Manuel Antonio

This weekend was definitely one for the books. Not only did I get the chance to spend a few days with some super cool people, but we also were able to see one of the prettiest sights I've ever seen in my entire life. Floating in the warm water and taking in the breathtaking view, I think it finally hit me that I am actually in Costa Rica, like this is actually real and not just a dream. Although, it definitely still feels like it.

This is what we walked up to on the end of a park trail

 

 

Staying in a hostel was definitely an interesting experience. Compared to "cold" San José (70 degrees actually feels pretty chilly here), Quepos was hot, humid, and very different. A few of my friends and I ended up going to a bonfire on the beach with the kids from the other study abroad program at our school, AIFS. Hanging out by the bonfire on the sand and standing in the ocean were not even the least of it. A huge group of kids saved a puffer fish that had washed up on shore. This involved around 7 people scooping the fish up with flip flops and a jacket and tossing it back in the water as I stood by, watched, and gave moral support (lol).

Drake takes Costa Rica

On Saturday we had to pay to go into Manuel Antonio National Park. It was $3 for locals and $16 for tourists so I'm pretty sure we got ripped off, but oh well. Pura Vida, right? However, as soon as we started walking, it was totally worth it. Not even 10 minutes in we were surrounded by monos (monkeys). They were all around us in the trees and around our feet. It was so cool and I felt like a little kid when I got super excited and took probably 1,000 pictures.

The rest of the day we spent on the beach. We walked around on the sand, climbed rocks and eventually ended up napping in the shade once we realized how burnt we were. Forgetting my sunscreen at home and ending up looking like a lobster on Sunday was definitely not one of my proudest moments... Although I'm having to pay for it now, the day was more than worth it.

S/O to Maddie Kyle for actually taking pictures while I sat

 

I also ate my first Costa Rican casado (or two) this weekend which is pretty much just a huge plate of food consisting of salad, plantains, meat, rice and beans. Like I said earlier, food is life and thanks to my mama tica and the abundance of food served here I am certainly not going hungry. However, I did just finish the last of my American food that I brought with me so granola bars and dark chocolate pomegranate seeds are sadly out of the picture.

Un Casado con pollo = heaven

Life is definitely not boring down here in Central America and each day just keeps getting better and better, minus the painful sunburns. I am beginning to miss everyone back home more and more but knowing that I have less than 3 months left in this beautiful country only makes me want to cherish each moment I have. With my improving Spanish and growing friendships, I know that my time here is only beginning and there is so much to come. Life is short and I don't want to waste any minute of it here in Costa Rica.

Pura Vida,
Serena