La Pura Vida

Done with Guacimo

Quick update from Cariari. The picture is from my horse ride with Mario through their farm, right before takeoff... We trotted along, stopping to gaze at the cows, listen to the birds, or eat guava and guayaba.

On the way back from my last weekend adventure. Went to Tortugero National Park with Erika, Jess, and Shari. Yesterday we took a 2 hour boat ride to get out there. Interesting atmosphere, not my favorite, sort of touristy and shady with loud bars at night. Last night we went to the renowned Miss Junie´s for dinner and then afterwards on a night turtle tour. There was actually only one turtle on our section of the beach last night. Eventually after huddling with the German guys in our group and other random groups under a thatched roof during the pouring rain we were led over to the turtle. She was bigger than I expected, maybe 3 feet by 4 feet. She was laying her eggs (up to 100) - they shined a red light so we could see. It was wondrous and a privilege to watch, especially after she finished and though exhausted worked to cover her babies with sand. However, didn´t like the feeling of violating such a private event.

Done with my time in the campo. Left yesterday after Mass. More on that later but was surprisingly emotional to make my final exit. Did have a perfect goodbye conversation with Mario after he carried my giant bag to the stop and waited with me. We talked about the farm and the cow that just gave birth. He said it´s pretty amazing to see baby animals live independently so soon after entering this world, cows standing, birds starting to fly...humans are probably the most reliant of any. I said well yes, I am twenty and still learning to be on my own... he said this experience is parallel to me learning to fly. Pondered that as I rode the bus away from my country home.

Time to continue with that process. This week I´ll be writing reflection papers and saying goodbye to San Jose, ICADS, friends, rice and beans at least so frequently.... Mary tonight! Can´t wait to see her. :)

posted by Colleen @ 4:38 PM