Top 10 Excitements and Fears

2 days, that's right 2 days until I leave for Costa Rica. The past week has been crazy as I've had to celebrate my brothers birthday, finish work, finish an online class, buy stuff for the trip, pack, and meet with friends and family (not to mention the 4th of July). But even through all the hustle and bustle I've been experiences waves of emotion, elation, fear, nervousness, excitement, anticipation, and adventure. Many thoughts have been swirling in my head as I wait to step into the unknown, thousands of miles from friends and family. So, to get it all out I'm going to give a Top 10 list of things I am excited for and things I am fearful many happen. Let's start with the fear.....

Top 10 Fears for my trip to Costa Rica

10. Being away from my family for so long....I know sounds wimpy but these people mean so much to me! However, I know I'll have a blast and they will have fun too while I'm away.

9. Contracting a foreign disease. I'd be really bummed to get sick or die in Costa Rica but chances of that happening are slim to none, especially if I am careful.

8. Getting lost

7. Getting mugged and robbed...I'd really rather stay safe and keep all my money.

6. Having my identity stolen...good thing I have protection 

5. Being left behind on an excursion 

4. Missing my connecting flight in Houston

3.  Missing out on a great experience because I'm scared- (i'm making a pact with myself not to do this)

2. Getting off the plane in San Jose and having to ride with a taxi driver across town to my host family's

1. Not wanting to come home- This will probably happen and be a good thing

Top 10 Things I'm Excited for in Costa Rica

10. Living like a local- So often we travel and just do the "tourist" things and neglect the authentic experience of the place we've visited 

9. Meeting new people 

8. Seeing a real Volcano

7. The fruit- its going to be so fresh and there will be so many things I've never tried. My sister Kate would be jealous

6. Visiting a coffee plantation and trying coffee in Costa Rica- I love coffee and I cannot wait to try the coffee straight from Costa Rica and even the coffee most Ticos drink. It should be an experience for my taste buds

5. The new culture and customs

4. Watching a Costa Rican soccer game-Central Americans, especially Costa Ricans are passionate about their soccer or should I say football 

3. My classes at the University-Should be very intresting 

2. The excursions- Costa Rica is known for its ecotourism! 

1. The Flora and Fauna

Many of these items will probably be topics of my blog while I'm gone! I'm also journaling for the first time. I'd make my aunt Mary proud there. Well the next time you hear from me I'll be sipping coconut milk in San Jose. Until then, Pura Vida!