El Museo de Niños

During my free time today, I went downtown to visit El Museo de Niños. This gigantic museum was especially renovated to entertain the children that came. Although it was once a very old, not-so-attractive-looking prison, it is now one of the prettiest and biggest museums in San Jose. Even as an adult, I found myself enjoying all the different rooms; the space room, the illusion room, the dinosaur room, and much more kept my friends and I busy for the majority of the day.

Monteverde

I really enjoyed Santa Elena, the cute little town we stayed this weekend in Monteverde. It was a change of pace to the busy life of the big city in San Jose. Because the town was so small, everyone new each other and it was nice to see familiar faces. Even the stray animals that wandered the streets seemed to recognize us. For the first time ever, I zip lined across the lush green forests, rappelled down gigantic trees, and even tarzaned off a cliff. I'm glad that my fear of heights didn't stop me from trying this once in a life time experience. We also hiked through the cloud forest where we saw all different kinds of wild life; it felt amazing to be one with the nature.

On the last day, a local told us of hiking sight not to far off from the town. This hiking sight was probably the highlight of my weekend; there stood a gigantic tree that we could climb from within as it was hollow. We climbed 30 feet upward with no cables or cords attached and although my legs were shaking and my heart was pounding, the view was unbelievable.

Ready for Zip Lining

Selfie with some Parrots

Taking a Cat Nap

Hike in the Cloud Forest 

Selfie After Climbing the 30ft Tree

Last Day of Class

Can't believe four weeks have already gone by! Friday was the last day of Intermediate Spanish I at Veritas University. I met some amazing people in the class and it was sad to say goodbye. So glad to have met these people in a beautiful city with an inspiring professor at this university.

Manuel Antonio

This weekend, we planned an excursion to Manuel Antonio. This place was absolutely beautiful. There was both a beach and National Park with many wild animals like sloths, iguanas, and monkeys. Hiking along the trails of the National Park and catching the waves in the ocean (although I did lose my hat) were the highlights of the trip.

      

      

So Much Wild Life

What an Amazing View

      

New Friends on the Trip

May Have Been the Hot Weather but These Smoothies Hit the SPOT

Arenal Volcano: La Fortuna

This weekend's excursion was to the town La Fortuna. We stayed at Los Lagos, a beautiful resort right next to the Arenal Volcano! The resort itself had multiple hot springs and different animal farms like a butterfly farm and a crocodile farm. We followed a trail that led to a viewpoint to see the volcano; although the climb was hard, it was so worth it.

My Balcony View

     

Arenal Volcano

     

Organic Food from a Sustainable Farm and Freshly Squeezed Sugar Cane Juice

     

Pictures from the Butterfly and Crocodile Farm

Hot Springs at the Los Lagos Resort

The next day we woke up super early to visit Catarata Fortuna. Seeing this waterfall was an amazing experience as it was so natural; the water was cool, refreshing, and so clear!

Tamarindo Beach

Our first excursion was to Tamarindo Beach! Although a bit touristy, this beach front resort was just what I needed. The little Tico shops, beach bars, and countless activities like surfing made this weekend unforgettable. This excursion made me realize the way of life in Costa Rica. Compared to the United States, it is very slow and tranquil. People don't seem to have any worries. That's why everyone always says: Pura Vida!

First Day in Costa Rica

Already this culture has consumed me. It has only been my first full day here and I am already awed by the amount of beauty this country has to offer. From historical buildings to lush forest parks to beautiful beaches I am excited to explore this country for the next two months. I feel blessed to have come to this country and experience los Ticos, la comida, y la cultura of this country!

Here are a few pics from my day:

Homemade breakfast with Homestay Mom and Roomie.

Typical walk to Veritas University (only 5 minutes away!).

Exploring downtown. There's a Chinatown here!