The last few days have been pretty chill. We have been trying to experience everything that we love about San Jose one last time, and fit in some things we hadn't gotten to yet. I accomplished my goal of eating a different fresh fruit smoothie every day this week (they're best when made with water, helado is a close second, leche tends to dampen the flavor, and Costa Rican yogurt sucks so don't go there...I'm a pro). My roommates and I went to the artisan market and I spent all of my money (and us "hermanitas" bought matching "Pura Vida" bracelets). We ate freshly made churros. We went out with friends. We went to the Children's Museum (which is awesome...it looks like a castle and used to be an old military prison - when Costa Rica still had a military). We got caught in the rain a lot. It was glorious.
However, we have also been collecting reasons why we are ready to go home: toilets that can handle toilet paper and don't clog or flood every day, insects that are not super-mutants, freshly washed and machine-dried clothes, guys who don't say crass things to us in Spanish everywhere we go, not having taxi drivers and others rip us off, not having to pay fees every time we use our cards or withdraw cash, not eating rice with every meal, cheese, milk, friends, family, etc. I've heard this is characteristic of the last week, no matter where you go. However, I know I will miss Costa Rica the minute I get back in the States.
Tonight, we went to our favorite Irish pub down the street with four of our friends, to hang out and say our goodbyes. We shared our favorite memories and quotes, a few plates of food and drinks, and even set up a reunion in Colorado for next summer. Saying goodbye (or see you later...whichever) and leaving them was the hardest I have had to do during this trip. There have been so many adventures and memories made with these amazing women, it's hard to remember that our friendships weren't supposed to be long-term. We were only here for 5 weeks. I am going to miss each and every person who I have gotten to call a friend on this trip. I am also going to miss the sense of adventure, endless opportunity, and "Pura Vida" that I had here in Costa Rica.
The group in Tamarindo.
Wednesday night 2X1 movies at the Multiplaza in San Jose.
On the bus back from Arenal.
Cafe Britt Coffee Tour in Heredia.
The group at Irazu before leaving for Manuel Antonio for the weekend.
Table at ISA Farewell dinner in Escazu.
The group that went to Tortuguero.
The States will be duller, to stay the least. Routine will be reinstated. Finishing touches will need to be made to all medical school application materials. And I will have to go back to a town that I have loved for the last three years, but as a completely changed person.
Part of the appeal of leaving the country was to complement a life-changing sequence of events this spring and summer. I have changed as a person through many of my experiences, especially while abroad. I have grown up. And I know it will be very different to return to Fayetteville in a week. However, I know there are many people who are looking forward to having me back and hearing about Costa Rica. I cannot wait to see all of them and adjust to a new life-dynamic.
Ready or not, here I come. I'll be home in less than 24 hours.
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