Upon my arrival, I quickly realized that while in La Flor, I would be treated like family. My first full day was filled with introductions to members of the host community, most of whom were Johel’s siblings and their children, a walk-through of the property including the Casitas while being extensively informed on the naturally grown produce and wildlife inhabiting the area, getting my hands dirty because Sara and Johel’s kids convinced me to do yard work with them (which was fun for someone who doesn’t do a lot of yard work), and becoming familiar with La Flor as a welcoming and beautiful remote area of Costa Rica. 

My favorite part of that day and possibly the rest to follow, however, was waking up to the roosters (yes, I mean literal roosters calling) and walking out to the patio to sip my morning coffee while observing the most breathtaking view of the mountains and a rising sun directly in front of me.  My close-second most cherished part of each day was joining all the tias in their chit-chat while they watched their kids playing in the street in front of the setting sun. Something about this interaction, and as they patiently helped me converse and participate in their conversations in Spanish, made me feel so at home and welcomed into the community.