Costa Rica Re-Cap #6 (The Finale): Go Big or Go Home!

"I do not bring back from the journey quite the same self that I took."

*If you missed any of the Costa Rica Re-Caps, click here!*  Linking up with Miscelleny Monday and Cup Half Full.



People thought it might be strange, me going to Costa Rica with three people who had never met each other.  People who are different ages, with different levels of education, different backgrounds, different interests, and who live in different places.  But I wasn't worried.  I know my friends.  And I know that no matter who they are with or what they are doing, a good time is sure to follow.

And I knew we all had one thing in common:  we needed a vacation.  It had been a rough year.  Love issues, losing parents and uncles and friends, family problems, work stress....you name it, we did it.  I don't think there could have been a better trip to have some adventure, tons of fun, a little soul searching and maybe some healing.

Photo via La Mia Vita

After our 8 days together, I do not think we came back the same people as we were before. We learned to do things that scared us.  To jump off the ledge.  That being nice to people really pays off, whether that means an upgrade to first class or new friends from Ohio or Texas or Virginia.  Not to panic and to keep our heads above water when things get tough.  To stop and appreciate the scenery.  That sometimes you have to hike a while to get to the good part.  And that some days, when you least expect it, a Monkey parade appears to brighten you day.  We analyzed our dreams, our relationships, our make up products, and our diets (thank you Cousin Swiss Mister!).  It's amazing the problems you can solve when you're bonding in the sunshine after a couple of drinks containing little umbrellas!  

Early on, Cousin Swiss Mister deemed the four of us "The Family Unit."  No matter where we go from here or what we end up doing, the experiences that we had will always bring us together.  Back to that week in Costa Rica when we rode the rapids, swung like Tarzan, swam in a freezing cold waterfall, met complete strangers and hosted a party at the swim up bar, parasailed, sunburned delicate areas, and almost got hijacked on the way home.  Back to the lessons we learned and the bonds we formed.

Our trip theme was Go Big or Go Home.  I think it's clear that the Family Unit went Big.   I love you guys!