Halfway

Posted on by seeyabria

All right y’all, this is the final installment of the year and fair warning, we’re heavy on the photos. The past month has been slower than the rest and for the best. Slow does not mean empty though. After Monteverde, I had my only class get canceled and I decided to take a solo day trip to the beach. While I am not usually the first person to feel comfortable with solo travel (murphy’s law definitely applies to prosthetics), I have learned to love solo travel. I spent the day reading, drinking, eating, and sunbathing. And I definitely bought three smoothies. In case you needed a new smoothie recipe, you should try bananas, pineapples, and creme of coconut.

I went to an art museum where I found a few gems. I found myself on another beach day trip with my fabulous host sister, Mari. I did late-night study sessions with my host sisters the night before our final presentations. I also got the chance to see the set up of the Lights Festival after seeing the Alice in Wonderland ballet at the National Theater of Costa Rica which has become one of my favorite buildings in the world.

Lastly, I said my (temporary) goodbyes to the families I have made here. Saying goodbye to my host sisters who became my real sisters was probably the hardest because I may not see them for some time. I have so many memories with them, both the ones you guys have seen and the ones it’s probably best I keep between us. I also had to say my goodbyes to my families. I was lucky enough to have two who are so kind and loving. Mi familia Carvajal sent me off with so much love in the form of a warm blanket. Mama Kathy told me to remember that if I ever needed a hug, I could wrap my blanket around me and remember her hugs. Yeah I know, I shed a few thug tears myself. Mama Vanessa made us all our favorite foods and let us leave with tears in her eyes.

Well, that’s it for the first three months of my Costa Rican journey. I’m halfway back home right now and I am so excited. While I never had a short supply of love in Costa Rica and my Mama Ticas are full to the brim hugs, I miss my Ma! I will be landing in Atlanta soon and then, CHRISTMAS! I have never been more excited for Christmas with my family. I guess that means I’ll talk to y’all next year. Happy Holidays and Merry New Year everyone!

See ya, Bria!

12/22/2019

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Published by seeyabria

Just an average town girl living in a giant and unexplored world. I have wanted to see the world since I was a little girl like most people. In the Fall of 2017, I decided I would. I applied for my schools' study abroad and began a year-long process of preparing to live out of the country for the first time in my life. As a double amputee relying on scholarships and loans to complete school, I never thought I could actually study abroad. Combined health and money problems led me to believe that Study Abroad was not a viable option for me. Contrarily, Study Abroad was the best decision of my life so far. Along the way, I have received so much encouragement and support including being selected as a 2018 Gilman Scholarship Recipient. This is my greatest academic achievement so far. Because I have been so blessed by Study Abroad and The Gilman Scholarship, I want to use my experiences in Study Abroad to represent and encourage many others like me who may have been previously discouraged due to extenuating and atypical circumstances. Thanks for stopping by! See ya, Bria