..Pura Vida!

Volunteering with ISV in Costa Rica has definitely been the adventure of a lifetime. I got to live in the rainforest for two weeks, and my perspective on life has totally changed. I have learnt to appreciate all the small things in life I used to take for granted, like being able to have a hot shower, flush the toilet after use, or even drinking tap water without having to treat it beforehand. We were treated like family, and experienced Costa Rican culture in all of its aspects, 100%. EVERYTHING there is so beautiful, so extreme, so awesome that it's almost unbelievable. I have witnessed the most amazing sunsets, seen breathtaking scenery, and felt like I was living in a postcard. We got to see monkeys, toucans, macaos and gorgeous butterflies on a daily basis; roosters and howler monkey were our alarm in the morning. We faced bugs, giant spiders, huge crabs, bats and even snakes, learning that a boa, here, is JUST a boa. Pineapples there are way more delicious than the ones I get at home, and that there are at least a dozen fruits whose existence I completely ignored. We had mud fights, got covered in dirt, and then jumped in the ocean with all of our clothes on. We jumped from rocks and climbed waterfalls, had the time of our life playing football with my the local "ticos" and learning about their culture. We have helped monitoring the forest, planting new trees, husking and hiking every morning.
I have faced my greatest fear, and felt like I was on top of it for the first time ever.
I have sweated, and believe me, a lot! I got physically exhausted, knackered, dirty with "mud" as I never thought I would, earning countless bruises and cuts. But I also have experienced the great pleasure that comes from working hard for a good cause, and I have felt truly accomplished, probably like never before.
And, most importantly, I have learnt that each and everyone of us can make the difference, that we can all give our best to make this world a little bit better.
And, finally, I have learnt that it is possible to feel sincerely happy with what we have, as little as it might seem.
So, to sum it all up, Costa Rica has been the most amazing, eye-opening, life-changing experience I could ask for, and I would definitely recommend it to all of you!
PURA VIDA!