Life is Good in Costa Rica

It’s somewhat sad to say, but I’m officially back at home and back to the grind again after an awesome three weeks in Costa Rica. But as with all trips, there are always lessons learned while traveling that can be remembered after returning to normal life at home.

One of the best things about traveling, aside from the obvious excitement of experiencing new places and cultures, is the simple act of taking a breather from life. It’s always eye opening to be able to simply walk away from the chaos and the routine of life at home, and to get back to simply living, if only even for a few days. To be able to wake up and have nothing more to do for the day than to relax, to eat good food, to enjoy good company, and to wander around without an agenda. Even though it is impractical for most people to try to live this way after returning home, for me it’s always a good reminder about how so few of the stresses of life at home are really important, and how much we get wrapped up with being busy with mostly trivial activities.

Every time I arrive home, I try to hold onto those realizations, and when I start getting stressed out with work or bills or finances I remind myself that none of those things are truly important. My focus after this trip in particular is to work on that one simple thing, to try to simplify more and more, to be able to get my home life to contain only those truly important things that really matter at the end of the day. And in particular, to tackle distractions as they arise so they don’t continue to weigh in my mind.

One of the first places we stayed at during our trip was in Puerto Viejo and was run by a lovely French Canadian couple, Pierre and Marice. We enjoyed our stay with them so much that two weeks later, after having dropped friends at the airport in San Jose and with another five days to left of our own trip, we decided to return back to Puerto Viejo and stay at the same hotel again with them. When the time came again for us to part ways, Pierre said something to us that was so simple, but something worth remembering always. In his french accent he looked us in the eyes and and with the utmost sincerity said

Enjoy the rest of your time here, enjoy the rest of your trip, but most importantly, enjoy life. That is the most important.

With those words sinking into my head, we took our leave, and we certainly did enjoy the rest of our trip. And I plan to continue enjoying the trip — the trip of life, and I challenge you to do the same.

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And when did it get to be mid December, with less than two weeks to go until Christmas?

I posted my last “update post” in mid September after having a whirlwind end to the summer, and since then I can’t even remember where the time has gone. I’m pretty sure the unaccounted for time can be attributed to being passed either at work, my consulting gig, getting projects done left and right around the house, or to my half marathon training!

It’s a good thing that I don’t go big doing presents and shopping, I don’t think I could handle the holidays if I had to spend them driving around and fighting for parking at the mall.

One new thing of note is that I’ve negotiated some working from home privileges which really works out nicely. Typically I’m home 2-3 days a week, which really adds some flexibility to my schedule.

For the most part since summer has wound down I’ve been sticking close to home, but that is about to change. We leave for Costa Rica in a couple weeks, and we’ll be there for close to 3 weeks. Then the week after returning home is my half marathon. And the following month we’ll be heading to Florida for a wedding, which we’ll turn into a bit of a vacation. For as long as I can remember I’ve wanted to drive from Miami to Key West, through the Keys and over all those bridges, so that’s what we’ll do! Arrive in Miami then driving to Key West for three days, then another three days in Fort Lauderdale for the wedding!

And the half marathon I mentioned should be fun. I’m still running only in my Vibram FiveFingers, and I’ve been able to add some distance which feels nice. I’ve found a nice, easy training rhythm which doesn’t consume me or cause burnout, consisting of one short-ish run during the week of 3-5 miles, then a long one on Sunday, increasing distance every other weekend or so. Doing this I’ve been able to work up to 10 miles, so I suppose it’s working. And the good news is the 1/2 marathon is still over a month away, so I should be ready to go when hte time comes.

I apologize that I’ve been pretty scarce here, and will probably continue to be so until after returning from Costa Rica, at which point I should have some fun updates, so stick around!

How about you? How is your holiday season going? What fun things are you doing?

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Krabi Town Night Market

JANUARY – From the Haad Tian resort on the island of Koh Phangan it’s just a 15 or 20 minute drive along the southwest coast to get to the Thongsala pier. After a great five nights on Koh Phangan, we had an early wake up so we could catch our ride down to the pier. Our goal was to head across the mainland to Krabi on the west side of Thailand, from where we would then hopefully travel on to Koh Phi Phi and perhaps Railey, depending how our time in Krabi and Phi Phi went. Knowing that after New Year’s there would probably be a mass exodus off the island, we decided to go ahead and buy our boat/bus tickets all the way through to Krabi from our hotel the night prior. I don’t recall the cost, but I remember figuring it after the fact, and we only paid a small surcharge to get them from the hotel as opposed to having to wait at the ticket counters, so definately worth it.

The boat ride back to Surat Thani seemed to go much quicker than on the way out to the island five days prior, and before we knew it we were back at the terminal where we quickly boarded a bus en route to Krabi. I still never really figured out how their bus system worked, it seemed every bus trip we took had an unplanned stop halfway through where everyone would deboard and then wait indefinately for another bus to finish the journey. Also, during the stops there were people trying to book you into hotels at your destiation, so I suspect it’s some tourist rip off thing. On the other hand though, it is helpful if you’re travelling during high season since you can secure your hotel without having to stress upon arrival. If you already have a hotel booked, it also seemed that once you arrive in the destination city’s bus terminal that you then get some sort of transport into town as well at no extra charge. From what I could gather, when booking hotels this way the prices seemed to still be on par with the ones presented at the destinations, so I guess it just depends on your style.

This trip was no different in this regard, so from Surat Thani the bus took us part of the way and then stopped. Even though I do admit it seemed like a fair enough process, personally I didn’t feel comfortable booking this way. I’d rather be able to choose a place on sight upon arrival, or research the destination and secure ahead of time. So knowing it was still peak travel time a couple days after New Years, we booked a night in Krabi while we were still in Koh Phangan. And it seems that once you tell the hotel hawkers that you have a reservation, they leave you alone. The other way to do it is to not book anything, and then just lie. You can be sure they’ll ask you at some point, so just tell them you’ve got arrangements and be firm if you don’t want to deal with them. Though having a hotel name for backup will make it easier when you get into town, as you can probably grab a free ride from the bus terminal into town that way.

So as expected upon arrival in Krabi Town, they shuttled us straight over to the Baan Andamaan Hotel, where we were happy to chcek in and have some down time for the rest of the day. Even though most people know Krabi as simply a stopping point on the way to Railey or Koh Phi Phi, we had decided that a night spent in town would break up the travel, and give us time to explore Krabi Town itself, while still catching a good sleep to be ready for the early ferry to Koh Phi Phi in the morning.

Fried bugs and crickets at Krabi night market

Though Krabi Town itself small, there was a great night market right on the main street where we stayed which is definitely worth checking out. It seemed to be a locals market, and there were few other Westerners there. We spent the evening at the market walking around, trying the local treats, and even trying some fried crickets. If you’ve got the time, I think Krabi Town is definitely worthwhile for at least an overnight. Even if you don’t find it very stimulating, it at least gives you a break from the tourist hordes you’ll likely encounter when you travel on.

Getting around in Krabi Town, to and from the stations and such, seemed pretty easy. Much of what you need is walking distance, but it also seemed as though there was always a shuttle roaming around town, and a simple request at any hotel can get you set up if you don’t see one. For local transport in the main area, there are songthaews that drive up and down the street and will pick up up or drop you off where ever you need to go. The next morning was no exception; we got up, had our complimentary breakfast, then grabbed the shuttle to the boat terminal where we purchased our tickets to Koh Phi Phi and just barely made it onto the boat before it left.

Koh Phi Phi was definitely a place we were looking forward to going to, and since it the guidebook gave the impression of plenty of places to stay, we didn’t make any reservations since we knew everything was walking disatance from the pier. The boat ride out from Krabi offers scenery that I’d have to say is pretty much unmatched anywhere, and arriving in Phi Phi was equally stunning. With sweeping cliffs rising up on each side of the island, the pier is located right in the center, at essentially the only flat part of the island. The island is well known as one of the islands that suffered the brunt of the 2004 tsunami, but the development at the pier didn’t give any indication as such.

Even though hotels are plentiful, we actually did have a bit of a tough time finding a room, especially with the horde of people who arrived on the same boat with us quickly filling the town. Evntually we found a cheap place located rightin the center of town, but behind a nightclub. We were apprehensive, but with the lack of rooms and the town filling up, we went with it. It turned out to be fine, truly not a very nice room, but not too noisy, which was our biggest concern.

After checking in, we had the rest of the day free, so we decided to hit the beach. The main beach is located directly across the island from the pier on the other side of the thin strip of land that makes up most of the town, probably just a 10 or 15 minute walk, and only 5 from our hotel. Though way overcrowded, the beach is stunning. It sweeps out to each side for maybe a quarter mile or so, and then rises up and extends out into the Andamaan Sea, creating a nearly fully protected beach and lagoon.

Between our initial walk around looking for a room, and our jaunt over to the beach, we quickly learned that although extremely beautiful, Phi Phi is definitely a tourist trap. Even sitting under an umbrella on the beach cost us. But it turned out that it was a worth the few baht, since without an umbrella the midday sun would have promtly knocked me out.

After a day of destressing at the beach, it was back to the room to clean up, and then time to head out to find dinner. Next up, our second day in Phi Phi, and then heading back to Krabi Town for an attempt at visiting Railey.

>> See all photos from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi <<

>> See all photos from Krabi and Koh Phi Phi <<

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Now that I have that off my chest, I need your help. All this Occupy Wall Street stuff has really got me thinking. I’ve been hearing quite a bit of criticism of the Occupiers, and aside from the ridiculous, trivial accusations which usually seem to assume that all of the protesters are homeless, jobless losers, there are some aspects that warrant real consideration.

I’ve been hearing accusations that all those who agree with the Occupy movement are basically contradicting all that they are protesting with with their actions. Meaning: The Occupiers rail against Corporate America, demonizing all that it stands for, but then turn around and support Corporate America with their actions and their dollars by using Facebook, owning cell phones, drinking Starbucks, on and on.

Now, I didn’t say this is an accurate accusation, I said it warrants some real consideration. But here’s the catch: just because you disagree with how Corporate America conducts its’ business, question its’ ethics, and are against corporate greed does not mean that you can’t be a supporter of any big business. While I may not agree with how corporate America works, that doesn’t mean I have to live as a caveman, nor does it mean that I can’t patronize a large business that exists in Corporate America (which is pretty much all of them).

I’m sure there are plenty of those who support the protests who are diligent about where they spend their money, who really take great pains to ensure that they only support moral and ethical companies. Much respect to them. There are also plenty who (perhaps unintentionally, unknowingly, or ignorantly) support the very same corporations whose ethics they disagree with. So clearly, there is a contradiction, but I have to say, it’s not an easy thing to avoid and is likely not practical for the average Joe. But the point here is:

Being a part of modern the world, using modern conveniences, and having your dollars support big business doesn’t mean you explicitly agree with how they conduct their business. The good news is that even if you are part of the system you can still take active steps to try to fix it. There’s no rule anywhere that says otherwise.

The point is that for all of us who are not perfect, we’re not doomed to sit around and accept the world that these companies are creating. Simply speaking out, supporting the Occupy movement, or even changing some of your every day actions and behaviors is doing something, and that is what all those who criticize OWS don’t seem to realize.

I, as one person trying my best, do what I can to vote with my money and support what I believe is right. I shop for most of my food at Farmers’ Markets and the local food coop. I try to buy clothes that are second hand or made of organic materials. I drink fair trade, organic coffee. I try to shop at local businesses and restaurants more often than not. I have a bamboo cutting board and use almost exclusively environmentally friendly cleaning products and soaps, and I even stopped using shampoo. I use organic cotton bed sheets and am in the process of shopping for a natural rubber, organic mattress.

But of course, the good news must come to an end, so I’m sorry to say that I do have a cell phone with Verizon (which is one of the companies which paid no taxes from the years 2008-2010). I have my money in Chase and Capital One banks. I have a retirement account (with socially responsible investments) held with Vanguard. I drive a foreign car that likely burns foreign oil. And I love to travel. Tsk tsk.

So yea, I’m not perfect. But that doesn’t mean I don’t care.

So now we’re to the point where I need you help: Assuming you, like me, want a better world for all of us, but also want to make sure to lay the proper foundation for your older years, where do you invest your money? With Wall Street being at the center of so much negativity, I truly do feel like a hypocrite knowing that I may be contradicting my values with my investments, however insignificant or trivial they may be.

I’ve already put my IRA investments into socially responsible investments. But what about my 401K? None of the options I have available meet my “social” criteria, do I forgo the 401K and just put my money into socially responsible investments through my IRA? Or is there an option totally outside of the scope I have thought of?

What about for banking? I’ve looked into the local credit union, but I do have a savings that I’d like to at least get a small amount of interest on, and my Capital One savings offers interest rates that the credit unions can’t match.

Am I missing the point? Am I being greedy? I want your feedback. How do I make sure to support my beliefs while taking care of my future?

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Right off, I will say that I agree with the general concept behind the protests, and certainly feel that the level of economic inequality and corporate greed in the world is reaching a point that does not bode well for the future of the economy, the United States, or any other country for that matter. Now, I’m not advocating for Socialism or Communism any other extreme system that right wing crazies like to assume all liberals want. I am not naive to the free market and how it works, and I don’t think more government is the answer. In a free market there is nothing wrong with making money, but what about those hard workers with strong work ethics who were fed a bullshit vision of the American Dream and are now paying the price? Greed is a nasty thing, and when the middle class keeps shrinking and the space between the haves and the have nots grows like it is, it’s not a good thing. Not for anyone.

Truth be told, I am happy to see protesting of any sort. It’s about time that my generation of political lazy asses has found something worth speaking up for. And so I support that. We live in a country where we have a right to speak freely when we don’t agree with things, and we should not be prosecuted for doing so regardless of the side of the fence on which we sit. There are too many people who accept blindly without thinking or making real decisions about what they think is best for themselves, so anything that provokes a little thought and discussion is a good thing. And back to the point, I think it’s high time people start questioning the direction that our consumer culture is taking us, as well as the the widespread implications of our excessive addiction to spending money we don’t have.

That all said, I understand people’s frustration with the protests, and I can see why people are sick of hearing about it. I understand the criticisms about lack of focus. And I agree that it doesn’t make sense to be out protesting and ranting about an unfair system if you’re jobless and living in your parent’s basement by choice. Laziness, irresponsibility and bad work ethic are not reasons to blame big corporations or our government, no matter how much they are in bed with each other.

I was lucky to be given an education and I was instilled with a solid work ethic. When I graduated college I moved across the country and found a job within a month of arriving. I’ve worked hard since then and have made a good life for myself. My money is managed responsibly, payments are always made on time, and I have a savings account to back me up if the economy decides to dump on me. My point is telling you this is that even in a bad economy and job market, I have managed to take care of myself.

However, there are definitely those who are have worked equally hard, and for reasons out of their control have been shit on. And in many cases, those reasons are unethical or immoral reasons at that. There are plenty of people out there who probably work much harder than me but haven’t managed to be as fortunate, who get up every morning and come home every night, upholding their end of the deal, and still continue to struggle. And so I stand with them, and we are the 99%.

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Photo credit: mpieracci

I step in the door, see 3 people sitting around a tea kettle.

“Hi, how are you? I bought some of your tea at the market the other night, so I figured I’d stop by and check your shop out.”

“Would you like to sit down for some tea?”

Of course I would. It seems very inviting, and though the shop is extremely small, it’s comfortable. In walks another guy who is apparently a friend of those already sitting.

“Sure…” I say, “Do you work here?”

“No, I just pour tea.”

“This place sure is cozy, huh?”

“Yea, it is.”

“I like it in here, it’s quiet and nice.”

“It is, isn’t it? It has a really good vibe doesn’t it?”

This scene is not one from a remote Himalayan or Indian village filled with vagabonding Americans. It is one that took place five blocks away from my old apartment in Ocean Beach, San Diego.

After the initial chit chat, more random conversation ensues, and probably half an hour passes. The energy in this tiny, hidden tea shop is extremely positive, like one would rarely find in a traditional coffee shop or bar. Four people sitting around drinking tea at four in the afternoon. Just sitting, relaxing, and being, and I was not once made to feel like I shouldn’t have wandered in.

“Do many people stop in here?” I ask.

“Some, a lot of people come to the window and look in then walk away. Some come in, they either sit for tea then get up right away to leave, or offer us money. We tell them, no, it’s free. But some come in and stay … like you … I think people who are supposed to find this place find it.”

An hour goes by. Another guy who actually does work there enters. He sits. Talks about a vision he had of speaking with a cockroach. I think to myself that perhaps he has been taking more than tea. After about 40 minutes he finally realizes that he doesn’t know me. We exchange introductions. Another 15 minutes later they begin an impromptu music jam session, using a long tubular instrument and bongo drum.

Two hours later, I leave. What an interesting experience.

Regretfully this happened five years ago and I never found my way back. Perhaps it’s time for another visit next time I head own that way.

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And while I think it’s great for people to be learning what is in their food and learning about carbs, proteins, vitamins, and super foods, I still can’t help but feeling like people approach eating and being healthy a little bit too scientifically. Certainly it’s great to know how much Vitamin C is in an orange, that tomatoes are high in lycopene, and the benefits associated with eating garlic, ginger, or turmeric. But none of these things on their own will solve your health problems.

I often see people who don’t regularly eat well go browsing the supplement section at the health food store looking for something to help fix what ails them. And it seems that not a day goes without a news report claiming to have found supposed benefits in foods previously not thought to be so healthy.

Wait, so chocolate can be beneficial? Drinking coffee can offer some benefit?

It is always great to hear news like this, but I feel like people take this knowledge piecemeal and don’t see the big picture. The truth is that none of these things alone are magic pills. All the oranges in the world won’t keep you healthy if you’re drinking soda every day and eating microwave meals every night. Taking turmeric supplements won’t fix your aching joints or cure your IBS if you’re still eating McDonald’s.

Of course consuming these things that offer some possible health benefit certainly won’t harm you, but I do feel that all these facts about food sometimes have the adverse affect by giving people a false sense of security, and steering them away from what is in my opinion is a much simpler solution.

And that solution is: eat a balanced and healthy diet, lots of fruits and vegetables, and free of processed food and artificial junk. Period. The end.

Now I am no expert on this subject, but I can tell you that over the past 5+ years since I have change my diet I am considerably more healthy. I used to get sick like clockwork a few times a year, now I probably haven’t been sick in several years. While people around me get sick over and over, I don’t ever get more than a sore throat for a few hours. And I’m fine again the next day. I used to have sporadic cystic acne flare ups, but that is pretty much a thing of the past. And I pretty much always feel good, and if I don’t, there is a darn good reason why, and I can trace it back to my diet, usually too much gluttonous food or a few too many beers and not enough sleep.

I eat mostly organic food, I’ve eliminated most dairy from my diet, I eat meat occasionally instead of daily like I used to, and I eat a ton of fresh vegetables and fruit. I don’t worry whether each meal has enough protein or if I’m getting all my vitamins. My diet is incredibly diverse, and it just works. And because I do allow myself some splurges and cheats, there is nothing that I am absolutely restricted from, and there are no real nutritional gaps that make me feel that I am missing something.

The point here is that at least 75% of my diet is organic, natural, whole food, and is so extremely diverse that I don’t even need to pay attention to these scientific studies. I don’t need to worry about using ginger to settle my stomach, because I don’t eat things that cause me to have stomach problems. I don’t need to worry about taking a vitamin C supplement or drinking a glass of organic juice because I eat a variety of fresh fruits each day. And I don’t need to watch my sodium intake because the only salt in my food is the salt I put in it!

Eating is one of the most basic, simple things in life. People have been doing it for as long as we have been around, before agriculture, before animal husbandry, and we’re still here. Learn about foods, there is much to love when you understand what you are eating, but no need to turn it into a complex science.

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Well, (un)fortunately for me, the other day this information made it to my boss, but was delivered a bit differently than I would have liked. I don’t know how it came to be, but essentially he approached me saying he heard that I am not really happy at work, and that I may not be there much longer…

In an interesting twist of irony, that same day the owner of the company met with me (and the rest of the company) and gave us stock options. I am pretty sure that I also got the largest share of anyone. I don’t mention that to toot my own horn, it is a small company after all, but to be fair I do play a critical role and when it comes to be, my decision to leave would likely impact the company.

The following day I was asked to lunch with the owner. I only assumed he had caught wind of it all, and was going to see what was going on and pep talk me into feeling better about working there. I turned out to be mostly wrong. He just talked about business, how things were looking up, how it was a great opportunity for us all, etc etc. He didn’t once ask me about my intentions, my goals, or even a single thing about what I’m sure he had heard earlier. In fact the one time I chimed in to talk about something, he interrupted and gave his own answer, assuming he knew what I was going to say. I’m sure in his mind he was soothing me, and with the previous day’s “gift” of stock options, he probably left the conversation feeling better about things.

But for me, nothing has changed. I am working here still today, but my long term plans and goals have not wavered.

So let me tell you managers and business owners something:

Talk of future opportunity, possible long term financial gain, and office stability doesn’t do a thing to change the fact that most of your employees get up every morning and give you eight hours of their day, and it doesn’t change things when they return home each evening. Some may be lured by the long term financial gain, but for those who are “working to live” and not living to work, it doesn’t mean a thing.

And let me also say something that I’m sure most of my readers know, but most business owners don’t:

Money and paper promises can’t buy back yesterday. If you’re not doing something you’re happy doing, no amount of money can change that. Sometimes there are just realities that good intentions can’t fix.

But I digress. I tell you this all to get to my main point, which I think is a question that most business owners probably don’t think about, and if they did, I’m willing to bet probably don’t have an answer for.

How do you motivate an employee who’s not motivated by money?

Simple I say. Don’t offer them money…

Offer them life!

I imagine that a large majority of employee’s frustration with their work doesn’t stem from a dislike of their job, but rather frustration with the way in which they’re required to work. For example, I do software and internet development. I don’t necessarily mind the work, but the fact that all I need is a computer and an internet connection to do it, yet I am expected to put in 8 hours a day at an office just does not make sense. And on top of this there is office drama to deal with, which only adds more negative energy to the end of my day. These two simple facts make doing something that I don’t mind turn into a tedious daily problem for me.

Sure, there are some people who are not happy in their field. Nothing will change that. And I also know that there are some lower tier industries where the only option is hourly work, by the clock, while being watched. But for the purposes of this article I’m talking about professionals; people who have good, strong work ethics, but are just frustrated with lack of control over their lives and their work.

First and foremost, I should hope that any good manager or business owner knows that to get good work out of people you have to trust them. I think a lot of owners miss this simple fact. And second, most people don’t like chaos or lack of direction. Clearly define what you want and expect from people, and them let them loose.

But most importantly, hard working, intelligent people want to have a life in addition to a job, which means they want freedom.

Some things that represent freedom:

• Flexible working arrangements. There are many ways of doing this.
• Ability to work where you work best. For some this might be an office, for others it might be the coffee shop. Working with employees to evaluate the needs and requirements of their job, and letting them work how they want to accomplish them can go further than a trivial bonus.
• Ability to work when you work best. This might be early in the morning or it might be late at night. It also might mean 3 hours one day and 13 the next. Trust your employees. For many people the 9 to 5 model simply does not work.
• Having no one watching over you. Don’t check up on or watch over what people do. Being bugged daily is enough to drive anyone crazy. You don’t want your husband or wife doing it to you, so why would you do it to an employee?
• I noted above that money can’t buy back time. An offer of extra time off as compensation for hard work means a lot. Why not? People will work harder when there is light at the end of the tunnel. They will also have more focus knowing there is a tangible reward. Why work hard to get something done when you have to be in the office until 5 anway?

I think people who make earning money their main goal, especially traditional entrepreneurial types (NOT lifestyle entrepreneurs), have an incredibly difficult time wrapping their head around the fact that not everyone is willing to work more for more money. But it’s a simple thing to grasp, really it is.

So all you managers and business owners out there: learn to understand it, learn to embrace it, and learn about non-financial incentives that can motivate people, and you will be much more successful in your ventures.

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…Dharma Bums refusing to subscribe to the general demand that they consume production and therefore have to work for the privilege of consuming, all that crap they didn’t really want anyways such as refrigerators, TV Sets, cars, at least new fancy cars, certain hair oils and deodorants and general junk you finally always see a week later in the garbage anyway, all of them imprisoned in a system of work, produce, consume, work, produce, consume…

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Fluffy Cloud Blanket or Harsh Beauty?

I’ve been going through some old website archives recently, and have pulled a few things of interest out. This photo is one of them. Unfortunately it’s circa 2004 (give or take) and is a pretty crappy resolution. But I still love it.

I love the contrast between the fluffy, pink, soothing clouds and the harshness of the buildings and the utility lines. In case you’re wondering, I took this when I lived down in Pacific Beach ages ago. It was behind the Henry’s on Garnet looking west towards the beach.

What title would you give this photo?

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