S4C in Costa RicaS4C Costa Rica

E’ interessante vedere cos a può diventare una normal vacanza. Cosa può provocare. E’ quell che è success a Yelena Futeran (S4C NYC) e ad un gruppo di amici dopo un viaggio in Costa Rica. Meta esotica, calda, lussureggiante, conosciuta più per i luoghi comuni truistic che per l’umanità che la popola. Sono tornati ed hanno cominciato a create un gruppo S4C Costa Rica (Ozzie Hoppe vive lì gran part dell’anno) ed hanno addirittura avviato delle prime attività di S4C Next Generation Costa Rica. Cominciamo quindi con il racconto di Yelena su come è nata questa avventura e vedremo sia le loro prime foto che una serie di ritratti di Ozzie Hoppe (clicca qui). Ciascuno nascondo storie straordinarie che, poco alla volta, impareremo a conoscere. AA

(click to see the portraits gallery)

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My journey to Esterillos Oeste began last year and I immediatley fell in love with the village and the people.

I decided that this was an ideal place to run a division of S4C.   Since camera’s are such a huge luxury item in Esterillos, when  I  returned to US, S4C began a campaign  “Camera’s Wanted” and we asked for camera’s to be donated that would be given to children and used for our workshops.  On our last trip we left a Canon Rebel with a young man Patrocinio Gonzales, who loves traveling, photography and journalism, he will run a division of S4C Next Generation.

On my third trip, with the assistance of a great team, Rodney A. Ferrer,  Pat Chidester, David Maes, Carol Clayton, Lee Benson and Ozzie Hoppe, Melanie, plus all the kids,  we organized a Free Family Portrait Day.

(see the gallery)

A team of local photographers volunteered  their time and we just went door to door to each family.  We spent time with every family, taking their photos, listening to their stories or sharing food.  So our idea of just taking photos turned into something much deeper and fullfilling, two days of getting to know each and forming ever lasting friendships.  We were welcomed with open arms and we are so grateful to all the families in Esterillos Oestes to giving us this opportunity.

One of our team members during this project is a writer Carol Clayton who is a traveler,  spending a few month in Esterillos.  Here is her assestment of this beautiful special place on earth and I couldn’t agree more. – Yelena Futeran/S4C New York City

(see the gallery)

“Esterillos Oeste is a quaint, sleepy village on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica where there is a powerful energy and feeling of being at one with nature. Esterillos Oeste beach is varied and interesting. There are hills of lush emerald green jungle sweeping down to the beach and every day the rugged landscape changes as strong currents deposit well-worn driftwood along the wide dark sandy beach where you can walk for miles and see nothing other than stunningly beautiful nature.

However, the most amazing part of Esterillos Oeste is its people, known as Ticos. Many have very little by way of material possessions, some often living in abject poverty and yet they are extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming people. Despite setbacks such as often having no electricity or water, or in the rainy season having to cope with their homes being flooded with water and mud, they are nevertheless very happy and content as they know it is family that matters the most. Each Sunday is set aside for church and family life. Part of the culture of Costa Rica is the term ‘Pura Vida’ which translated literally means pure life, and the locals totally live their lives this way.

(see the gallery)

Unfortunately there are very few jobs. Most work is from fishing, housekeeping gardening and cooking. There are a few businesses such as the butcher’s shop, two small markets and several small sodas (local restaurants) one of which is owned and run by Margarita where she has offered great traditional food cooked over a wood burning stove for over 40 years.

Many of the Ticos speak reasonably good English but they also appreciate it if foreign visitors try to speak Spanish. Expats, mainly from America, Canada and England also live here and happily contribute to community events and help those in need whenever they can.

Children play in tidal pools and on the lava rocks, watched over by the magnificent bronze mermaid statute referred to locally as La Sirena. Esterillos Oeste has produced more than its fair share of teenage world class surfers as there is never a shortage of thunderous waves crashing down. It is an ideal place for long walks and horseback riding. Even the skies and clouds seem to take on a color and intensity all of their own, often with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

(see the gallery)

The pace here is relaxed as people appreciate the breath-taking natural beauty and wildlife surrounding them such as monkeys, sloths and a myriad of beautiful exotic birds! Iguanas saunter through the huge trees and on the tin roofs of local homes against the backdrop of brightly colored flowers.

Amidst the poverty, there is a true sense of community spirit and family closeness. It is humbling to see everyone helping each other in times of need in this incredibly beautiful place.  Pura Vida! ”

by Carol Clayton/S4C

(click to see the portraits gallery)

So, today we start with Yelena Futeran who, among other things, also launched a S4C Next Generation initiative there (we’ll tell you more soon) and in the meantime, have a look at the fantastic portraits of locals shot by Ozzie Hoppe. Each and everyone conceals great stories. And we’ll tell them in due time….

A

——-

My journey to Esterillos Oeste began last year and I immediatley fell in love with the village and the people.

I decided that this was an ideal place to run a division of S4C.   Since camera’s are such a huge luxury item in Esterillos, when  I  returned to US, S4C began a campaign  “Camera’s Wanted” and we asked for camera’s to be donated that would be given to children and used for our workshops.  On our last trip we left a Canon Rebel with a young man Patrocinio Gonzales, who loves traveling, photography and journalism, he will run a division of S4C Next Generation.

On my third trip, with the assistance of a great team, Rodney A. Ferrer,  Pat Chidester, David Maes, Carol Clayton, Lee Benson and Ozzie Hoppe with Melanie and all the kids,  we organized a Free Family Portrait Day.

(see the gallery)

A team of local photographers volunteered  their time and we just went door to door to each family.  We spent time with every family, taking their photos, listening to their stories or sharing food.  So our idea of just taking photos turned into something much deeper and fullfilling, two days of getting to know each and forming ever lasting friendships.  We were welcomed with open arms and we are so grateful to all the families in Esterillos Oestes to giving us this opportunity.

One of our team members during this project is a writer Carol Clayton who is a traveler, spending a few month in Esterillos. Here is her assestment of this beautiful special place on earth and I couldn’t agree more. – Yelena Futeran/S4C New York City

(see the gallery)

“Esterillos Oeste is a quaint, sleepy village on the Central Pacific Coast of Costa Rica where there is a powerful energy and feeling of being at one with nature. Esterillos Oeste beach is varied and interesting. There are hills of lush emerald green jungle sweeping down to the beach and every day the rugged landscape changes as strong currents deposit well-worn driftwood along the wide dark sandy beach where you can walk for miles and see nothing other than stunningly beautiful nature.

However, the most amazing part of Esterillos Oeste is its people, known as Ticos. Many have very little by way of material possessions, some often living in abject poverty and yet they are extremely helpful, friendly and welcoming people. Despite setbacks such as often having no electricity or water, or in the rainy season having to cope with their homes being flooded with water and mud, they are nevertheless very happy and content as they know it is family that matters the most. Each Sunday is set aside for church and family life. Part of the culture of Costa Rica is the term ‘Pura Vida’ which translated literally means pure life, and the locals totally live their lives this way.

(see the gallery)

Unfortunately there are very few jobs. Most work is from fishing, housekeeping gardening and cooking. There are a few businesses such as the butcher’s shop, two small markets and several small sodas (local restaurants) one of which is owned and run by Margarita where she has offered great traditional food cooked over a wood burning stove for over 40 years.

Many of the Ticos speak reasonably good English but they also appreciate it if foreign visitors try to speak Spanish. Expats, mainly from America, Canada and England also live here and happily contribute to community events and help those in need whenever they can.

Children play in tidal pools and on the lava rocks, watched over by the magnificent bronze mermaid statute referred to locally as La Sirena. Esterillos Oeste has produced more than its fair share of teenage world class surfers as there is never a shortage of thunderous waves crashing down. It is an ideal place for long walks and horseback riding. Even the skies and clouds seem to take on a color and intensity all of their own, often with spectacular sunrises and sunsets.

(see the gallery)

The pace here is relaxed as people appreciate the breath-taking natural beauty and wildlife surrounding them such as monkeys, sloths and a myriad of beautiful exotic birds! Iguanas saunter through the huge trees and on the tin roofs of local homes against the backdrop of brightly colored flowers.

Amidst the poverty, there is a true sense of community spirit and family closeness. It is humbling to see everyone helping each other in times of need in this incredibly beautiful place.  Pura Vida! ”

by Carol Clayton/S4C