Hi everyone and welcome back to the best blog on the planet,

Last week, I talked about the influence that Costa Rica had in my life, yet there is still much to talk about regarding one of the most amazing countries in the world. After spending over two weeks in the country, I left with a new appreciation for nature and the environment. So, let’s dive in!

Since a young age, nature has been in my veins. From hiking trails to swimming in lakes, I love experiencing nature in new and exciting ways. I’m the type of guy to fall asleep under the stars or go camping in the woods. Simply put, I love spending time outside.

Thus, Costa Rica was perfect for me. Costa Rica is known for its luscious green rainforests and beautiful blue beaches. Different animal and plant species add to the uniqueness of the different ecosystems. Thankfully, I had a host family that enjoyed showing me the natural wonders of the country, and I was able to experience much of Costa Rica’s natural beauty.

With some background set, let’s talk about the amazing beaches of Costa Rica. First, the beaches are out of this world. Upon seeing my first beach, my breath was taken away. As part of my exchange program, we went on an excursion to Tortuga Island. To understand the beauty of this island, I want you to take a minute to look at the photos below.

Arriving to the island, I was greeted with a beautiful blue beach that I will never forget. The waves were calm and soft. There was a subtle island breeze that was refreshing yet not cold. The sand was a magnificent white that felt like butter with every step. And, the contrast between the blue ocean and the green forest felt like no other place on Earth. I was stunned by the beauty of Tortuga Island. The islanders greeted us with large similes and friendly voices. They offered us local coconuts and fruit which was filled with flavor and juice. Mother Nature displayed her best work at Tortuga Island, and I’m forever thankful that I was able to experience it.

During my time in Costa Rica, I visited other beaches and coves that offered the same beauty as described above. Besides the materialistic aspects of the beach, I truly valued the nature and environment of each spot. It is eye-opening to see a place on Earth that is little touched by humanity. The beaches had a sense of pureness which made it seem even more special to me.

The same can be said for the great rain forests and mountain ranges of Costa Rica. Once again, Mother Nature showed her true beauty. From the scent of the wet ground to the vibrant colors of plants and trees in the forest, I felt as if I was one with the ecosystems. I saw toucans and held hands with a monkey. I even saw my first active volcano which shot ash miles into the sky. I have never experienced so much natural beauty in my life.

As a result of Costa Rica’s environmental beauty, I gained a new passion and love for a safe, clean, and beautiful planet. As I mentioned in a past blog, I am very active in my local community’s environment and ecosystem. This was a direct result of Costa Rica. I see the potential for beauty in every place, and I tried to bring this same attitude back to United States. Through my work at Longwood Gardens, I found people that shared this same passion as me. I became involved in a healthy ecosystem initiative and education missions to share these passions with our youth. Now, I look at nature as a relationship between Mother Nature and us. We give our support and help in turn for her beauty and food. Thus, the beauty of Costa Rica made me the person that I am today, and I’m very thankful for that. 🙂