Casa Dharma

28/11/2025

Trip to San Jose
We had to go to the Capital of Costa Rica, San Jose. We had never made this trip before. Some people encouraged us and others scared us.
We choose to not own a vehicle here so we rented. We drove to San Jose. The roads were fabulous - only a few potholes - better than our roads in Canada! We made it to the city easily, no issues. However, once we got close, 45km away, the traffic was insane!!! Bumper to bumper and crawling - a snail could go faster! A lot of chaos at the toll stations but, everyone makes it in and out somehow. Merging is a thing in a city this size so, if you don't know how to merge properly - learn!!! One car goes, then let someone in. If everyone just lets one car in, then traffic moves along. And make sure you say Gracias to the ones who let you in - give a wave! So, make sure you have lots of fuel in the vehicle and in you!
We had an amazing stay at a little gem of a place on top of a mountain - Posada el Quixote. The panoramic views of San Jose were incredible.
The air is different in San Jose - no humidity and cool. A change from the humidity and heat of Samara.
We did our business and stopped in Puntarenas on way home to see a friend's place. We ended up at the ferry terminal and decided to hop on for a ride across the bay! It was really nice to see the ocean there and the islands.
Paquero is where we landed and then we had to drive up the coast to Nicoya and then to Samara. The drive out of Paquero was really nice. Good roads!! Twisty, hilly, narrow in places but, good roads. Nice to see new places.
We drove in the dark from Nicoya to Samara - not preferred due to pedestrians/cyclists being difficult to see on road edge.
Costa Rica is not only biodiverse but, also geographically diverse! It was a really good adventure as we love exploring.
The best part of coming home in the dark was seeing everyone's Christmas lights!!! Most homes had a few lights up and a few had really amazing displays. Think Clarke W. Griswald - National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation!!!!
And yes, I just went to the store to get more lights!!! We love the lights!
Today starts Festival de Luces with the Christmas Parade tomorrow. The parade is loud!! Quite a few marching bands. These kids are amazing! We love to show our support to the community, the schools and most of all, the people.
We are all one.
Christmas is a time for family. Even if upu don't have any family, it is ok, someone here will 'adopt' you. We had the pleasure of standing with a great family last year for the parade. We did not know much Espanol and they did not know much Inglese but, we all made it fun and got to play and laugh together and everyone had a good time.
This is what it is all about here.
This is part of the Pura Vida spirit.
Get your lights up, turn them on and bring your best out to celebrate and support others!
Feliz Navidad
Pura Vida

17/11/2025

I did not write this but, it is too funny not to share.
My advice - be happy we get to live in such an amazing place. Embrace Pura Vida with your whole heart, not just something you say. Go to the beach, get some sunshine, play, put up Christmas lights, music and enjoy!

10 Funny (and Totally True) Reasons to Spend the Holidays in Costa Rica This Year
¡10 Razones Divertidas (y Totalmente Ciertas) para Pasar las Fiestas en Costa Rica Este Año!

1. Because “White Christmas” is Overrated
Who needs snow when you can have sand between your toes, a coconut in your hand, and the only thing “frozen” is your margarita?
1. Porque una “Navidad Blanca” está sobrevalorada
¿Quién necesita nieve cuando puedes tener arena entre los dedos de los pies, un coco en la mano y lo único “congelado” es tu margarita?

2. Santa Upgraded His Sleigh to a Surfboard
He ditched the reindeer for a longboard and now rides the waves at Playa Hermosa before delivering gifts.
2. Santa cambió su trineo por una tabla de surf
Dejó a los renos en el Polo Norte y ahora surfea en Playa Hermosa antes de repartir los regalos.

3. Your In-Laws Can’t Find You Here
They said, “We’ll stop by Christmas morning.” You said, “We’ll be in Costa Rica.” Problem solved.
3. Tus suegros no te pueden encontrar aquí
Ellos dijeron: “Pasamos por la mañana de Navidad.” Tú dijiste: “Estaremos en Costa Rica.” Fin del problema.

4. No More Ugly Sweaters
The only sweater you’ll see is a howler monkey’s fur coat.
4. No más suéteres feos
El único abrigo que verás es el pelaje de un mono aullador.

5. Feliz Navi-Dive!
Instead of stringing lights on a tree, go snorkeling with glowing fish. It’s like living inside a Christmas ornament.
5. ¡Feliz Navi-Buceo!
En vez de poner luces en un árbol, haz snorkel con peces brillantes. Es como vivir dentro de una bola navideña.

6. Christmas Dinner, Costa Rican Style
Fresh-caught fish, gallo pinto, and a cold Imperial beat dry turkey any day.
6. Cena navideña al estilo tico
Pescado fresco, gallo pinto y una Imperial bien fría superan al pavo seco de siempre.

7. You Can Actually Hear the Angels Sing
Or maybe that’s just the toucans and parrots. Either way, it’s heavenly.
7. De verdad escucharás a los ángeles cantar
O tal vez sean los tucanes y los loros. De cualquier manera, suena celestial.

8. Burn Off the Eggnog by Hiking a Volcano
Your “holiday workout” never looked so scenic.
8. Quema el rompope subiendo un volcán
Tu “rutina navideña” nunca tuvo vistas tan espectaculares.

9. Fireworks + Frogs = A New Year’s Symphony
Costa Ricans love fireworks. Add a chorus of frogs and you’ve got pura fiesta.
9. Fuegos artificiales + ranas = sinfonía de Año Nuevo
A los ticos les encantan los fuegos artificiales. Súmale el canto de las ranas y tendrás pura fiesta.

10. Pura Vida Doesn’t Need Gift Receipts
Here, joy isn’t bought — it’s lived.
10. La Pura Vida no necesita recibo de regalo
Aquí la felicidad no se compra, se vive.

12/11/2025

Cacao has always intrigued me. Yes, it is how we get chocolate but, it is also a tasty fruit. We split it open and take out the pods. Pop one in your mouth for a burst of flavour and then when you are left with just the inner part, give it a little crunch and you will have a very mellow chocolate flavour. Some eat the whole thing and some spit it out after that first 'crunch'. Sometimes it depends on the tenderness of the pod

Now, if you are like me, you may want to try making your own chocolate. Well, get ready, as the process is long!
Start by taking out the slippery pods but, before you enjoy the tasty slippery part, put them in a special container, usually lined with banana leaves where the pods will 'ferment' for 5 -7 days turning once each day. You may add a bit of yeast to assist the fermentation. This process helps the flavour to develop. After this, spread them out on a large flat tray and dry them. Sometimes this happens in the sun and can take 5+ days of stirring to turn them over. Sometimes they go in the oven on low heat for 12- 14 hours. And now you have dried cacao. Time to grind. Using a sturdy coffee grinder, grind the cacao seeds down into nibs. Or keep going and take it to powder. Nibs can be added to coffee or chewed. Powder can sweetened and added to ...anything.
Enjoy!
Pura Vida

12/11/2025

I do not know the author's name but, this is spot on.
Pura Vida!!!

10 Pura Vida Ways to Never Get Angry Again
Start the day slow — coffee first, worries later.
In Costa Rica, mornings begin with the aroma of fresh coffee and birdsong. Take those 15 minutes to sip, breathe, and let gratitude kick anger right out of bed.

Adopt the “It’s not my problem” mindset.
Tico wisdom says: “Tranquilo, mae.” Not every storm is yours to chase. Let people have their drama — you’ve got sunsets to watch.

Smile at everything — even the chaos.
Traffic jam? Smile. Late bus? Smile. Monkey steals your mango? Smile and take a photo. The moment you laugh at life’s nonsense, it loses its grip.

Remember: time isn’t running out.
In Pura Vida land, clocks are just decorations. You’ll get there when you get there. Anger fades fast when you stop racing imaginary deadlines.

Trade complaints for conversations.
Instead of venting, talk — about coffee, rainbows, or how the sloth outside your window is your new guru. Connection beats frustration every time.

Take nature breaks often.
Nothing dissolves irritation faster than the sound of waves or the rustle of palm leaves. Even a 10-minute walk can reset your soul.

Laugh at yourself first.
Spill your drink? Forget your keys? You’re building character — and a great story. Ticos love humor; learn to giggle your way through the day.

Practice selective hearing.
When someone tries to pull you into negativity, pretend you’re listening to a marimba band instead. Works every time.

Say “Pura Vida” — and mean it.
It’s not just a phrase; it’s a reset button. Whisper it when tension rises, and feel your shoulders drop instantly.

End each day with gratitude.
Thank the universe for the tiny miracles — a friendly wave, a perfect cup of coffee, a cool breeze at sunset. Gratitude and anger can’t share the same hammock.
Final Thought:
Live like the Ticos — easygoing, humble, and full of joy. Let go, laugh often, sip slowly, and remind yourself that life isn’t happening to you… it’s happening for you. Pura Vida, always.

11/11/2025

09/11/2025

We get asked all the time if Samara Beach is safe. We have always responded with an enthusiastic Yes!
However, with heavy hearts, we have to acknowledge that it is not always safe.
Rip tides are very real and they can occur even on our 'safe' beach here in Samara. It is IMPERATIVE that you understand, and respect, the ocean and her power!! Always observe from the beach - take a few minutes to watch the waves before you go running in. Understand the tide level - high tide is riskier. Low tide is safer but, can still have riptides occurring.
If you encounter a rip tide, try to ride it out, let it take you out, you can swim later. Just float, keep your head above water, conserve your energy. When you feel the 'pull' lessen a bit, try to swim to one side - laterally - to get out of it.
There are a lot of beaches without a lifeguard so, it is YOUR responsibility to be aware. And to acknowledge your own ability to swim, or not. Keep a watchful eye on your group and on others. No one can hear you from the beach over the roar of the waves! If you wave - most people will just wave back thinking you are ok. Set up an emergency signal before entering the water - no one will hear you yelling!!

To spot a riptide, look for a channel of churning or choppy water, a line of foam or debris moving away from the shore, and a darker or murkier area where waves are not breaking. Other signs include a noticeable break in the pattern of incoming waves, or a rippled surface surrounded by still water. Observing the beach from an elevated position can make it easier to identify these features.

09/11/2025

A little history lesson on Samara!
Samara's culture is vibrant! If you pay attention, especially in low season, you will see the true 'melting pot' nature of this amazing place. People live here, year round from many countries. They came for the beauty, the great food, the people, and stayed because it felt like a good place to call home. These people love and respect the land and the people and just want to live a peaceful life surrounded by nature. They also do their part to protect this amazing natural environment because that is just what good neighbours do. And now, these same people blend in. If you watch closely, you will see them - quietly coming into town for their needs, speaking Spanish, maybe joking a bit with staff in local businesses that they have come to know. You can still hear a little bit the accent of their homeland sometimes - German, Italian, Dutch, French, Canadian. High season brings economic health to the village but, also at a cost. The amount of garbage increases. The amount of traffic gets crazy here.Tourist pedestrians wander aimlessly all over the roads and it really does make a game of trying to get anywhere, even on a bicycle. And then, it is over for another season and life gets a little quieter again - and this, this is when you can feel it - the true pulse of what it means to live here. The rainy season can be intense with gloomy days, torrential rains for days, no electricity, no internet, no travel - even on foot sometimes. Just a hunkering down and biding time - this is where it really pays to like your 'quiet time'. You will get a LOT of it! This is a slow life. It is what we all crave so much and then when you get it, it can be a little more than you bargained for!! I am glad that i grew up in Northern Ontario, remote, no phone, no running water for years - always, always have a propane cookstove!!! And good books! Same here - one does need to be ok on one's own. To be ok with rain so loud that you cannot hear yourself think, or talk to someone sitting right next to you, or hear the TV if you have one. But one day, the sun peaks through and the smiles on the people are big and everyone comes out and spirits are lifted - even if only for a few hours!! It is beautiful! Everything - is just beautiful.

Sámara, located along the Pacific shoreline of the Nicoya Peninsula in Guanacaste, has a history and culture that blend Indigenous heritage, cowboy traditions, coastal seafaring life, and the modern Pura Vida spirit that draws visitors from around the world.

🌊 A Brief History

Before Spanish influence arrived in the 1500s, this area was home to Chorotega Indigenous groups who lived off fishing, farming, and coastal trade routes. The region’s gentle bay made it an ideal landing spot for travelers and merchants. Over the centuries that followed, small farming and cattle ranching communities formed inland, eventually connecting with the coastal area through trade and fishing activities.

It wasn’t until the 20th century that Sámara slowly transitioned from a quiet fishing and ranching village into a welcoming beach town. Early travelers fell in love with its wide crescent-shaped beach and the protective coral reef offshore, fueling gradual growth in tourism. The rise in paved road access in the 1970s and 80s expanded opportunities, bringing hotels, surf schools, and small businesses — many still family-owned.

🐴 Cowboys, Fishing & “Pura Vida”

Like much of Guanacaste, Sámara carries strong sabanero (cowboy) traditions. Horseback riding remains a cherished way of life, and you’ll still spot locals riding through town. The fishing culture also continues — early morning beach launches of traditional wooden boats remind everyone of the community’s roots.

Local culture here is all about simplicity, friendship, and celebrating nature. Days revolve around tides, sunsets, and fresh seafood. Life is relaxed enough that a short chat with a stranger easily turns into a new friendship.

🎭 Culture, Music & Community

Sámara mixes Tico culture with vibrant international influences. Over the years, expats — especially from Europe and North America — have added new flavors while respecting and embracing the traditions of local families who have lived here for generations.

You’ll feel this mix in:

Fiestas patronales celebrating local saints with music, dancing, and rodeos

Marimba rhythms and traditional Guanacaste songs alongside reggae and acoustic beach music

Art markets and eco-community initiatives centered on sustainability and conservation

The nearby town of El Torito, often considered Sámara’s cultural heart, is home to many Tico families who help maintain the region’s heritage and organize local celebrations.

🌴 Nature Shapes Identity

Playa Sámara’s protective reef creates calm waters ideal for swimmers and beginning surfers. The nearby palm-lined Playa Carrillo — often ranked among Costa Rica’s most beautiful — showcases untouched coastline free from major development.

The surrounding ecosystems influence the community’s values:

Sea turtles nest on area beaches

Howler monkeys and iguanas roam the treetops

Mangroves and coral reefs support rich biodiversity

This deep relationship with nature promotes eco-awareness and sustainability, a core part of the town’s identity.

🌞 Today’s Sámara Lifestyle

Sámara is known for its laid-back charm — a place where flip-flops count as formalwear and sunsets are a nightly event. It has just enough amenities — schools, restaurants, surf shops, and cafés — to be comfortable while still maintaining its small-town soul.

Locals love to say:

“In Sámara, life slows down just the right amount.”

It’s a multicultural community that welcomes newcomers but remains grounded in Guanacaste’s warm hospitality and traditions.