Tuesday, December 28, 2010

To begin...

Although it hasn't quite sunk in yet that I leave for beautiful Costa Rica in just a few days, I'm sure that the moment I step off the plane in San José, I will immediately realize that I have stepped into quite a different world. 


I am studying abroad at Universidad Veritas in Costa Rica, a small, beautiful country in Latin America. During the semester, I hope to become a fluent Spanish speaker and to gain insight into a new culture and way of life.  I will be living with a host family during my stay.  My class schedule will include intensive Spanish courses from 8 - 12 each day in addition to one photography class.  Many weekends will be filled with adventures throughout the country.


Friends who have traveled to Costa Rica have taught me the phrase "Pura Vida," a common saying in Costa Rica.  Literally translated, this phrase means "pure life," but it is used in many ways: it can be a greeting, a farewell, or just a way to express the simple enjoyment of life as it comes your way. 


I can't wait to experience the Pura Vida of Costa Rica and share it with you as I do!