When the tide is high
During my final day in Costa Rica, I had the opportunity to do something on my bucket list I had yet to cross off. Surfing. I’ve always been a land person—running, hiking, backpacking and camping. I was raised in Louisville, Kentucky—famed for land sports like horseback riding and rock climbing. To be fair I had spent some time in the water throughout my childhood boating on the lake with my family. Here, I learned how to slalom ski,...
A New Mode of Transportation
As I sat in a rocking chair on the porch of my little Costa Rican cottage, I watched an assortment of cars, busses and bicycles zoom by. With no plans for the afternoon, I hoped to make my way into town via one of Costa Rica’s friendly taxi drivers. Before I made the call, however, an alternative form of transportation caught my eye. Within just a few hours, I found myself zig-zagging through town and through the countryside on a...
(Water)Falling Into Costa Rica
As a writer for VIDA Magazine at UA, I somehow found myself flying solo to Costa Rica less than 48 hours ago. Upon landing among the surrounding Costa Rican mountains and volcanoes, I hopped aboard a bus with a local bus driver, and we began our trek through the busy streets to Arenal, where the rest of the VIDA team awaited my arrival. Considering my driver was native to the country, I quickly discovered he only spoke Spanish. Thus,...
The City of Spires
Oxford truly is the city of spires. I cannot fully describe the beauty of the gardens, castles, and cathedrals of Oxford and the surrounding areas, all unique and different in their own way. This city simply must be experienced by all who can, as it is also the perfect walking city, with something new around every corner and alley. It only takes a short walk to anywhere I wish to go, from the Covered Market (food as far as the eye can...
India and the Caste System
Upon landing in India, the first thing I noticed were the people. On average, their complexion is darker than the average American. They dress differently, the women in long saris, which are like extremely colorful and ornate togas of thinner fabric. The men dress in pants and a button-down or pants and a long kurta shirt. The most noticeable difference, however, is the amount of people sleeping on the street. The cars drive without...
Once upon an arrival
I was so excited to get off the plane once I finally arrived in Prague. Everything felt so surreal. However, once I reached baggage claim, I realized that my bag was nowhere to be found and that it had gotten lost somewhere along the trip over there. But, I wasn’t going to let this put me in a bad mood even though I was worried about studying abroad for the next month and possibly having no luggage. I arrived at the hotel and realized...