Dear Travel Journal
Ariana in Costa Rica
- Ariana Fiorello-Omotosho
- 18-20 February 2012
- Costa Rica
- 17 years old
- 18 February 2012
Dear Travel Journal,
I apologize for the long silence. I have been busy, as well as lazy. I know I never finished my tales of my previous travels. I last left of detailing my trip to California with my cousins. Well after, I went on a cruise to Key West and the Bahamas with Connie and Stasia.
In 2010, I went to Canada on a cruise with Kelsey and Stasia. I n addition, I also went on a Civil Rights Journey with my mom and Christian [cousin]. This is where I fell in love with Spelman College.
In 2011, I went to to D.C. to visit Howard University. I also went on a cruise to Jamaica and the Grand Cayman Islands. I traveled to Europe, but we were delayed a day since the wing of our plane hit the tail of another plan, “inches from explosion.” “My wing.” Later that summer, my mother and I toured Maryland and Virginia, checking out schools. In November, with Rochelle and my Mom, I traveled to D.C. for the day to see Tyler Perry’s The Haves and the Have Nots play.
Now, it is 2012. The year of my high school graduation (June 6). The year I turn 18 (June 4). The year of senior prom (May 18). The year where school ends early (June 1). I have found and contacted my biological family, and I plan to travel to Texas and visit them. However, I am currently in Costa Rica.
It is night and today was our 3rd day. We arrived Thursday, but we were slightly delayed due to the McCarthy twins’ luggage being lost. We got to the hotel, swam, then went to the market, before going out to eat.
Day 2 – Bust to the next hotel
Along the way, we climbed a volcano, painted and shopped, went to the hotel and had dinner, and enjoyed the hot springs.
Day 3 – Watched the sunrise
We had had breakfast and then went for a hike, swim, a little adventure, and some more swimming. We then took a bus and went touring and shopping, where I watched Lucas get a haircut. Back on the bus, I slept. We made a pit stop somewhere that I don’t recall, but I saw lemurs, cows, and horses. The drive had many tight spots. Unfortunately our bus got stuck, so we had to get out and walk. We then had dinner and went to the hotel where we swam and played games.
This is a quick summary of our trip so far and a quick jot down of the past trips.
Love,
Ariana Fiorello
(a.k.a. Travel Bug)
P.S.
Most, if not all, of the bus rides, I sleep on. Made a friend, Charlie, a shop owner.
- 19 February 2012
Dear Travel Journal,
Today, like any other day, I loved the food – breakfast and dinner. I officially love strawberry-mango tea. Today, we went ziplining. Amazing! I got to Superman and Tarzan. The scenery was beyond breathtaking. While doing the Superman, I was able to scope out the landscape. Mesmerizing! The Tarzan was a sheer drop. Fun. My stomach flipped. The feeling was like that of being on a rollercoaster.
We had lunch in town. We were able to practice our Spanish. We shopped and roamed. I believe that shoes are way overpriced here.
The plan of a nature walk was changed. We’re able to go swimming and just chill, before adventuring on a night walk. We saw all sorts of birds, insects, sloths, tarantellas, and other mammals. Then we ate dinner.
There was a plan to go clubbing, but that was a fail. We chilled in the rooms; dancing and talking. It was fun. Ms. Leopore and Ms. Crigliano even danced a little. But now it’s bedtime, and here I am. Tired.
Buenas noches,
Travel Bug
P.S.
This evening, I was introduced to my Aunt Ruby and cousin Ricky in Louisiana over the phone with my [biological, maternal] grandpa.
Tomorrow I’m going to try to write to you in Spanish, probably mixed with some English.
- 20 February 2012
Dear Travel Journal,
Today was a fun day. We went on a nature walk through a cloud. The clouds float low enough, so that the mountains poke through. We saw many exotic plants and trees.
We traveled on a bus to a market, only to stop for some quick cash at the ATM, before continuing on to stop for lunch I got a seafood pasta dish and was too scared to try the squid. Next, we drove to see a crocodile show. It was awesome! Jose, the boat driver, not the tour guide, fed some of the crocodiles. In addition, we saw numerous exotic birds and crabs and tarantellas along the way.
It wasn’t long before we reached our hotel. They are like mini apartment-condominiums. We went to the market, then returned for dinner. Food didn’t impress me.
We swam for an hour or so, and then changed. We all hung out in Deborah and Amanda’s room; eating, laughing, playing cards, watching TV, making drinks, talking – just having fun. I know I didn’t write in Spanish – oh well.
Long day ahead of us. Going to bed. Good night.
Love,
Ariana Fiorello
Travel Bug
- 9 March 2012
Dear Travel Journal,
Okay, I know I didn’t detail my last 2 days of my trip, but I was busy. So I will tell you now. In the morning, we ate breakfast, and then went on a nature walk through a cloud forest. It was amazing. My bad, wrong day :’(
Okay, so we went to the beach. I saw Iguanas, raccoons, and monkeys. The scenery was beautiful. Great place for a couple.
We then ate lunch and visited a school. At the school, I played with a bunch of kids and was heartbroken to leave. After, I went to a shopping area and then a grocery store. We ate dinner (pizza). We chilled in our room because some people wanted to indulge in [illicit activities].
The next day, we left. We drove for hours. We stopped in a “witch” town. We made food, I saved the recipes and a few coffee beans. We got to the hotel. Changed. Went out to eat. Fun! Went back and partied. We snuck out after curfew. Chilled in rooms. Went to Denny’s. Then went to bed.
The next day was more relaxed. We returned home. I’m going to try to chat later. Sorry for the quickness.
Love,
Travel Bug
[Ariana stopped filling the pages of her Travel Journal, despite her continued traveling]
