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costa rica
Spending a winter month in a warm-weather destination is a dream for many Canadians. But enjoying several weeks away from the frigid temperatures and feet of snow of the Great White North doesn't have to break the bank. These four Central American towns, loaded with natural beauty, culture, and budget-friendly places to call home, will encourage you to take a little more time off work this winter.
The winter blues sets in shortly after the cheer of the holidays has passed. But you can beat those feelings of hatred for shoveling snow, icy windshields and slippery roads by escaping to the exotic beaches of Central America.
The small country in Central America is known as the "happiest country on Earth" and it's no wonder why. It is not only beautiful but, it is easy to fall in love with its people too. A place that values sustainability, relishes in nature and has kind-hearted people is a place you just need to visit.
Meet Joanne Gerrard Young, holistic nutritionist, master raw food chef and well-being educator behind The Healing Cuisine, who happens to also be the Brady-Bündchen family and friends' private chef when they are in town (Joanne is based out of Costa Rica).
In this post-colonial era, we now look to the ancient wisdom cultures we once ignored, scorned and at worst, destroyed, for answers. The Western world is growing a seemingly unquenchable thirst for Buddhism and Yoga from the East and from the Americas, Shamanism and plant medicine.
As women, we're taught that the world is dangerous and we should have a man by our side to protect us. Obviously, there are places which are genuinely unsafe for both genders, but the majority of the world should not leave you cowering in fear just because you're female.
On a recent trip to Costa Rica, I witnessed a "revolution," though thankfully not the kind that culminates in a coup d'état. What I saw was the so-called "micro-mill revolution" -- a new way in which coffee is processed and sold, that could help transform the way specialty coffee is traded, to the betterment of all involved.
I have only been living here on the grounds of Hacienda del Sol in Costa Rica for a month and a half, but already the energy here has inspired many shifts within me. So, what have I figured out thus far?
