Week Twelve in Costa Rica

Whoa, today marks exactly three months that I’ve been in Costa Rica, with also exactly three weeks to go. It’s hard to believe that the time went by this quickly and I’m scared for how fast the next three weeks will go by, but that just gives me incentive to make it the best time yet.

One weekend when the rest of the volunteers headed out on a trip, we stayed back at the farm. Ersi and Oldemar, our host parents, invited us into the house to listen and dance to some Spanish music, while they got snacks ready for the big tour group coming the next day. When we offered to help, we had lots of fun trying to form the dough into perfect circles and getting covered in flour. It’s moments like these that make me realize how closely connected I’ve become to the people I’ve met here… and how hard it’s going to be to leave.

The new cafeteria, called Soda Típica San Luis, has officially opened for business five days a week. A soda is a small, usually family-owned restaurant that sells classical Costa Rican dishes for cheap prices. The soda is being ran by Lupe and Ramón, a husband and wife from San Luis and some of the nicest, funniest people I’ve ever met. It’s now the second restaurant in San Luis, with the other being Zelmi’s Pizza.

When the Wi-Fi is out at the farm and we have homework to turn in, we head up into the main town in Monte Verde called Santa Elena and spend the afternoon at a coffee shop. While I usually stick to my coffee, this time I decided on a strawberry and pineapple smoothie. The fruit in Costa Rica is incredibly fresh and sweet, making for fantastic smoothies. I love being at the coffee shop because it reminds me of being home, where I’d spend a whole Sunday doing homework and enjoying the atmosphere.

Yesterday, I gave a presentation to the TRC (rural community tourism) group in the community center about the research we’ve done. We’ve being researching certain projects that will help the group choose the most beneficial marketing strategy for their tourism and I presented those projects to the TRC group. It was very, very nerve-wracking to have to present in Spanish to these people, but they were very welcoming and supportive. Although the meeting turned out well, I was feeling like all my Spanish practice had failed me. I was very grateful to hear from a couple people that I did well and I should just work on my confidence with my Spanish skills.

I feel so, so thankful to be here – in a place where rainbows light up the sky almost daily and the views blow me away. This program is something that I couldn't have ever imagined doing, yet here I am already three months into the adventure. I can't even describe the amazing, incredible experiences I've enjoyed here and how much I've learned, changed, and grown. 

Stay Beautiful, 

Sadie

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