Caribbean Costa Rica #7: Hiking around Bribri community

One day we hiked up the trail a ways, just to see what the walk would be like if you were to hike in or out of the village, which Greg does frequently.  It's about a 3 hour hike in from the end of the road at Bambu -- needless to say, most visitors choose to come by boat.

Oh, and did I mention it rains?  . . . and it is very muddy!  Also, the trail crosses several rivers.  But the scenery is simply breathtaking, well worth the slogging, slipping, and sliding.

Caribbean Costa Rica #6: more fun with the Bribri

As guests of the Bribri, we were treated to several special demonstrations.  Julio led us through the jungle on a medicinal plants tour; interestingly, while many of the wild plants are delicious herbs and spices (incredible fresh ginger root, for instance)  they don't use them in cooking (their meals are very bland).

Julio also treated us to a bow & arrow demonstration.  These were the traditional very large bows & arrows that have always been used for hunting & fishing (and perhaps defeating the Conquistadors!),  We all got to try our hand at nailing a banana pod: I was pathetic and opted for taking pictures; both Greg & Jamie managed to sink an arrow into the pod on almost every attempt.

We also got to participate in the making of chocolate!  This is quite the process: first the pods are picked from the cacao tree; then the seeds are fermented, then roasted; next they're crushed using the traditional stone-and-bowl method; next the chafe is separated out; finally the crushed seeds are put through a grinder and out comes chocolate! This is formed into balls; Greg purchased one for us to bring home & we grind a bit of it on top of our daily cappuccino -- what a treat!

Caribbean Costa Rica #5: around the Bribri community

These are some photos around the community:

the office Greg helped build

Me, feelin' Happy!

typical construction

bridge over stream

our cabin

Anna's Cocina

state-of-the-art Range!

whatever wood they use, it makes incredibly hot coals

Anna, hard at work

bridge over the river

school yard

Greg's cottage

Greg before cafe

Me, before cafe

our quarters -- note the rubber boots!

Caribbean Costa Rica #4: Visiting the Bribri Community of Yorkin

The main reason we decided to visit Caribbean Costa Rica this year is that my son, Greg Batchelder, is currently doing his doctoral research in Medical Anthropology with the indigenous Bribri who live on the Yorkin River in the mountainous jungle inland from the southern tip of the country.
You can learn about the culture as well as Greg's research at his blog: http://anthropology.ua.edu/blogs/gregbatchelder/

Visiting the Bribri was one of those incredible opportunities that we like to take advantage of.  It turned out to be the most favorite part of our holiday, an experience neither of us will soon forget.  I'm dividing this post into several narratives, with relevant pictures following each text section.

Getting from the coast to the community entails a 45-minute or longer taxi ride (preferred over standing on the local 'chicken' bus) and then another 45-60 minute up-river trip via dug-out canoe -- only recently propelled by motor.  The boats are to this day constructed from a single huge tree trunk, dug out with chainsaws. While fairly primitive, they're very stable and quite comfortable.  The rivers are challenging, often low water requires poling across sand bars, and high water can turn into treacherous rapids.  And of course, it's the rain forest so it's bound to rain while you're on the river!

As luck would happen, our trip up-river included a small, and embarrassing, mishap: the motor was torn from its mount while going through a shallow spot and actually fell in the river!  Our guides were able to drain the water, dry it out, and get the thing running and we continued on our way through the incredible scenery.

Boat motor running again & we're on our way!