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 and overwhelming—people, places, daily routines—is now starting to feel like a second home. With all the twists and turns this first month has brought, I’m proud of how I’ve adapted and the little milestones I’ve hit along the way.

This past week was especially lighthearted. It was my last week of intensive Spanish, and I’m relieved (and a little proud) to say my finals went really well. After our last class, my professor pulled me in for a hug and kissed me on the cheek. It was such a small gesture, but it struck me as the perfect way to say goodbye—warm, natural, and so fitting for this culture that’s constantly reminding me how connection matters way more than formality. Next week, the real semester begins, and I’ll be diving into four classes Monday through Thursday. I’m curious to see how that new rhythm will feel.

For now, though, I’ve found my groove. I know the streets of my neighborhood, I can confidently hop on a bus or chat with the locals, and I don’t feel nearly as lost in San José as I did those first few days. To celebrate wrapping up Spanish class, hitting the one-month mark, and honestly just because why the heck not, I booked a trip.

My friends and I headed to the coastal town of Uvita, arriving around 7 p.m. after a traffic filled bus ride and a short uber on a questionable road through the rain forest. Our Airbnb was tucked right outside of Parque Nacional Marino Ballena—a little quirky, but in the best way. That first night, we were hanging out, sipping drinks, and soaking it in when suddenly the power went out. At first, it was just funny—flashlights, laughter, and a makeshift party in the dark. But by the next morning, with no AC, phones dying, and groceries on the edge of spoiling, we decided it was time to call in backup.

I rang the number the guy who checked us in, and within minutes, this guy shows up—screwdriver in hand, and dives right into chatting casually with me as if I actually knew something about electricity (I didn’t). Somehow, he fixed it in record time, and just like that, the lights were back on and our weekend was saved.

With the power back on, we set out for the national park. Almost immediately, a troop of monkeys appeared, as if to signal that the day was about to be something special. The trail soon opened up to one of the most breathtaking beaches I’ve ever seen—miles of soft sand, turquoise waves, and the whole stretch framed by the park’s lush greenery. Swimming in the Pacific, in a park dedicated to whales (and yes, we actually spotted a whale tail!), felt like stepping straight into a dream.

Uvita is alive with plants, birds, and reptiles, each one more fascinating than the last. On the less glamorous side, I came face to face with the biggest spider I’ve ever seen—easily the size of my hand—and a few of us got bitten by, what Mamatica confirmed to me to be, bullet ants. (Yes, bullet ants! And apparently, they’re even more active during the rainy season, which we’re right in the thick of.) Even with those wild encounters, I was completely overwhelmed—in the best way—by the richness of the wildlife and the sheer beauty of it all. And somehow, it only kept getting better.

Back at the house, lunch was humble—PB&Js and veggies—but the real entertainment came in the form of howler monkeys hanging out just yards away. At first, they were just playing and swinging through the trees, and it was one of those “is this even real?” moments. Then the playing turned into fighting, and suddenly their roars echoed through the forest. That’s when we realized, oh yes, these were definitely howler monkeys.

The evening unfolded slowly. After a siesta, we rallied for dinner, but not before catching the sunset. And let me just say—Costa Rican sunsets are not something you casually glance at. The sky poured itself out in swirls of oranges, pinks, and purples over water so smooth it looked like glass. It felt like time stopped for a while, you had no choice but to pause. We wandered to a tiny bodega afterward and grabbed supplies for spaghetti and garlic bread. Along the way, two street dogs decided to join our crew. They followed us home, happily wagging their tails in exchange for scratches and spoonfuls of peanut butter. I couldn’t help but think, “to be a street dog in Uvita—that must be the life.” A little birdy told me, it isn't that hard to bring a dog home...

That dinner was one of my favorite moments. It wasn’t fancy, but cooking together, laughing in the kitchen, and sitting down to a meal as a group felt incredibly homey. Afterward, we played cards until the night felt dark enough for our next adventure: stargazing on the beach.

And honestly, I don’t even have the words. I’ve seen starry skies before, but never anything like this. The sky was so full of light it felt alive and so incredibly clear, it mirrored on the surface of the ocean. Imagine stars above you and stars shimmering in the water at your feet—it was one of the most surreal, humbling experiences of my life. I felt so small in the best way possible, overwhelmed by beauty and comforted all at once. It’s a memory I know I’ll never get over.

The rest of the weekend carried that same kind of magic. Sure, there was traffic on the way back, but I didn’t mind. Uvita gave me exactly what I needed: joy, rest, and wonder. I could 100% see myself returning there. On the last morning, we packed up slowly, said goodbye to the dogs, and I slept most of the bus ride home.

When I arrived back in San José, something exciting was waiting for me: a new roommate! My girl group with Mamatica grew by one this weekend with the arrival of Anna. She’s from Washington State, comes from a big Filipino family, and loves animals and reading. I can already tell we’re going to get along well, and honestly, I’m glad to have another girl in the house.

If I’m being fully transparent, there were small moments this week where I felt a tiny tug of homesickness—not in a heavy way, just flickers here and there. But those moments are small compared to how grateful I feel. This past week was chill, and this weekend was unforgettable. Uvita will forever be a slice of heaven in my memory.

Pray for me, and wish me luck!