Now that I've been back home for a few days and reacquainted myself with the comforts of home, I can look back on my study abroad trip with fond memories that will never be forgotten. While the whole experience was out of my comfort zone as far as location, food, conditions, etc., that "foreignness" is what made it so special and memorable. I was able to see and experience things that I will never experience back home in Louisiana.
Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the trip was just how different Costa Rica and its people operate. They take pride in their natural resources, both human and environmental. At the same time, they are also able to attract these huge companies to invest money into their economy and stimulate growth within their country and to give people better jobs and opportunities that they would not have had otherwise. They are able to not only be a successful arena for business, but they are constantly aware of their environment. It truly amazed me how much they recycle and how they can transform one thing into something completely different. As an example, I would have never guessed that recycled tires could be used for jewelry string or that recycled telephone cabling could be woven to make bracelets had I not seen and witnessed it for myself. While Costa Rica may not be as industrial or economically developed as other countries, in my opinion they have mastered the art of using what resources they do have to the best of their ability.
Another aspect I really liked about the trip was that we got to see the real Costa Rica; the good, the bad, the ugly, and the beautiful. I never felt as though I was being sheltered or only being shown what was good about the country. There were moments where you could clearly see the country still has many problems, socially, economically, etc. Other times, I could not get over just how much business and entrepreneurship and industrialism was present within the country. It just goes to show you the dichotomy that with the good comes the bad and vice versa.
Speaking of the good, the activities we did and the sights we saw will live in my mind's eye forever. It truly was paradise, from the beaches to the wildlife to the forestation to the sunsets and sunrises. I had never been anywhere tropical so this truly was an eye-opening experience. I did things I had never done before like zip lining and white water tubing. I saw things I had never seen before like the sloths and howler monkeys. It was just a complete sensory overload at times. Now that I am home, I can reflect and look back on all that happened and all that I saw and experienced. I'm grateful I was able to go on the trip, and I'm thankful to have these experiences and that I was able to build these memories with my fellow program attendees.
While it was fun while it lasted, I'm glad to be home where we have constant access to air conditioning, fast food, and I don't have to worry about whether or not I can flush toilet paper down the toilet. I will miss Fernando and his awesome tour guide skills. I will also miss the free french fries and all the other free food from the all inclusive resort. But mostly, I will miss spending time with everyone on the trip (both from UL and Nicholls) and laughing at Sonny's one-liners or Chris' dancing skills with a bum ankle or any of the other multitude of hilarious things that occurred during the trip. It really was an unforgettable adventure and lifelong-lasting experience.
Pura Vida!!
Pura Vida, Katie!! <3
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