In some ways I've arrived at the perfect time. The busy season just ended and the rainy season is just beginning, meaning the temperature has dropped making the afternoon torrential downpours worth it. This post is a little look into my life here the last few weeks. My work exchange commitmentMondays through Thursdays, I spent 3-4 hours in the morning assisting with a local venture called Osa Natural. Osa Natural was started by an American couple, Alison and Josh. The products are all based with coconut oil, natural, and organic. I love their lavender and mint soaps and natural insect repellant. I'm like mosquito candy and pouring DEET all over my body every day doesn't seem healthy. On Fridays, I have mornings and afternoons free because I spend the evening at Martina's, a local bar in the area of Matapalo. There Alison, Josh, and I juggle selling their products to travelers and locals while watching their two adorable children. It's a fascinating dynamic to observe the ticos and ticas (slang for local Costa Ricans) mix with the gringo transplants that have come here from the U.S. and other parts of the world. There's also some pretty bomb ice cream that I may have splurged for. In my spare timeIn the afternoons, I often borrow my roommate, Josh's, bicycle (not to be confused with Josh, the owner of Osa Natural) and bike to the small town of Puerto Jimenez. There's only one main road with shops, restaurants, and a church. It's been the perfect place to unwind and lazily explore. Other times I just lounge in our house or yard journaling and watching all the different kinds of birds and butterflies that pass through. Or I just smother my new novio, Murphy, with a ton of loving. Last weekend roommate Josh let me tag along with his friends, Karen and Jen, for a visit to Matapalo. Matapalo is the perfect combination of jungle and ocean along the Osa Peninsula. We saw monkeys swinging from the branches, lizards, multicolored butterflies, all kinds of parrots, and a SEA TURTLE. You can guess which one was my favorite. On top of the wildlife, I saw some of the most stunning beaches. Proof: Unfortunately, due to budget reasons I won't be able to visit Corcovado National Park (besides the steep park entrance fee, you also need to pay for a guide), but I feel thoroughly satisfied with Matapalo as a replacement. I may have not seen huge jungle cats or sloths, but I did see wildlife in Costa Rica that I haven't yet seen in all my travels. Where to next?Sadly, I'm leaving the Osa this week to head to the Caribbean side of the country. I'll be in a town just outside of Puerto Viejo doing a work exchange with a family that owns a bakery. Stay tuned for pictures and stories!
Until next week... pura vida! Comments are closed.
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