You'll never look back

by sarla holmes (Australia)

A leap into the unknown Costa Rica

"Chick, I just don't understand why you'd want to go halfway around the world to a third world country." The ill-informed views of my best friend still echo in my head nearly two decades later. God knows what mum thought when I told her I was going to Costa Rica. For five months. Not your standard first ever overseas trip location I'll admit. But at 23, the drive to get away was strong. What better way to take yourself out of your comfort zone than going to a country you know nothing about and don't speak the language? Sometimes you just HAVE to take a leap into the unknown. It really was one small step that turned into one giant leap for who I am today. While during the week I went to classes to learn Spanish and lived with a Tico (the name Costa Rican's give themselves) family, every weekend was a new adventure. We slept in $5 out-in-the-open hammocks overnight in Puerto Viejo where we drank local cervesas and guaro, smoked clove cigarettes and avoided scorpions. With relaxed days beachside and what feels like a touch of Jamaica, there is something magical about this remote little village on the Caribbean coast. It was after all, the only place we were lured back to a second time. Contrast our innocent adventures of the south east coast with the misty cloud forests of Monteverde (literally translated to Mountain Green) where we zipped our way through the canopies before retreating in the evenings to the Arenal volcanic hot springs and watch lava bounce down the crater. For the truly adventurous, conquer, like I did, Mount Chirripó, Costa Rica’s highest mountain with an elevation of 3,821 meters where you’ll enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Or descend into the many top-rated rivers for white water rafting, where the water is warm and the guides hot! The Pacific west coast offers more of the world-class beaches you come to expect in Costa Rica. From surfing in Tamarindo to ocean kayaking at sunset or a cocktail seaside, Costa Rica is truly the place to change the pace of life. Add to your swag the saying ‘pura vida’ and you’ll be one of the locals in no-time. Costa Rica is a little country doing big things. Jump on board their many environmental conservation initiatives as they aim to achieve an ambitious target to be carbon neutral. With so many volunteering opportunities, it feels really good to help this little piece of paradise. Sure, there were times when I was homesick, but they’re not the times you remember. 56 countries later, nothing really prepares you for the unknown, except the experience itself. For those on the cusp of indecision, take the leap into the unknown. You'll never look back.