Well the day is here, and it is time to depart from Boruca. I collected a bunch of information on the construction of ranchos, finished my mask, and bid adieu to many fine people. I only wish that I could have had more communication with them...

It seems to be customary in the U.S. that we don't know what we have until it's gone (cue the cheesy 80s music). Yesterday proved that such things happen in other cultures as well.

It began simply... I needed to close some loops before my departure today. I visited various friends, projects, and artisans in town to say "hasta luego," gather information for my book project, and to collect some momentos from my time there.

As the sun swung to the west, the immediacy of my departure set in. Now, it is important to realize that although I have learned a bit of Spaniosh while I've been here, many of my conversations with people have been limited to the number of people in my family, the events of the day, or jokes. And please allow me to emphasize jokes.

The power of laughter and flirtation has never been as apparent to me as it is now, while I reflect on the responses of people as I left Boruca. The ability for a smile or some laughter to communicate the essence of one's soul is essential to how we communicate and connect with one another. It may seem quite an obvious concept, but it is a profound one nonetheless. I was showered with gifts, hugs, and the promises of tears as I bid adieu to the people of Boruca. Some of these people only knew my smile, and that was enough. I realize as I write this that it may sound a bit pompous, but I mean for it to reflect the attitude of the people, not the strength of my smile.

My emotions were a bit different. Until yesterday, I didn't know much about my place in Boruca. Laughs and smiles are wonderful, but I also need meaningful conversations. I knew before this trip the importance of those close to me, and my time here has reinforced this.