Daniel and Nina first met in their suburban New York high school in 2005.  Daniel was a senior, and Nina was a junior. They dated until Daniel's graduation, after which he moved to California. They kept in touch, but ultimately went their separate ways when Nina began attending college in Miami. 

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In 2023, Nina received a Facebook message from Daniel: Hi, how are you doing? 

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Soon after reconecting, Daniel brought Nina to the property that would become Oropel. Her first time in the jungle, Nina wasn't sure what to make of it. The two traveled to Costa Rica many times before Daniel and Nina agreed they'd relocate there, together. 

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During one week in 2024, the two eloped and moved to Sarapiqui to begin the Oropel project. The property had no electricity, running water or complete buildings. Sleeping in an open-air garage and showering outdoors with trucked-in water, they often wondered whether they bit off far more than anyone should chew. But slowly, piece by piece, the project came together and began welcoming guests by 2025.