While I was at the Centre, I had the opportunity to work with 3 seperate vet teams and I now have a whole knew appreciation for what they do. Talking with Sarita, I got to know so much about so many of the animals, things I would never have been able to learn on my own time. Actually working with the animals and their behaviors, I learned what they liked and disliked and got to know their awesome personalities in a short time. Falling in love with many of them, made the goodbyes that much harder. Even though they are wild animals they had wonderful hearts.
The volunteers I got to know really well. There's something about being in a different country, brought together by a common thing (the Centre) that makes people open up. Even though I was only there two weeks, you can really get to know someone in that amount of time when you spend all your time with those people. Some people may laugh, but I now have about 25 new friends and know I will most likely keep in touch with all of them. That's the cool thing about traveling.
Manuel Antonio, Pura Vida. That's all that comes to mind with this one. For those 3 full days I was in pure bliss. Pura Vida's literal meaning is "pure life", but in Costa Rica it's so much more. It means, full of life, things are going great, real living. The ticos use it as a greeting too. Anyway, being in Manuel Antonio was this. The days I spent by myself, enjoying being on my own and relaxing and taking it all in. Getting to hang out with Christie, TJ and Sebastian for the last part, all of it was amazing.
Spending time with my new found friend, Yehudi. I say this because I actually met him because of my mother, but I've now seen him more in the last five years, so he's now my friend too. Getting immersed into the Costa Rican life in San Isidro de general was a blast. I worked on my Spanish, learned how to make Gallo pinto( a traditional dish), learned how to merengue ( kinda like salsa dancing). I'm very greatful for his hospitality and enjoyed learning more about the Costa Rican way of life. Last night, while out in San Isidro, I was able to speak almost all in Spanish with one of Yehudi's friends. It was good to have the opportunity to use it, since I am one of those people who lose the language when I'm not using it. Learning to merengue was also fun, and now I want to try to learn bachata or salsa dancing back in the states. This way, I won't look quite like a fool the next time I visit!
Something that has hit home for me today is that fact that four years ago, while I was in Costa Rica, my papa passed away. I actually didn't find out until 10 July, but today was the day it actually happened. The craziest part about it was I talked to my parents a few minutes after they'd found out, but since they didn't know any details, they waited to tell me. On this day, four years ago, I sent my grandparents a post card describing all I had done and how much fun I was having. This was my goodbye. He never got the postcard but in my own way it was a goodbye. The day I found out was the day I ended up meeting Yehudi and he took me out to "forget" about it for a while. It was humbling to be back in Costa Rica, with Yehudi, on the anniversary of his death.
Overall, my experience this time around has been truly one of a kind. I come back with such an appreciation for everything and love learning more about another culture. I'm enjoying my last night in my room, with no one else in here, yet. I'm going to repack my suitcase, or at least try. Then it's off to the airport at 4 in the morning, a long day of travel awaits.
I'm looking forward to hot showers, no mosquito nets, no stupid black ants that hurt like a bitch when they bite you, being able to flush my toilet paper, being back in my own bed with my own puppy( even though I almost came home with like 5 new ones) and enjoying the next two weeks before my next adventure.
Love,
Mixed feelings about leaving, but knows she'll be back again.
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