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Last summer, I had the opportunity to
do some traveling in Costa Rica.  One of
my favorite experiences was a long hike to the top of Diamante Falls, a series of seven
waterfalls beginning at 3,300 ft.  The
hike, itself, was invigorating, and the waterfall was stunning, to say the
least.  But what really made it
unforgettable was the cave behind the waterfall, where I spent the night.  In contrast to the dark, leaky cavern I had
anticipated, I arrived at a long opening in the cliff-side; this “cave” was
more like a large hallway in which one wall was rock and the other was falling
water.  Astonished at how inviting and
comfortable a space I found it (furnished with cots and Flintstone-esque tables
and stools), I was further amazed to find a fully functioning stove, sink,
toilet and shower – all in separate nooks and crannies, of course.

For me, this was just the beginning of
sophisticated cave-dwelling.  Until my
visit to Diamante Falls, I heard “cave” and I thought “cavemen.” But this one
was light and welcoming and equipped with modern appliances; nothing like Fred
and Wilma’s humble abode.  Still, it was
significantly more primitive than some of the cliff-side residences I had yet
to learn about.

A real-life Flintstones home, built in
the middle of two big rocks.  The house
was liveable until some time ago; you can still see a couch and some other
furniture in the inside.  Photo credit:
Andre Goncalves, MyShot 6/19/2012.

 

Continue reading “Living Outside the Box: Notes on modern-day cave-dwelling”