Tania

I came to photograph at this house because I was told it was a typical Tico-style house. Upon arrival however, I was consumed by a frenzy of activity - I was surrounded by 3 young kids who were intrigued by my camera, plus adults who were talking to my sister, and other older kids who were headed off to the surf, with surfboards under their arms. So instead of focusing quite so much on the house itself, I ended up concentrating on the 3 young kids who had stuck around - Dominic, Leo, and Tania. I particularly like this photograph of Tania sitting on her front stoop. The muted color palette appeals to me, as well as her serious expression. She looks so feminine and delicate dressed in pink, just the opposite of the rough wooden and cool stone environment that surrounds her.

Road to Punta Banco

One of the many things I love about Pavones is the wild jungle road. This photograph was taken at my favorite ceviche restaurant, Brisas del Mar, looking down the road toward Punta Banco. This image is interesting to me because of the mix of sprawling wild growth that is typical of the area, juxtaposed with the handmade sign that is a signifier of the tourism in the area. It makes me wonder just how much longer this region will remain unpaved and wild.

Guayami Lady with Grandson

This lady sells handmade local crafts made by the Guayami Indians who live up in the mountains above Pavones. Proceeds help support the local Guayami community. I bought one of her dresses 2 years ago - I love the hand-sewn details and cheery colors.

About 6 years ago on a previous visit to Pavones, we had a guide (who happens to be the son-in-law of the woman in the above photograph) who hiked with us into the mountains to see the Guayami community. We were invited into the house of one family, and they served a warm banana drink to help fuel us on the rest of our journey. But by the end of the trip I was so dehydrated and exhausted I felt sick. It's hard to imagine that the Guayami hike up and down the mountain all the time.

HECTOR

Hector is the son of the woman who runs Brisas del Mar on the road between Pavones and Punta Banco. I love the soft yellows and greens in this photograph.

DON RICARDIO

Don Ricardio poses with his shovel in this photograph taken in the late afternoon in Pavones. The sky was darkening and the rains were on the way, but Don Ricardio was happy to stop and chat with me and my sister. He is standing on the property he owns. Other members of the family own the adjacent property. He had just returned from fishing in the river nearby.

Don Ricardio said he remembered seeing big cameras like mine a long time ago.