Costa Rica T-Minus 15 Days!

One of Costa Rica's famous Toucans

In a little over 2 weeks I will dust off my passport (June was the last time I needed it. Boo me.) and head to Costa Rica, a country I called home 15 years ago.

In 1998 I was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar in this tropical nation. For one year I lived with a host family and attended the Universidad de Costa Rica in the nation's capital, San José.  My objective as a scholarship winner was to promote goodwill and understanding between nations by speaking to different Rotary Clubs and student groups.  While I did fulfill this obligation, I found that most of my goodwill and understanding was imparted and found while exploring the country (smaller in size than West Virginia), meeting the locals and making friends from around the world that are still some of my dearest today. My last visit was almost 13 years ago, so I am beyond giddy with anticipation for this upcoming 8 day journey of rediscovery. 

Like me, I know the country has changed a lot. I have read that the prices of meals have gotten expensive, resorts have sprouted on many of the beaches I once knew as desolate and that Arenal, one of the world's most active volcanos, no longer spills the mesmerizing red lava from its tip-top. It is, however, still full of fun-loving, positive and friendly ticos (the name Costa Ricans call themselves), and that means that much of the spirit, warmth and welcome that so endeared me to this country 15 years ago will still abound upon my touchdown in this land of toucans and 3 toed sloths.

Young Ticos!

I do plan to hike the rain forests, bath in thermal volcanic hot springs and spend quality time watching my all time favorite insect, leaf cutter ants, but I am also going down to curate a few treasures from the region.  A gallery that features indigenous crafts and folk art from Central America opened the same year I was studying in San Jose and today it is still thriving!  Galeria Namu will be one of my first stops for fair trade acquisitions and some of the best art in the country.  Look for these special additions to the shop in November!

My beloved leaf cutter ants!

Check back here, on Facebook and on my personal travel blog for the most current adventure updates and shop finds. The pictures will thrill...that I can already guarantee. 

If there is anything that you want to see or bring back from my trip, please send me your comments!  I would love that!

Biz and Pura Vida,

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