Chris and Julie just got married in Nosara, Costa Rica. It was a beautiful ceremony with some truly remarkable, fun and intellectually curious people. We surfed, made great meals, sought waterfalls, hiked with howler monkeys and tiger rat snakes, covered ourselves in mud, played tennis, made art. We made adventure with a collective spirit seeped in love and wonder. So thankful have such wonderful friends and to have gathered together to celebrate Chris and Julie.

Before heading to Costa Rica, I visited my parents in New York. On one cold day just after Christmas we all visited the Dia Beacon. We spent a particularly long time with Sol Lewitt’s drawings. I  had the good fortune of staying with Michael and Dar and seeing Taya again, who is a curious and beautiful young person. Kristina and I went shared drinks and good with David Dunbar on the roof of Eataly on the day before departure. It was an afternoon of effortless conversation, catching up on each other’s lives since TFE. David has been engaged recently with inquiry into Awe and how to best induce such a state in the classroom. When we got to the airport, the security check was none to pleased with a bag of powdery detergent Kristina was traveling with.

Alas, after our flight and delivered to our Bed and Breakfast called 15 Love.

After playing a little tennis we were soon on the beach and exploring the coastal town of Tamarindo.

15 Love is a small and lovely bed and breakfast that opened first as a tennis club and now offers 4 rooms. In such an intimate space, one quickly gets to know everyone. Kristina and I shared a tennis lesson with the tennis pro and owner, Oliver.

And then semi-disaster struck. Kristina’s surf board hit her in the nose under water. It warranted a stitch and induce some serious swelling and colorful eyes. As with pretty much everything, it could have been worse. Kristina took it remarkably well and we counted our lucky stars.

After a wonderful stay it was time to primp for the wedding and get going. Not before a man venture- the bachelor celebration in Rincon de la Viejo.

The dudes met at a German bakery called the Europa Cafe, not far from the Liberia airport. The women carried on down to Nosara. From Liberia, we drove into the hills to stay for the weekend at Hacienda Guachepelin.

With Paul at the front, Chris’ middle brother and resident of Costa for a few years now, we found our way to a nearby river. The river served as an endless playground and was incredibly refreshing.

We came back to transition into the evening festivities. Not before putting on some Megings and have Hammock Therapy.

The next day started at dawn. We drove out to local hot springs to have them to ourselves, in fact, before they actually were opened. After hours of relaxing in and at times, nearly passing out, we went back to our hacienda just in time for our complimentary breakfast. Multiple omelets later, we were ready for the next leg of the day- a 8 kilometer hike out to a resplendent waterfall. The hike itself was magnificent and was here that we saw monkeys fly in the canopy above as well as a 7 foot (?) Tiger Rat Snake glide effortless above our trail. The range and depth of conversation on this hike gave testimony to the curiosity of the  personalities whom Chris has surrounded himself. The hike was rounded off with a windy sunset game of ultimate frisbee.

Examples of how the rivers and the local ecosystems are playful, wonderful and potentially hazardous places to explore.

We drove down south along the coast and on bumpy roads to Nosara. I found Kristina and then carried on to a nearby beach to catch the last of the evening’s light.

The next day we availed ourselves of body boards and surf boards and took to the beach.

Mikey gave us a surf lesson while a few local dogs came by to find some lovin’.

Julien after a full day on the ocean, pausing to say, “Hondo.”

The following day Kristina got Watsu work done on her by Drew.

And another spectacular sunset followed by feasting at Paloma Azul.

Followed by a Chicha party at Casa Zink

A fun night with both sides of the family.

Some of the boys recovering the following day.

Another great meal. This time at Pura Villa. The center piece with wreath, machete and candles became our insignia. We extended the table with a surfboard. Never easy to accommodate over 20 people but these friends manage to make it look easy.

What is a wedding day without Dawn Patrol yoga/surf?

Caity J leading the bride and groom in a dance lesson before the ceremony. These photos are made by Julien.

Members of the band, CocoLocos also getting ready before the ceremony.

The bus that got us there.