Slow traveling in Cartago, Costa Rica
The other day I visited the former Costa Rican capital of Cartago. Founded as the capital in 1563, this city has withstood the eruption of the nearby Irazú volcano, and the earthquakes of 1841 and 1910, all of which devoured the city’s historical areas piece by piece. Even though Cartago is now bustling with all of the elements of city life, it maintains a laid-back atmosphere wrapped inside vibrant green mountains. Amazingly, there are still sights to see such as Las Ruinas de la Parroquia, rebuilt after the 1841 earthquake only to be leveled, except for the outer walls, once again in the 1910 earthquake. Today, landscaped gardens fill the stone walls where people stroll and relax under the Jacaranda trees.
Just down the street, sits one of the most important religious sites in Costa Rica – the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles. Inside, airy cúpulas add shape to figurative, wooden walls under which devotees slide on their knees down the aisle to the altar. Religious or not, it’s hard not to be moved by the architecture combined with such devotion.
Shops selling religious souvenirs populate the streets surrounding the church, and I had to investigate. Most sold rosaries, depictions of saints and all kinds of figurines. Walking through one shop, a shoebox of cards sitting on top of a glass, display case caught my eye. The card at the front of the box listed several names beginning with “A” on the left, and names beginning with “B” on the right. I swore I saw my name Beverly, but immediately thought that that was impossible as “Beverly” isn’t a saint’s name. Moreover, I rarely see the name “Beverly” whether it’s on a keychain, or one of those fake license plates. Well, it actually listed my name, and the corresponding card was available. Not having seen an interpretation of my name before, it made me think. The card reads (with the translation below):
Meaning: “Strength.” The name is of English origin and is derived from the name “Kimberly.” The known abbreviation is “Bevh.” The meaning of this name fits this incredible woman like a glove. Béverly isn’t only strong, but she also has courage running through her veins. She has the spirit of an indomitable warrior and the heart of a servant. She is competitive, imposing, and rebellious. She will fight for what she believes in and she knows how to be insistent. She can convince you of just about anything with little effort. Béverly is a kind and expressive person who, without a doubt, will help you when you most need it. She has faults just like any other human being, but the virtues of a complete woman. She has an effervescent character, but a natural kindness and finger-tip sensitivity. If you provoke her, she will explode, but if you seek to understand her and accept her for who she is, you will have a friend forever.
