Submitted by Kirsten Gerhardt a on the 2017 winter session program in Costa Rica and Panama sponsored by the Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology…
Panama has been so amazing, but has also has gone from one extreme to another. We explored Coiba Island which was amazingly beautiful, but also very hot. The snorkeling was unbelievable! We got to see white-tipped sharks, sea turtles and a spotted eagle ray. We went from a place where we were always sweating to the mountains where it was 60 degrees and rainy. But I welcomed the change in weather. There are good things about chilly climates and good things about hot climates and I was grateful to be able to experience both in one week. We have one last night in Panama before we go to Costa Rica and I really will miss this country! I’ve seen the best of its beaches and the best of the mountains and I can’t wait to see what kind of beauty Costa Rica holds for us.
One thing that I noticed was how much I was able to live without such things like electric, A/C and heat, laundry services and hot water. All of the amenities I have at home are not a necessity at all. They are in fact a luxury that I am able to live without. I know it will make me appreciate home that much more when I finally return.