Christmas Eve in Costa Rica, and I have the esteemed privilege of being in front of a computer. No complaints, though, seriously. I have, admittedly, been somewhat overwhelmed by my need to work out for Outward Bound and get essays done for application, but on the whole this trip has been incredible.

We have done so much already, that it's difficult to remember. We arrived to our hotel outside the of San Jose at night. The enxt morning, I woke up early and went running. As I came down the stairs from my room, wild flowers were blooming in the lobby and I heard classical music coming from the breakfast room. This was no youth hostel! Outside, I ran along the road as it curved through the mountain tops. I ran past dogs, and countless varieties of flowers. Birds chirped and even at 7 AM, the sun was hot.



I can not remember a time when my family has gotten along so well together, and for such an extended period... I feel like the weakest link in terms of grumpiness. Dad's overcome feeling sick and Zach has faces vegetarian challenges at every meal. He has overcome fear of heights on ziplines and tree climbs, and meanwhile I've been whiner - cold on the raft trip,