Bienvenidos a San Ramon

Imagine... It's your first day of life in a new country. You're still questioning your decision of leaving behind everything you know and love, for a new life of uncertainty. Although you barely met weight standard on all three suitcases you brought, each filled to the brim with anything you could possibly need to survive, you're still thinking of things you wish you would've packed. You desperately need to work on learning how to live with less.

When I walk into the Juan Santamaría International Airport, it's tunnel vision to my new friend, Delaney. Up until this moment, I had only spoken to her via text, but thankfully I had social media to familiarize me with her face before the move. I manage to run down the ramp with 150 pounds of luggage rolling beside me, and we embrace in the warmest welcome hug. I can feel the nervous energy from both of us, but it is overwhelmed with the excitement and love between strangers on a new journey together. Within five minutes of talking with Delaney and her family, I can feel the start of a new home in Costa Rica. While we wait for our TESOL program instructor to arrive for pick up, we talk about the embarrassment we feel for failing to follow his strict advice: Do NOT over pack. Sorry, Dustin. We don't know how to travel light.

We are the first of the group to arrive at the hostel. It's calm, empty, and quiet. The eerie kind of quiet, like the calm before a storm. Filled with so much uncertainty of what's to come. Little did we know what a home this place would become in the midst of the chaos. (I can confidently say this because I'm writing this 2 weeks after my arrival in San Ramon, oops.) After dropping our bags off in our new rooms, we head off on our first of many San Ramon adventures. It's a mountain town, so even the shortest walks feel more like hikes. Don't you dare take your eyes off the sidewalks for more than a second, or you may end up at the hospital with a broken ankle.

We follow the music and end up at the plaza. The high school marching band is practicing. They have so much more movement and life to them than high school marching bands back in the U.S. There must be different types of instruments in this band because the sound is so unique, like something I've never heard. Deep rumbles of drums and trombones are contrasted with gentle chimes. Each individual moves their body to the music with no restrictions or formations to follow, and it flows together like water. The whole plaza is filled with life. Kids play soccer, adults work out on the outdoor gym, skateboarders rush by, kites fly in the wind with the clouds, and couples sit scattered on the steps talking, laughing, and kissing. The mountainous backdrop fills me with awe. Is this really my new home?

After enjoying the liveliness of the plaza, we decide to take the long way home. We spot a handful of sodas and mentally mark their location. Sodas are the most affordable, and most delicious way to eat out, we hear. Other than a few convenience stores, or pulperías, mostly everything else is locked up. Is it because it's Sunday, or did we land ourselves in a ghost town? I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

As we arrive back at the hostel, we hear hoots and hollers from the balcony up above. The rest of our group has arrived! Erin, Kenyatah, and Connor welcome us with warm smiles and hugs. Excited chatter fills the balcony of our new home. No one can ever replace the love of my family and friends back home, but these people might be the next best thing.

This is my new family. My new home. Bienvenidos a San Ramon.