So much in so little time...

I have no idea where to begin right now...I've been in Costa Rica for 5 days and it feels like I've been here for weeks. We have done so much in such a short amount of time, I cannot wait to see and do everything else on the itinerary! The La Paz Waterfalls were BEAUTIFUL!! Seeing the different Costa Rican plants, animals and insects was like a dream. I held a butterfly, saw some beautiful waterfalls and just fell in love with the adorable sleeping sloths!!! We went to a coffee plantation and it was so amazing to see the plants up close!!! Poas Volcano and seeing the active crater with plumes and plumes of sulfuric smoke, the different plants seen at 10,000 feet above sea level and enjoying the fresh mountain air!!! There truly are no words to describe it. Ecovillas was one of the most eye opening places yet. This is a place where they are trying to build a completely self sustained town. All food will be farmed there, they have solar energy, and they will create methane from their waste (gross, but very green!!!). The different plants they had on the property, the ideas that the founder Steve had all made an impact on me for sure. I would love to come back and see the place in a few years, since it is only in its beginning processes. Meeting my host family was probably one of the most nerve wracking things I have ever done!! I don't know these people and I can barely communicate with them! Scary and VERY overwhelming. But I found out quickly it doesn't matter, my Mama Tica is so patient, so friendly and caring...it truly makes the experience so much easier. I do have one thing to say...thank goodness for my spanish classes. These classes have made my communication with my Tico family easier. I am by no means fluent but every day my communication is becoming greater. I have been mentally taking notes on my inquiry topic...happiness. I plan to try to interview some locals and see what insights they can give me.