The Green Leaf Diaries

Since I have been down here I have had a lot (and I mean A LOT) of time to read. So far I've blown through almost 4 books, and I've only been back for about 5 weeks.. That's a lot of reading. A friend had suggested I read the book The Art of Non-Conformity  by Chris Guillebeau. The tag line alone reads "Set your own rules, live the life you want and change the world." Sounds like my kind of book. And no, it's not one of those annoying self-help books, I'd say it is more inspirational and empowering.. I've been into books like this lately. This book really made me stop and think what would truly make me happy. Since moving to Costa Rica last year I have constantly been worried about what I will do after I graduate. Will I be able to find a job? What do I actually want to do? Where do I want to live? All of these questions have been piling up in the back of my head and stressing me out. And I've been updating my LinkedIn profile and apply...

Dating. It's complex and crazy. Add someone who travels into the mix and you are playing in a whole new ball game. I recently came across two fantastic articles on dating men and women who travel. Though I still have yet to travel much, I have this intense desire to see the world in any way I can. We who travel have seen poverty, lived frugally, and even stood on top of mountains. Our hearts long for more and we have become addicted to the thrill of visiting a new place and meeting new people. We are different, and therefore difficult to date.. Date a Boy Who Travels  by Lena Desmond Date A Boy Who Travels Date a boy who travels. Date a boy who treasures experience over toys, a hand-woven bracelet over a Rolex. Date the boy who scoffs when he hears the words, “vacation”, “all-inclusive” or “resort”. Date a boy who travels because he’s not blinded by a single goal but enlivened by many. You might find him in an airport or at a book store browsing the travel guides – alt...

I live in paradise. I don't think I've ever been this happy in my life. And no, I haven't found love down here (insert eye roll).. Unless you consider my love for this place and the friends I have found in it. Because, that I have found. I don't know what I did right in my life, but somehow I ended up in one of the most beautiful and friendly communities in Central America. I feel so unbelievably blessed I cannot even put it into words.  There are many ups and downs to this place though. Yes, the natural beauty and vibes are intoxicating. But life here is not for the faint at heart. Spending a short time here may not seem like enough, but an extended period can be too much for some people. It is very easy to just get lost in the everyday parties and celebrations and completely forget about work and sleeping. This I have learned from experience.  Managing time and sleep is extremely important. The people who call this place home have it down to an art. ...

I have found bliss. Family. Friends. And the most incredible energy and feeling of love in this place. La Ruka Hostel in Puerto Viejo is truly a gem. The people. The atmosphere. The energy. You simply can't leave this place without longing to come back. I'm one to talk. I've stayed there almost every free weekend I've had since being down here. And trust me... that's a lot! Even now that I have my own place, I still find a reason to stop by and hang out. Here I have found some of the most incredible people who welcome me home every time I walk through the gates. The hugs and kisses are in abundance. These people are truly enlightened and empowered and share their love with everyone. I have had the opportunity to celebrate the full moon with the Mayan traditional Chocolate Ceremony. They have random jam sessions and family dinners. Not to mention everyone is happy to go out on the town with you and dance like crazy! So if you are ever in Puerto Viejo,...

It is now 2014. I still can’t believe it. As I sit in my new “Jungle House,” completely disconnected, I really cannot believe this is my life right now.. Out here I have no wi-fi, no A/C, no hot water, yes I do have electricity and running water, though other so-called luxuries are lacking. But frankly, it’s not that bad. And I have to say… I kind of like it. Honestly, I was quite nervous the first night. Up until now, I have never even lived by myself in the states, and now I’m out in the jungle of Costa Rica on my own. Talk about a challenge. The first night was kind of hard for me because I’m used to at least being able to watch Netflix or check Facebook when I got bored, but out here it’s only me and my thoughts. Let’s just say I’ve already finished one book… and I only brought 5. It really is nice though. The property is absolutely beautiful. Very secluded. Many people today are afraid to be left alone with their own thoughts. And it is kind of scary at first, but af...

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 ...