Highs and Lows

While it’s easy to recognize the highs while traveling, the lows are also here. It was effortless to envision just being high on life and energy for this trip but it’s hard to be out of my comfort zone and routine. My discomfort extends from my thoughts and feelings to the itchy hives that go up my body. It’s easy to make a tropical place look like a dream destination and just show that side of traveling but reality check, I’m in Central America. Some of the things that aren’t glamorous that I’ve thought about recently include: the bug bites/hives, throwing toilet paper away in a trash can (as you’re supposed to do), sand everywhere, the smelliness of all the smells of things that don’t dry in this climate, not relying on my phone or using service, being in an unfamiliar place, cold showers, choosing to charge your phone or plug in the fan with the one outlet in the room, swaying back and forth in a shuttle, hoping you don’t go off the road, and not having the comfort of a routine. I’ve checked my privilegie more times than I can remember on this trip. I’m in Central America and I’m here to learn about the culture and experience a new place. That definitely has highs and lows.

 I’ve taken after Sarah and Cara and have started to incorporate a morning routine of yoga and some sort of movement. I’ve added meditation to the mix and it’s been something I look forward to now. This helps start the day with a little bit of structure and a reminder that it’s important to listen to our bodies.

I’m thrilled to be going to Colombia soon and to be with a local family and in a home. Costa Rica has been sort of a purgatory, this week in Santa Teresa has especially felt like we are stuck in time, waiting for a greater cultural immersion. This country is filled with so many tourists that it’s been difficult to use my Spanish. And because I only did one week of working, I’m on a stricter budget which means not partaking in the touristy things for the remainder of my time here. The thing is, if you don’t pay to do the “touristy” things but you’re still in that area, there’s not much to do. I’ve been trying to take in the beautiful nature and ocean around me but it’s also been ample time for thinking and that gets tiring. I’m ready to take a break from all of the reflection and thinking I’ve done for the last two weeks and just enjoy traveling (i.e., eating, talking, laughing, seeing, meeting new people, etc.). I want to remember Santa Teresa because it’s been hard.

Cara and I went on an afternoon walk on the beach one day because we both realized we were mentally exhausted. Exhausted from how much time we’ve had to think and not just be. We were tired of thinking such serious and meaningful things all week. On the walk we tried to come up with subjects we deemed “silly” or rather things we didn’t feel required some meaningful anecdote or explanation. Some subjects ending up being football and astrology. It’s funny how hard it was to try to think shallowly. That’s all we wanted yet we found ourselves drifting into deeper thoughts. I think we are this way because of our education and always being taught to analyze things. This week has made the idea of a meditation/ yoga retreat sound very unappealing…

On another note, my dear friend Kendall arrived in Santa Teresa today after an unfortunate mishap of flying to San Jose, CA instead of Costa Rica. I love someone that can laugh about their mistakes though and move on — that’s exactly what she did. Kendall arrived on the perfect night because usually the hostel that we are staying at is quiet and there’s not many people around but the night she arrived happened to be someone’s birthday and there was a little party. This was the most socializing that I’ve done all week and everyone was so friendly. Kendall brought lots of positive energy and was so social. It was fun to see that and remember how I was like that when I first arrived. A month in and I’m a little drained! 

Two more days in Santa Teresa and then here we come Colombia!