Costa Rica Day 1

I have officially arrived to Costa Rica. After anticipating the landing in a new country for so long, when I got here I still felt slightly nervous. Walking out of the airport felt like I was in India all over again, with people surrounding me, awaiting for arrivals. It's definitely a different environment than what I'm used to at home, and it took me a second to have that sink in. But as we left the airport and started driving through the streets of San José, I realized the appreciation I had for places like Costa Rica, completely different from my own home. I loved seeing all the small shops, houses, and finally our scenic hotel. As I sit here now on a lounge chair by the pool, the light of the day is slowly fading away. The lanterns have all turned on and there is a peace and quiet as the wind makes the evening chilly. Since it's the rainy season here the weather isn't too warm, but with a blanket and a light jacket, this moment is perfect. I love looking at the landscape that the hotel has at its center with palm trees and green plants giving the hotel an exotic look. I could definitely get used to this. We're leaving soon to go out to dinner and see the town which hopefully will help me work on my Spanish speaking! Coming on this trip has been a dream and I'm so thankful to be here in Costa Rica right now. I can't wait to work at the clinics and learn about the patients, and I also can't wait to explore this beautiful place and the culture! As I end my first year of college, I love this transition into the summer. I hated leaving school because of how great the year was, and who likes it when something great has to come to an end. But coming to Costa Rica was something for me to look forward to and I know this experience will be unique and interesting because I am older and able to appreciate more. As the first day of this trip closes and we celebrate tonight, I'm ready to open my eyes to this view of the world.

Quote of the day: “Tourists don’t know where they’ve been, travelers don’t know where they’re going.” – Paul Theroux