A few friends I met in the hostel and I walked to the Santa Catalina arch, where we set off our fireworks and made the sky our canvas. On our way back, we passed the Central Square. The park was full of families with their children. Grandmas, grandpas, uncles, aunts, moms, and dads were gathered around their young family members while they played with their new Christmas toys. Everyone was smiling, laughing, and having a good time. It was such a beautiful thing to see since it’s not so common where I’m from anymore. I’d never met people that were so alive, so full of happiness.