On the morning I left I saw Muni and JP and Paul at the airport, dropping off Muni's group. That big CPI buseta is hard to miss, in all its large and colorful glory. It was good to give everyone one last hug!
The strangest part of the trip back was going back to English; the whole way home on the plane I kept thinking and responding to things around me in Spanish! My flight actually left late from Juansantamaria Airport, the flight crew didn't arrive on time. I half slept through my wait, and slept a little on the plane.
My layover went smoothly, no misplacing my bags or missing my flight, the wait to get through customs was fairly quick and really easy: the guy at the counter pretty much waved me through.
I was feeling pretty sentimental through the whole trip. Leaving Costa Rica I was incredibly sad, and the view of Heredia from above made me a little teary-eyed, picking out Rio Segundo and spotting the familiar churches from above. It felt like leaving home, more than anything. Costa Rica really has become my second home.
Some things I find myself missing include:
-salsa and merengue on the radio
-big vehicles with "turismo" in yellow on the side
-the smell of perfumes and colognes that hit you as you walk through the street
-colorful clothing
-rice and beans
-bebidas naturales
-Spanish
-Sabores and Pops
My last night was very memorable, having the Barbeque with my Familia Tica, Nidia y Miguel, Jason and Jimmy. Marianita y Wilson (the neighbors) were there too for a little while, and some of Jason's friends came. There was lots of delicious food, and we all had a few drinks. Muni and JP and Paul all stopped by to pick up Muni's fridge from Nidia y Miguel, who were keeping it for her. They all had a little food, with the whole tour group waiting on the bus! Even Mauricio, the chofer, had a bite! We all laughed and hugged and said goodbyes, and I slept for about three hours before waking up and leaving.
After returning, things don't seem quite the same here anymore. Nothing seems difficult or impossible. Part of that is changes in me and the confidence I've gained over the last two months. Another part is the language! After doing some things in Spanish, like taking kids to the medic, anything in English seems simple! Returning is a little like culture shock: after a full immersion in Tico culture, I find myself surprised and re-adjusting to life here in the States. One thing is for sure: this summer has been an unforgettable and incredible experience (people, places, sights, activities). I am so thankful and have enjoyed it all, even the tough moments.
PURA VIDA mae : )
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