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Costa Rica
A collection of my thoughts, stories, and first-hand experiences as I navigate studying abroad in Costa Rica.


Coming Up For Air in Playa Cocles
Hi friends — I know it’s been a little while since my last post, but I’m finally sitting down to catch you up. The past week and a half has been an absolute whirlwind, full of emotions I’m still sorting through, moments of joy tucked inside heavier ones, and a kind of mental exhaustion that only slows down once you decide to breathe again. First of all, Happy (very belated) Thanksgiving. Here in Costa Rica, Thanksgiving isn’t celebrated, so it’s still strange to me that it’s

Daniella Pacheco
Dec 7, 20255 min read


Growing Something That Will Outlive Me
Hi friends, I’m writing this from my bed after one of those showers that feels like it washes more than just dirt off your skin. My hair is still slightly damp, my room smells like clean soap, and I’m carefully digging the last bits of earth out from beneath my fingernails. I feel the kind of tired that sits gently in your bones — the good kind. I’m trying very hard not to fall asleep while writing this, but it feels important to capture this while it’s still fresh. This week

Daniella Pacheco
Nov 23, 20256 min read


The Dawn Dance Escape Trail: A Week That Made It All Click
I’ve been itching to write this blog post all week. There are some weeks abroad where everything blurs together, and then there are weeks like this one—weeks that sparkle, misbehave, challenge you, exhaust you, and remind you why you got on the plane in the first place. So buckle up, friends. We’re jumping right in. Let’s start with something that might seem small, but actually feels like one of the funniest and most unexpected parts of living here: getting my nails done. No

Daniella Pacheco
Nov 16, 20257 min read


The Quiet Good Things
Hi friends! First off, a little apology for getting this post out later than usual. I normally publish on Sunday nights, but tico time you know? More importantly, I just want to say how much I miss you. Whoever’s reading this, wherever you are, I really mean that. This past week has been slow in the best way. And I’ve realized how much I love a slow week. The kind that sneaks up on you—not boring or empty, just steady, simple, and full of small, quiet moments that remind you

Daniella Pacheco
Nov 10, 20254 min read


Clowns, Catrinas, and Coffee: A Costa Rican Halloween
I love Halloween so much—it’s a very, and I mean very , close second to my favorite day of the year: Noche Buena. When I got accepted into my program, I remember thinking how exciting it would be to celebrate the holiday here in Costa Rica. It just seemed like such a fun, quirky holiday to witness through a different cultural lens. But before we dive into the festivities, let me walk you through my week. Coming back to school after my relaxed, reggae-filled weekend in Puerto

Daniella Pacheco
Nov 3, 20254 min read


Swaying Between Earthquakes and Ease
My goodness, was I excited to sit down and write this week’s blog. After last week’s reflections, I came into this one with a certain peace — that my speed is perfect for me, and that’s all that matters. School-wise, the week was pretty calm, other than the fact that I had to give a presentation in every single class. But I’m happy to report that they all went well, and we are still thriving in the academic department. Outside of class, my weekdays have found a comforting rhy

Daniella Pacheco
Oct 27, 20255 min read


Learning to Kneel & Learning to Breathe: A Week of Healing
Alright guys, I know last week’s post was kind of a bummer—but this week feels like my redemption arc, so to speak. I can’t say my homesickness has magically disappeared (wouldn’t that be nice?), but I’ve started to realize a few things: I love Costa Rica—and I love living here. This experience is for me. This is the loneliest I have ever been. That third one sounds a little sad, and honestly, it is. But it’s also real. I’ve come to see it not as something to fix, but as part

Daniella Pacheco
Oct 19, 20255 min read


Being Homesick Under a Warm and Wet Sky
This week felt… different. Slow. Quiet. Heavy with rain. The kind of rain that doesn’t just fall but lingers — curling around the...

Daniella Pacheco
Oct 12, 20254 min read


A Week Washed in Rain and Sunlight
Oh my goodness — when I tell you this week was spectacular, I mean it. It started a little weird, but somehow ended up being one of those...

Daniella Pacheco
Oct 7, 20255 min read


A Balcony Seat, a Broken Dress, and a Lesson in Humility
What a week it has been—quiet, reflective, and exactly what I needed. For the first time since arriving, I can honestly say I feel at...

Daniella Pacheco
Sep 28, 20255 min read


One Month In, One Slice of Heaven
I can’t believe I’ve already been in Costa Rica for a whole month. That’s such a strange thought because everything that once felt new...

Daniella Pacheco
Sep 21, 20255 min read


A Week of Dinos, Dancing, and Distant Reflections
Hey everyone! Before we dive into this week’s blog, I want to give a little heads-up. Further down, I’ll be sharing some thoughts about...

Daniella Pacheco
Sep 13, 20255 min read


The Trip That Tested Me (and Taught Me How to Dance It Off)
This week absolutely flew by. When I finally sat down to write, I realized I wasn’t even sure where to begin. The start of my week was...

Daniella Pacheco
Sep 8, 20255 min read


How One Conversation Changed the Way I See Home
Alright guys, we’ve made it through week one in Costa Rica, and dare I say—wow… on so many levels. I must admit, I was eager to get to my...

Daniella Pacheco
Aug 31, 20256 min read


Charting Unknown Streets and New Beginnings in Costa Rica
After weeks of packing, planning, and saying my goodbyes, I finally made it to Costa Rica. The flight went smoother than I could have...

Daniella Pacheco
Aug 24, 20254 min read
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