leur domicile, car ce week-end, ce qu'ils font en ce moment, c'est construire leur propre maison, comme vous le savez tous.

En une demi-douzaine de phrases nous avons essayé de résumer leurs sentiments lors de cette première semaine de cours, dont ces petits grands maîtres de la vie ont pu jouir, et où après les avoir écoutés brièvement vous vous rendez compte que nous utilisons ces mots comme des problèmes, difficulté, culpabilité ... dans des contextes très éloignés de ce qui peut vraiment être un problème, une difficulté ou similaire.

Ils n'ont pas intériorisé ce vocabulaire dans leur quotidien, et je pense que si nous pouvions changer nos expressions de jour en jour, nous obtiendrions un sentiment beaucoup plus positif dans notre vie.

Nous vous invitons que dans les moments de difficulté supposée, nous soyons capables de réfléchir si ce que nous vivons est une difficulté ou si c'est simplement notre regard et notre pensée qui nous rendent confus.

Namaste.🌸🙏🏻

Eli et Antonio.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/no-es-pensar-es-sentir

#noespensaressentir

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khalilhumam · 4 years

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Breaking the cycle of domestic violence made more difficult during pandemic

New Post has been published on http://khalilhumam.com/breaking-the-cycle-of-domestic-violence-made-more-difficult-during-pandemic/

Breaking the cycle of domestic violence made more difficult during pandemic

Why leaving a violent partner is harder during Ecuador's lockdown

The cycle of violence. Photo from the ‘Casa de Refugio Matilde’ women’s shelter in Quito, Ecuador. Used with permission.

This article is part one of the author's report on women with violent partners during lockdown in Ecuador. Click here to read part two. Elisa, whose name has been changed for her protection, is a 41-year-old Ecuadorian businesswoman in an abusive relationship. Although almost half of all women in Ecuador have endured this type of violence at least once in their lives, Elisa believes that abusive relationships are not really understood by the general community. In a phone interview with Global Voices, she explained:

Me dicen: ‘Solo déjalo’, pero no funciona así. Quien no ha pasado por esto no siempre entiende por qué es tan difícil dejar a una pareja violenta, y estos comentarios solo hacen que me sienta juzgada y deje de contar lo que me pasa. Yo he intentado separarme de mi pareja algunas veces, pero él se convirtió en el centro de mi universo. Por eso, a pesar de todo, sigo con él.

People say to me: “Just leave him”, but it doesn’t work like that. People who haven’t been through this don’t always understand why it’s so hard to leave a violent partner. Comments like that just make me feel like I’m being judged and I stop telling people what’s happening to me. I’ve tried to leave my partner a few times, but he became the centre of my universe. That’s why, despite everything, I stay with him.

Esteban Laso, a psychotherapist and social psychologist, explains that the difficulties Elisa describes are common; it is a complex process that can take many years and an average of 5 to 7 attempts. According to Laso, this is because ending any relationship (whether it is violent or not) is always hard, but violence introduces certain factors that make separation even more difficult.

Care protocol for female victims of domestic violence. Shared on the Surkana Ecuador Facebook page.

These difficulties can increase in crisis situations, such as the pandemic that we are living through now. Ecuador has been under lockdown for over a month, with a curfew from 2pm to 5am. Lily Rodríguez, President of the Ecuadorian Centre for the Empowerment and Advancement of Women (CEPAM), says that domestic violence can increase because there are fewer opportunities to seek help or to offer support to women during the lockdown. Rodríguez adds that emotional separation is essential to achieving physical separation, but this is made more difficult when victims are permanently living with their partners. Elisa says that this emotional dependency is the main reason that she is still with her partner:

Se piensa que solo es cuestión de tomar la decisión, pero no. Yo he decidido irme algunas veces, y he estado en terapia mucho tiempo, pero los hombres violentos son excelentes manipuladores y tienen mucha experiencia en hacer que te aferres a ellos. Esto hace muy complicado deshacer el lazo emocional que te ata a esa persona. Tú sabes que lo que te están haciendo está mal y que estás en peligro, pero tu dependencia hacia ellos es más fuerte.

People think that it’s simply a matter of making the decision, but it’s not. I’ve made the decision to leave many times and I’ve been in therapy for a long time, but violent men are excellent manipulators and they are very experienced in making you depend on them. This makes it very hard to undo the emotional link that ties you to that person. You know that what he is doing to you is wrong and that you are in danger, but your dependency on him is too strong.

Laso points out that we tend to believe that our decision-making process is guided by reason. However, this assumption is wrong:

El fundamento de las relaciones humanas es el amor. Sin amor nos morimos, entonces haremos lo que haga falta para evitar la pérdida de relaciones afectivas importantes, incluso si esto implica sacrificarse uno mismo. Por eso, la primera pregunta que se hace una mujer en una relación violenta no es si la debe abandonar o no, sino si su pareja puede cambiar.

The foundation of human relationships is love. We die without love, so we do whatever it takes to prevent the loss of important emotional relationships, even if that means sacrificing ourselves. Therefore, the first question that a woman in a violent relationships asks herself is not whether she should leave him, but whether her partner can change.

Soledad Ávila, clinical psychologist and academic director of Fundación Azulado in Ecuador, adds that abuse often starts with psychological violence. This type of abuse is harder to recognise and affects the victim’s self-esteem, thereby prohibiting her ability to leave the relationship. In addition to this, according to Ávila, the aggressor is not violent all the time. He also has his “good moments” in which he professes his “undying love” and offers to change. This cycle creates patterns that are difficult to break.

Recommendation from CEPAM Facebook page.

The fear that the violence will get worse when deciding to leave the relationship also hinders the process. This anxiety may increase during quarantine, in which restrictions on movement make it harder to seek and offer help against a threat. However, Rodríguez explains that in Ecuador people are allowed to leave and ask for help when faced with an imminent threat during lockdown. Ávila adds that the cultural norms that underpin a structure of violence also have an influence:

Se promueve una posición pasiva de la mujer. Esto nos lleva a aguantar y pensar que, con paciencia, vamos a lograr que nos traten bien. Muchas veces no notamos estas ideas porque están muy arraigadas en la sociedad.

Women are encouraged to be passive. This leads us to endure certain situations and believe that, if we’re patient, eventually they'll treat us well. A lot of the time we don’t notice these ideas because they’re so entrenched in society.

These cultural norms are intertwined with economic and structural factors. For example, existing inequalities place women in a disadvantaged position of financial dependency. This often means that they cannot leave the relationship if they do not have enough money for themselves and their children, given that responsibility for childcare usually falls on women. Quarantine makes it increasingly difficult for them to generate this necessary income. What’s more, despite Ecuador’s existing rules and protocols of care for victims of violence, Ávila identifies a lack of awareness by professionals in healthcare and the judiciary about this issue. This was the case for Elisa, who told GV:

Aparentemente tienes apoyo legal, pero existen muchas trabas que te desaniman. Cuando mi pareja me pegó por primera vez, fui a denunciarlo, pero fue terrible. El abogado me dijo: “Si vas a poner la denuncia tienes que seguir hasta el final y no puedes volver con él”. Yo no estaba lista para eso. Lo que te deberían decir es: “Tu vida está en peligro. Vamos a poner la denuncia juntos y vas a tener un acompañamiento psicológico y legal para que tú culmines este proceso”, pero te asustan en vez de darte este soporte.

You seemingly have legal support, but there are a lot of obstacles that put you off. When my partner hit me for the first time, I went to report him, but it went terribly. The lawyer said to me: “If you are going to report the crime, then you need to see it through to the end and you can’t go back to him”. I wasn’t ready for that. What they should say to you is: “Your life is in danger. We’re going to report the crime together and you’re going to have psychological and legal support to help you through to the end of this process”, but they scare you instead of offering you this support.

Rodríguez concludes that overcoming these challenges requires a combination of efforts, which has been highlighted by the quarantine:

Es fundamental que las mujeres no se sientan solas en el confinamiento; que sepan que estamos unidas de diferentes maneras, y que esta unión nos fortalece. Así, seguimos tejiendo hilos de solidaridad que aumentan nuestra resistencia colectiva hoy y siempre.

It’s vital that women do not feel that they’re alone during lockdown; that they know that we’re united in many different ways, and that this union makes us stronger. We therefore continue weaving the threads of solidarity that increase our collective resistance for now and for the future.

If you are experiencing violence in Ecuador during quarantine, you can call the emergency services on ECU 911. Alternatively, you can find more information on this protocol, or by contacting CEPAM or the Casa de Refugio Matilde Foundation.

< p class='gv-rss-footer'>Written by Belen Febres Translated by Emma Dewick · · View original post [es] · comments (0) Donate · Share this: twitter facebook reddit

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puravidaeh · 7 years

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LOOKING FOR COSTA RICA WHITE WATER RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNTS? WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO DISCOUNTS FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING TOURS WHEN BOOKING THE DAY TOUR THROUGH PURA VIDA! EH? INCORPORATED. CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION AND/OR TO OBTAIN THE RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNT. CON MUCHO GUSTO (YOU’RE WELCOME) AND PURA VIDA! 🙂

Ricky; rafting the Sarapiqui River

WE HAVE RAFTED COSTA RICA’S RIVERS 2000+ TIMES. YES, YOU READ THAT RIGHT.

We are no strangers to the field of white water rafting in Costa Rica (especially white water rafting the Pacuare River, which, combined, we have done more than two thousand times). We know the rivers both personally (being avid rafters) and professionally (both working as a tour guide on the river and handling rafting tour reservations), so it is no surprise that so many travellers turn to us for help getting their Costa Rica rafting tour questions answered.

If you’re planning to go rafting in Costa Rica, you may be asking yourselves many of the same questions that other travellers wonder about, too. On the chance that you are, we have compiled the below list of the most popular Costa Rica rafting tour questions that we receive, including our answers to each. Need to know about the river’s rapids? A particular tour operator? Rafting seasons? What to bring rafting? If your child can participate? No problem! We’ve got you covered, and remember, if we haven’t yet answered your Costa Rica rafting tour question below, you can always leave your question as a comment for us below and we’ll add it (as well as our answer) to our list.

Note:

Some of the answers and tips provided below were pulled from our other rafting-related blog posts, The Best River For Rafting In Costa Rica, The Pacuare River Rafting Tour, White Water Rafting In Costa Rica: Go Big Or Go Home, and The Pacuare River Family. For all of the information we have to share about white water rafting in Costa Rica, we recommend reading each blog post linked to above in its entirety.

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky and Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; with Exploradores Outdoors’ Costa Rica tour transportation

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with members of our Pacuare River family

COSTA RICA RAFTING TOUR QUESTIONS

Is previous rafting experience required for participation in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

No. All Costa Rica rafting tours include a safety demonstration (and all necessary rafting equipment) regardless of a participant’s level of experience with the activity. While rafting experience is an asset, it is not required.

Do I need to be able to know how to swim in order to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

No. Being able to swim may help you feel more comfortable in and around water, and that level of comfort may heighten your overall rafting experience. But, all Costa Rica rafting tours include life jackets (among other safety equipment), so knowing how to swim is not required.

Do I need to be in good physical condition in order to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

Yes. You do not need to have completed an Ironman competition or run a marathon to do so, but you should be mobile (i.e., able to climb into and out of the raft without issue), have the ability to use your upper body and arms to paddle, have the ability to bend your knees to sit comfortably in the raft, and not have any preexisting medical conditions that could be worsened by adrenaline-inducing activities, sudden and jerky movements, and/or physical exercise.

How old do you have to be to participate in a Costa Rica rafting tour?

This depends entirely on the river you plan to raft, the rapid class of the river, and the tour operator running the tour. In addition, although every rafting tour outfitter has a minimum age requirement for participation in their rafting tour(s), the limit may be negotiable with the tour operator according to the time of year you plan to travel during (especially if you plan to be in Costa Rica during the dry/summer season), the height and weight of your child, and his or her level of rafting experience.

Costa Rica white water rafting tour minimum age limits by river, rapid class, and tour operator:

Pacuare River; class III/IV (Exploradores Outdoors): 12 years old Reventazon River; class II/III (Exploradores Outdoors): 6 years old Sarapiqui River; class III/IV (Desafio Adventure Company): 13 years old Sarapiqui River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Balsa River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Tenorio River; class III/IV (Desafio Adventure Company): 13 years old Tenorio River; class II/III (Desafio Adventure Company): 10 years old Naranjo River Chorro Section; class IV (H2O Rios Tropicales): 15 years old Naranjo River; class III/IV (H2O Rios Tropicales): 8 years old Savegre River; class II/III (H2O Rios Tropicales): 6 years old

What is the difference between a class II/III river in Costa Rica and a class III/IV river in Costa Rica? Should I choose a class II/III river or a class III/IV river?

River “classes” (sometimes referred to as “grades”) signify river difficulty. In general, class II signifies a novice class, class III signifies an intermediate class, and class IV signifies an advanced class. Classes are often grouped together (e.g., as class II/III or class III/IV) when the river includes a combination of easier and more difficult sections. In Costa Rica, most white water rafting tours are run on either class II/III or class III/IV rivers. In layman’s terms (at least in Costa Rica), class II/III rivers would be best chosen by timid rafters and/or rafters with children who may be too young to participate in class III/IV river rafting tours. In contrast, class III/IV rivers are the most common rafting tour option; they are available to all travellers above the minimum age limit for participation, they are ideal for both beginner and experienced rafters, and they provide the most thrilling rafting tour experience.

What colour/clarity is the river’s water?

Unfortunately this is impossible to predict, as the clarity (and colour) of a river is dependent on a number of factors (most notably, the degree of dirt/mud flowing into the river from its surrounding landscape/mountains upon recent rainfall) which changes from day to day. Throughout Costa Rica, we have rafted rivers nearly crystal clear, just as we have rafted rivers of what felt like flowing chocolate.

Will I see wildlife during my Costa Rica rafting tour?

Unfortunately this too is impossible to predict, as the act of wildlife-spotting can never be 100% guaranteed. This being said, while rafting, we typically spot a variety of birds and butterflies flying overhead, egrets and herons perched on the shorelines, and the occasional iguana sunbathing on a tree branch. From time to time, monkeys can be heard, as can the river’s natural soundtrack of bird calls, cicada buzzes, and roaring rapids. The trouble with trying to accomplish more in-depth wildlife-spotting during a fast-paced activity such as white water rafting, however, is that the nature of the flowing tour makes it impossible to stop along the way to study any fauna seen. As a result, to avoid disappointment, our best recommendation for all Costa Rica rafting tour participants is to recognized in advance that the activity is not a wildlife-focused tour (it is an adrenaline-inducing adventure tour), but that a variety of critters will likely be encountered along the way.

What happens if it rains the day of my Costa Rica rafting tour?

Given that Costa Rica is part rainforest, rain is inevitable, and for this reason, the majority of tours and activities run rain or shine. However, in the event of extreme weather, such as significant rainfall that could increase a river’s water to a dangerous level, the river rafting tour would be cancelled by the tour operator.

What happens if my Costa Rica rafting tour reservation is cancelled?

In the event of a rare river tour cancellation issued by a rafting tour operator, the tour operator will either offer a rafting tour experience on a alternative river (if available and safe) or make an attempt to reschedule the original river rafting tour experience for a different day/time (usually the next day). If/when neither of these solutions is possible, payment for the cancelled tour is not required; if no prepayment has been provided to the tour operator, then no payment upon tour cancellation would be due, and in the event that a prepayment has already been provided to the tour operator, a refund would be issued.

Are Costa Rica rafting tours ever cancelled for reasons other than high river levels?

Not usually. We cannot say “never”, because life is full of surprises and anything is possible. However, throughout our entire history rafting Costa Rica’s rivers and working with rafting outfitters, we can only remember a few times when rafting tours were cancelled due to non-water-level issues (the cancellations were due to obstacles blocking river access, such as fallen trees or mudslides). While cancellations that result from high river levels are rare, cancellations that result from other causes are even more infrequent.

What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour?

In short, wear comfortable clothing that you don’t mind being wet in. Most men wear bathing suit shorts with a t-shirt, and most women wear shorts and a t-shirt or tank top with a bathing suit underneath. Water shoes, running shoes, or strap-on sandals are a must as flip flops or the use of other unsecured footwear is not permitted. Hats are also not permitted, as a helmet must be worn during the tour (if you have long hair, consider leaving your hair down or tying it in a low ponytail/bun to prevent discomfort while wearing the helmet). Do not wear any valuable jewelry or accessories to avoid losing them in the river.

What do I bring for my Costa Rica rafting tour?

If you plan to use your Costa Rica rafting tour as a city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour (as described in our related blog post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations) bring all of your trip luggage with you to the Costa Rica rafting tour.

Separate from the rest of your luggage (if you plan to use the rafting tour as a city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour) and in addition to the clothes you plan to wear during the rafting tour (as described in our answer to the question “What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour” above), plan to bring a towel and a set of dry clothes (including a t-shirt or tank top, shorts or pants, undergarments, and footwear) to change into upon completion of the rafting tour. Although most tour operators provide tour participants with plastic bags for storing wet clothes in, it is not a bad idea to bring a plastic bag of your own, in case one is not provided. Bring a high SPF waterproof sunscreen for adequate sun protection while on the river, any medication you may need to take throughout the course of the day, and cash for purchasing rafting tour souvenirs (such as photo CDs and/or t-shirts) after the river trip.

What do I bring with me in the raft?

In addition to the clothes you plan to wear during the rafting tour (as described in our answer to the question “What do I wear for my Costa Rica rafting tour” above), the only other items you should plan to bring with you to the river (i.e., in the raft) are a high SPF waterproof sunscreen for adequate sun protection while on the river, and any medication you may need to take throughout the course of the day. Your tour guide will indicate where you should leave your other belongings (such as your towel and change of dry clothes/footwear) while you are on the river.

Is there an option to buy rafting photos or videos from the day as a tour souvenir?

In most cases, yes. Unless by fluke a photographer is not available the day of a particular tour, a “paparazzi” photographer will accompany the rafting tour group in order to capture photos and/or videos of the day’s events. Access to such photos and/or videos is typically available for purchase at the end of each rafting tour. Although the souvenir cost varies, it typically ranges in price from approximately $20.00-$40.00.

Is it possible to use the Costa Rica rafting tour as a means of transportation between cities?

Yes! As we describe in our related post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations, many Costa Rica rafting tours offer complimentary transportation between two separate Costa Rican cities. For a complete list of our recommended Costa Rica rafting tour options that include a pick-up in one city before the tour and a drop-off in another city after the tour, please visit our article linked to above.

I plan to use the rafting tour as a means of travelling between two destinations; what do I do with my luggage while I participate in the rafting tour?

Depending on the river you plan to visit and the tour operator running the rafting trip (as each outfitter has their own luggage storage plan), your luggage will be safely secured for you while you raft. In most cases, luggage is stored in lockers (large enough to contain multiple suitcases), however for more remote river trips, luggage may be stored in the tour operator’s tour transportation vehicle, which is locked and guarded by the tour operator’s driver.

What happens to my city-to-city transportation service if my Costa Rica rafting tour reservation is cancelled?

The transportation service is still provided. Since many travellers use city-to-city transportation-inclusive tours as a way of travelling between destinations, the transportation portion of the reservation is still provided regardless of whether the rafting portion of the day’s activities is cancelled. For example, if you plan to use a Pacuare River rafting tour as a mode of transportation between San Jose and La Fortuna but the river trip is cancelled the day of your tour, you will still receive transportation between San Jose and La Fortuna to help maintain your scheduled trip itinerary. In these cases, when a rafting tour is cancelled (and an alternative river is not able to be run in its place) but a city-to-city transportation service is still provided, the rafting tour is charged at a discounted rate; the entire reservation cost does not apply since no rafting tour was run, however partial payment is due to cover the cost of the transportation service provided between cities, as well as the cost of any meals or other services provided. The exact discount awarded depends on the river and the tour operator selected, as each tour operator’s cancellation policies vary from the next.

Are meals included with Costa Rica rafting tours?

In most cases, yes. The majority of Costa Rica rafting tours are 3/4-day or full-day excursions that include lunch (in some cases, breakfast and lunch). The few half-day rafting trips that exist in Costa Rica typically do not include a meal, but they usually include a snack (such as fresh fruit and/or cookies, as well as a beverage).

Do I tip (and how much do I tip) my Costa Rica rafting tour guide?

Although Costa Ricans tend not to tip, tipping is a common practice exercised by many foreign travellers who opt to visit Costa Rica, and as a result, it has come to be expected by tour guides who offer a valuable service worthy of appreciation. For tipping amount recommendations (assuming your rafting tour guide was friendly, knowledgeable, fair, safe, and contributed to your enjoyment of the Costa Rica rafting experience), aim for 10%-15%.

How long does it take to get to the river?

This answer depends entirely on which river you plan to raft and where you plan to depart from. Since river trips can depart from nearly every popular city in the country, the drive time could be anywhere from ten minutes to three hours long. If you have a specific Costa Rica rafting tour in mind, as well as a specific departure location, please post these details as a comment at the bottom of this page and we will respond with an approximate driving duration for the route.

Can I drive myself to and from the river?

In some cases yes, and in other cases no. For many Costa Rica rafting tours, the tour operator has a meeting spot, center, or clubhouse of sorts nearby the river. When this is present, travellers may drive themselves to and from the meeting spot if they would prefer to do so, as secure parking would be available onsite (the tour operator’s transportation vehicle would then be used to get from the meeting spot to the river put-in site, as well as from the river take-out site back to the meeting spot). In the event that a tour operator is not able to provide a meeting spot, center, or clubhouse of sorts, we strongly recommend that travellers do not try to drive themselves to and from the river. Not only will vehicle parking be unsecured at the river, but since the river take-out site would be different than the river put-in site, there would be no way to get back to the vehicle upon completion of the rafting tour.

Ricky; with representatives from Exploradores Outdoors

Nikki; with representatives from Desafio Adventure Company

Rick; with a representative from Rios Tropicales

COSTA RICA RAFTING TOUR TIPS AND IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

In addition to the questions posed and answered above, familiarize yourself with our helpful Costa Rica rafting tour tips, advisories, and other important things to know.

River levels are determined by the amount of rainfall that a river receives the day/night before (and early morning of) the rafting tour date.

Costa Rica’s rivers are typically higher during the rain/wet/green season (May-December) and lower during the summer/dry season (January-April). This being said, a significant amount of rain received overnight on any day of the year can increase the river’s water level and affect a rafting tour’s ability to run the following morning. For this reason, river levels and rapids are difficult to predict and cannot be guaranteed in advance. This means that unfortunately there is no surefire way to know whether a rafting tour will or will not run on a particular date, and similarly, there is no way to know whether the rapids will be awesome or average on the day you plan to raft.

When is the best time of year to go rafting in Costa Rica? If we considered (on average) all of Costa Rica’s class III/IV rivers for white water rafting and gave the water/rapid level a score between 1 and 10 (1 being the lowest level we have seen and 10 being the highest level we have seen), this is what to expect from month to month:

January: 5 February: 3 or 4 March: 2 or 3 April (first few weeks, depending on whether the rain/green season starts early or late): 1 April (the last week, depending on whether the rain/green season starts early or late): 5 May: 5 or 6 June: 5 July: 5 August: 5 September: 6 October: 7, 8, or 9 November: 8, 9, or 10 December (first few weeks, depending on whether the dry/summer season starts early or late): 8 December (last few weeks, depending on whether the dry/summer season starts early or late): 5

Rafters absolutely must wear secure shoes, a life jacket, and a helmet when participating in a Costa Rica rafting tour.

The use of a life jacket and a helmet during a Costa Rica rafting tour is nonnegotiable. So too is the requirement to use secured footwear; flip flops and other shoes that can slip off easily are not permitted. In fact, many tour operators will deny travellers participation in the tour or require them to purchase water shoes or strap-on sandals onsite when improper tour footwear is presented.

No rafting tour operator wants to see any harm done to any traveller (nor do they want to risk their company’s reputation), so if a river was ever unfit to run, the day’s rafting tour would be cancelled.

One of the most common questions we are asked about Costa Rica rafting tours is “is the river safe?”. The short answer is, “Yes,”, however we could also add, “…the rafting tour operator wouldn’t risk the lives of its tour participants and tour guides if it weren’t.” Safety measures (literally, river level measurements) are taken daily to ensure the river is not too high to run, so if the river trip on any given day is a go (provided the tour operator can be trusted), the river is safe to run. Although there are many Costa Rica rafting tour outfitters available to choose from, we recommend Exploradores Outdoors, Desafio Adventure Company, and H2O Rios Tropicales with the most confidence.

Some Costa Rica rafting tours are city-to-city transportation-inclusive tours (i.e., tours that allow you to get picked up at one destination before the rafting tour and get dropped off at a different destination after the rafting tour).

Costa Rica rafting tours lead the pack of possible city-to-city transportation-inclusive tour options (to learn more, don’t miss our related blog post Costa Rica Tour Transportation: How To Use Tours To Travel Between Destinations). This means that if you plan to travel between two of Costa Rica’s popular destinations (including San Jose, La Fortuna/Arenal, Monteverde, Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, Samara, Manuel Antonio, Tamarindo, Conchal, Flamingo, Coco, Hermosa, Papagayo, Liberia, and more), your chances of finding a rafting tour option that connects the two are good. As we outline in our related blog post Planning A Trip To Costa Rica? Read This First!, we recommend a bottom-up approach to trip planning, which encourages tour preferences to be decided on before other trip decisions are made (such as decisions regarding which destinations to visit, which hotels to stay at, and which transportation services to travel with), not the other way around. If you plan on going white water rafting while in Costa Rica, give your Costa Rica rafting tour choice preferential treatment; doing so can save you precious vacation time and travel funds in the end.

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have a Costa Rica rafting tour question that we haven’t yet answered above? Leave it for us below!

Pura vida!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a moment to view our gallery photos below from some of our Costa Rica rafting tour adventures.

#gallery-0-15 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 25%; } #gallery-0-15 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-15 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Ricky; rafting the Sarapiqui River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with representatives from Exploradores Outdoors

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with members of our Pacuare River family

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with Danny, Yonder, and Michael (members of our Pacuare River family)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky and Nikki; white water rafting the Pacuare River

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Ricky; with Lonis and Carlos (great tour guide friends)

Ricky; white water rafting Costa Rica (guiding a Pacuare River tour)

Cimarrones swallowing the raft whole

Ricky (aka. Ricky Bobby) – Guiding on Pacuare

Your Costa Rica Rafting Tour Questions Answered! LOOKING FOR COSTA RICA WHITE WATER RAFTING TOUR DISCOUNTS? WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO DISCOUNTS FOR WHITE WATER RAFTING TOURS…

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kickstarter-promotion · 7 years

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Another Amazing Kickstarter (Support LindaVista for Single Mother by Linda Vista Mexican Cuisine —Kickstarter) has been published on http://crowdmonsters.com/new-kickstarters/support-lindavista-for-single-mother-by-linda-vista-mexican-cuisine-kickstarter/

A NEW KICKSTARTER IS LAUNCHED:

Hi, I’m Erasmo Garibay and I’m the Founder of Linda Vista Mexican Cuisine for Single Mom, my first Tex-Mex restaurant in Arlington Texas.

Over the past months, Linda Vista Mexican Cuisine has had an overwhelming amount of support from families, friends and even customers.

It’s beyond what we expected. Sales have help fuel my dream of helping single mothers who make up 80% of our staff. I’m grateful for anyone who donated. Thank you a million!

Despite our best effort in the past few weeks, we still had not meet our deadlines to pay off $89,050 to the former owner of the business.

That’s where we need your help – by supporting or by just spreading the word in person or online – I would be grateful!

When I was little, my father in Mexico relentlessly attempted several times to open a restaurant. Each time, he will name it Linda Vista. After moving to US, I worked hard in the restaurant business for 30 years occupying several positions in the business from dishwasher to busboy to server to manager. But I always dreamed of owning my own restaurant chain. In my vision, the restaurant will not just be a regular restaurant, it will have to shape lives in the growth of the business. Thus, I started by helping single mothers in our community.

Opening Day and First staff of Single Mothers

Initially, I was blessed to meet with two associates who was inspired by my vision and experience in the business. We put our resources together and started to search for a location. We stumbled upon the owner of Los Jaliscienses who was willing to workout a deal with the current resource we initially have. We renovated the restaurant, changed the menu, created a stage where we are hosting Mariachi and more. The new venue is gaining momentum but it was not enough to meet our disbursement engagement pay off deadlines. So I expanded the partnership among which a single mother who’s been a server for 8 years in order to provide opportunity for her son, and parent she’s supporting. That’s one story among many of what this restaurant has done for single mother.

Since its opening October 2016, we’ve experienced steady growth, but that growth is not with its own difficulties: secured my own premises and finalizing the transition of ownership so we can continue to assist single mothers.

I realized to open a restaurant in the Metroplex is big undertaking. I’ve been lucky to find a great location and space on Pioneer Pkwy and Highway 360, but we’re going to need all the help we can get to make this actually work.

To continue setting up this Tex-Mex restaurant, we have to pay off the remaining balance owe to the former owner of the place. Also, there’s unending list of materials, topped by acquiring a liqueur license, building a bar and revitalizing the outside of the restaurant.

By supporting Linda Vista Mexican Cuisine, you will not only be helping to acquire the materials and secure its home, but you’ll be part of a passionate team of single mothers behind its existence.

I’ve tried to pack as much as I could to our rewards program. It include brunch at the restaurant, an introduction to tortilla workshop, and even long-term catering subscription.

For the mucho generous, I have a premium donations, called bronze, silver, gold and platinum Cocineros. You’ll receive an unlimited lunch specials practically delivered to you, with of course some extra treat to express our gratitude for your help.

All the financial contribution will be put toward finalizing the ownership, setting the restaurant and the equipment.

The more people get behind this the more our dream will become a reality, so please help spread the word by sharing on social media:

https://www.facebook.com/lindavistamexicancuisine

https://twitter.com/CuisineLinda

https://www.instagram.com/lindavistamexicancuisine/

https://www.yelp.com/biz/linda-vista-mexican-cuisine-arlington

https://www.lindavistamexicancuisine.com

Risks and challenges

Starting Over

As I saw my father start over reopening the restaurant in new location, I realized it was not easy. With strong support gathered around Linda Vista Mexican Cuisine for Single Mother, I strongly believe we can make it.

Getting Your Rewards

Some weeks we are sold out of some of our Lunch specials. Some weeks we may have a hard time scheduling private classes. If you have Silver, Gold, Bronze or Platinum Cocineros, and what you selected is not available, please let us know in advance.

Meeting our Deadlines

We have until february 22nd to meet our deadline. We need your support to spread the word around either from word to mouth or through our social media outlet. If you know anyone leaving in the Dallas Metroplex, who could help that will be a huge favor!

Learn about accountability on Kickstarter

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY Kickstarter.com and Kicktraq.com VISIT PAGE SOURCE

#Cuisine #Kickstarter #Linda #LindaVista #Mexican #mother #Single #Support #Vista

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puravidaeh · 7 years

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Looking for Arenal Observatory Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 20% DISCOUNT OFF THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE’S RATES when booking with the hotel directly using our “Pura Vida! eh? Exclusive Promotion” code. Click here for more information and/or to obtain the hotel promo code. Con mucho gusto (you’re welcome) and pura vida! 🙂

The below post is the second part of our two-part series about the Arenal Observatory Lodge. For the purpose of our series, the Arenal Observatory Lodge information has been divided into two sections:

#1. The hotel (i.e., who should stay at the hotel, who might prefer to stay elsewhere, the hotel’s property, hotel room accommodations, and dining at the Arenal Observatory Lodge) #2. Nature trails and things to do (i.e., observation deck lookouts, onsite museum, nature walks, challenging hikes, waterfall visits, and other things to do at the Arenal Observatory Lodge)

[CONTINUE READING BELOW FOR] COSTA RICA’S ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE SERIES – PART 2: NATURE TRAILS AND THINGS TO DO

[OR SKIP TO] COSTA RICA’S ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE SERIES – PART 1: THE HOTEL

Nikki; Arenal Observatory Lodge’s Danta Waterfall

THINGS TO DO AT THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE

If you have already read our related blog post Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge Series – Part 1: The Hotel, you may have already decided to spend a night (or more) at the Arenal Observatory Lodge. If so, you may be asking yourself what there is to do onsite, beyond staple activities (such as swimming or relaxing) that most hotels in the region offer. Fortunately, the lodge’s eight hundred and seventy acres of property offers plenty of things to do, including horseback riding, mountain biking, birdwatching, museum exploration, observation deck visits, and countless nature trails varying in walk/hike difficulty, distance, and duration.

Arenal Observatory Lodge maps

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE: OBSERVATORY DECKS

One of the first things we did upon arrival at the Arenal Observatory Lodge was check out the observatory decks. Although the Arenal Volcano (as well as Lake Arenal and neighbouring Cerro Chato) can be viewed from many places throughout the property (including many hotel rooms and balconies/terraces), we found the volcano view obtained from the main building’s third floor observatory deck to be the best; not only is the deck positioned directly in front of the Arenal Volcano, but the roofed/shaded room (comfortable to access on both rainy days and sunny days) provides wall-to-wall sliding windows for clear spotting and gentle air flow, chairs for relaxing in, and helpful guides to “birds around the decks” that illustrate bird species spotted from the lodge. Additional observatory decks exist in front of the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s onsite restaurant (this deck is uncovered), as well as in the tower that comprises the property’s onsite museum.

Arenal Observatory Lodge observatory desk

Nikki; enjoying the view of the Arenal Volcano from the observation point

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; viewing the Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato

View of the Arenal Volcano National Park

View of Lake Arenal

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE: HISTORY AND MUSEUM

Perhaps the most unique component of the Arenal Observatory Lodge is it’s history rooted in forest regrowth and volcanic research. Following the Arenal Volcano’s significant eruption in 1968, the Arenal Observatory Lodge was a pioneer in reestablishing the area’s surrounding forest by planting new trees and trying to preserve primary forest that survived the trauma. When the American Smithsonian Institute’s research took aim at the Arenal Volcano in the 1970’s, the lodge became both a resource and a haven for student scientists given its close yet safe proximity to the volcano. Fast-forward to today, and not only does the Arenal Observatory Lodge continue to cater to students, but it has developed into a La Fortuna hotel that offers a hospitality experience that is as rich in science and education as it is grounded in the Arenal region’s history. Fortunately, as we describe in our related blog post Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge Series – Part 1: The Hotel, despite the hotel’s strides toward tourism development, it remains a low-key and humble lodge that lets the breathtaking Arenal Volcano sell itself.

As a treat to guests of the Arenal Observatory Lodge, the hotel’s onsite museum features newspaper clippings of the Arenal Volcano’s past eruptions, samples of lava rocks, geographic maps, bird guides, wildlife guides, and an abundance of photography. Also on display is a live seismometer that tracks the volcano’s current activity. While visiting, don’t miss the small, third-floor observatory deck above the museum for an additional volcano-viewing opportunity.

Arenal Observatory Lodge volcanic monitoring

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; bird species seen at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; wildlife species spotted at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; lava rocks

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; map

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; volcano eruptions spotted from the Arenal Observatory Lodge

THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE: NATURE TRAILS

A visit to the Arenal Observatory Lodge simply would not be complete without a nature hike. With a network of over eleven kilometres of trails to choose from (the entirety of which may be hiked without a guide, if self-guided exploration would be preferred), it is often difficult for travellers to know which path to take. To summarize the most popular trail options to choose from, the following are the approximate hike durations of each, arranged in order from the least difficult hike to the most difficult hike:

The Saino Trail takes approximately 45 minutes to complete (round-trip)

The La Hormiga Trail takes approximately 20 minutes to complete (round-trip)

The (Danta) Waterfall Trail takes approximately 1 hour to complete (round-trip)

The Los Cangrejos Trail takes approximately 30 minutes to complete (round-trip)

The River Trail takes approximately 40 minutes to complete (round-trip)

Although we are familiar with each of the trail options available at the Arenal Observatory Lodge, our trail recommendation(s) depend on the type of hiking experience a traveller is looking to have. Beginner hikers and/or travellers in search of a basic nature walk on primarily flat land will be satisfied with either the Saino Trail, or a combination of the Saino Trail and the La Hormiga Trail. Hikers in search of a more challenging hike (comprised of some uphill/downhill sections) will prefer either the (Danta) Waterfall Trail and/or the Los Cangrejos Trail. As the property’s most challenging trail (with the exception of Cerro Chato), the River Trail offers the most rugged terrain, alongside significant inclines and declines. As a result, we recommend the River Trail only to experienced hikers interested in an “off the beaten path” trekking experience.

Note:

The La Hormiga Trail is an offshoot of the Saino Trail and cannot be accessed without first hiking at least a small portion of the Saino Trail.

Note:

The Los Cangrejos Trail begins approximately two kilometres from the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s main building, on the way to Cerro Chato. Although the Los Cangrejos Trail takes only thirty minutes to hike, this duration does not include the time needed to get to and from the hotel’s main building and the trail. Given the significant walk required to get to and from the trail, we typically only recommend that visitors opt to hike the Los Cangrejos Trail if they plan to hike Cerro Chato as well.

If your time at the Arenal Observatory Lodge is limited, at the very least, hike the Saino Trail and the (Danta) Waterfall Trail. Experiencing both is easy, as neither trail is overly far from the hotel’s lower building, and when combined, both trails can be hiked within a period of two hours. Alternatively, you may opt to participate in the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s complimentary onsite walking tour (called “the morning tour”) that departs from the hotel’s reception each morning at 8:30am sharp; the lodge’s free walking tour passes by the Saino Trail, heads to the Danta Waterfall, and typically completes the circuit by 11:00am.

Arenal Observatory Lodge guided tour (included with all hotel stays)

Saino Trail / La Hormiga Trail

As the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s easiest hike, the Saino Trail is ideal for all visitors, including senior travellers, young children, and mobility impaired visitors. It is also beautifully landscaped and well-manicured, which makes the the flower-filled route as easy on the eyes as its paved pathway is on the feet. From catepillars to coatis, and cicadas to curassows, we saw so much when we made the loop around the Saino Trail, including the La Hormiga Trail add-on too!

Tip:

Don’t miss the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s small frog pond at the northernmost spot where the Saino Trail and the La Hormiga Trail meet. Better yet, opt to visit the frog pond at night for a frog serenade!

Wildlife, birds, and insects that we spotted along the Saino Trail and La Hormiga Trail hike

Caterpillar

Coati

Insect

Crested Guam and Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan

Butterfly

Cicada shell

Coati

Great Curassow (male and female)

Flora that we spotted along the Saino Trail and La Hormiga Trail hike

Orchid

Beautiful flower

Fig fruit

Ricky; hiking the saino trail

Fern with thorns for protection

Queen of the night flower

Beautiful flora

Danta Waterfall Trail

As noted above, the (Danta) Waterfall Trail and the Los Cangrejos Trail are the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s intermediate hiking trails. Since we do not recommend hiking the Los Cangrejos Trail unless you also plan to hike Cerro Chato, our obvious favourite choice for a moderate hike is the hotel’s (Danta) Waterfal trail. Not only does the hike provide a nice mix of uphill, downhill, and flat sections, but travellers are spoiled with the site of a beautiful waterfall along the way. If you are a waterfall-lover (and if you have already checked out the many other waterfalls that call the La Fortuna region home, as described in our related blog post The La Fortuna Waterfall And Other Arenal Waterfalls Worth A Visit), the Danta Waterfall should not be missed.

Arenal Observatory Lodge’s Danta Waterfall

Arenal Observatory Lodge waterfall trail

Ricky; hiking the waterfall trail

River Trail

If you have hiked the Saino and La Hormiga Trails, as well as the (Danta) Waterfall Trail, you may be in search of an additional challenge. If so, try the River Trail accessed just below the hotel’s onsite restaurant and outdoor (uncovered) observatory deck. Unlike the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s other onsite trails, the River Trail is rugged, dense, and steep. Although there is not too much to see along the way that differs from the property’s other trails, the River Trail’s reward comes from accomplishing the brief, yet daunting, hike itself. Alternatively, for a full-day adventure and an extremely physical challenge, guests may opt to hike Cerro Chato. Although Cerro Chato is not owned by the Arenal Observatory Lodge, one of its two access points is located on the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s property. As a result, guests of the lodge (as well as day visitors) may choose to hike Cerro Chato to and from the hotel, if they dare. For more information about Cerro Chato, including why the dormant volcano holds such a dear place in our hearts, don’t miss our related blog post A Proposal To Remember: Costa Rica’s Cerro Chato Hike.

Hiking the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s river trail

Arenal Observatory Lodge river trail

QUESTION TO COMMENT ON: Have you been to the Arenal Observatory Lodge? What did you do while there?

Pura vida!

If you’re more of a visual learner, take a moment to view our gallery photos below from our most recent visit to the Arenal Observatory Lodge.

#gallery-0-42 { margin: auto; } #gallery-0-42 .gallery-item { float: left; margin-top: 10px; text-align: center; width: 20%; } #gallery-0-42 img { border: 2px solid #cfcfcf; } #gallery-0-42 .gallery-caption { margin-left: 0; } /* see gallery_shortcode() in wp-includes/media.php */

Beautiful flower

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; wildlife species spotted at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Great Curassow (male and female)

Queen of the night flower

Coati

Ricky; hiking the waterfall trail

Cicada shell

Arenal Observatory Lodge observatory deck and museum

Nikki; enjoying the view of the Arenal Volcano from the observation point

Orchid

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; lava rocks

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum

Ricky; hiking the saino trail

Fern with thorns for protection

Arenal Observatory Lodge observatory deck and museum

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; bird species seen at the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Arenal Observatory Lodge waterfall trail

Arenal Observatory Lodge river trail

Insect

Coati

Nikki; Arenal Observatory Lodge’s Danta Waterfall

Hiking the Arenal Observatory Lodge’s river trail

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; volcano eruptions spotted from the Arenal Observatory Lodge

Butterfly

Arenal Observatory Lodge saino trail

Beautiful flora

Arenal Observatory Lodge waterfall trail

Arenal Observatory Lodge observatory desk

Arenal Observatory Lodge’s Danta Waterfall

Arenal Observatory Lodge river trail

Arenal Observatory Lodge volcanic monitoring

Fig fruit

Arenal Observatory Lodge guided tour (included with all hotel stays)

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; map

Caterpillar

Crested Guam and Chestnut-Mandibled Toucan

Arenal Observatory Lodge museum; viewing the Arenal Volcano and Cerro Chato

Costa Rica’s Arenal Observatory Lodge Series – Part 2: Nature Trails And Things To Do Looking for Arenal Observatory Lodge discounts? As a thank you for visiting us, WE OFFER TRAVELLERS FREE ACCESS TO A 20% DISCOUNT OFF THE ARENAL OBSERVATORY LODGE'S RATES…

#arenal #arenal hotel #arenal hotels #arenal observatory lodge #arenal volcano #birdwatching #hiking #hotel #hotels #la fortuna #la fortuna hotel #la fortuna hotels #nature #volcano #waterfall #waterfalls

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