Dr. Paul Siegel (Paulo)
Dr. Paul B. Siegel
Dr. Paul Siegel (Paulo) has been a Rural Development Consultant with the World Bank for more than 25 years working in Latin America and the Caribbean, Africa, Asia, Middle East. He was also a professor in the USA and Israel, worked in the Ministry of Agriculture in Israel and managed a consultancy in Zambia. Paulo has worked in over 25 countries around the world.
Check out this recent article written by "Dr. Paulo" on climate change for the World Resources Institute's World Resources Report 2010-2011. "My experience living on kibbutz (communal farm) in Israel had significant impact on my personal and professional development, shaped my sense of identity and purpose, enriched my connection with community, and has driven my desire for social justice, and a simple life in balance with the land and nature". THINK GLOBALLY and ACT LOCALLY and ACT LOCALLY and THINK GLOBALLY, and try to be an Agro-Eco Practicalist in thought and action. Although Paulo's work still takes him to many places in the world, it is peaceful Costa Rica and more specifically Finca Rio Perla, that is really home.
With our hands-on farm experience, amazing landscape, and refreshing waterfalls and natural pools, and infrastructure for eating and sleeping; Finca Rio Perla a wonderful place for small and large groups.
Finca Rio Perla is an ideal place to organize a RETREAT or WORKSHOP or EVENT, with beds for about 30 persons in houses, and tents and mattresses for another 10-15 persons. There are several kitchens and eating areas for 50-60 persons. The Salon La Perla has a large kitchen and eating area, and areas for classroom activities and other activities such as yoga and dance. Groups can lease/rent the infrastructure and services at Finca Rio Perla, along with meal services and different activities at the farm. |
Lauren LevinsonLauren Levinson
Lauren Levinson is a mother, artist, educator, and health food specialist - employed and educated in all disciplines. However, it’s her lifelong commitment to the care and love of horses and farm life that brought her to Finca Rio Perla.
Art and Textile Design have been consistent throughout Lauren’s life. From weaving to batik, environmental installation to t-shirt designing for national/international corporations, her work has been influenced by indigenous peoples and the natural world. As an educator, Lauren created an art curriculum infused with multiculturalism, environmental science, and social issues. She taught Kindergarten through twelfth grade at public and private schools in South Florida. Most recently, Lauren worked as a food broker in the health food industry, representing over a hundred different manufacturers of organic and fair trade foods, body care, and supplements by selling them into Whole Foods and Independent health food stores, covering South Florida and Puerto Rico. All the while, being a mom to Lea (25), Hannah (13), and Shaman (horse, 17). __________________________________________________________
Finca Rio Perla is a countryside paradise with natural beauty, adventure, environmental education, and cultural exchange. We have various types of outdoor activities including horseback riding, hiking, swimming, nature walks, bird watching, and just chilling. Our rooms are uniquely decorated with interesting artwork, local woodworking, and furniture. Windows and patios offer spectacular scenic views, cool clean air, and soothing sounds of our nearby streams and birds. We have municipal and spring water, electricity, telephone and internet service. We have comfortable rooms and tents, and many bathrooms and showers (with hot water). We offer food service based on healthy vegetarian cooking that includes Finca Rio Perla dairy products (from cows and goats) and eggs and home-grown organic vegetables. We try to use farm-grown organic products, locally produced products, and organic products whenever possible. We use vegetable rennet in our dairy products (unlike most places in Costa Rica).
We also have tilapia ponds, and will prepare freshly caught tilapia fish – especially if you catch it. We combine traditional Costa Rican cooking with international vegetarian recipes with food from the farm. Finca Rio Perla is perfect for adventure seekers, persons looking for an intimate or relaxing vacation; refreshing holiday for friends and family; workshops or group retreats, Spanish immersion, environmental enthusiasts, and nature lovers.
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