LEAVING COSTA RICA

Hello friends!

I hope everyone is doing fine. Spring is on its way everywhere in the world... wherever you are!

The start of spring and the raptor spring migration came with big changes for me. And when I mean big, I mean huge! :)
After almost 3 years of working for the project in Costa Rica, I decided it is time to move on. Yes, it is true, Licita is leaving Kekoldi, the raptor migration and probably Costa Rica...

I feel things are not going the way I wanted them to go, there have been some communication problems and misunderstandings... it is very sad and unfortunate that all this happened at the same time. So, to sum it up, I feel I need new challenges, a new environment, to meet new people, or even to be around old friends...!

I am very sad to leave Kekoldi and Talamanca. I had so many plans, so many dreams... I was planning to stay here for a few years, at least. But you never know where life is taking you until you hit a wall or see that you have to change paths...

I will miss these people so much. I will be eternally grateful for the time I was granted here, for the oportunity to meet so many interesting, passionate and friendly people through the years.

I will also miss the sounds of the forest, the migration, the mornings at the observation tower, drinking a cup of coffee and hearing the forest wake up for a new day.

I will miss all the tropical birds and other animals... the bright colored flowers, the blessed rain after a day of blazing sun.

I will miss the tropical culture of the caribbean, the music, the relaxed way of living... I learned to be a different person here, less stressed and always enjoying the small pleasures of life.

I will miss this ocean so much! The black sand of my favorite beach. How many hours did I spend on that Black Beach? Watching the ocean, thinking about all the places I've been, dreaming about times to come, seeing people walk by with their dogs, hearing music and the music of the waves...

It is kind of strange to be a tourist in Costa Rica... Well, I guess I won't ever be one...

Right now, I am looking for something to do, so I can stay in this country a little longer, explore the rest of it, get to know it better.

My friend Salome from Portugal is here until July and offered me a place to stay. It is great to be with a good friend in these times of uncertainty and sadness. Obrigada Salome!

But there is also hope and dreams, a lot of dreams.

I don't know where I am going from here... As a singer that I like says

"If I could find my way back home, where would I go?"

I ask myself that question everyday... Portugal is home home. Costa Rica is home. Every place where I lived for a while is home for me. Where my friends are is home...

I am looking for grad schools, but probably it is too late to apply this year. If not, I'll go anywhere, do anything while I wait for next year. First Portugal, then... the world as always!

If anyone has any ideas of things to do, suggestions on schools (keywords: conservation biology, sustainable development, natural resources management, tropics, environmental education), or even places to visit... if you wouldn't mind a visit or if you need some help with anything... get in touch with me.

Until my next post... be well and enjoy life!