Bloom Spaces: Reproduction and Tourism on the Caribbean Coast of Costa Rica

Bloom Spaces explores the complex nature of tourist-place relations, focusing on women's experiences in Costa Rica and the reproductive experiences that resonate with tourist imaginaries. It proposes a rethinking of tourism that takes reproduction into consideration, highlighting the multiple actors involved and the inequities that are reproduced.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 208 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2024
Publisher: University of Toronto Press

Tourism has a profound impact on the relationships between people and places, particularly in the context of reproductive experiences. Bloom Spaces, a book by Susan Frohlick, explores the experiences of women who travel to Costa Rica in search of health and wellness and find themselves unexpectedly pregnant. The book delves into the ways in which the reproductive experience resonates with powerful tourist imaginaries of the Caribbean and multisensory environments of culture and place. Frohlick employs an experimental approach that combines creative nonfiction, poetry, photography, and narrative ethnographic writing to capture the feelings and sensations that influence reproduction in tourist destinations. Through this approach, she invites readers into a world of yoga studios, beaches, and rainforests, where atmosphere can create "bloom spaces" that lead tourists down reproductive paths. The book ultimately urges a rethinking of tourism that takes reproduction into consideration, highlighting the multiple actors involved and the inequities that are reproduced.

One of the key themes of Bloom Spaces is the way in which the reproductive experience is shaped by the tourist gaze. Frohlick argues that tourists often view the Caribbean as a paradise, with its pristine beaches, clear waters, and lush landscapes. This view is often reinforced by the media, which portrays the Caribbean as a place where people can escape their everyday lives and indulge in pleasure. However, Frohlick suggests that this view is incomplete, as it fails to acknowledge the complex social and economic realities of the Caribbean.

For example, many women in the Caribbean are forced to work in the tourism industry, often in low-paying jobs with little access to healthcare and education. This can lead to a range of health problems, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Frohlick argues that the tourist gaze contributes to these problems by perpetuating the idea that the Caribbean is a place where people can have fun without consequences.

In addition to the tourist gaze, Bloom Spaces also explores the ways in which the reproductive experience is shaped by the multisensory environments of culture and place. Frohlick argues that these environments can be powerful triggers for reproduction, as they can evoke feelings of nostalgia, desire, and belonging. For example, the sound of the waves crashing on the beach, the smell of the sea, and the taste of the local food can all be powerful triggers for reproduction.

However, Frohlick also suggests that these environments can be harmful to reproduction. For example, the use of pesticides and other chemicals in the tourism industry can harm the environment and the health of the people who live there. This can lead to a range of health problems, including cancer and reproductive disorders.

To address these issues, Bloom Spaces proposes a number of solutions. One of these solutions is to promote sustainable tourism practices. This can include reducing the use of pesticides and other chemicals, providing access to healthcare and education, and promoting local culture and traditions.

Another solution is to create "bloom spaces" that are designed to promote reproduction. These spaces can include yoga studios, beaches, and rainforests, where tourists can engage in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Frohlick suggests that these spaces can be designed to be inclusive and accessible to people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds.

However, creating "bloom spaces" can be challenging. Frohlick argues that it requires a deep understanding of the local culture and environment, as well as a commitment to sustainability. She suggests that this can be achieved through collaboration with local communities and organizations.

In conclusion, Bloom Spaces is a book that explores the complex nature of the relationships between people and places, particularly in the context of reproductive experiences. The book argues that the tourist gaze and multisensory environments of culture and place can be powerful triggers for reproduction, but they can also be harmful to reproduction. To address these issues, Bloom Spaces proposes a number of solutions, including promoting sustainable tourism practices and creating "bloom spaces" that are designed to promote reproduction. By doing so, we can create a more sustainable and equitable tourism industry that benefits everyone involved.

Weight: 340g
Dimension: 226 x 152 x 15 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781487549695