Manuel Antonino National Park
Lupe Bautisa
Coming from a big metropolitan like Chicago doesn't allow you to be exposed to a lot of wildlife, like the one we were exposed to in Costa rica. On our third day in Costa Rica we visited Manuel Antonio, such a welcoming community like the rest of the country. On that day we went to one of Costa Rica’s most impressive landscapes. Although it is the smallest National Park in the country it is filled with a lot of amazing wildlife and tropical plants. As we hiked our way through the National Park we encountered a lot of different types of bird species, sloths, lizards, and many capuchin monkeys. Just being surrounded by all this wildlife you really have no other option but to embrace it. Almost as a time to reflect and just really enjoy all the beautiful scenery that is around you. While hiking we would get really excited to see small things like a mushroom. We would also take moments to notice the humidity/heat, the welcoming community, and the amazing scenery.
As our hike through Manuel Antonio National Park concluded we were already tired but ready to be rewarded with a nice swim in the pacific ocean. For some of us this was our first time swimming in the ocean, but we took a moment to appreciate the scenery and the tiny crabs walking around. After refreshing ourselves with a nice swim we went back to the town in Manuel Antonio. As we were walking around looking for a place to eat we found a restaurant that was very welcoming and the food was very good. That day in Manuel Antonio not only were we exposed to nature but the cultural food as well. I myself even had a moment at the restaurant where the tortillas reminded me of my mom’s cooking. It was moments like that where you take time to see how the culture is. But to also notice how some cultures are similar, and also unique in their own way.
Overall this is a day that I will never forget, just being able to connect with nature was incredible. And now being able to say that I swam in the ocean is something that I never thought I would say or do. For many of us this was a great experience, but for some of us it was also a way to connect back with ourselves. To put a pause to whatever we had going on. Just simply connect with nature and to prepare ourselves for life as a college student, or for anything the future has in store for us.
