FROM SNOWSTORM TO SALTWATER
Empower Your Living
April 1, 2026 · 6 min read
April 1, 2026 · 6 min read
When my South America adventure came to such an abrupt end and I escaped to Canada , I felt robbed of so many unforgettable moments (> read my Travel Update on Colombia). That was not how my pilgrimage was supposed to end. I still feel shaken and am dealing with the aftermath of the poisonous snake encounter (> the grueling details in my blog post).
While I was fighting the debilitating heat in Colombia, Toronto greeted me with chilly winter temperatures and a full-blown snowstorm. Don’t get me wrong—I do love a proper winter, and it makes me happy to hear the snow squeak beneath my feet. But I just couldn’t shake the feeling that I had missed out on creating so many incredible memories: more scuba diving in the Galápagos and Brazil, and returning home to my beloved Buenos Aires. As my physical condition slowly recovers, my soul is still in pain.
A Clear Decision
After moving into my Toronto-based Airbnb, I start settling into a more regular routine. It feels good to be in control again. I enjoy the lazy days with no itinerary—but most of all, I relish cooking my own food.
After a while though, my mind starts drifting back to what could have been.
You can take the girl out of the adventure, but you can’t take the adventurer out of the girl.
There’s a window of opportunity to head somewhere warm one more time—somewhere I can dip my head under water once again. I look at various destinations and flight options. Like a true Canadian, I decide to become a snowbird: escaping the long, harsh winter by heading somewhere warm and tropical.
Choosing Familiarity Over Adventure: Medicine for My Nervous System
After checking out Roatán and Belize, I decide to respect my still-fragile nervous system and return somewhere familiar. I choose Costa Rica—Playas del Coco, to be precise—a place that had already welcomed me with a warm embrace and a lot of Pura Vida back in December.
It feels like coming home.
I book flights to Montreal and Liberia and look for an Airbnb in the same neighborhood as last time. I come across Yvonne’s condo (see notes). After the hassles I had in both Toronto and Winnipeg, I’m relieved that everything goes smoothly. The place offers everything I need, and the communication with Yvonne is great. For ten days, this will be my sanctuary.
Familiarity gives me the stability and consistency I still grave.
Dive, Dive, Dive
At first, I consider renting a car to explore the surroundings—but I decide against it. I’m not falling into the old trap of meticulously planned days. Peace and relaxation are the focus of this trip.
And of course—back-rolling into the ocean and immersing myself in the magnificent sea life.
The day after my arrival, I head to Summer Salt Dive Center, where I had already dived a couple of months ago. I drop off my gear and organize my dive trips. The very next day, I’m back in my element.
Scuba diving has taken my heart by storm—and never let it go.
I honestly never thought anything could be more captivating than hiking in my beloved Swiss mountains.
Deniz—the young dive master from Sweden—is once again leading all eleven dives I do over five days. Outings with him are incredibly relaxed, and he has a gift for spotting marine life—even in limited visibility. It’s pure joy exploring the ocean with him.
At one point, I hover weightless above the reef, my breath the only sound—slow, steady, almost meditative. A sea turtle glides past me, unbothered, as if I don’t exist. Time stretches. Nothing matters except this exact moment.
Logging 200
On the third day out on the water, we head to Las Islas Catalinas. There’s a chance of seeing manta rays—but no guarantees. Memories of my encounters in Indonesia come flooding back (> read “One Last Adventure Awaits Me”).
Although the mantas don’t make an appearance, I log my 200th dive. Not bad for less than four and a half years of scuba diving. 🤩
I’m blessed with many incredible encounters instead: turtles, countless stingrays, whitetip reef sharks, octopuses, and a vibrant array of tropical fish. And beyond that, meaningful connections with fellow divers.
Respecting the Signals
Just days ago, my face was stinging from icy wind in Winnipeg. Now, warm, salty air wraps around my skin—I can feel my body exhale deeply.
And yet, coming from minus 20 degrees Celsius, I struggle with the 50-degree difference in Costa Rica.
I spend most of my non-diving time inside the condo and only make the occasional appearance by the pool. I sleep a lot. There’s still a deep exhaustion in my body. The events that pushed my nervous system to its limits are still affecting me.
It’s important that I recognize the trauma and respect the signals my body is sending—giving it the rest and downtime it needs. Having a home where I feel comfortable is balm for my wounded soul.
Even though I stay in and eat at home many nights, I still explore a few new restaurants in town (see list in the notes). My favorite is Naans & Curries, which I stumble upon by accident.
The first bite of the Prawn Coco Malabari is rich, creamy, and not too spicy—comfort in its purest form. I close my eyes for a second. This is exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
Honestly, that alone would be a reason to come back to Playas del Coco. 😋
A Full Heart
My decision to become a snowbird and take one last vacation in the sun was spot on.
Even though I would have loved to spend more time by the ocean and the pool, I had a great time. More importantly, it helped me make peace with my disrupted South America journey.
There will be more opportunities down to road.
Hasta luego🌴
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Email: barbara@empoweryourliving.com
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