Reflecting on a Month in Costa Rica....

Quick Facts About the Past Four Weeks:

Countries visited:  2 (CR and Panama)
Beaches visited:  10
Starfish touched:  3
Jellyfish stings:  several (did you know that jellyfish tentacles contain their poison, and that if they touch you, it's like a mini-sting?)
Bee stings:  1
Sun burns:  none!
Feet cut open on reef:  1
Band-aids used:  50?
Sunken ships seen:  2
Snorkeling trips called off due to anxiety:  1 (me and Dave both freaked because we couldn't see the botttom!)
Trimarans rented:  1
Hostels stayed in: 4
Towels used while on vacation:  0
Coconuts consumed:  3
Sloths observed:  2

Too-Many-to-Count Catergory:
Salsas danced
Crabs avoided (they look like spiders and freak me out!)
Mosquitos/Random bug bites
Friends made
Drinks consumed
Jumps into the ocean
Waves body-surfed
Hours spent on buses
Photos taken

Overall, classes here were well above my expectations.  They were enjoyable and so informative.  On top of it, the people in this group had such great chemistry.  Everyone worked and traveled really well together (with the occasional qualms, but really nothing memorable).  Costa Rica is good people, good music, cheap drinks, beautiful beaches, beautiful surfers (really, amazing eye candy), lots of jokes, exotic animals, good food (usually!)...it really is pura vida here. 

I've really had a lot of time to think down here, as always.  I've got a lot of unanswered questions for myself:  what country do I want to work in?  what do I want to do?  where am I going to live when I get home?  where do I buy a bed?  should I drop environmental law?  what happened on project runway so far?  is my dog ok without me?  how much have I abandonded my friends this month?  what did my friends do while I was gone?  do I really have to go buy law books now?  what should I eat first when I get back?  Naturally, some are more serious than others.  But all are valid.

I am most looking forward to a pedicure when I get home, over anything else.  This country is rough on your feet.  But who's complaining when you're walking on the beach?  I also can't wait for this combo:  hot water + water pressure.  I also take my abundance of pillows and blankets for granted every time.  But again, I'm not complaining.  Here, there, it's all good.  Back on Friday, give me a call!