A Love Affair with Coffee and Yogurt Bowls

Costa Rica is renowned for its coffee, and I made sure to indulge every single day. Whether it was a rich, bold café chorreado from a local café or a quick espresso before heading to the beach, I savored every sip. Alongside my coffee obsession, I also discovered a new love—yogurt bowls. Fresh tropical fruits, crunchy granola, and creamy yogurt became my go-to breakfast, and I’ve been trying to recreate them ever since. Something about the locally grown bananas and papayas just made them taste better than anything I had back home.

Exploring Manuel Antonio National Park

One of the most breathtaking experiences of the trip was visiting Manuel Antonio National Park. The park is a tropical paradise, teeming with wildlife and stunning beaches. I saw sloths lazily hanging from branches, playful monkeys swinging from tree to tree, and vibrant toucans perched above us. The hike through the lush rainforest led us to some of the most picturesque beaches I had ever seen—pristine white sand, turquoise waters, and not a single worry in sight.

It was in Manuel Antonio that I learned another lesson how to truly be present. Our professors and the Surf Synergy staff emphasized mindfulness, grounding our minds in the moment rather than letting them race ahead. I practiced simply breathing, listening to the waves, taking in the smells of the rainforest, and being aware of my surroundings. This ability to slow down and soak in an experience has stuck with me ever since. The more present I am in a moment, the more satisfied I am reminiscing on it.

Tattoos & Salsa Dancing On The Final Night

On our last night in Jacó, one of the photographers at Surf Synergy offered to teach me how to salsa dance. I hesitated at first, feeling the familiar fear of looking silly or failing in front of others. But as the music played and I stepped onto the floor, I realized how much had changed in just a few weeks. I let go of my insecurities and allowed myself to move freely, embracing the rhythm and joy of the moment. That night, I learned that life is meant to be danced through, awkward steps and all.

What’s a study abroad trip without a little spontaneity? Somewhere between beach days and jungle hikes, about half of the class decided to get a tattoo. The snake design I chose was meaningful, a small but significant symbol of my journey and growth during that time. It marked the shift in my mindset, from someone who feared stepping out of their comfort zone to someone willing to take risks, embrace discomfort, and trust in the process of self-discovery 🙂

Final Thoughts

Costa Rica taught me to embrace adventure, live in the moment, and appreciate the simple joys in life, whether that’s a morning coffee, the rush of a wave, or an impromptu tattoo. More importantly, it showed me that fear and discomfort are only as powerful as I allow them to be. If I could conquer my fears on this trip, what else was I capable of? That question continues to push me forward. Three years later, I can confidently say I still carry what I learned in Costa Rica with me everywhere. It was my first time falling in love with discomfort and feeling like the person I always wanted to become.

My time in Jacó, especially at Surf Synergy, will always hold a special place in my heart. Even now, when I take a sip of coffee or eat a yogurt bowl, I’m transported back to those sun-drenched days of pura vida, surrounded by friendly faces, breathtaking views, and the warmth of a place that felt like home.