Nosara, Costa Rica: Where a 10-Year-Old Genius is Born!
Nosara, Costa Rica: Where a 10-Year-Old Genius is Born!
Today, a most wonderful adventure happened. I met a 10-year-old genius, Mael, and his parents. The father is Thierry van der Weid. His wife (and mother of the genius) is Martine, who is French.
Thierry is Swiss and a graduate of the prestigious French/Swiss business school HEC. He came with his family to Costa Rica and successfully developed many businesses. Martine is lovely, joyful, and free. She plays with their son and lovingly cares for their home.
Mael started painting at age 4 or 5. His parents immediately recognized his talent and built him a painting studio, providing the best colors and paper, and painting with him to encourage trust in his own creative ability.
Years later, Mael’s paintings became so free and incredible that his parents decided, two years ago, to open an art gallery where he paints and displays his work. He has already sold hundreds of paintings, especially to homeowners both in Costa Rica and the U.S. His parents’ real estate offices even bought some to decorate homes they were selling.
By age 10, Mael had already earned and saved $20,000 from his art. During a vacation, he discovered mini golf—and it became a passion.
He decided to build a mini golf course in his own backyard, on land his parents own near their restaurant, Café de Paris, located right at the crossroads between the beach and the village of Nosara.
Mael went to San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and met with a mini golf design engineer. He then designed his own course, complete with holes and obstacle challenges. The engineer came to Nosara and built Mael’s custom mini golf park at Café de Paris.
Mael had calculated that his investment would be refunded and doubled within six months. In reality, he made twice as much as expected.
He noticed that parents came with their kids in the afternoon to escape the heat, thanks to the shady jungle-like trees surrounding the course.
In the evening, groups of young teens came to hang out, drink Coca-Cola, play mini golf, and laugh together. The entrance fee ranges from $5 to $10, depending on age.
Meanwhile, Mael continues to attend the local Montessori School, where his creativity is nurtured. He still paints and has now begun sculpting.
His mother says that when she feels uncertain, Mael often offers wise advice that genuinely helps her. Clearly, his parents are deeply in love with their son and show him immense respect.
During school holidays, the family travels to a different country each year—so Mael grows up knowing the world. I had lunch with the three of them and asked Mael:
“Are you happy?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Is there anything you would change in your life?”
“No,” he said. “It is perfect as it is, absolutely perfect.”
Can you imagine???
And they all say:
“This could only happen so gracefully because we are in Costa Rica.”
A kudo for this country.
HOW ABOUT THAT!!! Is that cool or what???
— Margot
Today, a most wonderful adventure happened. I met a 10-year-old genius, Mael, and his parents. The father is Thierry van der Weid. His wife (and mother of the genius) is Martine, who is French.
Thierry is Swiss and a graduate of the prestigious French/Swiss business school HEC. He came with his family to Costa Rica and successfully developed many businesses. Martine is lovely, joyful, and free. She plays with their son and lovingly cares for their home.
Mael started painting at age 4 or 5. His parents immediately recognized his talent and built him a painting studio, providing the best colors and paper, and painting with him to encourage trust in his own creative ability.
Years later, Mael’s paintings became so free and incredible that his parents decided, two years ago, to open an art gallery where he paints and displays his work. He has already sold hundreds of paintings, especially to homeowners both in Costa Rica and the U.S. His parents’ real estate offices even bought some to decorate homes they were selling.
By age 10, Mael had already earned and saved $20,000 from his art. During a vacation, he discovered mini golf—and it became a passion.
He decided to build a mini golf course in his own backyard, on land his parents own near their restaurant, Café de Paris, located right at the crossroads between the beach and the village of Nosara.
Mael went to San José, the capital of Costa Rica, and met with a mini golf design engineer. He then designed his own course, complete with holes and obstacle challenges. The engineer came to Nosara and built Mael’s custom mini golf park at Café de Paris.
Mael had calculated that his investment would be refunded and doubled within six months. In reality, he made twice as much as expected.
He noticed that parents came with their kids in the afternoon to escape the heat, thanks to the shady jungle-like trees surrounding the course.
In the evening, groups of young teens came to hang out, drink Coca-Cola, play mini golf, and laugh together. The entrance fee ranges from $5 to $10, depending on age.
Meanwhile, Mael continues to attend the local Montessori School, where his creativity is nurtured. He still paints and has now begun sculpting.
His mother says that when she feels uncertain, Mael often offers wise advice that genuinely helps her. Clearly, his parents are deeply in love with their son and show him immense respect.
During school holidays, the family travels to a different country each year—so Mael grows up knowing the world. I had lunch with the three of them and asked Mael:
“Are you happy?”
“Yes,” he answered.
“Is there anything you would change in your life?”
“No,” he said. “It is perfect as it is, absolutely perfect.”
Can you imagine???
And they all say:
“This could only happen so gracefully because we are in Costa Rica.”
A kudo for this country.
HOW ABOUT THAT!!! Is that cool or what???
— Margot
