1 Year...

Today was my official 1 year anniversary in Costa Rica. On August 28, 2011 I lugged a ridiculous amount of bags off the belt at Juan Santamaria Airport in Alajuela, smiled politely through customs, and walked outside to start a new adventure in my life - living in Costa Rica. And a year later, I am happy to say that I wouldn't change a single thing.

Here's what I know now that I didn't know then:

• I had NO idea what I was getting myself into. I would do it all again in a heartbeat, but if I had known how difficult this would be a times, or how embarrassing, or how absolutely ridiculous and funny it would be - I might not have signed on for it.
• I knew NO Spanish. Ok, that's a lie. I KNEW that I knew no Spanish when I landed in CR. I expected that to be hard. What I did not expect was to know what I know today. Immersion really does work people. I can get around town now. I can talk to the cashier at the grocery store. I can ask people for directions. I can ask someone at the farmer's market what that weird looking fruit is. I can order dinner (and a beer of course). I can carry on very simple conversations. I can talk my way past immigration. And, when pressed, I can do a lot more! I still have a long way to go, there's no doubt about that. But, it is amazing what I can do now and how that has opened doors for me and made my life so much easier here.
• Making friends isn't easy or instant, but it is important.  Anyone who knows me, knows that I am a "people person." Moving to a place where I knew very few people was a challenge. But I know now that it can be done. I've made amazing friends while here and have really leaned on my colleagues for support. But, no matter where I go in this world, I know that I will be able to find like-minded people. Or, even if they aren't very like-minded, I've learned to find the good in people. You need all the friends you can get when you're living so far away from home.
• I am capable of way more than I originally thought. When you find yourself in a strange place where you don't speak the language, crazy things inevitably happen. (Or is that just me?) I've learned to laugh at the crazy and the stressful. I've learned to not freak out and just figure it out. Police officer wants a minute of your time after driving the wrong way down the largest street in the country? Give him that minute and just smile and nod. Flat tire? Try for hours to change it yourself because you're an independent woman, then give up and call your insurance company - they speak English and you're paying for their services. Lost? Keep on driving and follow your gut. Not sure what the traffic rule is? Wait until someone honks at you, then go. Someone cut you off in traffic? Honk the heck out of the pathetic little horn in your car and scream obscenities (in whichever language you choose!)

It really has been a fun year and I feel like I have grown so much through my experiences here. When I was home recently, the favorite question asked by all was "when are you coming home!?" Truth be told, I don't know. Costa Rica has been really great to me this year. So, for now, I'm interested to see what new curve ball situations this country can throw at me and how I can finagle my way out of them!


<3 br="br">
Amber