When the world spins out of control sometimes all I want to do is escape its velocity and get off the planet. Alternately, one can also go to Costa Rica, where life is good.

The weather, unfortunately, has not been as good, with wind and rain and cool temperatures. I have been touring the damp rain forest in clothes I brought for the wrong climate with my travel companion. But I should not be ungrateful, as my friends in El Norte remind me of the sub-arctic cold and snow they’ve been experiencing. I am still lucky to be here.

In a few days there will be a changing of the guards, when my friend Yvonne arrives. Hopefully the storms will subside. We will continue traveling for another week.

Costa Rica is a land of environmental stewardship, expat retirees, a Blue Zone of centenarians, some of the happiest people in the world. No wonder everyone I know who has ever left the US has managed to find themselves here.

We saw lovely waterfalls, an ancient indigenous stone, iguanas and tropical butterflies in Tilaran. Toured a family owned coffee farm,where the owners knew an abundance about birds and local fauna and dedicate themselves to growing plants that support their habitats. Drove some intrepid roads to Monteverde, where we crossed hanging bridges in rain that reminded me of Oregon, and also visited a sloth refuge, a butterfly sanctuary and a reptile exhibit. Oh, the critters you’ll see!

We also visited the indigenous village of the Malekus, who’ve managed to maintain their customs and language in spite of the tiny size of their tribe.

I’m ignoring news of home because it’s too painful to be reminded of what we have become. And yet the Ticos are still so welcoming of Americans in spite of our transgressions.

A few days in Palmares, staying with part-time expat friend Alex and a couple of others from my contemplative prayer group. What an honor to be hosted there, by someone who models an alternative life. Makes me dream of possibilities, where maybe there really is a way to escape the madness.