Leaving Costa Rica

After 2.5 weeks in Costa Rica it was time to leave and head to the airport for my flight to Colombia. Costa Rica had been a perfect 'holiday' before the South American adventure begins. Everywhere I had been was well geared up for tourists and there were tours everywhere to indulge in (you could spend a fortune!!). In a way its good to see the country embracing the tourism industy and getting away from its past of clearing forest to make way for grazing areas for cattle. The majority of menus and signs were in both Spanish and English so I had been able to pick up some words but at the same time still being able to know what I was ordering!!

I've invested quite a few hours now in trying to teach myself spanish phrases... mainly using mp3s i'd downloaded onto my ipod. I am picking up the odd word now but I just don't have the confidence or practise in speaking it and readily fall into English at the earliest of opportunities! I'm excited by the challenge of learning a new language and inspired by my traveling pals that i'm meeting who are able to have friendly chat with locals and get insider recommendations on the area. I definitely need some formal lessons which I can't wait to get started on.

I've now really adjusted into this traveling life and feeling really happy, confident and enjoying it immensely. Work seems a distant nightmare! I am definitely in the groove and I can't wait for the next chapter of my trip in South America !!