I traveled to Costa Rica in 2001 with Raleigh International-an English charity.  I stayed for 3 months and 4 years on I can honestly say I am still under its spell....

Just looking at the photo gallery on this site bought tears to my eyes, its home to me.  I was born in Bristol, England and lived in Northern Ireland before going to Costa Rica, and no place felt quite as right as it did in that amazing country.  The people, the food, the scenery.  I did not want to leave but had to to go. I have one exam left and I've begun planning my return next year.  I have kept in touch with friends I made and will see them, but not soon enough.  

I would like to move out there. I would recommend this beautiful country to many people, not all, because some people are blinded to its beauty because of its poverty....its as if a non flushing toilet stays in their mind instead of the ocean views, the sunsets and the amazing starry sky...I could get lost in my memories...

Contributed