The return home and the emotion that lasts

Returning to Santa Ana after a weekend like the one I just had is anything but a return to routine. Instead, it is a journey home filled with emotion, gratitude, and vivid memories that linger—wrapped in a halo of magic.

I left with a heart full of moments: faces, smiles, gestures, hugs, and conversations that still echo in my soul.

Thanks to the generosity of José Miguel Alfaro, a lifelong friend and former classmate from Methodist, I had the opportunity to experience something truly special—a flight over Costa Rica’s central Pacific coast. Sharing this moment with José Miguel, a man who finds pure joy in the sky, made it all the more meaningful.

When he takes the controls of a plane or helicopter—whether large or small—you can see in his eyes the same wonder and enthusiasm as a child encountering something new.

We took off from Cobano’s private airstrip (a fantastic local enterprise), and the landscape quickly unfolded beneath us: Guanacaste, the Gulf of Nicoya, Puntarenas, Caldera, and the Central Valley. From the sky, Costa Rica is breathtaking—a little piece of heaven on earth.

Emotion deepens when it is shared, and reflection gives meaning to what we have lived.

If I had to sum it up in a single word: gratitude.

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Santa Teresa: a paradise of contrasts

Santa Teresa is a spectacular place. The house where the gathering was held, once owned by Mel Gibson, offered a stunning view of the Pacific Ocean. Montezuma and Santa Teresa are pockets of unspoiled beauty, where nature still dictates the rhythm of life. Waves crash endlessly for eager surfers, and the atmosphere is alive with energy.

But every light has its shadow. Santa Teresa’s main street is a mess—a half-finished public project, plagued with dust, potholes, and chaotic traffic: cars, pedestrians, bicycles, tricycles, and trucks all weaving through the disorder.

And beyond the dust and disarray, a harsher reality exists—drug trafficking and security concerns. It’s an undeniable mark on the area. During my stay, there was an armed altercation, requiring intervention from the local police and the OIJ (Judicial Investigation Organization).

No place is perfect. Santa Teresa dazzles, but it also faces serious challenges. Beauty and rawness coexist, and unfortunately, you cannot experience one without acknowledging the other.

What is Kinnernet? A Unique Space for Connection & Creativity

So what brought me here? Kinnernet.

For those unfamiliar, Kinnernet is not your typical conference. There are no rigid agendas, no headline speakers, no predefined schedule. It is what is best described as an “unconference”—a concept created in 2003 by Yossi Vardi originally inspired by Tim O’Reily’s Foo Camp.

The magic of Kinnernet comes from spontaneity—a space where a carefully selected group of people gathers by invitation only to exchange ideas freely.

The spirit of Kinnernet is one of curiosity without judgment. No status, no labels, no egos—just open minds, ready to share, learn, and be surprised.

In Santa Teresa, over 60 people from across the globe—New Zealand, China, Italy, the Netherlands, the U.S., and, of course, Costa Rica—came together for this experience.

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Two large whiteboards served as the schedule—left blank, waiting for guests to write their own topics, choosing what they wanted to discuss, learn about, or explore.

And so, a fascinating mix of discussions emerged:

• Natural medicine
• Israel
• Failure & stress
• Poetry
• The risks of artificial intelligence

To the surprise of many, there was even a talent show, gadget presentations, and ignite talks—short, timed speeches on compelling topics. And, as expected, plenty of room for improvisation.

The energy? Open, uninhibited, and completely free of judgment.

 

A Weekend of Connections & Moments That Last

For accommodation, we shared a beautiful Airbnb, which quickly became our own little KinnerLat sanctuary.

Between laughter and deep conversations, I formed lasting connections with José Ignacio (for two), Cristina, Fabiola, Daniel, and Piero. What an incredible time we had!

Among the attendees were a few familiar faces from years past, and I had the pleasure of reconnecting with José María Figueres (former president of Costa Rica), David Grebler, Alberto Gross, Margarita Herdocia, and Roberto Saint-Malo.

The real value of Kinnernet isn’t found in the talks themselves, but in the genuine human moments in between—the unscripted interactions, the serendipitous exchanges, the openness.

Some conversations will continue—over coffee, over wine, over time. Because the best experiences never truly end.

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A Conversation About Detachment

One moment stood out.

On Saturday morning at 10:30 AM, I had the honor of being interviewed by Roberto Saint-Malo in front of this beautiful group of souls.

The topic? Detachment.

We spoke about the power of letting go—releasing what no longer serves us, surrendering expectations, fears, and prejudices.

Detachment is not just about material things. It’s about living lighter, embracing change, and finding freedom in uncertainty.

We also touched on ego, vulnerability, and the virtue of humility. We breathed deeply, revisited our inner children, and, in closing, I shared a simple wish:

“To expand until one day, we become nothing more than pure kindness.”

That conversation resonated deeply with many. It lingered in the air, like a seed planted in every heart—to grow in its own time.

The Journey Continues

Returning home doesn’t mean the experience ends. It lives on in memories, in the stories we share, in the questions that remain.

As I told Alex, Stephanie, and Santiago about KinnerLat, I could see curiosity spark in Rafael’s eyes.

Some moments are meant not only for those who live them, but for those who hear about them. Because life is enriched through connection.

Gratitude & the Art of Embracing Contrasts

If I had to choose one word for this experience? Gratitude.

Gratitude for the incredible people who made KinnerLat possible.
Gratitude for Yossi Vardi, whose vision has fostered these magical, unscripted encounters for over 20 years.
Gratitude for every conversation, every shared moment.

And gratitude even for the contrasts. Because places like Santa Teresa remind us:

Life is never perfect. It is both light and shadow, beauty and chaos, serenity and challenge.

What matters is to embrace it all—with open arms, open hearts, and the courage to connect.

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Next Stop: India

Now, my suitcase waits on the bed.

Next, I head to Mumbai, Jaipur, and then Kuchaman Fort, where we will immerse ourselves in silence, meditation, and music.

A different kind of journey—one inward.

I will return soon, ready to share again.

Until then, with all my gratitude and appreciation—see you soon.