The irony of a Jewish boy from Alabama writing an article about diversity in a small town, in the heart of a Catholic country in Central America, is difficult to ignore. That being said, and from the heart of this small community in Costa Rica, I can honestly say that one of the main reasons I have opted to stay here after more than 20 years living in Manuel Antonio is that it is truly a progressive and diverse place to live. Much is made of the stunning natural beauty of Costa Rica, the peaceful nature of its people, the longstanding democracy, and its booming eco tourism industry, but there are nuances beyond the obvious that make the Manuel Antonio area even more special.
When I speak of diversity here, it can and should be interpreted in various ways, and I will do my best to address each of the key elements here in this installment of my blog.
Cultural: We had a small dinner party with some of our friends and neighbors last week, nothing major, just about 15-20 people doing what we locals here do best, relax by the pool, some food on the grill (yes, meat and veggies.. to be discussed later), plenty of wine and conversation in the rainforest. As I looked around the gathering, it dawned on me that most of my friends back home, some living in cities like NYC or Los Angeles, do not have as much diversity in their normal gatherings as I have discovered here in this small town. Italians, Israelis, Argentines, Costa Ricans, Russians, Canadians, and yours truly, the gringo, all sharing stories, life, and love in this one small house in this small town. Ultimately, this is what most of the gatherings at homes, restaurants, and bars here look like... people from around the globe and around this little community in a smiling, at times Imperial or wine-induced, melting pot!
Lifestyle: This is another huge element of why living here is so rich, rewarding, and entertaining. We SEE and HAVE IT ALL HERE in Manuel Antonio. One might assume that this mostly Catholic Country doesn’t see the diversity in lifestyles, but you would be VERY wrong to make this guess. Manuel Antonio’s community is open, progressive, and welcomes folks from ALL walks of life. We have a vibrant LGBT community here, both among full-time residents and visiting travelers. Simultaneously, we have a vibrant Christian community, a retired women’s community, a vegan community, Bacon lovers, Fisherman and Anglers, surfers and soccer players, heathens and angels. Ultimately, if you are looking for homogenous development, a homogenous lifestyle, and 10,000 like-minded people, best look elsewhere. IF you love and embrace variety, the spice of life, and having the opportunity to share a common love of Costa Rica with people from all walks of life with all types of views, welcome home.
Economic: While at times a subject people shy from, for me, this is one of the most endearing and special elements of the diversity here. Rich, poor, not so poor, uber rich, and everything in between.. all pulled up to the same bar stool or sharing a common table at Koki’s ribs or one of the local dives. In Manuel Antonio, the rich have something to teach the poor, and the poor have just as much to teach and share with the rich, and those visitors and investors embracing this area are those who can appreciate this diversity.
I could go on for days.. and likely will in another installment, but remember. Manuel Antonio is much more than its beautiful facade, and for those who love and thrive in unique and diverse settings, you would be hard-pressed to find anything as marvelous as life here in MA.