Although
I am not in your age-range for your website, I did go on a trip down to
Costa Rica for 10-weeks. I was granted a leave of absence from my work
(since I am a university graduate already) and headed down to the
unknown country of Costa Rica. I lived in a remote village in the
indigenous reserve with 13 other strangers.
Here are my few comments/things I learned about my experience:
1. About 90% of the things I own in Canada are not necessary. I lived
with a backpack full of stuff (mostly essential items like sleeping
bag, medical supplies, clothes) for three months and never really felt
like I needed more than what I brought with me.
which leads me to point 2:
2. We are over stimulated in our society. When I returned home, I had a
reverse culture shock. The noise, the bright lighting, the constant
need of my family and friends to have things to be turned on (i.e.
television, computer) and the indoor heating all got to me.
3. Happiness is a state of mind. You can happy anywhere and everywhere...
4. The most gratifying thing in life is love. Being loved and sharing your love with others is true happiness.
5. Tell your story. The best thing about my experience overseas was
being able to let the people in my community tell their life stories to
us and vice versa.
