Chapter 10

Since its already been three months, I wanted to do a photo dump that includes some of my favorite moments from the past three months.

While this was a while before I left the country I thought I’d share one of my favorite photos from my surprise going away party. All of my closest friends were there and it meant a lot that so many people showed up to say they care and will miss me. (Photo credits to Emma and Didgy)

On my way to Costa Rica I got to spend some time in Miami with my mom. It was a nice moment to relax before the adrenaline and nervousness kicked in the next day.

And this one if the first of Costa Rica right before landing.

My first view of the mountains outside my door.

My host mom has been nothing short of amazing. We have bonded over so much, for example this hike that was gruelingly up hill and hot.

I love cactuses, and yes that is the moon which was huge and not captured in all its glory through this photo.

Pretty much without fail everyday the sunsets and golden hour are immaculate. This one was just especially gorgeous, but I guarantee at least half my camera roll is sunset photos.

SLOTH!!!!!!!!

My host mom’s sister has puppies, frenchie puppies. They’re some of the cutest little smushy dogs I’ve ever seen.

Sometimes when I’m really missing home I’ll run to my local pulperías (bodega/corner store) and buy some instant mac, an Arizona, peanut butter, and an apple.

Or I’ll run to the closest panadería (bakery) and grab a cinnamon bun, pour myself some coffee, and read a book.

My closest friends here have been life savers, they are always there and willing to talk or go out for ice cream. They are proof language is only another tool that forms bonds and that even without it I would miss them greatly if I left today.

On mother’s day this year I sent my mom in the states flowers, it was hard not being there with her to celebrate however brunch with my host mom made it ok. In Costa Rica mother’s day is August 15th, but I decided to celebrate anyways with the woman who calls me her daughter for the year and I couldn’t be more grateful. We got Costa Rican pour over coffee and tortas with plantains and cheese.

I said goodbye to my family (I don’t have any photos from that since it was complicated and there were many many tears), however this was my last long walk with my best friend practically my sister.

Not much to say however this is last photo I have from US soil.

I spotted this tree on my way from the AFS offices to my host community, the first glimpse at the wide array of beautiful natural elements I get to see every day.

This time I got to be on the mountain instead of looking up at it. The clouds never cease to amaze me.

I was taken by surprise at the amount of my school that is outside. I love it and will miss being able to walk outside of my social studies class and there be a creek or leave physics and be greeted by a lemon tree.

These wings over Cartago at a wedding venue. Not much more to say and while I haven’t gotten to explore Cartago much I’m hoping I will.

The three other girls I traveled with from the states and I have become shockingly close over the course of our programs. Getting to spend time with them is always so beautiful and relaxing. (Shoutout to Savi and Lucy who aren’t pictured here but just as special.)

Morning breaking over San Jose, I don’t spend much time there but have seen it from above many times and it is always breathtaking.

A quick moment for all the flowers.

My favorite part of my school day is walking from my bus stop to the house with the mountains behind me everything feels alright in the world.

Just another gorgeous, guapa, linda, perfecto photo of the sun and the clouds.

This caps off my visual three month summary. I am beyond grateful for all the opportunities I have been given so far and cannot wait to see what’s to come in the next seven months!