My first impressions of this beautiful country was the emphasis on plants around the country even in the city. I was so impressed seeing coffee being grown on the drive from the hotel to ULatina and even near our host families house. Our host families house was through this gate and we were surrounded by trees and plants in our families own little oasis. Our host father has been growing orchids of his own for over 40 years and has many awards to account for this hobby. Overall the beauty of the country far exceeded my expectations and was everything I hoped for and more.

Another one of my hopes for the country was to be able to play soccer with the locals, as I have been playing the sport ever since I was three. That wish was fulfilled in my first day here! We went down to a concrete soccer field in on of the host families neighborhoods and started to play with everyone on the trip. After a few minutes of playing 4 little kids came over and we made teams and played with them. It was a super cool experience I will get to take away from this trip on only the first day.

I am so lucky to have been taken in by this family and treated as one of their own. Being able to eat authentic home cooked food and walk out to the beautiful garden our host father has created. This experience is amazing and I am only on the second day here. Pura Vida!