The engine groans to a halt, signaling for people to begin filing down the aisle and out onto the gravel road. As the bus surges forward again to make its 5:30 stop in Suretka, you can look down a hill on the opposite side of the road and see the elementary school of Bambu. It is a wide, single-story building with green cement walls and a tin roof. Extending out from the main structure is an awning of sorts to cover the sidewalk leading back to the gate and up to the road. Keep walking and you pass by the retirement home of Bambu, which is a marvel in and of itself; not to mention the care the elderly receive. The road winds left and right down a short, steep slope and levels off as you pass the Farmer’s Market of Bambu, which we will experience during one of our days soon in the village.
Lining each side of the road, 25x50ft, bright orange cement houses with raised tin roofs are nestled into the hilly landscape. The Costa Rican government offers to build the houses for free on the indigenous reservations for families who need them. Recently however, there has been a movement supporting traditional architecture as opposed to the government built houses.
Finally, you approach one more incline to reach the community center, or as it is called, “El Rancho.” On the right side of the hill a group of cattle huddle together in anticipation for another one of the frequent, rainy evenings in Talamanca. El Rancho is made only of wood, bamboo and dried leaves in an attempt to preserve and revive the traditions of the Bri-bri culture. When you picture the community center, think Swiss Family Robinson on a slightly smaller scale. You may never see a structure better integrated into the environment surrounding it.
It’s getting close to 6 o’clock now, which means the sun has set and darkness is taking over. It would seem very eerie here in the evening if it weren’t for the loud chatter coming from the open doorways and the distinct, comforting smell of rice and beans filling the air.