As we left Heredia for Monteverde today, the journey transformed the Costa Rican experience I have known. So far, I have experienced the warm and sunny weather with the occasional threatening clouds. However, as our elevation increased, the temperature dropped, the fog became denser, and the scenery became increasingly jungly. The misty nature of the mountains seems to be a central part of our travel and stay in Monteverde, at least so far. As our bus driver, Don Jose, swiftly drove through the rural communities on the windy roads, I witnessed many new and perception-altering views. The mountains looked as if they had been catapulted up through the Earth erratically and extremely, producing the most gorgeous and breathtaking sights out the bus windows. Along the roads were many produce stands, seemingly family-owned and locally sourced. These small businesses struck me as resilient and independent, as there was not as large a community to interact with compared to Heredia or San Jose. On one occasion, I observed a young teenager running one of these stands alone, demonstrating the family’s reliance on their own members and smaller community.
Since our arrival to Costa Rica on Saturday, my perspective and understanding of the culture and people have evolved greatly. My initial experience was largely urban and populated, giving me the illusion that all the roads were bustling and activity was everywhere. As we traveled to more desolate parts of the country, I now see how the country is said to be so relaxed, especially without the sounds of motorcycles accelerating. Every moment in Costa Rica thus far has provided a prevalent sense of community. Ricardo Guindon, the son of a Quaker settler named Wilford Guindon, further reinforces this sense. Wilford immigrated from the southern United States to southern Costa Rica with his extended Quaker family in the 1950s. Their decision to settle in Monteverde was a group consensus that backtracked on the previously planned split of the Quaker family into two different parts of Costa Rica. Once Wilford and the Quakers settled together, it was abundantly clear that each member would play a role in the community’s success, adding to the Costa Rican and Monteverdian cultural understanding of success in communities. Finally, the Quakers’ decision to claim land, settle, and develop their local businesses had widespread effects on the economies of Monteverde and Costa Rica. The Quakers and other foreigners created the necessary infrastructure and agricultural services, essential for kickstarting local economies. With the Quakers focusing on cultivating land for their miscellaneous farms, Wilford introduced chainsaws into the country, improving efficiency and economic output, but inducing lasting externalities. Deforestation became a large problem for Costa Rica’s ecosystems, inspiring Wilford and Ricardo to actively advocate for biodiversity and encourage preserving Costa Rica’s unique environment. Therefore, the Quakers and other foreigners created the problem, solution, and motivation for the eco-friendly practices that are incentivized all around Costa Rica today.
