The image of London, the landscape of its countryside, and the mood of its people has been painted from various British novels, BBC classic shows, and daydreams of what could be the land of Lizzie Bennet and Mr. Darcy. Cold, gray, yet spurts of sunlight would stream through the heavy clouds. Moments like those are to be cherished because they don’t last long. People would know better how to cherish those moments, take things for granted less.
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Only Love
A flash of lightning struck somewhere nearby, briefly lighting the dark room that had become her prison. The black iron bar glimmered with wetness from the onslaught of rain sent from the sinister heaven as it raced down her windowpane—the three windows that occupied her room in the tower that no one could get in or out of but through one staircase.
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Day 3: Mini Vaca in VT
Things never to forget while traveling: my asthma medicine.
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Day 2: Mini Vaca in VT
Some people find it easy to sleep anywhere, anyhow, and anytime. Unfortunately, I am not one of them. One of the groomsmen asked me, “how do you sleep over a gentleman’s house?” Let me remind you, I come from a land where “gentleman” is extinct. I did what my instinct told me; I laughed aloud. Not at him, but at the use of the word gentleman since I cannot remember a time (aside from works of fiction) ever hearing it used in public. Fortunately, I was able to preoccupy myself with cooking, watching the World Cup, and getting ready for the party.
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Day 1: Vermont
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I’ve never been to Vermont. I’ve lived in Massachusetts for 16 years (plus, I always go back up for holidays) but I’ve never visited Vermont, besides the two times my parents drove through it to get to Montreal. And my memory brings back the smell of cows. hmm…
And I never really flew short flights, mostly out of the states (except to Vegas and Minnesota, for Judi’s sake). Nicole (my traveling partner and also one of my many college roommates—that is a story unto itself) never liked the idea of flying but as the bridesmaid to Vy (the recipient of our duly noted affection), we both decided to fly together to attend the engagement party.
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Day 7: Hasta Luego
It was the end of the trip. Costa Rica is indeed an adventure vacation. It is a place of tranquility, beauty, natural wonders, and geniality. It felt like the longest vacation I ever had. We did so much, ate well, slept well, and thoroughly enjoyed ourselves. I admit, I did not miss anyone or anything for that matter.
We had to catch a bus at 6AM so sadly, we bid our host, Jesse, farewell the night before. We spent several hours getting to know her and she to us. Her love story is the type of love story that took lots of time but when it was the right person, it was a short whirlwind courtship. She told us, when you are young, you love with your heart and your guts but when you grow older, you love with your mind. I would like to remember that as it has been what I’m endeavoring to try. You could have one night of great love that floods you but quickly drains out of your life, leaving your world damaged and ruined. Then there is that person who loves you like a stream of water constantly trickling, slowing boring into your heart of stone until it has become a part of you, neverending, everlasting. I pray with all my heart, I would be fortunate enough to meet that person.
I smile now when I think of Costa Rica. It gave my new year a great start. I hope the year continues to grow from here, opening my eyes to beginnings and chances. No matter how lost I am in my current world, I hope I won’t lose sight of what is most important to me: finding magic and love even when there’s none.
Day 6: Recouping
Having loved the free hot springs the day before, Anna and I decided to wake up at 6AM and head there again. Once more, we trekked down the lonely road, running into many local workers for the Tabacon resort. Work starts very early there. I noticed a lot of shops open at 7 or 8AM until 8PM. They work such long hours but they are always so nice and happy.
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Day 5: Tranquila
On a trip, sometimes, one’s guard is taken down. New York City teaches us to be very weary of our surrounding wherever we are. But unfortunately, we took the “country” lifestyle a bit too far and ran into a little trouble. Anna ended up getting robbed the night at the bar. I find myself very lucky that my bag wasn’t robbed as our bags were next to each other under the table and we were not by its side. It was an unfortunate matter and we both regretted it. No matter how safe and secure you feel, you should always be aware. It was a mistake that we both learned our lesson that night.
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Day 4: Chance Encounters
Waterfall rappelling: hiking into a secluded rainforest canyon where a series of rappels descend breathtaking waterfalls and scenic trails carry hikers from one rappel to another.
Before this trip, I’ve never heard of waterfall rappelling. The thought of jumping from rock to rock down a waterfall is indeed exciting. But the moment I saw the steep, slippery rocks and felt the cold water as a chilly breeze swept through the secluded canyon, I was truly reconsidering it. Very much reconsidering it.
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Day 3: Monteverde Massage
It was another early start to the day! Anna and I were heading off to La Fortuna by way of taxi-boat-taxi, which is exactly as it sounds. A taxi came to pick us up on 8AM and it was packed with people! Anna and I ended up sitting next to the driver, which turned out to be a wise choice as my derriere was a bit sore from the horseback ride and also, the ride turned out to be a bit more nauseating than I could handle. The road of Monteverde is aptly named, “the river with no water”. It bended and undulated at every possible turn, potholes and gravels both large and small filled the dirt path, and at points, we were at the top of the world, while other times, we were in the depths of a valley. If ever I could go to Ireland, I would hope that its rolling hills and winding rivers were as serenely beautiful and majestic.
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