I rang in 2014 on the beach in Costa Rica, covered in glitter, with Cacique cocktails and 16 new friends. We’d all come from different places, physically and in our lives. Three in business school at the University of Michigan (Go Blue!) and a couple from Finland who got engaged here in NYC on their way to meet us. A bunch from Canada down to the California coast, a native English woman, a native Bulgarian. Plus, our group leader, a small but mighty Costa Rican named Marcela, who inserts a high-pitched “Whaaaat?!” into nearly every sentence. It was a motley (and crazy!) crew.

Having always traveled as part of a couple or with girlfriends, this was an adventure for me before it even started. But, I decided to bust out my backpack (in storage since my post-college graduation trip to Europe in 2001) and take a chance. This trip was part of our tour company’s “YOLO” series and it’s true: you only live once.

Among my many outdoor adventures was canyoneering, a mix of waterfall rapelling and romping through the rain forest. Our largest waterfall was 220 feet.

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You know that I’m afraid of heights!

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And, then, there was our afternoon of surfing.

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In case you’re wondering whether I stood up on the board when it was actually in the water, the answer is: not a chance. It was pretty challenging. But, I’m glad that I tried it.

During our last phone conversation before I left for the airport, I joked with my brother that I was going to Costa Rica in search of the meaning of life. And, while it may not have been a spiritual awakening in the deepest sense, it was an epic journey in that I feel a renewed sense of optimism. Some questions were answered and lots of others still remain, but, the most important one just may be: where to next?!

12 thoughts on “Pura Vida {Part I}

  • January 6, 2014 at 9:03 PM
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    You are very brave ….!!! Good thing Phyllis did not know you were going repelling !!
    VERY PROUD OF YOU

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    • January 6, 2014 at 11:29 PM
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      Haha, thanks!

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  • January 6, 2014 at 10:23 PM
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    Amazing way to start a fresh new year. Your smile is cheek to cheek. Cheers to living well.

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    • January 6, 2014 at 11:29 PM
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      Thanks babe, love you!

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  • January 6, 2014 at 10:43 PM
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    Crazy courageous! Facing fear of heights is a big deal. Good growth experience.

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    • January 6, 2014 at 11:30 PM
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      Yes, very high! Thanks!

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  • January 7, 2014 at 12:58 AM
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    How brave you are, Rachel. Happy New Year! csm

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    • January 7, 2014 at 7:28 PM
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      Thank you! Happy new year to you.

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  • January 7, 2014 at 9:13 AM
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    So glad you had soooo much fun and came back safe and sound. Maddie (and all of us) missed you. Here’s to a great 2014

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    • January 7, 2014 at 7:28 PM
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      Here, here to that. Thanks for reading.

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  • January 7, 2014 at 3:36 PM
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    Impressive and adventurous way to start 2014! One of the meanings of life is to have fun and enjoy it bc you only get one, sounds like mission accomplished!
    Go Blue!

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    • January 7, 2014 at 7:28 PM
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      Yes, so true. Thanks for reading.

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