Thanksgiving in Costa Rica - A study in Diversity

Posted by Ray Beise Mon, 28 Nov 2005 15:36:00 GMT

Warm sea breezes, 85 degrees, Howler Monkeys parrots competing in the tree tops – NOT exactly reminiscent of the crisp colorful Thanksgiving’s of my childhood memories but a good day for giving THANKS none the less.

This year we enjoyed a delectable assortment of tummy tingling delicacies in Café Playa Negra, a local restaurant owned and run by Carlos and Andrea from Peru. They offered up the traditional fare of roast turkey (in wine sauce) stuffing, mashed potatoes and gravy BUT the international flare of the day was not diminished. The opening act was a hot out of the oven home made whole wheat bun adorned with a mound of goat cheese blended with spices and garlic. Our taste buds went into orbit. After the cheese cake or home made apple pie for desert we floated home. The stimulation of the senses was still strong the next morning. Breakfast that day, while delicious, was “blasé� at best.

This was only one of many multicultural events I have participated in during my many years of residence in Costa Rica. Every one fascinates me to this day. Events to be long remembered each and every one. This past Thursday we were in tropical Costa Rica on the beach consuming to excess the marvelous flavors of a foreign holiday prepared and served by caring people from yet a different foreign country. If one adds in the geographical origins of each of the ingredients of the magical meal the world becomes smaller somehow, more accessible. For me it was a simple but profound reminder of how SIMILAR we all are. We share so many common dreams, hopes, desires. It is a tragic commentary on the infotainment industry of today that so much effort is invested in dialoging our differences.

After dinner a spontaneous standing ovation for everyone involved was the predictable response when the Nicaraguan chef, Otto, emerged from his humble kitchen.

Afterward, as I pondered the complexity of the situation I marveled at the level of international cooperation required to make this dinner happen. I am quite certain this “cooperation� seemed Natural to all those involved.

Maybe we could arrange for a “Thanksgiving Dinner� type event every day of the year, even if it only takes place in our minds and hearts.

Ray Beise, President