I was recently nominated by Tripbase and my favorite expat blogger from Spain, Tortuga Viajera, to take part in My 7 Links, which is a project in which expat / travel bloggers dig up 7 important posts from the past that deserve some extra lovin’…or hatin’

Fun project! I hope you enjoy my 7 posts below – at the very least check out #6 for a good laugh. (I also recently changed my link structures, so some of these oldies need some social media lovin’ to feel validated again, pobrecitos 🙂 )

calm ocean costa rica

In 1.5 years, with Julio’s help, I have found some super secret calm ocean beaches in Costa Rica.

1. My most beautiful post

Advantage of Living in a Rainforest: Effortless Gardens
Tourists avoid it like the plague, but I actually like the rainy season in Costa Rica. This post represents that ah-hah moment when I really embraced my new home and all the wonders it creates. Living in Costa Rica is like living in Candyland (does anyone remember that game?)

2. My most popular post

The Culture of Conservation in Costa Rica
I like writing about the cultural differences I encounter while living in Costa Rica. I think this goes back to my roots when I experimented with being an anthroplogist in college. I didn’t go that path because anthroplogists have to write extremely long-winded papers and books. I prefer writing for an ADD audience. 😉

3. My most controversial post

Common Misconceptions About Costa Rica
I received a ton of angry emails (still receive some!) from people who completely disagreed with me on this post. What do you think – do you agree or disagree?

4. My most helpful post

11 tips for driving in Costa Rica
A lot of people thought this driving advice was helpful for not only Costa Rica, but other developing nations. The feedback has inspired me to pay even more attention while driving and I have a sequel coming up to this post – I thought of at least 5 more tips.

5. A post whose success surprised me

Costa Rican bullfighting — best sport ever!
I like to dress up like a cowgirl and watch people get trampled by angry bulls. Apparently I’m not the only one.

6. A post I feel didn’t get the attention it deserved

Silly Pelulu paddles
Maybe clicking the play button on the video is too much to ask in today’s ADD hi-tech multitasking world? I know I’m guilty of skipping a vid here and there because I feel I don’t have the time. But this video is hilarious and it’s only 40 seconds! Do it! Push play! I dare you!

7. The post that I am most proud of

Reverse culture shock — I got zapped!
I think the struggle between cultures and my own identity were giving me writer’s block, I wasn’t able to come up with anything creative, but I wasn’t consciously aware of this. Then I made my trip to the States and this post shot out of me like parasitic diarhea. Since then, I’ve had a better grip on the direction of where my blog is going, and more importantly, where I’m going. 🙂

That sums up my 7, and with that I’m nominating 5 more amazing and inspiring travel bloggers (that I regularly follow) to keep the project going. Cheers!

Christine from Almost Fearless
Roy from Cruisesurfingz
Norbert from Globotreks
Dave from Go Backpacking
Jenny from Where is Jenny?