After 3 days with no more than 3 hours of consecutive sleeping, I crashed at 7¨30 last night and have sadly seen none of Costa Rica. I will walk around a bit this morning in the capital, but will have to come back to see the nature that Costa Rica is known for. (It is, by the way, much more touristy and expensive than the rest of Central America...)

In 11 days, Ive crossed 4 borders (more on that later), traveled about 1000 km, seen volcanoes and farms, a playoff baseball game and a folk music icon, met people from all around the world (more places to travel to!), taken taxis to remote beaches, swam in the Pacific on New Years eve, stayed up until the roosters told me it was morning, celebrated chanukah with Jews (*and Christians) from around the world, cooked a fresh fish dinner for 17 people, danced to salsa and reggae, ate sugar cane, passion fruit, and pupusas plus BUrger King Salvadoran style.

Let me say that I cant wait to do laundry. I have never, ever been as dirty as I am now. It doesnt bother me as much as it amazes me. I think I need to jump in the washing machine along with my clothes! I definitely didnt over pack...

In all, Im complete overwhelmed and flabbergasted *in a good way* by all that I have seen in done in less than two weeks. Being at "home" in Connecticut feels at least a month away and the last crazy night trying to get to the airport like a distant dream. In spite of this, Im not sad to be going home. Only the cold daunts me, but I am excited to see the kids and to make the second half of the year amazing for them. Im looking forward to seeing everyone, my family, my kitten, my awesome roommate.