With little under a week to go until I leave for Costa Rica final preparations are well under way.

This past weekend I celebrated an early 22nd birthday party with my family and friends. My actual birthday will be one week into my move to Costa Rica so plenty to celebrate as I first find my feet in my new home. It was a bittersweet weekend in all, I enjoyed having the family together but I also had to say my goodbyes for the forseeable future. Every year for as long as I can remember my parents have thrown a party at our house. I have a lot of great memories over the years from them, but in recent years I have often been travelling during the summer months. Last year I missed my 21st birthday in England due to being in CT. I spent my 21st in NYC with some good friends and it was an unforgettable weekend but I still missed the get-together at home with my family. It was a great last weekend in the UK and extra special to celebrate an early 22nd birthday this year.

I have began envisioning what I think Costa Rica will be like recently. This is something I often do before visiting somewhere new. I see myself spending as much time as possible in coastal regions and making the most of the tropical surf. My ideas of a place are often a little off, but noramlly in a good way. You can only build up an impression of a place so much before actually experiencing it.

I have been waiting a long time for this week to arrive and it still does not feel real yet. I look forward to writing whilst in Costa Rica and sharing what I get up to. I am sure the first few days are going to be surreal and surpass all expectations I have. I am ready to to start my next adventure.