This Is What Happy Feels Like

by Rebecca De Aguiar (Australia)

A leap into the unknown Costa Rica

I was travelling on my own for the first time and headed for faraway lands, bound for Costa Rica. Minutes earlier, I'd been reading articles about ‘why change is good’ to quell the nerves and settle my butterfly-happy stomach. Preparing for take-off, we fastened our seat beats. Or I tried to, would be the more honest description. It had been a few years since I’d been on a plane and I was that excited-anxious where my brain had stopped working. Luckily for me, I was sat next to an enigma. To the right of me, was a surfer-looking guy - dressed in shorts, t-shirt and thongs (if I remember correctly, the ones that go on your feet) – as if he’d just come from a swim. Curly brown hair that reached his chin, he certainly left an impression. He turned to me, with an accent I couldn’t quite place, and asked if I wanted help. I graciously accepted his offer. This could have been a meet-cute moment, but alas, some things are to remain a mystery. Fast forward three flights later, I had arrived in San Jose. For a retreat, in a destination I never imagined myself visiting. I booked a taxi and headed for my hotel. I dragged my suitcase up two flights of stairs and exhaled in sweet relief, before falling into bed. The next day I woke before the alarm and went downstairs, luggage in tow, to head to the retreat. Waiting for the shuttle to arrive, I met a woman who I suspected was also headed for the same destination. And I was right. Any unease about what I’d signed up for, softened, when I met her kind face. Located in the jungle, minutes to the beach, it was like falling into a dreamy vortex. It was an intense few days of connection and dancing and hearts laid bare. By the time I left, something had shifted. I walked away lighter, and with a newfound laugh; loud and jovial, like it couldn’t help but erupt from my chest. Grounded and grateful, I felt like I was levitating. I headed to the airport, but not before I was graced with a view that took my breath away – overlooking Braulio Carrillo National Park. Green, lush and simply majestic. But my trip wasn’t over yet. I hopped on a plane headed for a group tour in America. My first stop: New Orleans, where I got acquainted with my roommate and fellow travellers. We headed North by bus, where I made the most of naps between the exploring. Artsy, party-vibes Miami made an impression. As did New York, my final stop. The City That Never Sleeps - there’s nothing quite like it. The energy from Time’s Square; the sky scraping views; the subway that I never got the hang of; Bryan Cranston on Broadway; the magic that is Sour Cherry Pie. And yet, I know I barely touched the surface. Travelling took me to places I didn’t know I needed to go and engaged all my senses. I walked away with memories and stories, and friends. I learnt that the people you meet travelling make all the difference. And that an open heart and open mind is essential for being pleasantly, wonderfully surprised of where you end up.