The two weeks I spent in Costa Rica consisted of a wide variety of memorable activities. Every day we had something new and exciting to look forward to, whether it was ziplining, cooking class, hot springs, or a giant waterfall. Not only were these experiences unique and interesting, but we also got to learn more about the business aspects of some of those activities. After listening to business owners, we were able to hear about how they started the business and gain insight into the many different factors that can have an effect on the operation of a business. Some factors include the government, the environment, and global events. From the many companies we visited, we also had the opportunity to hear about how they were affected by the pandemic and what measures they took to recover. One common element that can be seen and felt was the Tico (Costa Rican) pride. Costa Ricans love their country, and this can be seen in the way they present themselves and take pride in their country.
While there were many planned activities/company visits, we were also able to take advantage of free time to explore on our own. During our free time, we explored downtown Heredia, seeing how the locals live their everyday lives. The streets were filled with shops from corner to corner. People, cars, and motorcycles somehow all flow smoothly together. Another memorable experience was while Mama Tica (Host Mom) was cooking dinner, I wandered into the kitchen and asked if I could help. With a little help from Google Translate, we were able to have a conversation about cooking and family.
Lastly, the most unreal moment for me was face down hanging 100 meters above the full forest trees, going up to 50 miles per hour. The feeling was thrilling and magical, which sums up the Costa Rican experience. All in all, Costa Rica is definitely a country I would love to visit again.
