Three years ago I was in this same part of the world. Only in a different context. It´s been a great experience to be able to go back and revisit the same places and people. Sometimes I think it's amazing how much has changed. 3 years is a long time. Host brothers and sisters have grown up. New buildings have been constructed. I´ve forgotten a lot.
However, it´s also true that some things never change. In a way it´s like opening a door into the past, into 3 years ago. I´ve been able to go back to the way things were (in a way). After catching up, my host families and I are able to pick up where we left off. I receive the same welcome that I did before. I remember favorite cafes and shops. I remember slang words that are specific to the region. Eventually the money conversion rate comes back to me.
Right now I'm in San Jose and I've been trying to get my bearings again. This is the city that I spent the most time in during my semester abroad but that doesn't mean that navegating the city is easy for me. I've been racking my brain to try and remember bus stops and examining maps to try and find familiar places. Thankfully people are helpful.
It's fascinating to me how your perspective on a certain place is affected by the context that you find yourself in. Likewise, the length of time in one location affects the way you view things. For example, three years ago I was in Nicaragua for 2 weeks. This was like a sprint. My perception of Nicaragua was formed accordingly. Now, my time in Nicaragua was almost 12 weeks. Not quite the marathon of doing the Peace Corps or living there for life, my internship would be more like a 5K. My view on Nicaragua this time around is vastly different than the first time.
Also, now I find myself in the role of tourist. This affects the way I see things as well. I´m tempted to say I prefer the role of intern, but I'm adjusting. It's been fun to see things through different lenses. Quite a varied experience that I´m having, for which I'm very grateful.
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