Happy and sad at the same time

The last 2/3 weeks in the lodge were really beautiful. I let everything wind down slowly and finished my last small tasks. Especially in the last week, I didn't work much, but mainly chatted with the others since I didn't have much to do anyway.

One day, we also went whale watching in Golfo Dulce with Lana and a few employees. It's currently high season for the whales. Many are giving birth there as the water is significantly warmer, and accordingly, we saw many humpback whales. Both mothers with babies as well as whole pods. The tour was simply incredibly beautiful. The whales came unbelievably close to our boat and sometimes swam directly beneath us. This certainly caused a slight feeling of unease since the animals are so gigantic... We were even lucky enough to see them jump out of the water a few times!

Otherwise, we also had a farewell party with the employees, where definitely no one held back on alcohol. :D The evening was incredibly funny, and it was lovely to see that everyone organized something small for me.

At the moment, I am in a hostel in San José. I just requested my bachelor's diploma. With that, the last step is completed, and I am finally done with my studies!! Yesterday, I met Lana here and said goodbye for good, as she was in San José. Tomorrow, I will continue to Puerto Viejo, a small town on the Caribbean coast that is heavily influenced by Rastafari culture and is known for its beautiful beaches. That’s where my little vacation will really begin, as San José gives off anything but a vacation vibe.

Of course, I was not only happy when I left and had everything completed. But I was also really sad, especially in the moments when we had to say goodbye. There were a few times when I almost had tears in my eyes because some became really good friends whom I have grown very fond of. Of course, it’s also a nice feeling that this sentiment is mutual and that many will miss me as well.

Looking back, I can say that I learned an incredible amount about myself during this time – what I am capable of, what kind of person I am, and how well I can handle people of every type. I was able to help the lodge, Lana, and the employees a lot and had so many great conversations. Often, it was also about things that were only entrusted to me, which means a lot to me as some have known each other well for years.

However, I must also say that it is currently difficult to put into words what this time personally means to me – at least not in so few as here in the blog. Therefore, I am already looking forward to the next two weeks, not only to see other parts of the country but also to process all these experiences before I finally return to Germany.