[vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”3″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]So you’re thinking about coming to Dreamsea…[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]and you’re wondering what it’s actually like to live as a big family in the jungle surrounded by nothing but diverse Costa Rican nature? Luckily, you came to the right place – I just arrived at Dreamsea and I’m excited to tell you all about what to expect when you first come here! Firstly, I need to make the distinction between arriving in Tamarindo and arriving at Dreamsea.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”50366″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”80″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h6″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]The two worlds are so far apart but complement each other so very well.[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]As you may already know, Tamarindo is a small town on the northern Pacific Coast of Costa Rica. It’s a tourist friendly hub of fun and holiday excitement with people coming from all over the world to surf, chill, party and almost everything else you can imagine (except winter snow sports admittedly). It is sometimes viewed as quite an American party town, and to a certain degree that might be fair. It’s safe, and more modernly accessible than many other areas of Costa Rica. You can get by with moderate Spanish speaking skills, and buy most things you need within the city.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]However, as with many things in life, it is what you make it. Living at Dreamsea definitely makes use of the best elements of Tamarindo, and expanding on it by adding its own authentic experience. It creates something new and exciting. Arriving from the buzz of Tamarindo to the tranquility of Dreamsea is an amazing contrast I will never forget. Driving up into the jungle, seeing the scenery change from the vast beautiful beaches to untouched jungle in less than five minutes is truly special. Within this jungle, you will find a collection of white glamping tents, dotted around old mango trees and various small covered huts housing every amenity you need. This is Dreamsea, this is my new home.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”50400″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center bottom” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”55″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h3″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]The Dreamsea camp itself is absolutely amazing to arrive at.[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_column_text]It’s beautiful and well kept, there is a big team of trustworthy staff and volunteers happily making sure this never changes (I think my favorite job I’ve heard of so far is the person who is here to pick up the mangoes that the resident howler monkeys throw down!). From the doodles on the Mango tree, the little paths weaving throughout and the big airy white tents, there’s certainly something special about this place from the moment you get here.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51794″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”65″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]However, I was distracted from the beauty of the camp by the beauty of the people.[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_column_text]I hardly had both feet on the ground before people were surrounding me, welcoming me and taking my bags! The chefs were about to go and buy their fresh daily supplies, stopping excitedly at the sound of my English accent. A place like this seems to bring together a unique mix of people, from all over the world, with different journeys leading us here and different things to learn from each other. I came here because I’ve been travelling for four months through Central America and I was ready to ‘belong’ somewhere, have a purpose and to take some time to improve my surfing and Spanish. I think there isn’t a more perfect place in the world for me right now! I’m really excited that Anton, the amazing surf instructor has now made it his mission to make me practically fluent by the end of my stay! On top of this, I have already got started on learning yoga, hula hooping, ukulele and slack lining, there is so much to do beyond relaxing![/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51178″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center bottom” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”60″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_custom_heading text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]Many people here have a passion for surfing or yoga, but everyone has an open-mind, a love for adventure, and an enthusiasm to learn..[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Firstly, I was taken to my bedroom, one of the bright and spacious white glamping tents! With wooden floors, two beds, shelves and a fan, it is camping like I’ve never seen before! I share my tent with Ashley the yoga teacher who is quickly becoming the older sister I never had! Within 20 minutes of arriving, I was jumping on a beach shuttle heading to Playa Tamarindo. The beach shuttles are always a memorable part of the day, loaded with surf boards and people on our way to surf or chill at the beach! It takes 10 minutes of bumping along an old dusty road to arrive at a vast beach of white sand and beautiful waves[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_width_percent=”100″ gutter_size=”3″ overlay_alpha=”50″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_column_text]By supper time, as we all sat together eating a delicious meal (which I will cover in another blog post), in the big communal outdoor eating area, I couldn’t believe I’d only arrived that afternoon. At these big family suppers, new members are welcomed and old members say goodbye. That night, one guest named Brian left and summarized some of the most special parts of the Dreamsea experience perfectly:
The Dreamsea team all make camp together at the quiet end of the beach, escaping from the hot sun under the shade of Tamarind trees. My introduction to most of the camp members was entering into a discussion on one of the most difficult decisions of the day: which flavor smoothie to buy (for future reference, watermelon, mint and lime is the best in my humble opinion!). At first I thought this was hysterical, but two days in, tomorrow’s post surfing smoothie is already a key question on my mind. Once this was decided, we all had a yoga lesson with Artem as the sun set over the glistening sea. There are three amazing yoga teachers at Dreamsea at the moment, all with their different styles. Artem practices very meditative and spiritual yoga, embracing the sun’s energy as it sets.
“Everybody here, I will remember for the rest of my life”.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51692″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”75″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”7″ top_padding=”2″ bottom_padding=”2″ overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”0″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h6″ text_size=”h3″ text_space=”fontspace-731609″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”500″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-jevc” separator=”yes” separator_color=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]I already firmly believe this will be true for me too.[/vc_custom_heading][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_column_text]After an evening of chilling on the beach, lying under the mango tree, eating under the canopy and dancing below the stars, I have already become so much more relaxed. When I first arrived I found it hard to unwind, I was used to planning my next day of travel, where I was going to stay and what I was going to see. I’ve now realized how rarely we get the opportunity to take some time out of life and its worries like this. I feel very lucky to be here and I look forward to finding out more about Dreamsea as the month progresses! Pura Vida!
-Hannah Blower
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space empty_h=”1″][vc_empty_space empty_h=”0″][vc_button button_color=”color-jevc” radius=”btn-square” italic=”” button_style=”light” icon_animation=”yes” icon=”fa fa-book2″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fdreamseacostarica.com%2Fvolunteer%2F|||”]Learn More[/vc_button][vc_empty_space empty_h=”2″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”2″ top_padding=”7″ bottom_padding=”7″ back_image=”51169″ back_attachment=”scroll” back_position=”center center” parallax=”yes” overlay_color=”accent” overlay_alpha=”75″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ position_vertical=”middle” align_horizontal=”align_center” expand_height=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][vc_custom_heading heading_semantic=”h1″ text_size=”fontsize-502225″ text_height=”fontheight-554561″ text_space=”fontspace-102651″ text_font=”font-762333″ text_weight=”700″ text_transform=”uppercase” text_color=”color-xsdn” sub_lead=”yes” sub_reduced=”yes” text_align=”text-center” text_serif=””]Volunteer Today[/vc_custom_heading][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row unlock_row_content=”yes” row_height_percent=”0″ override_padding=”yes” h_padding=”0″ top_padding=”0″ bottom_padding=”0″ back_color=”color-jevc” parallax=”yes” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ shift_y=”0″ row_name=”#blog”][vc_column column_width_percent=”100″ style=”dark” overlay_alpha=”50″ gutter_size=”3″ medium_width=”0″ shift_x=”0″ shift_y=”0″ z_index=”0″ width=”1/1″][uncode_index el_id=”index-197106822234″ loop=”size:all|order_by:date|order:DESC|post_type:post” auto_query=”yes” style_preset=”metro” gutter_size=”0″ post_items=”media|featured|onpost|original,title,spacer|half,sep-one|reduced,date” page_items=”title,media,text,category” product_items=”title,media,text,category,price” portfolio_items=”title,media,text,category” carousel_v_align=”middle” screen_lg=”800″ screen_md=”800″ screen_sm=”800″ single_text=”overlay” single_width=”6″ single_height=”3″ single_overlay_color=”color-wayh” single_overlay_opacity=”70″ single_text_visible=”yes” single_text_anim=”no” single_overlay_visible=”yes” single_overlay_anim=”no” single_h_align=”center” single_h_align_mobile=”center” single_padding=”5″ single_title_transform=”uppercase” single_title_dimension=”h4″ single_title_family=”font-377884″ single_title_weight=”700″ single_title_height=”fontheight-554561″ single_title_space=”fontspace-102651″ single_border=”yes” single_css_animation=”zoom-in” single_text_inline=”yes” filtering_menu=”inline” single_text_hover=”yes” single_block_click=”yes” single_title_serif=”” single_title_divider=”yes” single_no_background=”” items=”eyI0MjM3X2kiOnsic2luZ2xlX3dpZHRoIjoiMTIiLCJzaW5nbGVfaGVpZ2h0IjoiNCJ9LCI0MTkzX2kiOnsic2luZ2xlX3dpZHRoIjoiMTIiLCJzaW5nbGVfaGVpZ2h0IjoiNiIsInNpbmdsZV90aXRsZV9kaW1lbnNpb24iOiJmb250c2l6ZS0zMzg2ODYifSwiNTE3MjNfaSI6eyJzaW5nbGVfaWNvbiI6IiJ9fQ==” single_title_bold=”yes” single_half_padding=”” single_image_size=”thumb” footer_position=”left” carousel_rtl=”” order_ids=”4193,4231,4247,4252,4225″][/vc_column][/vc_row]