It’s hard to believe, but today I am celebrating 6 months in Costa Rica!

I moved to a rainforest  base (relatively) near San José, the country’s capital, for a job with Outward Bound Costa Rica, an educational organization that helps students learn to push their limits in the Outdoors.

Celebrating 6 Months in Costa Rica

It’s been an interesting past six months to say the least, full of many lessons, new sights, and up-close encounters with nature.

I’ve learned how to survive in the rainforest by dressing in layers, knowing the signs of when I’ll need an umbrella, and always carrying a flashlight to illuminate the dark and vast nights.

I’ve also overcome my fear of spiders, and gotten way more close to species such as rhinoceros beetles, butterflies, lizards, and road guard snakes than I ever thought I would.

Of course, not all my animal encounters have been with creatures that slither and crawl. I’ve also gotten to see monkeys and — one of my new favorite animals — sloths.

And I can’t forget to imagine the crocodiles I got to see in a new light with Jose’s Crocodile River Tour.

Adventure and physical activity have been a large part of my experience in Costa Rica. I’ve rafted the whitewater rapids of the Sarapiqui River, ziplined through jungle canopies, and spent 10-days hiking through Central Costa Rica.

I’ve put in some good beach time, relaxing in Jaco, surfing in Tamarindo and soaking up Caribbean culture in Puerto Viejo.

Above all Costa Rica has taught me that many challenges in life truly are mind over matter, and, no matter how rainy my surroundings may be at times, it is my responsibility and mine alone to fight to stay positive and be happy.

These past six months in Costa Rica have been a grand adventure and I can’t wait to see what lessons Costa Rica has to teach me in the upcoming  months.

Pura vida and thank you as always for reading my blog!