As I have stated in some of my other journals, I've had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica and, to sum it up, I'd like to leave you with some parting thoughts. The future is dependent on what you're looking for and how you open yourself to new experiences. Being able to have regular, genuine conversations with strangers, such as Uber drivers and people in public places, has helped me realize that everyone is trying to find their path in life and enjoy themselves whenever they can.
In my opinion, Costa Rica is one of the safest places in the world, due to their values and consideration of everyday life. I learned so much about sustainability and how we humans take the world for granted, and that will help me to keep in mind my impact in the world and to help it any way that I can. I have also found that being independent can allow you to be yourself and do things you haven't done before. Because of the freedom you feel when there isn't any critique for how you do things, independence can break you out of your comfort zone and allow you to take more risks than you ever would; I encourage you to build your grounding through independence.
Going to places and staying there for a time will allow you to build a long-lasting relationship with the place and its people. I definitely see myself returning to visit my host family and having reunions with friends there.
