Chapter 14
It's been a while since a more introspective thoughtful post so here one is. Recently I’ve been thinking a lot about the school systems here in Costa Rica. Much like the school system in the states there are private and public schools. Also like US schools private education tends to be better and public education tends to be underfunded. One of the things I’ve struggled with the most is the fact that because my school is public no one really cares if I show up or if the teachers show up. So far I haven’t had a full week of school since if our teachers don't show up we don’t have to go to class. Luckily, because I am really not a fan of my specialty (cybersecurity) I end up avoiding it since my teacher often doesn’t show up. Private schools like those in the states are very expensive and if teachers don’t show up a substitute must be provided. Obviously in any country there are going to be large education disparities between those who are able to pay for a private education and those who can’t. However here in Costa Rica all this reverses when you get to University. The public universities here are free and all you have to do to get in is pass a test, most easily passed by those who attended private high schools. Those who don’t go to a public university can attend one of the private ones which are not internationally recognized and cost a large amount of money. Once again the circle of wealth and education ends up keeping those with less money down, very similar to many other countries including the US.
Now for a quick update of my recent adventures since it's been a minute. I spent a day with my host family in San Jose which was so fun. We visited two museums and walked around the city. Then I had a sleepover with one of my closest friends, the morning after we went to a giant farmers market full of fresh fruits and food which was so fun to see and try all the fruits we don't have back home. Then I got so lucky, my aunt Jana came to visit for a week. We went to Irazu Volcano with my host family then visited a few other sights. Jana and I then traveled together to Arenal volcano and La Fortuna where we visited a waterfall, walked through the jungle on hanging bridges, zip lined, and explored different swimming spots including natural hot springs.
Also I just wanted to do a quick shoutout to all the people who have supported me so much. It’s so nice to talk to people from home and know that no matter how far they might be they’ve got my back. Mom, Dad, Sadie you guys mean the world to me and I’m beyond lucky to have you. Sophia, Amalia, Deven, Riley you guys are my rocks, I miss you so much. To Jana, you're such a huge inspiration. Thank you so much for coming and visiting me. And to everyone else who’s been there since day one I love you all.
WARNING: Snakes.
A statue of the battle of Rivas at el Parque Nacional in San Jose.
Back at Irazu Volacano.
Pretty mountains.
La Fortuna waterfall.
Jana and I on the hanging bridges.
The magestic Arenal Volcano at sunset.
Bucket list item checked off.
Lunch in San Jose.
Mangos at the farmers market.
With Jana in an abandoned asylum turned museum.
The ruins in Cartago.
On one of the hanging bridges (I tragically forgot my rain coat and sported this poncho in the rain forest all day.)
Snake! (pit viper)
Zip lining!
Natural hot springs in La Fortuna.