Bogota – an introduction to Colombia [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

Getting to Colombia was no easy feat. It was an absolute shitshow at the airport, with 3-hours long massive immigration control queues. They then lost my bag, and after 1hour an Avianca staff member finally found the bag. Following these 4 hours delay and constantly texting my cab driver to tell him not to pick

La Fortuna & Monteverde – Costa Rica [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

La fortuna and Monteverde are some of the most touristy areas in Costa, and there’s a good reason for that. Both places are absolutely gorgeous, even during rainy season. As usual, tips first: Hostels selina… maybe I was just unlucky, but I think Selina chain hostels have a specific vibe ( at least La fortuna

Costa Rica, a summary [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

When I first planned going to Costa Rica I intended to stay for a month. I had big plans! Rainforest, hikes up volcanos, beach time and seeing loads of animals, sloths, sloths sloths and turtles. After one week and a half I realised that actually, my plans to Costa Rica would probably change very soon.

Manuel Antonio – Costa Rica [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

Manuel Antonio…. The place where I started to really relax. And the place where I changed half my plans about the next few months. It was a beautiful adventure. I was only supposed to stay for 3 days and ended up staying for 7. I met incredible people, saw sloths up close, a ridiculous amount

What I re-learnt about “volunteering” in a hostel in Costa Rica [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

I’m currently on a 6-month sabbatical and even though this is not a research sabbatical and I’m definitely not working, I think it’s fair to say that when you love what you do, you’re constantly reflecting on it. That’s what happened in Costa Rica. During my time in Costa Rica I stayed at a hostel

Tortuguero – Costa Rica [The Americas – #chronicles 2022]

I’ve spent the past 4 days in Tortuguero, Costa Rica, One of the most remote places I’ve ever been to. This is a quick summary of the past 4 days. Practical details at the top, and you can scroll down for “boring Mariana thoughts and experiences” & last minute tips at the bottom. One of