This past year, I was able to visit three countries: Cook Islands, Croatia, and Costa Rica. The Cook Islands was a new country to add to my list, Croatia was a revisit but in a different area of the country, and Costa Rica was also a revisit, but I had a conference with very little time to visit the country. Each place offers a completely different vibe: I went from Polynesian culture to Central European culture to Latino/Tico culture. Each place offered a different lesson as well.
Rarotonga, Cook Islands: This trip was booked as a last-minute change, and it was an amazing adventure. Life is different on Island time. It’s slower, calmer, people take care of their home because land is finite. The Cook Islanders were extremely warm and welcoming. The Islands are a popular destination for Australians and New Zealanders, so I blended into the tourist crowd. Think of it as the Caribbean of Oceania. Like many Polynesian nations, English was everywhere but mixed in were their native words (like Nu for coconut). You can drive the entire island of Rarotonga in less than an hour. Small planes can take you from island to island. Rarotonga is a mountainous island, so the views are breathtaking no matter what direction. People live amongst the animals with rogue chickens and roosters everywhere. They accept the influx of tourists and and are so patient. Lesson: Be present.
Croatia: This one was a special trip because I met with extended family. A connection that has been lost for over 100 years. Through many resources and pushing through ancestral brick walls, I found my grandfather’s cousins and their families. The excitement and elation pulsated through my veins as I booked a trip to meet them. They welcomed me with open arms and I got to see my great-grandmother’s home. She unfortunately passed away before I was born, but I have always had an interest in lineage, especially since my grandfather was a first-generation American. You see, the travel industry sells Croatia as an island nation getaway. Instead, I was immersed in Croatia as it is today, without the tourism (ok, so I spent a few days in Dubrovnik at the end of the trip). But I had the ability to learn about Croatia in a quieter corner of the country, and then the city where my great-grandmother grew up as I re-established a family connection. It was truly special. The cool part is that I will have an article coming out soon in a magazine that documents my experience of finding my family. Lesson: Be open.
Costa Rica: So many people travel to the luscious wonders of Costa Rica. It’s truly a country that thrives on tourism based on their ecosystemic paradise. Although I had a conference there, my friends and I only ventured out for one day. The Tico hospitality is undeniably wonderful. It’s a culture that cares deeply about their families, their communities, their rainforest ecosystem, and the guests in their country. It seems like they’re generally happy people, and that just radiates through their demeanour towards tourists. I still have more to explore in this beautiful but it’s no secret why it’s a popular destination, for vacation, retreats, and conferences. Lesson: Be caring.