In this second edition of ‘True GGEMs’, let me introduce you to China…
China was hired to help care for the three residences on the property in Costa Rica where we were renting. She would arrive super early every Wednesday morning to put the property’s garbage + recycling out for the weekly pick-up, she would then proceed to a nearby hotel (where she cooked and cleaned), before returning to our place later that day, to clean, wash linens, and address any tenant queries/needs.
We became friends, over our three months living there, as she smilingly + patiently tried to understand my Sportuguese (Portuguese with a splash of Spanish 🙄)…I’d ask her about the risk of crocodiles in the nearby river (which she said was high 😬) and she’d ask about life in Canada.
China’s a kind, quiet, fun loving, dedicated, HARD WORKING soul…always wanting to ensure guests’ comfort while working in 40 degree jungle heat🔥. She’s a busy mom and wife, working 6 - 7 days a week while always ensuring that she or her husband can be home with their youngest kids - twin boys - while the other is working (this post is about her but I must add that her partner, Jesus, is one of the loveliest and most helpful people we encountered on our travels).
my assistant (who doubles as an amazing daughter 😉), China, and me: post-shoot selfie for fun 💃🏻
When I asked China (with the help of SpanishDict so I didn’t confuse things too much 😉) if she’d like to participate in a session she immediately said yes and our planning began. Originally we were going to shoot near the beautiful Playa Carillo; unfortunately, the rainy season came early this year and got in our way. We adapted and - rather perfectly - ended up shooting in and around our property… a mere two days before we left to continue on our GGEM journey south.
It was incredibly rewarding being able to do something FOR her… and seeing her have some time OFF to just enjoy the property and be celebrated was GOLD! We were both teary eyed as we shared a glass of wine and reminisced about the previous three months and our afternoon shoot together, culminating in our goodbyes.
Gracias por todo, Bella! Espero que hayas tenido tanta diversión como lo hice! ✨🦋🥰
Con gratitud y besos!
Lori