Do you want
to travel internationally but wonder if the experience will be worth the
obligatory TSA strip search? Trust me. Any global excursion will be more than
worthwhile. Doing and trying new things on a trip will expand your
understanding of life at home. From beautiful scenery to amazing wildlife to
warm and inviting natives, a trip outside your comfort zone (and country) will
change your outlook on life.
The Central Lakes College Costa Rica Trip 2015 had a jam-packed itinerary intended to educate and entertain from the moment the plane touched down. We stayed in five different hotels that ranged from isolated (only accessible by boat) to the center of a city. The group also participated in extraordinary activities including strolls through beautiful churches, museums and quaint shops; aerobic hikes to see breathtaking views of volcanos and waterfalls; and relaxing river cruises that allowed us to see exotic animals and insects. We also kayaked a man-made lake, snorkeled in the Pacific Ocean and zip lined over a rushing river. Our trip literally went from coast to coast starting at Costa Rica’s capitol then visiting the Caribbean Sea then ending with sunsets over the Pacific.
Living in Central Minnesota can be monotonous in many ways and not just during the winter months. For example, the culture is great but more singular than other parts of the United States and the world. International travel compels a wonderful change of perspective. Routine busting trips force changes that help with personal growth. From palate expanding flavors to interactions with non-English speaking, inviting locals to spectacular scenery, globetrotting will transform your view of culture, biodiversity and life on a global scale. New experiences mean people must break out of their shells and adapt. Even if the main reason to travel is to escape waist-high snow and subzero temperatures to enjoy saltwater swimming, your mind is opened.
One of the ways I have chosen to broaden my eleven year-old son Cole's experiences is travel. On a person level, Costa Rica taught him diversity is a gift not a shortcoming. We often wondered if the Ticos—Costa Rican locals—were nicer to him because he is part Hispanic or because he was a boy. His food portions were always double if not triple mine. He also felt the locals talked to us more—although our constant blathering is a possibility too. Either way he realized how to be more accepting of not only others, but more importantly himself. He was so happy to be among a mixture of populations. I was the minority and he loved teasing me about it. He learned new skills, had a once in a lifetime experience and got to rub sunscreen on the cute girls from our trip.
Having been around a more ethnically and economically varied culture helped my son see all people are valuable and have contributions to make to society—not just rich Americans. He gained self-acceptance and insight into his future. And wouldn’t anyone? Pura Vida!
The Central Lakes College Costa Rica Trip 2015 had a jam-packed itinerary intended to educate and entertain from the moment the plane touched down. We stayed in five different hotels that ranged from isolated (only accessible by boat) to the center of a city. The group also participated in extraordinary activities including strolls through beautiful churches, museums and quaint shops; aerobic hikes to see breathtaking views of volcanos and waterfalls; and relaxing river cruises that allowed us to see exotic animals and insects. We also kayaked a man-made lake, snorkeled in the Pacific Ocean and zip lined over a rushing river. Our trip literally went from coast to coast starting at Costa Rica’s capitol then visiting the Caribbean Sea then ending with sunsets over the Pacific.
Living in Central Minnesota can be monotonous in many ways and not just during the winter months. For example, the culture is great but more singular than other parts of the United States and the world. International travel compels a wonderful change of perspective. Routine busting trips force changes that help with personal growth. From palate expanding flavors to interactions with non-English speaking, inviting locals to spectacular scenery, globetrotting will transform your view of culture, biodiversity and life on a global scale. New experiences mean people must break out of their shells and adapt. Even if the main reason to travel is to escape waist-high snow and subzero temperatures to enjoy saltwater swimming, your mind is opened.
One of the ways I have chosen to broaden my eleven year-old son Cole's experiences is travel. On a person level, Costa Rica taught him diversity is a gift not a shortcoming. We often wondered if the Ticos—Costa Rican locals—were nicer to him because he is part Hispanic or because he was a boy. His food portions were always double if not triple mine. He also felt the locals talked to us more—although our constant blathering is a possibility too. Either way he realized how to be more accepting of not only others, but more importantly himself. He was so happy to be among a mixture of populations. I was the minority and he loved teasing me about it. He learned new skills, had a once in a lifetime experience and got to rub sunscreen on the cute girls from our trip.
Having been around a more ethnically and economically varied culture helped my son see all people are valuable and have contributions to make to society—not just rich Americans. He gained self-acceptance and insight into his future. And wouldn’t anyone? Pura Vida!
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