Tico Explorer Returning to the Land of No Artificial Ingredients

When I was a Junior in College (2010) I journeyed to Costa Rica with a group of 12 students to explore the beautiful land, absorb the enticing culture, and learn more about the sustainable practices that keep their ecosystem thriving. It was an amazing experience that touched my soul and made me think about the consumerist mindset that daily engrosses my routine. It was in that short month that I realized there was so much more to the world than the United States.

Post Costa Rica I have travelled to over 20 countries- appreciative of every culture and destination. My recent adventure was around Europe, an incredible voyage where I spent all of my savings, well worth every penny. But I’ve been craving the place where I passed the line of tourist and felt in touch with both the people and Mother Earth.

Excited for the wildlife I saw in 2010

I will be volunteering at a self-sufficient farm in the Arenal District of Costa Rica for the month of July. Rancho Margot is more than just a farm, though, it is also an eco-yoga resort and education center. Like much of this tiny country, the land was once barren wasteland destroyed by decades of cattle ranching. Now it is a 400-acre property of productive paradise surrounded by rainforest. (The resort was featured on CNN's The Next List which you can watch here)

I cannot wait for the opportunity to assist this eco-paradise in their beautification practices working as a gardening volunteer.

But I am also a bit fearful. My life is very fulfilled in Charleston. But I think it’s important to take a break sometimes and challenge yourself to explore more. Because, hey, this independent, confident exterior might just really be scared shitless. 

There's a quote by Calamity Jane, "I figure, if a girl wants to be a legend, she should go ahead and be one." Well. . . here's to living the legendary lifestyle!