Hello to those reading my blog,
It's been an incredibly long time since I updated, although I have simply been waiting for the right time to express what I feel were the biggest lessons I learned while abroad.
First of all, I would like to update everyone on my life in Tennessee quickly. I have been busy with college applications (let alone searches), keeping up with schoolwork, looking for a job, playing a big part in the farm program at our school, and playing basketball in the winter. For those of you who haven't heard, I along with two other girls have taken over a part of the school farm (mostly working on sustainability through gardening). This summer we had the entire farm to look after since the previous owners moved away. We now have two people, one of them at The University of The South (the college in my town) who have taken over everything but six beds left for us. I have had a large part in what is going on with our six beds due to the fact that the two other girls have soccer everyday and not a lot of time outside of that to come to the farm. So, it has become even more of a learning experience than what I had thought! Other than the farm, I have been busy with other things as I said and thankfully I have been able to settle in more this year now that I am able to come into the school year knowing the majority of the people. Anyways, I thought I would catch those of you up who know me personally.
Changing subjects, I recently realized that my blog is on the AFS website along with a few others who had gone to Costa Rica! I thought I could be of help to anyone looking at my blog through AFS and talk about what I have experienced after my return home.
Life has been going on as it should in both Tennessee and in Costa Rica. I was lucky enough to make a strong enough connection with my host family that allows me to still be in contact with them after eight months! They are all doing well aside from the fact that a couple weeks ago my host great grandfather passed away. As hard as it was to completely register seeing as I wasn't there while it happened, I felt awful about the loss and how I couldn't be there to support my family. They were hurting and no amount of spanish vocabulary could make them feel better, especially through a computer. I remember playing cards with Abuelo and how he would call me out on cheating if I was winning against him and my host dad. I always found his competitiveness comical due to the fact that he had such a kind heart and a smile always lit up across his face.
So, my thoughts on life post-Costa Rica.
I believe that life has become all about perception. That is the only explanation I could find as to why Costa Ricans were so much happier and filled with life than people in the United States. I will say now, I apologize for the blanket statement I'm making here. Anyways, they focus on the positive and when they slip up, they laugh. Their perception of life is drastically different than those from the United States, although I suppose neither could be seen as better or worse if it were left up to public opinion. Successful people in the United States thrive off of stress. In Costa Rica, stress is a word not easily comprehended. Each time I used that word or heard it being used, it was said as a reason to not do something. If it physically pained someone and caused their minds to become blurry with stress, it wasn't worth it, whatever it was. Simplicity and perception are key. There is not much more to say about the subject, that's what I have realized after living and being consumed into a different culture. Studying abroad has been the best decision of my life, without a doubt. I wouldn't take back a second of it. In fact, I would do just about anything to re-live every single up and down of my exchange. I'd like to offer up my e-mail once again for those who would like to ask me specific questions about my exchange or the process of going abroad. You can reach me at both pinkpanda34@gmail.com and tkeetle@sasweb.org. I check both regularly!
I hope everyone is enjoying themselves.
For the last time on this blog,
Pura vida, tranquila, todo pasa & disfrute la vida
Tieta Keetle
Wednesday, October 9, 2013
Friday, February 1, 2013
Upadate On My Life..Looking Back
I've heard multiple times that I should keep going with this blog. I'm not sure how many people will see this post since I haven't updated in so long, and it's very clear that my time in Costa Rica has finished..for now. People seem to be interested as to how I am adjusting to my time in Tennessee, and being in the United States again in general. I'm happy to say I talk to my host family just about everyday which is good because I would hate to lose contact with them.
I arrived in Tennessee almost two and a half weeks ago. When I arrived in Miami I said goodbye to Kelsey who was on the plane with me..as well as Hans, my host family, and a couple neighbors who woke up at 5 in the morning to say goodbye just a few hours before. It's hard to say whether that was the saddest day of my life..or the day before when they had a surprise going away party for me. I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of wanting time to literally stop. I wanted to be able to sit there, on our porch, and watch my host family and neighbors talk, laugh, and dance without time slipping away from me. It scares me how quickly my time in Costa Rica flew by. It was a chapter in my life that I would do anything to re-live, and it's gone. When I first arrived in the United States, I was happy and optimistic, but soon enough I didn't even want to think of my time in Costa Rica because I thought that I would have to put it behind me in order to adjust to the differences I would be experiencing here in Tennessee. I arrived after two days of traveling to Tennessee and without even seeing my new house, was put straight into touring my new school which I would be starting the next day. I soon felt reality setting in, and to say the least, it was a rough adjustment..and still is. I've dropped the idea of forgetting about Costa Rica. I realized that would be awful of me to do and I am now again able to think about it and keep it a part of me. I promise to never lose what I gained in my experiences there. I will never forget what everyone has done to help me get there, and what people dd to help me while I was there and even when I returned to the United States.
My life in general right now.
I have been going to my new school in Tennessee for about two and a half weeks now. It has been an experience to say the least. I'm starting to learn more about how a social scene in boarding schools work. Most definitely something I've never experienced before! I live in a pretty small house right across from the University and about 5 minutes from my school and I have finally learned where all my classes are and remembered a few names of people I talk to on a regular basis. I took the SAT's last weekend, which was not the highlight of my life! We sat there for 5 hours straight. Although, that was the same weekend my best friend's mom came to visit us which was amazing. I got to see someone from home and it couldn't have been better timing!
Different Ideas? Attitude? Views?
Many people say that people's views change immensely after traveling to another country. I honestly think that I have changed, although I'm still unaware as to how much. The biggest thing, is I've learned to ignore people who find something wrong in everything or who get caught up in drama. It's pointless to live life like that. There is absolutely no way how that can help you or benefit you. I've always had opinions like this, but not as strong. I would be okay with it because it was what was normal. My host dad once told me that the Costa Rican lifestyle consists of three things. Sleeping, eating, and conversing. Conversing meaning going to a friends house and sitting there having a conversation, or having others at your house, or understanding that it is okay, good even, to let go a little and laugh things off. I rarely saw my host family mad and if I did, within 5 minutes they were all laughing and forgetting about it. Not worrying. People say that they learn to not like the United States after they have an experience like mine, which I can now understand. I have always thought of it as my home, and I was proud of it, actually. I still am proud to be from the United States..although I realize that there is so much more to learn from other countries that there is no reason to ever spend your entire life doing the same thing, speaking the same language, or even dancing to the same song. I realize that I'm ranting right now a little bit, and I hope you all don't get bored with this. In my time back I have had so many things going on in my head, that I honestly don't even know where to start. I think about Vermont, about Costa Rica, and about my new life in Tennessee. I can't help but think of the past, present, and future all at the same time.
Well, I am about to go to the movies with a few friends from school so I'll stop ranting. Who knows if I will ever update this again, I just thought I would let people in on how things are going for me right now. To say the least, things are looking up. Costa Rica will be with me forever, and I look forward to every adventure I have after this!
PURA VIDA
Tieta Keetle
I arrived in Tennessee almost two and a half weeks ago. When I arrived in Miami I said goodbye to Kelsey who was on the plane with me..as well as Hans, my host family, and a couple neighbors who woke up at 5 in the morning to say goodbye just a few hours before. It's hard to say whether that was the saddest day of my life..or the day before when they had a surprise going away party for me. I don't think I will ever forget the feeling of wanting time to literally stop. I wanted to be able to sit there, on our porch, and watch my host family and neighbors talk, laugh, and dance without time slipping away from me. It scares me how quickly my time in Costa Rica flew by. It was a chapter in my life that I would do anything to re-live, and it's gone. When I first arrived in the United States, I was happy and optimistic, but soon enough I didn't even want to think of my time in Costa Rica because I thought that I would have to put it behind me in order to adjust to the differences I would be experiencing here in Tennessee. I arrived after two days of traveling to Tennessee and without even seeing my new house, was put straight into touring my new school which I would be starting the next day. I soon felt reality setting in, and to say the least, it was a rough adjustment..and still is. I've dropped the idea of forgetting about Costa Rica. I realized that would be awful of me to do and I am now again able to think about it and keep it a part of me. I promise to never lose what I gained in my experiences there. I will never forget what everyone has done to help me get there, and what people dd to help me while I was there and even when I returned to the United States.
My life in general right now.
I have been going to my new school in Tennessee for about two and a half weeks now. It has been an experience to say the least. I'm starting to learn more about how a social scene in boarding schools work. Most definitely something I've never experienced before! I live in a pretty small house right across from the University and about 5 minutes from my school and I have finally learned where all my classes are and remembered a few names of people I talk to on a regular basis. I took the SAT's last weekend, which was not the highlight of my life! We sat there for 5 hours straight. Although, that was the same weekend my best friend's mom came to visit us which was amazing. I got to see someone from home and it couldn't have been better timing!
Different Ideas? Attitude? Views?
Many people say that people's views change immensely after traveling to another country. I honestly think that I have changed, although I'm still unaware as to how much. The biggest thing, is I've learned to ignore people who find something wrong in everything or who get caught up in drama. It's pointless to live life like that. There is absolutely no way how that can help you or benefit you. I've always had opinions like this, but not as strong. I would be okay with it because it was what was normal. My host dad once told me that the Costa Rican lifestyle consists of three things. Sleeping, eating, and conversing. Conversing meaning going to a friends house and sitting there having a conversation, or having others at your house, or understanding that it is okay, good even, to let go a little and laugh things off. I rarely saw my host family mad and if I did, within 5 minutes they were all laughing and forgetting about it. Not worrying. People say that they learn to not like the United States after they have an experience like mine, which I can now understand. I have always thought of it as my home, and I was proud of it, actually. I still am proud to be from the United States..although I realize that there is so much more to learn from other countries that there is no reason to ever spend your entire life doing the same thing, speaking the same language, or even dancing to the same song. I realize that I'm ranting right now a little bit, and I hope you all don't get bored with this. In my time back I have had so many things going on in my head, that I honestly don't even know where to start. I think about Vermont, about Costa Rica, and about my new life in Tennessee. I can't help but think of the past, present, and future all at the same time.
Well, I am about to go to the movies with a few friends from school so I'll stop ranting. Who knows if I will ever update this again, I just thought I would let people in on how things are going for me right now. To say the least, things are looking up. Costa Rica will be with me forever, and I look forward to every adventure I have after this!
PURA VIDA
Tieta Keetle
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
Ya Casi Me Voy....
I'm Almost Leaving....
I can't believe how the time has passed. I knew my exchange would go by quickly, but it never really sets in until the time has come. I'm leaving Monday, and all I can think about is how I am leaving my new life. Everything about being in Costa Rica has become my normal life for me, and once again, I am picking up and leaving it. Honestly, I'm much more sad than happy, although it will be interesting to start my time in Tennessee with my parents. With my days here dwindling, I made sure to do one more thing before I left. Last weekend I went to the prettiest beach I have seen in my entire life, as well as the prettiest waterfall I have ever been too.
Montezuma
Montezuma is on the Nicoya Peninsula. I went there this past weekend with 7 other people. There was me, my friend Ryan, two kids from Switzerland (Kaya and Valentin), two kids from Italy (Greta and her friend who was visiting her), and two ticos who were classmates of Kaya's. We spent the night in San Jose on Saturday so that we could get an early start on Sunday. We set out at around 5:30 in the morning and headed for Puntarenas to catch the ferry to Guanacaste. We got to Montezuma around 12:00 in the afternoon and immediately headed for the beach. The water was incredibly warm, the sand was white, and we could not have been happier with the small amount of tourists that are aware of Montezuma. After spending some time at the beach, we found our way to a gorgeous waterfall. Although, we didn't even see the best part until the next day. That night, we had a bonfire on the beach and got to know some of the other tourists staying there from Chile! One of the things I love best about traveling in Costa Rica are the travelers that come here and stay in cheap hostels just like us. You always seem to meet awesome people with amazing stories of their travels. The next day, some of my friends took the early ferry back to Puntarenas, while me, Kaya, and Ryan stayed in Montezuma for the day. We went to the beach in the morning, then decided to hike to a second waterfall that is above the first one we went to the day before. The second waterfall was absolutely amazing. There was a rope swing, and plenty of places to cliff jump (although I wouldn't dare go off the biggest one..) After, we made our way to the bus stop, but unfortunately got to the ferry 5 minutes late to catch the 6:00 ferry to Puntarenas to head back to San Jose. We ended up having to take a later ferry and spending the night in Puntarenas since it's dangerous to be out at night in San Jose. While Kaya left the next morning, me and Ryan stayed to say goodbye to some Italians, and some friends who live in Esparza. It was sad knowing that I probably won't see another Costa Rican beach for a while, or be able to enjoy smoothies and coconut water right next to the beach. So, that was my last trip in Costa Rica until I return to visit my host family once again. I have to say, it was an amzing trip to end on.
Today I went to the pool with my family and some neighbors. It was awesome to spend that time with them, and I even saw a girl who I had been friends with in school here. We played a lot of games, and I started to realize just how different my life is now, compared to how it used to be.
I'm still trying to think of a way to thank my family for everything they have done for me, although I don't think there is a way to thank them enough. they're my second family and I couldn't have asked for a better one.
I'm not sure if I will update my blog again before I leave, or after I return to the US. If I don't, I hope everyone enjoyed experiencing my exchange with me through this blog, and I hope it was interesting enough for people to keep up with it! I'll be in the US on Monday, and it's obvious this experience will never leave me. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible..I just had the best 6 months of my life.
Pura Vida.
Tieta Keetle
I can't believe how the time has passed. I knew my exchange would go by quickly, but it never really sets in until the time has come. I'm leaving Monday, and all I can think about is how I am leaving my new life. Everything about being in Costa Rica has become my normal life for me, and once again, I am picking up and leaving it. Honestly, I'm much more sad than happy, although it will be interesting to start my time in Tennessee with my parents. With my days here dwindling, I made sure to do one more thing before I left. Last weekend I went to the prettiest beach I have seen in my entire life, as well as the prettiest waterfall I have ever been too.
Montezuma
Montezuma is on the Nicoya Peninsula. I went there this past weekend with 7 other people. There was me, my friend Ryan, two kids from Switzerland (Kaya and Valentin), two kids from Italy (Greta and her friend who was visiting her), and two ticos who were classmates of Kaya's. We spent the night in San Jose on Saturday so that we could get an early start on Sunday. We set out at around 5:30 in the morning and headed for Puntarenas to catch the ferry to Guanacaste. We got to Montezuma around 12:00 in the afternoon and immediately headed for the beach. The water was incredibly warm, the sand was white, and we could not have been happier with the small amount of tourists that are aware of Montezuma. After spending some time at the beach, we found our way to a gorgeous waterfall. Although, we didn't even see the best part until the next day. That night, we had a bonfire on the beach and got to know some of the other tourists staying there from Chile! One of the things I love best about traveling in Costa Rica are the travelers that come here and stay in cheap hostels just like us. You always seem to meet awesome people with amazing stories of their travels. The next day, some of my friends took the early ferry back to Puntarenas, while me, Kaya, and Ryan stayed in Montezuma for the day. We went to the beach in the morning, then decided to hike to a second waterfall that is above the first one we went to the day before. The second waterfall was absolutely amazing. There was a rope swing, and plenty of places to cliff jump (although I wouldn't dare go off the biggest one..) After, we made our way to the bus stop, but unfortunately got to the ferry 5 minutes late to catch the 6:00 ferry to Puntarenas to head back to San Jose. We ended up having to take a later ferry and spending the night in Puntarenas since it's dangerous to be out at night in San Jose. While Kaya left the next morning, me and Ryan stayed to say goodbye to some Italians, and some friends who live in Esparza. It was sad knowing that I probably won't see another Costa Rican beach for a while, or be able to enjoy smoothies and coconut water right next to the beach. So, that was my last trip in Costa Rica until I return to visit my host family once again. I have to say, it was an amzing trip to end on.
Today I went to the pool with my family and some neighbors. It was awesome to spend that time with them, and I even saw a girl who I had been friends with in school here. We played a lot of games, and I started to realize just how different my life is now, compared to how it used to be.
I'm still trying to think of a way to thank my family for everything they have done for me, although I don't think there is a way to thank them enough. they're my second family and I couldn't have asked for a better one.
I'm not sure if I will update my blog again before I leave, or after I return to the US. If I don't, I hope everyone enjoyed experiencing my exchange with me through this blog, and I hope it was interesting enough for people to keep up with it! I'll be in the US on Monday, and it's obvious this experience will never leave me. Thank you to everyone who helped make this possible..I just had the best 6 months of my life.
Pura Vida.
Tieta Keetle
Tuesday, January 1, 2013
Verdad que no estoy loca?!
First of all, I would like to say Happy New Year!! Last night was spent with my family and family friends! What started out to be an awkward night with no music in our house, turned out to be really fun! We went from house to house through out the night , ate food, finally found music for our house, and danced into the new year. After, my sisters and I went to a neighbor's and danced more until about one in the morning, then enjoyed to fresh air and stars until about 2:30 in the morning. It was another new experience for me, but I enjoyed it!
Over the past weekend, I went on a trip to a beach called Manuel Antonio with my friend, Ryan from Colorado. We quickly learned a lesson in reserving a room a little in advance, because we spent the majority of a time looking for a hostel to stay in for the night. (We always had a back-up plan, so we weren't in any danger of not having anywhere to stay). We ended up staying in a random tent at a hostel, which was interesting! Anyways, Manuel Antonio is supposedly the prettiest beach in Costa Rica. I definitely believe that! Although, it was covered with tourists, which was something I wasn't very used too and took away from some of the beauty.
So for a while now, some of the exchange students and I have been talking about getting tattoos. Not just for the fun of it, a lot of us have been greatly effected by our experiences here. I personally have taken the expression "Pura Vida" to heart, and decided to get that on my foot! So, when I was with Ryan we had been talking about it and realized how quickly we are running out of time here, so instead of spending two days at the beach, we left early in the morning Sunday to go to San Jose to get our tattoos! It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would, and I couldn't be happier with it! I only hope that when I'm older, I haven't forgotten all of the lessons I've learned while I've been here which would explain why the expression Pura Vida means so much to me.
My tattoo!
By the way, the title of my blog post says I'm not crazy, right?! Since that's all my host sisters were calling me!
Sorry once again for the short blog post, I'm tring to enjoy everything I have here for the next 13 days....!!
PURA VIDA!:)
Tieta
Over the past weekend, I went on a trip to a beach called Manuel Antonio with my friend, Ryan from Colorado. We quickly learned a lesson in reserving a room a little in advance, because we spent the majority of a time looking for a hostel to stay in for the night. (We always had a back-up plan, so we weren't in any danger of not having anywhere to stay). We ended up staying in a random tent at a hostel, which was interesting! Anyways, Manuel Antonio is supposedly the prettiest beach in Costa Rica. I definitely believe that! Although, it was covered with tourists, which was something I wasn't very used too and took away from some of the beauty.
So for a while now, some of the exchange students and I have been talking about getting tattoos. Not just for the fun of it, a lot of us have been greatly effected by our experiences here. I personally have taken the expression "Pura Vida" to heart, and decided to get that on my foot! So, when I was with Ryan we had been talking about it and realized how quickly we are running out of time here, so instead of spending two days at the beach, we left early in the morning Sunday to go to San Jose to get our tattoos! It didn't hurt as much as I thought it would, and I couldn't be happier with it! I only hope that when I'm older, I haven't forgotten all of the lessons I've learned while I've been here which would explain why the expression Pura Vida means so much to me.
My tattoo!By the way, the title of my blog post says I'm not crazy, right?! Since that's all my host sisters were calling me!
Sorry once again for the short blog post, I'm tring to enjoy everything I have here for the next 13 days....!!
PURA VIDA!:)
Tieta
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