Note: Below are experiences that I had with my son Nick in Costa Rica in July of 2011,

These  people redefine poverty in the American materialistic sense. Yet like Latin American “campesinos” of all races, they are willing to share what little they have. They pay no taxes, they grow or harvest most of their own food including the best “bananas” that I’ve ever tasted. We spent a day with one of the  “caciques” of the group at his remote house, with no doors, windows, screens or beds. We got caught in a torrential rain during our visit, it was the rainy season in the rainforest, after all. The Ngobe live with their extended families. We met one man who was reputedly 130 years old, who spoke no Spanish and sang us a song about rain, lightning, birds and the sea.  No nursing home for him, he lived with his wife and what was left of his family, most of which he had outlived.

Still there were things we had in common: mobile phones and a love for football, and they are surprisingly good at it. What we had to offer them was in my mind rather meager, mostly old equipment cast off by our more privileged children : balls ,uniforms, and shin guards.  I suggest you be careful when you order “tacos” in Costa Rica because that is what they called the cleats we brought for them.  Still our offerings far outstripped the moribund ball and tattered “equipo” which I saw upon our arrival, and the donations were much appreciated by the people of the village.

Part of our mission was to promote the idea of ecotourism, wildlife conservation and pride in their culture, so we brought with us a person from the nearby private wildlife sanctuary who spoke about possible future collaborations.

With all of these noble ideas aside, the game began and, as predicted, the foreigner,(my son), a child from the nearby ranch and  the locals came together instantly, in a way only the melting pot of football can allow. It was a rousing game for the younger kids, 10-17 years old. A great comeback where my own son scored the tying and winning goals. What fun indeed. I hope to bring more equipment to this village as they hope to enter the national scholastic championships next year.

It was a memorable time with the only downside being the multitude of chiggers we picked up on the field, the bites appearing the following day. It was more than worth the price for this unlikely meeting of two cultures, different in so many ways, and yet so much on the same wavelength when it comes to the “beautiful game”.