"A penis is not always what it seems," he says from behind the wheel, as I’m staring at him in confusion from the passenger seat.
Hervé is a friend here in Tamarindo and aside from his thick accent, you’d never peg him as the amazing French baker that he is.
He’s approaching midlife but you’d never guess that either; great posture and is fit as a fiddle with a dark, Mediterranean tan. He’s got few vices, including the occasional hand-rolled cigarette, and is typically seen with gorgeous women ranging on a scale of ‘younger to much younger’ or out running on the beach under the rays of a blazing sun.
“I’m sorry, what was that?” I had to ask. Perhaps I heard incorrectly.
He focuses on the road, ensuring the car heading straight for us in our lane has enough time to get back into its own.
It does. And the conversation continues amidst the impatient drivers and a gorgeous pasture whizzing by. The sprawling landscape is alive with lush greens against a bright blue sky and connected by dots of towering Guanacaste trees along the way.
My French friend doesn’t answer my question but continues in what I can endearingly call his muddled modulation (of which I usually pick up enough to understand the point he’s trying to make).
He says, “The more we know the less we can grab the truth.”
A pause. Then he adds, “And the more we are present, the more we touch eternity.”
I love all of that. It’s why I love hanging out with him and having our deep, philosophical conversations. It’s what drew me to his cafe initially, with well-known quotes and beautiful “mindful reminders” scattered across his walls and chalkboards.
Then I thought about the conversation that brought us to his original ‘a penis’ comment…
He told me his phone was stolen last night. I had the afternoon free and offered to take the drive with him to Santa Cruz for a new phone. I knew he could use the company and some good energy after losing it.
I brought up happiness and freedom, and their interdependence…basically, how happiness is having the time and freedom in life to spontaneously help a friend for the afternoon.
Then it hit me…
HAPPINESS!!
HAPPINESS is not always what it seems! (not “a penis” is not always what it seems).
“Happiness” makes way more sense than “a penis”…and I let out a big laugh.
Another car whizzes around us in a blur, this time getting passed from behind.
Unfazed, our conversation continues…
The secrets of life are discussed, collisions are avoided, and both Hervé and I enjoy a hot, breezy, and free Costa Rican afternoon.
I suppose Hervè was right.
Happiness is not always what it seems.
Enjoy the journey,
Mike