After a very emotional year with more downs than ups and countless hurdles, we have finally arrived in Costa Rica. This is where my research work will begin in the next few months. The location seems perfect. A long untouched piece of rainforest with intact flora and fauna. I have already been able to observe countless birds, butterflies, white-tailed deer, agutis and hummingbirds.
![Primeval forest, jungle, rainforest with sky and clouds.](https://gesundheits-erlebnis.de/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/20240316_140505-1024x576.jpg)
The dark side of the jungle
For us personally, life here is an adjustment at first. The rich animal world can also be shared within your own four walls. Geckos are part of our new pets. They are everywhere and always there. Accordingly, gecko droppings have to be wiped away here and there. But ants also visit us in droves. If you leave food or leftovers for more than a few minutes, the ants will be there to clean up. It must therefore be washed off immediately after every meal. However, this saves on crockery, as no more than 3 plates are needed here.
Exposed to the weather
Due to the high humidity, however, you generally have few possessions here, as the jungle retains everything. CDs are decomposed by fungi, wood without protection is eaten up. With everything you buy, you think about whether you really need it. This is an exercise in distancing oneself from Western consumerism and is a liberating new experience.
Power cuts are quite common during heavy rainfall, and the volume of the rain as it beats down on the roofs means that it is impossible to make conversation or phone calls. Silence and enjoying the forces of nature are the order of the day.
Our smallest roommates
My natural cosmetics and care products have indeed proven to be full of natural substances and free of chemicals. The ants love to eat my deodorant and soap. I am compensated for this when I can go into the jungle garden in the morning and pick my fruit fresh from the trees.
The shoes have to be shaken out before putting them on to make sure there are no nasty surprises and the beds are also checked before sleeping to make sure that another jungle dweller has not already gone to sleep.
Note for existing care arrangements
Despite my move to Costa Rica, saliva samples can still be sent in. Evaluations take place via Zoom. The samples are collected in Germany and sent by express mail.