I recently went on a family trip to Costa Rica.

In car rides, on tours, waiting in line, people have thoughts about what it means to be from the United States. Which is both reassuring - people are paying attention, and frustrating - implicated in a circus I did not create.

One of the most annoying things about being a tourist is other tourists.

It is unsettling to see people elbowing their way to the designated photo op.

Could it also be sort of beautiful? Hundreds of people from all over, converging in the same spot, to take nearly identical photos to feed their followers. To earn a like. Craving connection, visibility, and something like love.

And listen, I am often right there with them.

Photo with a sloth - yes please!

Photo in front of a giant handpainted carreta - you bet!

Photo of the sunset over the Pacific ocean - pura vita!

And as a way to remember my little artist soul I also took photos of more subtle things too. No elbowing required.

These are photos that are deniably gorgeous, but seem worth sharing anyway. I hope you like them.