Culture Shock

So many people warned me prior to beginning this trip about the huge culture shock I would experience once going abroad. Visiting a developing country, living there for 3+ months, and being away from the culture that I have been surrounded by my entire life would be a big awakening I was told. However, I have not experienced this "shock" at all yet. So, either a) I'm completely oblivious to the fact that I am in a new culture, b) People just wanted to scare me, or c) This place actually is the happiest place in the world and I finally get to live in it. I choose option c. Life in Costa Rica is better than I ever could have imagined and even though the first week isn't even over yet, I know I have made friendships that will last a lifetime.

Before leaving the U.S., someone close to me showed me the quote by John Steinbeck, "A journey is a person in itself, no two are alike. And all plans, safeguards, policing, and coercion are fruitless. We find that after years of struggle that we do not take a trip, a trip takes us." Being here, I now realize how true this really is. Looking at the past few days and seeing the best moments, I never could have planned a single one of them. The other day my friend, Maddie, and I snuck out onto a patio upstairs at our school and stumbled upon one of the prettiest sunsets I have ever seen. Although pictures cannot even give the slightest hint at how beautiful it was we definitely tried our best.  I have learned that the best moments here in Costa Rica happen when I least expect it. I am not taking this trip anymore, it is definitely "taking" me and showing me all that life really has to offer.

Please ignore me photobombing the amazing sunset

We also began classes this week which sort of reminded me that although this feels like vacation I actually do have to attend school and do work (or try and fit it in somewhere). How could I possibly want to do homework when the beach is calling my name? However, we've managed to find a balance, and praise the Lord for professors who do not give homework on Friday's here. Professors at Drake really could learn a thing or two from "Pura Vida"... lol jk. Another thing that they offer at la Universidad Veritas are Spanish dance classes at night where we try to learn how to salsa, etc (key word: try). Unfortunately, my previous dance "skills" from high school have disappeared and do not help me whatsoever. Maybe someday...

My home

 This weekend a few of my friends (yes, I have made friends) and I are also traveling to Manuel Antonio which is a National Park and beach where I am told I will be able to see monkeys, sloths and toucans. We have not visited the beach yet or stayed in a hostel out of San José so this weekend shall prove if we are good travelers or not. Wish me luck.

Downtown San José, roommates are on my L & R

With almost a week into this trip I cannot wait to see what the next few have in store. Although I miss my family and friends in Minnesota and Iowa, I know this opportunity is once in a lifetime and I am so excited to see what I am going to learn and experience in these coming months.

Pura Vida,
Serena