August 20th, 2009

Study Abroad Costa Rica: El Primer Día

By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica

Well, I made it. Somehow, someway, by some optimistic means the nightlong thunderstorm came to cease as we pulled out of the driveway at 3AM. Philly to Newark, I kept drifting in and out of consciousness, spread out in the back seat while Mom and Jay navigate the drive. No nerves have set in yet—I think that was just because 30 minutes of sleep takes a more dominant effect then normal conscious nervousness. By 5:30AM I was shuffling through security while Mom stands back, holding all the anxiety and stress for both of us.

The plane ride was tedious. I never minded plane rides before then, but also I had never flown for five hours before. Luckily I was crammed in the middle seat and the young gent in front of me found great pleasure in reclining his seat practically to my bellybutton. I appreciated the little sleep that I did get because anything was better then staring at the silent screen depicting some Emma Roberts dog fantasy nightmare.

Finally, LAND HO’!!! By 12:30ish my time we had arrived in San Jose. I realized the time difference just pushed me back another two hours from sleep time. Wonderful. When getting off the plane my sole focus was bathroombathroombathroom. After that I realized I had no idea where to go. I walked down the aisle until I saw the familiar line of other gringos filing under I sign that said ‘Imigrantos’. Customs went fast. I still had no idea where I was going but again fatigue stood strong against any formulating panic attacks and I sort of just floated along until I finally reached the salida (exit).

San Jose, Costa Rica

Thousands of names inked on paper were pressed through the glass and the only name that caught my attention was ‘Cameron Diaz.’ HAAHAHAaahahaha wait. That’s actually hilarious. But I laughed to myself and continued grazing the crowd for my name. After a few minutes I was starting to wonder… ‘Well its not here. Now what do I do?’ And then I see my name. Faintly scribbled through the crowd. I met Ricardo and another lady who will be studying at the school with me. Hallelujah. I made it. (to be continued…)