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FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions

We would like to thank all of you for the tremendous support, commitment and curiosity we have already received for the AUM retreat. Here are some answers to frequently asked questions about the Art of Union, Evolutionary Retreats and HOME community. If we missed something Contact Us to let us know and we will add it.
  • Do I need to get vaccinations or other medical requirements?
    Answer: 
    There are no medical requirements upon entering Costa Rica and not much to be concerned about except Dengue (Yellow fever) which is more prevalent on the Carribean coast.
  • Where is the Art of Union H.O.M.E. located
    Answer: 

    The Art of Union H.O.M.E. is located in the coastal mountains on the south west coast of Costa Rica, between the beach town of Dominical and San Isidro del General. Midway between the slopes of Mount Chirripo and the Pacific Ocean, an independent mountain range called Tinamaste rises up to create the watershed for the pristine Baru River. This sparkling clean water gushes down over 12 waterfalls including Costa Rica's tallest, the 600 foot Diamante Falls, on its way to the sea. The valley carved out by the Baru River is one of Costa Rica's most scenic areas with dramatic views of the ocean, and fertile farmlands. The HOME Community lands stretch over seven parcels of land from the coast to the 3,300 foot summit of the Tinamaste Mountains.

    The Art of Union HOME is the Diamante Verde wilderness sanctuary extendign from the base to the summit of the Tinamaste Mountains. The home for our retreats will be in the "Catedral de Piedra" a massive cathedral-like cave system embedded into the steep side of the Tinamaste mountains, above the towering Diamante Falls. The main flow of the Baru River flows over the top of the Catedral de Piedra creating a powerful energetic vibration that has provided a sanctuary for shamans and healers for thousands of years.

  • Where do we meet/stay in San Isidro?
    Answer: 
    The Hotel Chirripo right on the center square of San Isidro is the classic meeting place for adventurers coming to the Art of Union HOME. Rooms are available for around $5 per night and the cafe offers descent traditional costa Rican food.
  • How do we get to San Isidro?
    Answer: 
    All flights coming into Costa Rica land in San Jose. From there you can choose any number of bus companies that will take you on a scenic 3 hour tour over the mountains to San Isidro for about $US3.00 . Other options are to hire a van or mini bus from the airport which will take you right to the Art of Union HOME for around $100 US. There are also flights down to Quepos you can check into.
  • Do I need a visa to go to Costa Rica?
    Answer: 
    US, Canadian and E.U. citizens receive a 3 month visa upon entering Costa Rica, which can be renewed by stepping out of the country for 3 days and then returning.
  • Where can I stay in San Jose?
    Answer: 

    Several inexpensive hostels have recently opened in San Jose that offer a conscious 'family' experience.


    Casa Mona - www.puntamona.com
    Our friend Steven from Punta Mona recently opened up this urban oasis, a shanty little house with good vibes and righteous food in between San Jose Center and the University Area of San Pedro. Rooms are around $20/night.

    You can also check out:
    Tica Linda, for a real Tico family experience. Annexo
    Email: ticolindaannexo@hotmail.com, tele: (506) 221-3120

  • How do we get to Costa Rica?
    Answer: 
    Flights to Costa Rica are cheaper than they have been for years. Flights out of the Cascadia are currently under $400 round trip! Check out these internet sites for the best flights:

  • www.ticotravel.com
  • www.travelocity.com
  • www.orbitz.com

    For the more adventurous travelers I recommend the 'over land' route. Give yourself several weeks for the journey and take note of all the places you want to return to later. Another option is to sail to Costa Rica. There are several yacht sites on the internet that offer crew positions to able, agile sailors. Coming home is even easier over water. A few art of Union HOME visitors have jumped on sailing vessels after they pass through the Panama Canal into the Pacific Ocean and headed back north.

  • How do I get to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary?
    Answer: 
    The entrance to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary is about 20 miles to the west of San Isidro. Follow the only road towards Dominical for about 16 miles over the Tinamaste Mountains to the small village of San Cristobal. From there take the road left to Las Tumbas. After crossing the second bridge in Las Tumbas take the small dirt road up to the left right after the turquoise house. The clearing with the big rock and the yellow van is the future site of the Diamante Verde Sanctuary welcome center . The trail up to the Casa de Piedra (The Diamante Verde Sanctuary) winds up the mountain from the big rock site and is well marked. For most people the journey takes 2-3 hours. If you are up for the walk, we have made it from San Isidro to the Base in less than six hours. If you are driving, it takes about 45 minutes to get to the bottom of the trail.  If you take the bus, take the one that goes to Platanillo  and ask the driver to stop in San Cristobal (under a dollar). Note the last bus service to Platanillo is at 4 pm. A taxi will take you to the bottom of the trail to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary for $20.
  • What is the climate like?
    Answer: 
    The Chirripo sector of Costa Rica has a relatively predictable climate with three main seasons, although the seasons tend to shift around the calendar by up to a couple of months each year.

    Summer - December through March is the dry season and temperatures range from highs in the 90's by the ocean and in the 60's further inland on the foothills of Mount Chirripo. Night time temps range between 60's on the beach and the 40's further inland.

    Fall - From April through August this area receives modest amounts of rainfall and temperatures vary accordingly.

    Spring- The wet season with regular heavy afternoon downpours is from September to December.
  • What is the geography of the area?
    Answer: 
    The Chirripo sector of Costa Rica has some of the most diverse terrain as the elevation rises up from the Pacific Ocean to the slopes of the 12,800 foot Mount Chirripo. Within this rugged landscape are ancient growth jungles, wooded forests, grasslands and pastures.
  • Any nearby attractions to San Isidro?
    Answer: 

    Rising up from the San Isidro valley in the East is the massive Mount Chirripo, which offers hot springs, amazing hikes and cool temps on even the hottest days.


  • Is there nearby surfing?
    Answer: 
    Just down the hill in Domincal you will find some of the biggest waves in Costa Rica. Smaller breaks can be found up the coast a short ways in either direction. A few hours south of our community, near Panama, is Pavones, boasting the longest left break in the world! 
  • Can I buy organic goods in Costa Rica?
    Answer: 
    Look for "Bioland" products in stores across Costa Rica: most of their food stuff are organic and they tend to have the best quality goods. Organic produce is on the rise in Costa Rica, but you have to look for it. San Jose has an organic farmers' market on Saturdays. The farmers' market in San Isidro has an organic section on Thursdays and you will find organic foods in the Friday market in Dominical. Another really good way is to get your food from the source by visiting some of the dozens of organic farms across the country. Most farms invite conscious travelers to come and exchange work on the farm for wholesome foods.
  • Happenings in San Isidro?
    Answer: 

    San Isidro is a seed of life in germination phase, it is the fastest growing agricultural city in all of Central America and the core of it is so small you can fit it in the palm of your hand. Within 10 blocks of the center square you can reach most of the town. A highlight of the town is the gigantic farmers market that takes place on Thursday and Friday. Recently a few natural foods cafes have opened that offer organic coffee and good food. One of our favorite aspects of San Isidro and many Latin American towns is that similar shops reside together in sectors. Many people like the Ropa Americana stores which are thrift stores offering everything for a dollar! You might notice in San Isidro and in most parts of Costa Rica a lack of indigenous culture (art, crafts cusine and music). More so than most areas of Central America, the original inhabitants of western Costa Rica were driven from their homes as the European settlers came in. Unfortunate as this seems it has created a creative vacuum that is ripe to be filled with our loving expression of art, sound, music, dance and dining. While waiting for rides into and out of the town, you will find many curious spectators to any type of prayerformance you might want to offer. Finally, if you are into salsa or meringue dancing, we can advize you on where to go dance the night away.

  • Are there other permaculture farms and communities in the area?
    Answer: 
    The Chirripo sector of Costa Rica is rich with farms and is becoming a beacon for conscious sustainable/permaculture communities. There are several amazing farms within an hour of the Art of Union HOME.

    True Nature - www.truenaturecommunity.org  An eco-community focused on healthy communication and intercultural relations.

    Om Roots - www.omroots.org An eco-community specialized n permaculture and spiritual midwifery.

    Finca Ipe - www.fincaipe.com One of the most well planned and managed "permaculture" farms in Costa Rica, Finca Ipe offers working vacations for people interested in learning tropical permaculture. Located just down the road in Platanillo

    Also see: Cascada Verde - www.cascadaverde.com
    Dolphin Quest - www.dolphinquestcostarica.com
    Yoga Farm - www.yogafarmcostarica.org
    Punta Mona - www.puntamona.org

  • Do you have any suggestions of fun things to do after the retreat?
    Answer: 
    Stay at the Art of Union HOME and help set the ground work for the spiritual community. Check out the hot springs at Arenal. Go on a permaculture tour. Hike to the summit of Mount Chirripo. Climb the 600 foot granite crags at the top of Chirripo. Do a silent retreat in the jungle. Do a 20 day coconut water fast on a beach. Hike through the Corcovado wildlife refuge on the Osa Penninsula. Volunteer at an orphanage. Live with a Tico family and learn Spanish. Join one of the nomadic circuses that travel through Central America. Return to your home with a brighter vision of creating sustainable community. Share your newly acquired wisdom with your loved ones. Be the light that you are. And never forget to give thanks and praise!
  • Happenings in San Jose?
    Answer: 
    San Jose is a sprawling urban capital city with blossoming seeds of consciousness. While in the city we recommend visiting:

    Gaia Institute in San Pedro - 011 (506) 224-0883 The Creation of Javier Jortez, The Gaia institute is Costa Rica's premier school for awakening spirits. It offers a wide spectrum of courses from massage to energy healing to live foods. If you are a traveling teacher, the Gaia institute might offer an opportunity to share your wisdom with eager students.

    University District of San Pedro - offers one of the chillest urban university scenes, with a few vegetarian restaurants, bookstores, street vendors and nightlife, like the Jazz club with local talent and lots of beaming students. Check flyers for drop in capoierra, yoga, circus, and dance classes.

    The central market in San Jose - Located on the west end of the pedestrian mall in downtown San Jose, the central market is where it all goes down. Some of us sometimes take a three hour bus ride there from San Isidro to get vital goods including dried herbs, spices, seeds, cacao beans, dried bananas, and almost anything else. The pedestrian mall is a great place to hang out, offer a prayerformance and share love with the city.

  • What are some yummy tropical fruits to look out for?
    Answer: 

    Before you even get out of San Jose look for the corner fruit vendors selling whatever is in season. At this time of year look for Pejevaillis - an amazing fruit of a palm tree that is often stewed in a salty brine and served warm. Pejevaillis have more protein than eggs and offer grounding energy. If they are really ripe they taste and digest awesomely raw!

    If you have never been to the tropics before, you might also discover the wonderful tastes of  guayaba, many kinds of mangos and papayas, starfruit, and many others...

    Mammo chinos - furry little balls of life juice, yumm!

    Guanabana - Look for the green footballs in the market, and get ready for a treat as you rip off sections of white nectar and dive into the 'soursap'

    Beriba - (aka Cheremoya) imagine an oversized artichoke filled with custard pudding!

     

  • What preparations do I need to do to prepare for the cleanses?
    Answer: 
    Cleansing is a life-long process, so the earlier you begin the better off you are. No matter what your current diet is like, I recommend shifting towards a more alkalizing, live-foods diet to prepare for the retreat. What does this mean? Try to focus on eating mostly raw or lightly steamed greens, in season local organic vegetables, and fruit. Try to avoid or reduce your consumption of meats, dairy, nuts, breads, pastas, processed sugars, coffee and other food that create an acidic environment in your digestive system.

    Get plenty of exercise especially hiking as you want to be in as good of shape as possible to comfortably make the ascent to the Diamante Verde Sanctuary.

  • What do I need to bring?
    Answer: 

    Everyone is encouraged to bring an open heart, humility and a blind desire to purify, cleanse and come into unity. We are asking that everybody bring the following:


  • A journal
  • A natural fiber matt
  • A sacred gift for the altar
  • A gift to give someone at the retreat
  • A gift to be auctioned off to raise funds for the Art of Union HOME

    The following additional items might create more harmony in your experience: A journal, toothbrush, towel, several changes of clothes, set of jungle/garden clothes, bathing suit, headlamp, lighter/fuego, light blanket, sleep sack (sheet sowed like a sleeping bag to keep creepy crawlies out), sunscreen, waterproof jacket/poncho or umbrella, sun hat, sturdy sandals (chacos recommended), map of costa rica, animal and insect identification book, a card set of water color paints and an essential oil insect spray repellent.

  • What are good books to read to prepare for the retreat?
    Answer: 
    I usually try to read or at least gleam the nuggets out of every nutrition and live foods book that passes by. Only this way can we begin to get a feeling of words that hold truth and words that are empty in relation to our own personal experience.

    A few books that I highly recommend are:


  • Conscious Eating - Gabriel Cousens
  • Healing with Whole Foods - Paul Pritchford
  • The Sun Food Diet Success System - David Wolfe
  • What about toilets and shower facilities?
    Answer: 
    A short walk from either the main cave or the Faerie cave are two flush toilets with a septic tank that have painstakingly been constructed on the mountain. For night time usage a bucket style toilet is available in the main cave. Showers flow out of the mountain as natural waterfalls throughout the area, and in addition two enclosed showers have been built in the main cave. Please avoid using any soap in the river and use only biodegradable soaps like Dr. Bronners in the cave shower.
  • What are our sleeping arrangements?
    Answer: 
    For the majority of the retreat we will be sleeping in the Catedral de Piedra above Diamante Falls. The Catedral de Piedra has six double king-sized Flinstone style earthen beds on which we place a variety of mattresses. The main cave sleeps 19 people comfortably.

    A short walk from the main cave is the 'Faerie cave' which is much drier and sunnier with only a trickle of water seeping off the roof. Up to 13 people can sleep comfortably in the Faerie cave, usually in three islands of mattresses that are arranged on the three tiered sections of the cave.

    Somewhat more remote is the recently excavated 'Spaceship cave' which sleeps six comfortably.

  • So what religion are you guys?
    Answer: 

    We beleive that God is Love, and that this is the fundamental belief of all religions. Thus, we limit ourselves not to any one religion, faith, or teacher, but rather embrace and incorporate the inherent Truth, Wisdom, amd Goodness present in all religions, faiths, teachings, and spiritual paths.

    "To ask a man 'what is god?' is like asking a fish 'what is water?'"--- buddhist saying

  • Is the water pure?
    Answer: 
    We wouldn't call it Eden if it wasn't. The drinking water at the Catedral de Piedra comes out of a spring and radiates crystalline purity. The entire water shed of the Baru River which flows over the Catedral de Piedra originates on the remotely populated Tinamaste Mountains. The Art of Union HOME currently owns 2/3 of the entire water shed and we are currently seeking funds to secure the rest of the watershed.
  • Are there dangerous animals at the Diamante Verde Sanctuary?
    Answer: 
    Unlike the Hawaiian Islands, the tropical jungles of Costa Rica are home to a number of species of poisonous snakes and wisdom thereof should be practiced to avoid an unfortunate encounter. Of the 50 odd poisonous snakes in Costa Rica, only several are found in the Diamante Verde Sanctuary region and of these only one, the terciopelo, is aggressive. Snakes are rarely seen around the cave and found more often along the trail up the mountain or in the meadow where the gardens are. Again in seven years of tours no one has ever been bitten by a snake at the Diamante Verde Sanctuary.

    A family (or pack) of wild boar share the land with us at the Diamante Verde Sanctuary and occasionally a startled pig meets startled humans and for a moment they share the same dream, but then the boars usually run off in fear. If you are not used to encountering wild beings in nature it may help to remember and hold as a mantra , "I am a protected light being of God/Goddess and I offer only love in my worldly reflection." If you literally hold this intention in front of you as you walk, you not only maintain the purest faith and heart space but you increase your awareness which will allow you to see through the deeper layers of the jungle and avoid stumbling across unsuspecting creatures.

     

  • Are there bugs in the cave?
    Answer: 
    While the jungle is full of insect life, the Catedral de Piedra remains relatively insect free. The smaller caves sometimes have more buzzing but high vibrations during retreats tend to clear them out. The cave is the home of numerous spiders, including several stunning tarantulas, but in the seven years of operation no one has ever been bitten by a spider in the cave.
  • Are there other inherent risks at the Diamante Verde Sanctuary?
    Answer: 
    Although the Diamante Verde Sanctuary is in a remote setting, all precautions are made to create the safest most enjoyable environment for the retreat. The biggest danger at the Diamante Verde Sanctuary is slipping on the wet or mossy rocks around the stream. Care should always be taken to have three points of contact while crossing slippery rocks.