Bridges & More Newsletter # 3: 1/26/07

Bridges & More Newsletter # 3 1/26/07

Greetings from San Josecito. I’ve just read over the letter from December 6, and I must admit progress has not been swift. It seems that nothing happens quickly here, except when it does, and that’s usually when you’re least expecting it, and often something you’d rather not have happened!

It appears almost certain at this point that municipality money (about $36,000) will fund the bridge where the river meets the road. I’ve been hounding the Nunez brothers to get a firm commitment (in writing) from the Alcalde (mayor), but attempts have been delayed by a public service sector that doesn’t return from Christmas holidays until sometime the second week of January, then by the fact that this particular Alcalde has just been elected and had to spend his first week back doing some sort of official swearing in and training in San Jose. Now the brothers are busy harvesting their beans. Oh well.

Javier, the architect from UCR, did visit, though some weeks after expected, and together we visited both the road/river site and the site at Isidro Nunez’ (where the mom is sick and they have only a flimsy hammock bridge). We met Geovanny, one of Isidro’s sons, and he announced that his family too wishes to have a bridge to allow them access by car. They are thinking of selling a small portion of their large farm to finance the bridge. I’m sure they’d welcome some help from Bridges & More. I’ll be meeting with them soon to determine how we can best be of service.

Bridges & More sister organization Puentes & Mas had its first board meeting January 6. We were fortunate to have Kristin Knowles and Tom Fettig from B&M board with us. We agreed that protecting the Morete River, which runs through San Josecito, is of the highest priority. To this end we will make signs to place at the entrance of the road, at the salon (a sort of community center) and at all the places where folks most often access the river. In addition we will have volunteers and perhaps even some paid local folks patrolling the river on the days when problems most often occur. We’ll be talking to everyone who lives or brings workers into the road to enlist their help in keeping an eye on river activities. Problems we’re hoping to control are littering, and illegal fishing procedures including harpoons, spear guns, nets and poison. I finally tasted one of those freshwater shrimp one night (they’re caught by hand at night with use of a flashlight!) when Luis went down to the river to check on some strangers who were parked near my house. He brought one back and I cooked it in olive oil and garlic, and I can see what all the fuss is about! Delicious!

The lawyer assures me corporation papers are almost ready, so soon I’ll be starting a bank account. I’ll also be getting a little house ready for Julie Rich, Todd Schwebel, and their two children. Julie and Todd are active members of Bridges & More and will be helping me get some other projects (such as the clay oven and a bamboo-construction workshop) off the ground. Additionally, Beatriz Picando (one of San Josecito’s inhabitants) has expressed interest in growing organic vegetables to sell in Uvita. She plans to use bamboo troughs as reservoirs for soil. We’re also discussing the best location for the clay oven, and will be working on that when Julie and Todd arrive. And I'm making plans for a bamboo building project that may serve as a workshop to teach the skill to some local folks.

I’ve finally found a reliable internet connection in the area. I’m writing from the Toucan Hotel, where the connection seems always fine and they’re even polite! What a find. Meanwhile, the simple acts of living seem to take a lot more time here. I have found and purchased two used solar panels, and now must find batteries, converter, regulator, etc. Who knows, I might have lights and refrigerator soon! I’ve also passed an impossible amount of time in the inflated bureaucratic maze that seems to be the downside of Costa Rica’s government. Everything requires permits, and every permit requires certified copies of everything you can imagine, and trips to lots of distant locations to get them.

Best wishes to all for a happy New Year. I hope to have more news next time!

Elizabeth