The Green Leaf Diaries

I'm going to miss this place. As much as we complained about this town over the last 6 months and tried to get out every weekend we could, it really was a great place to live. I'm going to miss the Central Valley rain. The afternoon downpours that made for the perfect nap. Seeing the Turrialba Volcano puffing smoke on a clear day. Smelling the scent of fresh cut grass and rain. Even the lights from the houses in the mountains sparkling like Christmas lights at night. I'm going to miss being surrounded by beautiful mountains and landscapes that literally take your breath away. All these things made for perfect bike rides to the grocery store, walks or runs around campus, and even bus rides in and out of town. Turri Town may occasionally be referred to as "Terrible," but I do have to say that it is a perfect, quiet, safe, country town. So the night life isn't all that great, who cares? The people are absolutely incredible. And you are surrounded by natural...

I will apologize now, this one is a little more personal.. I feel like so much has happened in the last few weeks. It is different when you are living in paradise and surrounded by natural beauty and wonderful people. You don't really want to think about the sad things. I knew coming into this program that I was signing up to be an international professional, but I never thought it would be hard being this far away from home. A few weeks ago I got news that my grandmother had passed away. I had no idea I would take it as hard as I did, but being so far away from your family in such times is much harder than you can ever imagine. Fortunately I was able to make it home for the funeral and some spend much needed time with my family, but I am beginning to understand that I may not always be so lucky. Today, my dance teacher of 15 years, and her husband passed away. She was an inspiration to me and so many other young girls. She was tough and unrelenting, but she taught us how to ...

If I have learned anything through the course of my time in Costa Rica it is that everybody has their own story. We all have a history and sometimes it takes time for us to realize who we really are and what our story is. But the greatest part is that people down here understand. No one cares if you messed up in the past, they're just glad you're here now. It's an interesting dynamic, but it can be challenging at the same time.  Costa Rica is a tourist destination. Therefore it is full of people coming and going. You meet people one day and they are gone the next. A friend of mine said he has to be careful what he shares with people. He has to guard his heart in a way because it seems that just when you get to know someone, they are leaving again. Fortunately this doesn't stop us from enjoying the time we have at that moment. Yes, it is hard meeting people and then leaving and never seeing them again, but you learn to find joy in the time spent with them and in know...

I know this is about a month too late, and I'm sorry. But I've been busy, okay? I'll get back on track, I promise. During my short 2 week vacation in August I got to travel around a bit and spend some time with my family. And let me tell you, this vacation was much needed. For the last three months, while it was a blast, we were very busy with classes and projects. Yes, we did often travel on the weekends, but, let's be real, that doesn't really allow for much actual rest. So this vacation couldn't have come at a better time. We started the vacation in Puerto Viejo (our new favorite spot on the Caribbean Coast) and spent a few days there hanging out and relaxing. PV is the perfect little Caribbean town with gorgeous beaches and great people. If you are looking for a fun place to travel this is definitely a good option. Over the last few months we have met and made friends with local restaurant, bar, and hostel owners making it much more fun (and affordab...

I've been living in Costa Rica for 9 weeks. Talk about a life-changing experience. I feel like I'm always saying this, but it really is impossible for me to put into words all the beautiful things I am seeing and emotions I am feeling. This isn't even the halfway point, so I know that there is much more still to be learned. All the same, I felt compelled to write this blog on the small things I have learned thus far in my adventures. Some are silly, some practical, and some serious. But they are all certainly worth the read... I could live minimally and still lead an exceptionally happy life.  Good coffee really does make a difference. Fresh fruits and vegetables really are better. Don't just go willy nilly picking things up! Lizano sauce is absolutely delicious.. on everything. (Yes, Candace, you were right.) Wearing no makeup will decrease your perceived "need" for makeup. It's all relative.  Dry shampoo would be very nice to have as hot showers...

A few weeks ago we got the opportunity to travel to a fairly "undiscovered" beach community in Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Playa Coyote is a fishing community that has yet to truly be developed for tourism and visitors, but it is definitely worth the trip! It took us about 10 hours of driving in CATIE vans/buses to get all the way up the Pacific coast and back down the Nicoya Peninsula. Most of the roads further down the peninsula are unpaved and require much more time to get to your destination.. especially if it is raining (you better have 4-wheel drive). This community relies heavily on fishing and realized a few years ago that their fish populations off the coast of the Nicoya Peninsula were quickly decreasing and endangered species were being harmed due to trolling careless fishing practices. These beaches are also home to several different species of Sea Turtles who come there specifically to lay their eggs. In order to protect these areas PRETOMA was created. In the l...

Imagine riding in a canoe upstream on the Yorkin River between Costa Rica and Panama, powered only by one small motor on the back and the strength of a guide at the front of the canoe with a staff to ward off the rocks. The view is breathtaking. All around you is clear river water, steep rocks, and dense forest. Occasionally you spot the natural waterfall hidden in the mountains or the beautiful red flowers set against the dense green background. A colorful bird taking flight. The landscape is absolutely unbelievable.. This is the only way to get to the indigenous Bri Bri tribe of Costa Rica. The trip is not a short one and few people actually choose to make it. We were in the canoes for at least an hour, if not more, being guided by the strength of the natives who know these rivers and navigate them on a daily basis. The closest "grocery store" (which is more like a small convenient store) is where we got on the river. But for a long ride, it certainly is worth the view. A...