As my time in Costa Rica continues, the daily routine has begun to set in. Solitude and boredom creeps up. Especially in the morning when I wake up at 7am wait for breakfast at 8:30 and think about what I want to do for the day until my class begins at 1. This may very well continue until the end of my trip here. How can I let the opportunity pass me, there’s so much to discover in this foreign country yet I spend my time waiting for something to happen? Well, this is when I need to revisit my bucket list in attempts to spark livelihood and motivation.
My Costa Rican Bucket list:
1. Speak the Spanish language (have conversations)
Since I attend a private school, it’s quite small and hard to meet Costa Rican students. I mostly interact with American study abroad students and we communicate in English mostly. I plant to talk to my mama Tica more and maybe even volunteer at local facilities such as elementary schools.
2. Meet locals and build relationships
One of the reasons I was drawn to Latin American Countries is because of the relationships that they have with each other. I perceived it to be close, intimate, and affectionate. I wanted to experience and see this dynamic while I am here. To be honest I’ve not put in the effort to interact with locals. With the language barrier, I’ve excluded myself from the opportunity to interact. In order to achieve this goal, I will try to attend more local events such as movies, festivals, or maybe even being around the city more often.
3. Eat fresh and natural foods (exotic fruits, etc)
Costa Rica is known to have various fresh and organic fruits and vegetables. I should take advantage of being in this country to try fresh ripe fruit. Famous Costa Rican fruits that get imported to the U.S is Pineapple and Banana. The fruits here, because they are harvested at peak ripeness, tastes amazing.
4. Build relationships
One of the reasons I was drawn to Latin American Countries is because of the relationships that they have with each other. I perceived it to be close, intimate, and affectionate. I wanted to experience and see this dynamic while I am here. My mama Tica is a widow and many of her family does not live near her. I want to build a relationship with her but find it hard as she is quite independent. To change this I want to ask my adviser on what I can do to kick start getting to know her.
5. Take more photos
One habit that I would like to change about myself is documenting my life. I never liked doing it because I was self-conscious but as I look through my past photos, I smile at the memories that I’ve made. Currently, I am taking photography class and making efforts to take more pictures.
6. Support local businesses
When I visited Vietnam with my cousins, I notice how they would bargain with the local people but accept the prices at the mall. It made me sad to see that because it means that we are supporting the big business that take away from locals. The effects of this is seen when locals can no longer support themselves and forced to work for big companies. I want to make a conscious effort to spend wisely and support local business.
It’s crazy to see my desires laid out. They are quite simple yet make all the difference in my happiness/well being. It made me smile and appreciate the opportunity I have right at my fingertips.