Villa Vanilla – Dreaming Reality

I fear my countenance now has changed,

the wear and tear of life has stained

my skin-

within

the cracks grow long,

what once so strong

now wounded, bleeding

as my soul pleading

begs for release from

time’s relentless march,

the Minutemen beat at the door,

I ask for just a moment more-

or two

with you.

Where were we when

began the end?

Why did we sneer

and jeer,

the thought that all might end

and no longer could pretend

still called this life so real..

I feel,

I feel…

abandoned.

Future is but a memory

and past has long forgotten me.

But this sweet moment

here and now

etched on creased

and weary brow

will for eternity be pressed

in memory’s book of

happiness.

CKP Copyright words and photos 2019

It’s sad to think it has been nearly four years now since we made the move back from Costa Rica. Since that time we have planned and been unable to revisit our second home on two separate occasions, both due to natural disasters.

In the past few days I have been going through photo files and reminiscing about our very special experiences there. I loved the photography opportunities almost as much as the people and all the unique places we were able to visit.

As I explore more files I will share more of our time there since many of my new friends here didn’t know me back in 2012 when I first began this blog as a way to share our lives in the beautiful country of Pura Vida!

Once upon a time in Costa Rica, we visited a spice farm named Villa Vanilla Spice Farm. As it happens, this tour was one of the first we took on our original journey to Costa Rica, long before we made the move. Once we lived there I had the opportunity to revisit the farm with my best friend when she came to visit us.

The farm grows orchids, which include the vanilla plant, which is actually an orchid. They also grow various bromiliads, cacao trees, carambola (star fruit), peppercorn plants and ceylon cinnamon trees. Ceylon Cinnamon is known as true cinnamon and is the variety you need for real cinnamon health benefits for blood pressure and blood sugar control. The best part of the tour is learning how the owners and workers grow, harvest and prepare these natural plants for consumption. Tasting was fun too. Near the end of the tour, there is a treehouse with a magnificent view where the tour ends with chocoalate and cinnamon specialty coffees, vanilla cookies and a very special mandarin lime cheesecake. Heaven!

Take a walk with me and I’ll share a few photos with you.

Sally and me

Brand new cacao blooms and pods

These are growing but not ready yet

When ready the cacao is yellow outside and has a pure white yummy flesh

Vanilla beans

There were so many gorgeous bromiliads

See the water collected on every petal?

And at the end, with the heat finally taking hold, we climb to the patio of the “treehouse” for a cool breeze, tasty treats and a breathtaking view. If you make it to the Manuel Antonio/Quepos area, this tour is one of the traditional ones but well worth the time and sweating.