Most tourists fly to the airport, get in the airport shuttle, and then travel by all the little tico homes and go straight to their luxury resort. There is usually a huge assortment of expensive adventure seeking tours to choose from during their stay; white-water rafting, zip-lining, exploring mangroves, etc. This venture would interest those curious about the Costa Rican culture and most importantly the Costa Rican food (I have to think some people who travel all the way here might be curious).
The family that lives in El Llanito has a simple tico home with tons of banana trees and tropical flowers outside.
Isa is an excellent cook. She has worked at many restaurants in the very bustling tourist town of Tamarindo (10 minutes away...which is also our target market) and she is currently the cook for the public school of El Llanito. Their family is ready to open their home to show others an authentic experience. She will be showing people how to make fresh fruit batidos, tortillas/empanadas, typical dishes (arroz con pollo, casados), and coffee the CR way.
John and I would of course love to help this one family, but the goal is much bigger...it's all the people of El Llanito. If it is successful (meaning people actual choose to go on this tour) the plan is to give 20% of the profit to the school and the community. It could actually have a huge impact....I think back to last year where kids were in school with no electricity for 2 months (meaning no fans and no way to cook their school meals). Dollar by dollar it could really make a difference.
With all that said...we did our first trial run 2 weeks ago (which is where these pics came from). We worked with the local private school, Country Day, and brought 3rd, 4th, and 5th graders to El Llanito. There was 41 kids and parents total. Half the group did a service project at the school along with the kids of El Llanito while the other half were going through the mini-food tour. We got some great positive feedback and also things we definitely need to change, but overall there was tons of energy around the idea. We had parents (who are Americans/Canadians living here permanently) saying they would love to bring their friends/families here when they come visit, etc.
So, with all that said, we are printing up flyers and trying to finalize a few very critical parts (English/Spanish speaking tour guide/transportation). I was the tour guide for this last group (and I think I did a mighty fine job) but I don't think it's in my long term plans.... and we want to make this thing sustainable. :)
For those living in Costa Rica if you have any of the below items that you would like to donate or know a contact of someone in the restaurant industry that might want to donate let me know:
20 glasses, 20 sets of silverware, 10 big plastic bowls, 2 sets of measuring cups/spoons, 20 plates, 20 coffee cups, 20 small plates, 10 cutting boards
(All of this would just make it more formal as the business inventory versus their family resources or using plastic).
I would love to hear comments/suggestions on this. John and I were just thinking that this was a great idea and if we put some effort into it it could really make a difference...we will see...things seem to move much slower in tico time!!!
John helped lead the service project while I was over with the food tour....good times!!
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