Submitted by Rebecca Sabers on the 2016 winter session program in Costa Rica sponsored by the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures…
This weekend was jam packed. After a long beach day on Saturday, I was surprisingly awake the morning of our trip to places near Cartago. We first went to the Irazu Volcano, which is hands down one of the best experiences I have ever had. Before we got to the actual volcano, our bus driver let us stop at a small volcano that is on the same base as Irazu. The view was absolutely breathtaking, and so quiet. It was so peaceful to just stare at the beauty the world has to offer in silence, that is, for only a few moments, as we are a group of rowdy college kids.
Then we arrived at the main event, the Irazu Volcano. We were surrounded by a sea of grey, then slowly saw a fence, and a gaping hole coming into our sights. Not even at the top of the volcano yet, I was overcome by its beauty. The crater was larger than anything I had ever seen before, and though it wasn’t filled with water anymore, due to the lesser amount of rainfall, I was still in awe. Then I looked up. We had a long way to walk in order to get to the highest point on this volcano, and the second highest point in Costa Rica. Though usually at the volcano it is cold and windy, our group lucked out, and we didn’t even need coats. Unfortunately, that meant the walk to the top of the volcano would be hotter than usual, making it even more difficult.
On a normal elevation, this hike wouldn’t have been a problem, but at 3,000 feet above sea level, my lungs were taking a beating. The other members of the group and I pushed through it, and I am eternally grateful for getting to the top. It was a sight right off of a postcard. You could see miles and miles into the distance – a beautiful landscape. I could see the tops of the clouds I had been looking up at just a few hours before. As all of us desperately scrambled to get that “perfect picture” overlooking the view, I had to stop to take a moment to really let the view soak in my mind. Pictures don’t do it justice, although some may come close.
Next we got back onto the bus, and I took my second (but not last) nap of the day. We arrived at a beautiful restaurant for lunch, tucked away in the forest. It was one of the best meals I’ve ever had, and I definitely had way too much cake! (good thing the beach trip was the day before). After lunch, the ruins of Ujarras were only a couple minutes away, and they were so cool. The church was very crumbly, but still in tact. I love to see ruins because it’s crazy to me that in the past people prayed and worshiped on the same ground we stood on. I like to see places like that, where there’s history as well as beauty.
Our final stop was the Basilica, and I was overcome with joy as soon as I stepped in the church. I especially liked the fact that it showed the different time periods and building styles of each time they built onto the church. I was moved by the overwhelming amount of charms and donated items from all of the people who had been healed by the holy water. When I stepped in the actual church part of the Basilica, I had to kneel down and pray because I was so overcome with the Holy Spirit. The only other time I have felt this way was at a Catholic service trip, when they showed the monstrance. I am so eternally grateful for being able to witness this. Before we left, I was able to wash my face with the holy water, and see the front of the Basilica, which is absolutely gorgeous. My only complaint was the women screaming the prices of the lottery tickets they were selling, which I felt was disgraceful.
I was surprised throughout this excursion by how beautiful everything was. I had no idea that this excursion would affect me in the way that it has. I’m so glad we were able to see the volcano, because I have never (nor probably ever will) see sites like this, especially on such a perfect day. It was also cool to see the actual places we learn about in class and that are written about in the book in real life, like the Basilica.