Kylee and I rose before a creature was stirring at rocking J's. We took a morning stroll on the beach and then rented bike to begin our adventures.
We rode to the ATM and back and forth. We found friends we had met on the bus, rode to the bus station, rode back to rocking J's and then out to Punta Uva.
Over crocodile bridges, dodging dead snakes and staying clear of Costa Rican drivers we finally made the long and hot ride to the beautiful beach. I LOVED cruising those streets on my bike. After being attacked by fire aunts on my toes we just ran for the water and swam for hours.
We enjoyed a cheeseburger and virgin daiquiris beach side, then swam til we had to leave.
We made friends with a big group of law students. And from this I also gained another one of my Costa Rican "boyfriends" with an exotic name.
Boy do I love all the people I've met. I just wish I wasn't meeting them only to leave.
We got our last ride through the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and said adios to our Bob Marley wanna-be's and boarded the four hour bus ride back.
I read the hunger games and tried to talk to the old local next to me. Our conversation went like this,
me: "How long will you be in San Jose?"
him: "what?"
me: "how long will you be in San Jose?"
Him: "SI."
....silence....
Him: "are you going to San Jose?"
Me: "SI"
It's like uhhh... That's the only place this bus is going sir... Haha. Language barrier like no other. That's when I put my headphones back in and read.
We made it back safely and then woke up for a lovely institute party. We spent the day pool side with a group of ticos. Pool games, scavenger hunts, hot dogs and tanning.
It's our final day here and I finally got some real sun. Forgot sunscreen on my arms...oops.
I love our new friends. They make fun of us in Spanish so we can't understand. I got another Costa Rican boyfriend today, but this ones the most legit. We are gonna get married in the San Jose temple.
The only problem is, he asked what we are going to do on our honeymoon... Didn't really think that needed to be a question. Hahaha.
Last night they invited us for one last party before we leave at three in the morning. They found out it was our last day and Keny helped us live it up!!!
Just dance, karaoke and late night McDonalds runs! So glad we had Keny for our last adventure.
I will never forget all these wonderful people we've met. I love my LDS Costa Rican friends, plane friends, day care friends, bus friends, beach friends, boyfriends and mi familia de Cedros.
We caught our flight at 6:00 am after starting our travels at 3:00 am. Our mommy got up at three with us and we did our inside joke through the tax window as she watched us drive away. We whisper yelled "adios" and waved both hands back at her. She said remember my house is your house, when you're in Costa Rica, come back. I just love her!!!
On the plane got a short nap and then indulged into the second hunger games. I'm proud that with all we've done the last two weeks I'm working my way through my third book. Ah that tells me it's going to be a wonderful summer right there.
I already miss Costa Rica. The people we met were so humble and inviting. I made some solid friendships and developed understanding for so many cultures and personalities.
I learned a lot about myself and how I am in struggles, in new places, in tricky situations. I learned my strengths and weaknesses. I learned to ask for help, and to take initiative. I learned to let others lead, instead of always taking leadership. I learned that I'm not a picky eater, but when I come across something repulsive, I have the strength to gag it down with a smile. I learned to put faith in the Lord and be fearless and accepting in a place that could be full of fear.
I was reminded time and time again that I have a Heavenly Father looking out for me and helping my grow with new challenges and changes.
I am not ashamed of who I am and who I'm trying to represent. I am not ashamed to share my beliefs and answer ridiculous questions or comments that may follow. I'm not ashamed to be me... And Costa Rica helped me lock down who that is.
I couldn't have asked for such a rewarding experience.
Here's to some incredible memories and some great times to come. Thanks for following my Costa Rica adventure. :)
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