My journey over the past two weeks has been embraced by the culture of Costa Rica. I have fallen in love with the “Pura Vida” lifestyle. I wish I could bring it back to America. Everyone is laid back and loves the life they have. This past week I have traveled all over the Nicoya Peninsula. It was wonderful.
All of us went to Monteverde, the green mountain city, La Fortuna, and La Playa Tamarindo. We really had no transportation or hostel plans when we left; however, we have learned a great deal each day. Traveling in another country where the language is totally different has been difficult, but travel became easier once we got to the tourist towns.
(the caonpy tour=AMAZING, BEAUTIFUL, CRAZY)
I discovered the life of traveling with people without plans. It was getting to know people in each town--there were Ticos and Ticas, Europeans, Australians, Americans, and Canadians. We stayed in hostels and were able to get to know people there and also when we were on the inexpensive public buses.
I thought I was going to be ill on our trip to Monterverde. The bus transportation was long, rocky, sweaty, filled with people. I really learned what it meant to be on the public bus. I have had to take a step back and trust people and myself. It has been a learning experience.
I got all my fears out when I participated in the CANOPY TOUR at Monterverde! I was swinging through mountains and sliding down ropes! I just let myself go and be wild! Also, in Monteverde I learned about coffee, sugar, insects, and butterflies.
(coffee)
(plantains)
I met very interesting people along the way, many of whom I wanted to keep in my pocket forever.
La Fortuna was filled with an active volcano named Arenal. I saw many birds, sloths, and also ate an insect that tasted like mint. It was cool in Arenal and Monteverde. I had no idea that the climate difference was going to be so drastic as we traveled from the coastal area to the mountains. Also, each town was very different from each other. Nicoya is a home town for locals,very hot and dry, but Monteverde and La Fortuna are tourist towns where some people speak Enlgish. I saw fewer locals in these towns. Instead of standing out like I do in Nicoya, I blended in. It was another experience.
In Tamarindo, I just sat at the beach. The sunsets were the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. The sun goes down over the ocean and paints a picture that is indescribable. I have many pictures, but I have forever the memory of the lived sunset.
We stayed at a cool hostel in a surf shop.Some girls surfed in the group, but I didn´t. It was neat watching my friends. Traveling was a learning experience and getting to know people was a big part of the experience. Having people help us and helping others was a big blessing.
That is it for now.
(all of us)
SARAH