Pura Vida!

Costa Rica style! This phrase means “pure life.” This is how you would respond to anyone asking you how anything was. How was…..? Pura Vida! Apparently it is just the phrase the Costa Ricans or better known as “Ticos” use.  Oh man Costa Rica was a blast!! I think that everyone had an extra good time because school and the work load is now over with =)
        The first day we were in Costa Rica two of my friends and I went to a beach called “Jaco” beach. The beach was not very nice, but we did a little shopping and eating instead. We went to this hotel/ restaurant and had chips, salsa, fajitas, and margaritas! Muy delicioso! It was really fun that they spoke Spanish. I was able to remember a few phrases and kind of carry on a conversation with a few people. I am pretty sure that my Italian was mixed in a bit though. That is because it was the last language I learned. Hehe.
        The next day we were up early for our San Jose Overnight! It was a two and a half hour bus ride there. I went with my three friends Ginny, Amanda, and Teddy. When we arrived we went to tour an Opera House and a Gold Museum. The history was good to learn because I never knew much about Costa Rica. The biodiversity on the drive down to San Jose was magnificent. Sorry if I bore you with talking about biodiversity, but I just finished writing a paper on conservation for my Global Environmental Policy class.  It was probably my hardest class, however was the most interesting. 
        That night my friends and I found a wannabe Starbucks with some great coffee! If you didn’t know Coffee is one of the most important exports in Costa Rica. I Love Coffee =) We also found an internet café where I was able to go on facebook and tell people I will be home in less then a week! Yes!!

We were up early for a drive up one of the mountains for zip lining! We all got in our harnessed and zip-lined down the cables for an amazing view of the greenery and waterfalls! Some of the lines were faster then others and you had to break yourself when you got to the end. It was a great adrenaline rush!
        Next was lunch and then to a coffee plantation! I cannot remember what the name of this particular plantation was called, but I do know that they sell their coffee to Starbucks. It made the tour a lot more interesting. At the end we were able to buy some bags, so that I did. We did a few more things around town before heading back to the ship.

        Now we are down to our last four days. Tonight I have the Ambassador’s Ball!! Everyone gets dressed up and then we have two sittings for dinner. Followed by desserts, entertainment, and dancing! Tomorrow we go through the Panama Canal!! There is a full day planned with Panama Canal activities. After that I believe everyone will be filling out the customs forms and getting everything packed.
         It is hard for me to even fathom I have been on this boat for 104 days. Honestly where did time go? A few of my friends and I were talking last night about visiting each other and then this summer maybe going to Mexico! Who knows if it will happen, but I really really want to stay in touch with everyone. I can’t even tell you how surreal this whole experience has been. I have been thinking a lot about what I will feel like when I get home. I guess I will have to wait and see. But I know that I have been blessed and probably the luckiest girl in the world to have been able to do this.
There will be a final post to wrap up all of my thoughts. This will be good because when I get home I plan on doing some sort of scrapbook. I have kept all of my tickets, papers, and such through the whole trip.
Ah I do not want to pack! I have too much stuff! I wish it could all magically be in my bags. We have to pack all of our stuff two days before Miami because they keep it in a certain room and haul it off with big cranes. Therefore when we get off the ship we won’t have as much to carry. It is a good idea.
Speaking of packing, I should get on that. First there is a song that just came on my computer with some great lyrics!

Wind is blowing through the trees
Rivers flowing to the seas
Yeah they are all heading home just like you and me
Life is for living child can’t you see that
These are the days we will remember
These are the times that won’t come again
The highest of flames becomes an ember
And you gotta live it while you can!

Can’t wait to see everyone!!!

Love,

Kristen