2014 Kylin Rue DeBoer
Bienvenidos a Costa Rica. ¡Pura Vida!
From the moment I stepped out of the plane in Liberia, my mood reflected the tranquilo atmosphere and bonito people. For twenty four days, my life resembled that of a local from Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Spanish vocabulary and grammar consumed my mind from dawn to dusk. Conversing with my teachers, I learned about the country's values-education, nature,and tradition. Over the course of three weeks, I learned about the Costa Rican culture and immersed myself in Hal Tayloe's legacy of exploration and discovery.
Adventure awaited as the striking sun rose each new morning. Henry, the school's taxi driver, taught me so much about the local cuisine and landscape during our travels to the super mercado and the numerous playas. By grocery shopping and dining at the town's restaurants, I welcomed Costa Rican meals and snacks as a daily staple. My afternoons unfolded on the many beaches and pool decks of Guanacaste. I absorbed Latino magazines and completed homework, lounging under coconut trees and a warm, Pacific Ocean breeze. Walking along the beaches and towns, I discovered the complexity and beauty of Costa Rica's coastline. Each beach fostered a different ecosystem and hosted a variety of plants and marine life. Through photographs and videos, I documented my daily excursions in and out of the water.
My experience spanned boat rides with monkeys, volcanic hikes, forest canopy zip-lines, river tubing, natural hot spring baths, surfing and paddle boarding lessons, coral reef tours, and walks around national parks and rain forests. My presence alone boosted the economy of Costa Rican ecotourism!
The passion and unity of Costa Rica stirred my spirit, just like all of the country's
visitors. Once I witnessed the reaction to the World Cup in Costa Rica, I fell in love with the emotion and loyalty of the people. "¡Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole Ticos, Ticos!" rang through the streets with each fútbol win. The local chant permeated the souls of locals and travelers alike. Their culture is so accepting of foreigners and Americans wanting to learn the language and lifestyle. The enthusiasm and hospitality of Costa Ricans awarded me a new family thousands of miles away, connected by a love for nature, knowledge, and cultural exploration. My view of the world has been opened up by Costa Rica and Hal Tayloe. The discoveries of the summer have impacted who I am and who I desire to be. I am eternally grateful for the HRA community which encouraged me to follow my dreams and for Hal Tayloe, the man who allowed my wishes to transform into realty.
From the moment I stepped out of the plane in Liberia, my mood reflected the tranquilo atmosphere and bonito people. For twenty four days, my life resembled that of a local from Playa Flamingo in the Guanacaste region of Costa Rica. Spanish vocabulary and grammar consumed my mind from dawn to dusk. Conversing with my teachers, I learned about the country's values-education, nature,and tradition. Over the course of three weeks, I learned about the Costa Rican culture and immersed myself in Hal Tayloe's legacy of exploration and discovery.
Adventure awaited as the striking sun rose each new morning. Henry, the school's taxi driver, taught me so much about the local cuisine and landscape during our travels to the super mercado and the numerous playas. By grocery shopping and dining at the town's restaurants, I welcomed Costa Rican meals and snacks as a daily staple. My afternoons unfolded on the many beaches and pool decks of Guanacaste. I absorbed Latino magazines and completed homework, lounging under coconut trees and a warm, Pacific Ocean breeze. Walking along the beaches and towns, I discovered the complexity and beauty of Costa Rica's coastline. Each beach fostered a different ecosystem and hosted a variety of plants and marine life. Through photographs and videos, I documented my daily excursions in and out of the water.
My experience spanned boat rides with monkeys, volcanic hikes, forest canopy zip-lines, river tubing, natural hot spring baths, surfing and paddle boarding lessons, coral reef tours, and walks around national parks and rain forests. My presence alone boosted the economy of Costa Rican ecotourism!
The passion and unity of Costa Rica stirred my spirit, just like all of the country's
visitors. Once I witnessed the reaction to the World Cup in Costa Rica, I fell in love with the emotion and loyalty of the people. "¡Ole, Ole, Ole, Ole Ticos, Ticos!" rang through the streets with each fútbol win. The local chant permeated the souls of locals and travelers alike. Their culture is so accepting of foreigners and Americans wanting to learn the language and lifestyle. The enthusiasm and hospitality of Costa Ricans awarded me a new family thousands of miles away, connected by a love for nature, knowledge, and cultural exploration. My view of the world has been opened up by Costa Rica and Hal Tayloe. The discoveries of the summer have impacted who I am and who I desire to be. I am eternally grateful for the HRA community which encouraged me to follow my dreams and for Hal Tayloe, the man who allowed my wishes to transform into realty.
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