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July 17, 2009
Hear that sound? In Costa Rica, look to the sky…
We had just arrived in Costa Rica, and the whole family was riding in a four-wheel drive van on the muddy road to Arenal—with Alan in the driver’s seat. After a harrowing encounter with a swift stream that threatened to take our van downriver (another story for another time), we were looking forward to a restful night at our lodge in the middle of the rain forest. Costa Rica, however, had other ideas.
We were pulling into the lodge, and Alan was maneuvering the van around a big pile of rocks when we heard a huge “BOOM!” Naturally, we all thought we’d hit the rock pile, which would not be unusual for Alan. But a quick check proved this not to be the case. So, then, what was that noise?
We looked up at the sky, and saw lava oozing down the face of Arenal Volcano—it looked almost like glowing cement. It was so unbelievable to realize that the booming noise—which none of us had ever heard before—was actually the sound a volcano makes when it’s erupting. I just kept thinking, I know what that sounds like now.
We heard more rumblings throughout the night, which ended up being far from restful because we couldn't stop looking at the glowing lava. (Our lodge was far enough away that we were never in any danger.) And in the morning, we woke to the most incredible birdsong—a cacophony if you ask my daughter Charlotte, but it was a symphony to me.
Costa Rica itself is like a symphony—completely unorchestrated but music for the ears, eyes, and soul. Not sure what you’re hearing? Look up to the trees, to the mountains, to the sky. It’ll serve you well when you join OAT in this amazing natural paradise.
Harriet Lewis