University of Georgia Athletics
Noel Couch Blog: The Journey Within
June 20, 2011 | Gymnastics
June 20, 2011
¡Pura Vida! In the words of the Costa Ricans, this phrase incorporates everything from welcome, good morning, and congratulations, to wow we just survived a class four river rapid. I like to say "how YOU doin'?!" The Costa Ricans prefer "¡Pura Vida!" Either way you want to express it, my study abroad trip in Costa Rica was an eye-opening, jaw-dropping adventure that kept me on my toes for three weeks.
Shayla Worley and I ventured into the rainforest with our fellow classmates headed to the UGA Costa Rica Campus. We resided in bungalows among wild animals and interesting plant species. Each experience seemed to be better than the last. Hiking became our new favorite pastime as we explored different places such as the trails on campus and the Monteverde Cloud Rainforest. Zip lining sent my heart racing as I took in the incredible views from high above the forest canopy.
We took a short vacation from the rainforest on the second week and headed to the New York City of Costa Rica.. San Jose! We checked in to Hotel Don Carlos and had a jam packed schedule planned for us. We toured the city, watched films, dined at delightful restaurants, heard from producers and poets, and attended jazz clubs. When we returned to campus we spent four nights with a home-stay family where we really got a taste of life as a Costa Rican resident. We worked hard finishing up with our classes and before we knew it we were headed for the beach. We enjoyed swimming in the warm water and catching some sun rays as we watched wild horses prance across the sand. We even went into Gym Dog mode doing handstands on the beach and teaching our friend, Sammi Miami how to get his feet over his head! Kayaking, snorkeling, and bike riding left me wiped at the end of the day as I fell asleep next to the bon fire we made as we laid on the beach gazing upon the stars.
At the end of the Maymester we said goodbye to our new friends and were sad to break up the "Three Amigos," as Shay, our friend Brad, and I, called ourselves, but luckily we'll all be back in Athens in the fall for our UGACR reunion. Sadly, I returned to UGA to find a hole in the heart that makes this place beat. The Gym Dogs' biggest fan, greatest supporter, and beloved friend, Ed Lambert has passed away. Ed was the "IT factor" of our program's support system. When we'd show up to practice at the gym, Ed was there cheering us on and watching us perform our routines. When we needed a float for the Christmas parade downtown, Ed was there creating a masterpiece of balloons and lights. When we had a meet, Ed was in the locker room with signs, balloons, and even marshmallow guns to give us that little extra excitement before the weekend. When we walked out onto the coliseum floor, Ed was there in the stands never missing a beat. Our program has been so blessed to have had Ed Lambert, not just as any other fan, but as a member of our family. Please keep Ed and his family and friends in your prayers. His joyful, loving spirit will continue to be with us in the journey ahead.
Noel Couch, a native of Towaco, N.J., recently completed her second season as a member of the Georgia gymnastics team.
