Today was the last full day in Costa Rica, and it brought joy and wonder yet again. We spent the morning at an organic farm learning about and trying the different spices, fruits, and vegetables that are grown there. From harvesting cassava to trying the cacao beans, this was a memorable and fun way to learn more about what we have been enjoying while here and what is important to this land. We met the cows and pigs whose manure is processed into methane gas, which powers the burners in the kitchen that prepare the food for the restaurant on site. The work of processing sugar cane that was harvested the previous day was shared among the group. Taking turns, everyone used a trapiche and enjoyed the sugar cane juice. The natural beauty of each and every species we saw and tried was only matched by the joy our guide, Gustavo, had in sharing his work with us. We left Gustavo and moved into a beautiful dining space that overlooked a river and was in earshot of a very chatty parrot to learn how to make empanadas. Katherine and Manfred translated the instructions on how to prepare the dough and then fill and shape our delicious morning snack.
After time on the farm, we followed the winding roads through small towns on our way back to San Jose. The stunning views and glimpses of life in this part of the world were reminders of how lucky we were to be here. Our final dinner together was followed by a gratitude circle and journaling, with the prompt- “Costa Rica, you have taught me…”
Responses from teachers and students are included below.
Costa Rica, you have taught me that even when it rains, this place is still beautiful. The people here are kind and generous. The animals and plants are something that I have never seen before and would only have seen in movies or books. The wild rainforest is as awesome as the food!
Costa Rica, you have taught me that even if there is a language barrier, people can still communicate through kindness and smiles. You have also taught me that I should try new things, even if I think I wouldn’t like them, and that the world is bigger than just a town, city, or country. I know that most people know this, but once you truly realize it, it is truly amazing.
Farewell, Costa Rica, you have taught me that seeing other parts of the world really helped with perspective. Not only is it important to push yourself beyond your comfort zone (even as an adult), but it has also been an incredible reminder that the natural world is healing for us. There is something so calming about it all, maybe it is just slowing down and getting out of the city, but it seems much more than that, like the ultimate reminder that nature is medicine for our souls. It is easy to forget when our lives are ruled by busy routines and screens that promise connection but do the opposite. This place is magic. Thank you, Costa Rica… you are beautiful! Pura Vida!!
Farewell, Costa Rica, you have taught me to slow down and breathe. Soak up the scenery and be in the moment. You have taught me that “Dreams really do come true” for some people who believe in something more and seek to make a change. It is amazing that a place so far can bring people together for the purpose of keeping a dream alive. You have taught me that listening to the rainforest is a gift and something that can’t be replicated at home. Thank you, Costa Rica! Pura Vida!
Costa Rica, you have genuinely taught me so much about myself, our planet, and the people around me. Something that I learned while I was here was that real life does not run on a perfect schedule, and not doing the same thing as everybody else is okay. It also shows that you don’t need to go so fast in life, because I personally feel that before I came here, I was just living on such a tight schedule, but when I came here, I learned that it really is okay not to have everything perfectly planned and slowing down to see real life is okay sometimes, and sometimes just what a person needs. So thank you, Costa Rica, for making me see that life isn’t always perfect and slowing down is okay.
Costa Rica, you taught me that I can be scared but still do it anyway. Before I came, I was scared about the planes and just coming on the trip, but I knew that if I didn’t come, I would miss out on so many amazing things, like seeing all of the cool wildlife. I was right. We saw spider monkeys, snakes, lizards, birds, and much more. So, for that, I will be forever grateful for this trip.
Farewell, Costa Rica. You have taught me so much about myself and what I am capable of achieving. I have learned how to push myself and how to draw back when necessary. I have learned that I enjoy acting silly sometimes, and that it is okay to not be the most detail-oriented and put-together person. You have taught me to look at and appreciate nature, culture, and the world in a way I just haven’t been able to before. All of this is not even including the facts and research strategies I learned, too. Altogether, Costa Rica, you have taught me so much about myself and what I truly love. Thank you.
Costa Rica, you have taught me that it is important to take the opportunity to change your routine when you get the chance. Coming here showed me so much about myself and the people around me, which has been amazing. Costa Rica is also an incredible place with incredible people.
Costa Rica, you have taught me that you should try anything that you do not want to try because you will enjoy it more than you think. I also learned to be open to things that feel uncomfortable at first.
Costa Rica, you have taught me the importance of slowing down and just being in the moment. To relish in the sights, sounds, and smells around me. Life is short, and I need to remember not to always be in a rush in my daily life at home. Instead, I need to take time to slow down and relish the sights, sounds, and smells in that present moment. Being here has also taught me how quickly people can become a community. People who have been together for a long time and new ones entering the circle, whether for short periods of time or for longer.
Costa Rica, you have taught me to appreciate the rainforest and the challenges that it offers. This place and space is big and wild, but it is beautiful and welcoming.
Farewell, Costa Rica, you have taught me many things, starting from small things like what a brimiliya plant looks like to showing me how to open up and get closer to people around me. Through this trip, there were many friendships we made, and I hope all the things that Costa Rica taught me will stay with me forever.
