Let it be known about Monteverde weather: when it rains, nothing is dry. Even the air is heavy and humid and WET. This has led to the unfortunate destruction of several of my belongings...most notably in my closet. My beloved striped cardigan is molding at the sleeves. My black cross body bag is completely molded. And even my Lands End tote has mold on the bottom. Even my purse hanging from my doorknob is starting to mold! I have been trying to periodically go through my closet and shake out my shirts and other clothes, so that the humidity doesn't sink in too much. What I wouldn't give for a de-humidifyer...or a dryer.
Well, this weekend will be pretty easy going. Headed to Puntarenas for the afternoon, back tomorrow. Its been raining nonstop for the last couple days due to a tropical depression, hopefully the rain doesn't follow me down the mountain.
Good afternoon...relaxing.
Pura Vida
old people and ADD
So today I encountered a student who I am pretty sure will drive me crazy the next three weeks.
She is an older woman in her late 50s early 60s, and is absolutely ADD. It took me about an hour to do an orientation that normally takes about 20 mins...talk about frustrating. Every time I started talking she interrupted me with a story that would move to another subject, and then complained to me that orientation was taking too long. HER FAULT!!! I just hope that is not me when I get older. Old people and ADD make for a very bad combination... patience, calm.
What a quick Monday...today I had only two new students, one from the Netherlands. How do you say the Netherlands in Spanish, you may wonder?? "Holanda." Yeah, I just learned that today.
This weekend really flew by too...on Friday I traveled by bus 3.5 hours to downtown Puntarenas. I spent a couple days there last summer with one of my groups, and it was cool to walk around (I must have walked like 20 mins after sitting all day!) and see some familiar sites: the restaurant that I made my kids walk too, the portion of the beach where there was a huge carnival, another restaurant...the hotel was too far from the bus stop I needed, so I didn't walk all the way there. Instead I ate some over priced garlic clams and had a Fresca before catching the 8pm bus to Esparza, which was only 30-35 mins away.
Saturday I went to San Jose and observed a friend's final presentation in Portuguese...I am really amazed at how similar Portuguese is to Spanish, nothing more than different pronunciation and some vocab. But very similar! Then I went back to Esparza and ate Chinese food.
Sunday I went to downtown Puntarenas again, this time during the day. There were lots of people out on the beach, and it was pretty good weather! I think being on the Gulf of Nicoya has something to do with it, blowing the clouds away to Monteverde! I walked around and have decided I will never go swimming in the Gulf...apparently it is one of the most contaminated areas of Costa Rica. That is ironic because I saw a baula sea turtle swimming around! I went out on the pier too, where the cruise ships come in. I hear that they do not let Ticos enter the pier area during cruise season because a lot of tourists end up getting robbed...sad but true about a community like this. On the whole Puntarenas can be summed up as being fishy and dirty...lots of trash and ceviche in every restaurant. Still, it was nice to visit. My shoulders got a little color.
Fotos later...Pura vida!
She is an older woman in her late 50s early 60s, and is absolutely ADD. It took me about an hour to do an orientation that normally takes about 20 mins...talk about frustrating. Every time I started talking she interrupted me with a story that would move to another subject, and then complained to me that orientation was taking too long. HER FAULT!!! I just hope that is not me when I get older. Old people and ADD make for a very bad combination... patience, calm.
What a quick Monday...today I had only two new students, one from the Netherlands. How do you say the Netherlands in Spanish, you may wonder?? "Holanda." Yeah, I just learned that today.
This weekend really flew by too...on Friday I traveled by bus 3.5 hours to downtown Puntarenas. I spent a couple days there last summer with one of my groups, and it was cool to walk around (I must have walked like 20 mins after sitting all day!) and see some familiar sites: the restaurant that I made my kids walk too, the portion of the beach where there was a huge carnival, another restaurant...the hotel was too far from the bus stop I needed, so I didn't walk all the way there. Instead I ate some over priced garlic clams and had a Fresca before catching the 8pm bus to Esparza, which was only 30-35 mins away.
Saturday I went to San Jose and observed a friend's final presentation in Portuguese...I am really amazed at how similar Portuguese is to Spanish, nothing more than different pronunciation and some vocab. But very similar! Then I went back to Esparza and ate Chinese food.
Sunday I went to downtown Puntarenas again, this time during the day. There were lots of people out on the beach, and it was pretty good weather! I think being on the Gulf of Nicoya has something to do with it, blowing the clouds away to Monteverde! I walked around and have decided I will never go swimming in the Gulf...apparently it is one of the most contaminated areas of Costa Rica. That is ironic because I saw a baula sea turtle swimming around! I went out on the pier too, where the cruise ships come in. I hear that they do not let Ticos enter the pier area during cruise season because a lot of tourists end up getting robbed...sad but true about a community like this. On the whole Puntarenas can be summed up as being fishy and dirty...lots of trash and ceviche in every restaurant. Still, it was nice to visit. My shoulders got a little color.
Fotos later...Pura vida!
did you feel it??
I just experienced my second earthquake here in Costa Rica.
According to my co-worker, we felt it more strongly because we were sitting down...for a second I thought to myself "wow I feel dizzy" but then realized it was my chair shaking, and not my head.
Earthquakes are not uncommon here, 5.3 tremble in Nicoya (which can be seen from the front of the school on a clear day) was what we just experienced here. Apparently it was strongly felt in Puntarenas... Its actually pretty comical that there is an earthquake, and that life continues as normal here. The phones are still ringing, students are still in class, and internet is still working. You would never know that there was just an earthquake...
Yesterday was Independence Day here in Costa Rica. I got to watch the parades and spend time with students and teachers observing and taking pictures (with 2 cameras, the school's and mine). It was beautful, lots of waving flags and bright colors, the sound of school bands and drumlines pounding, coreographed dances, the whole world seemed to be crammed on the sidewalks, watching. The parade (desfile) started at the gym at the high school in downtown Santa Elena, and went through and around most of the town in a loop. I got some good pictures, and some good sun...my face is pink. Thats fine by me, I need to get some color after being here in the mountains and losing my tan. And speaking of tanning...
Today begins my 3 day weekend: I think tomorrow I will be heading to Puntarenas centro, and hitting the beach for a bit. During lunch today I am going to go buy my ticket at the bus station...grab a bite and then come back to school. On Saturday I might go to the city for a little while, downtown San Jose, and on Sunday return in the afternoon.
Shortly a good friend of mine will be leaving Costa Rica: Munira Issa, who was my CPI chaperona 2 years ago and has been my co-worker the last two summers. Muni is one of a kind, and I will miss her very much. She is returning home to Suriname after living in Costa Rica for the last 3 years, and after making her mark on the town of Monteverde. People come and go...Sometimes its hard to accept that things are so transient. But part of living and learning is appreciating the moments you spend with people, long or short. Time with Muni has definately been memorable!
Pura Vida...
According to my co-worker, we felt it more strongly because we were sitting down...for a second I thought to myself "wow I feel dizzy" but then realized it was my chair shaking, and not my head.
Earthquakes are not uncommon here, 5.3 tremble in Nicoya (which can be seen from the front of the school on a clear day) was what we just experienced here. Apparently it was strongly felt in Puntarenas... Its actually pretty comical that there is an earthquake, and that life continues as normal here. The phones are still ringing, students are still in class, and internet is still working. You would never know that there was just an earthquake...
Yesterday was Independence Day here in Costa Rica. I got to watch the parades and spend time with students and teachers observing and taking pictures (with 2 cameras, the school's and mine). It was beautful, lots of waving flags and bright colors, the sound of school bands and drumlines pounding, coreographed dances, the whole world seemed to be crammed on the sidewalks, watching. The parade (desfile) started at the gym at the high school in downtown Santa Elena, and went through and around most of the town in a loop. I got some good pictures, and some good sun...my face is pink. Thats fine by me, I need to get some color after being here in the mountains and losing my tan. And speaking of tanning...
Today begins my 3 day weekend: I think tomorrow I will be heading to Puntarenas centro, and hitting the beach for a bit. During lunch today I am going to go buy my ticket at the bus station...grab a bite and then come back to school. On Saturday I might go to the city for a little while, downtown San Jose, and on Sunday return in the afternoon.
Shortly a good friend of mine will be leaving Costa Rica: Munira Issa, who was my CPI chaperona 2 years ago and has been my co-worker the last two summers. Muni is one of a kind, and I will miss her very much. She is returning home to Suriname after living in Costa Rica for the last 3 years, and after making her mark on the town of Monteverde. People come and go...Sometimes its hard to accept that things are so transient. But part of living and learning is appreciating the moments you spend with people, long or short. Time with Muni has definately been memorable!
Pura Vida...
Tico in 5 minutes
A short vocab lesson of common words in Tico Spanish and thier meanings:
aguacero-rainstorm, lots of rain.
buena nota- a good thing, cool or fun.
chaleco- jacket, cap, hood.
cubierto- knife, in reference to tableware vs. cooking utensils.
dele- go or give it! used in refence to moving vehicles or driving.
dichosa- jealous, how lucky.
faja- belt.
hale- push or go!
¿mama de quien?- what did you say or what was that?
ni papa- nothing, or not a thing.
que dicha- how awesome, great, wonderful, glad to hear it.
un rojo- one thousand colones, the red bill.
vacilon- funny, a joke, hilarious.
It is currently raining and I leave work in five minutes...time to head home and drink some agua dulce and work out.
Today Grettel found out her grandfather passed away, so I am not sure if she will be coming home later or not.
I still plan to post some house pictures, keep an eye out...
pura vida
aguacero-rainstorm, lots of rain.
buena nota- a good thing, cool or fun.
chaleco- jacket, cap, hood.
cubierto- knife, in reference to tableware vs. cooking utensils.
dele- go or give it! used in refence to moving vehicles or driving.
dichosa- jealous, how lucky.
faja- belt.
hale- push or go!
¿mama de quien?- what did you say or what was that?
ni papa- nothing, or not a thing.
que dicha- how awesome, great, wonderful, glad to hear it.
un rojo- one thousand colones, the red bill.
vacilon- funny, a joke, hilarious.
It is currently raining and I leave work in five minutes...time to head home and drink some agua dulce and work out.
Today Grettel found out her grandfather passed away, so I am not sure if she will be coming home later or not.
I still plan to post some house pictures, keep an eye out...
pura vida
yes i speak english...
If there is a ranking for compliments, one of the highest in my book is being mistaken for Tica.
Yesterday I assisted my boss in welcoming a new group of students to CPI. They will be studying at the Biological Research Station here in Monteverde, and will be taking Spanish classes in the afternoon. During the orientation I had some students ask me if I spoke English...and truly, being mistaken for Tica always gives me a little thrill, because it means that I am doing ok with my language skills! At least it means I am getting pronunciation right, haha.
Slowly but surely I am learning how to cook more. To clraify, I am not a bad cook or anything, but I am a little out of my element cooking with so many different materials: achote, culantro, palatno maduro, chile y salsa lizano. I am very lucky to have Grettel as a house-mate; I 'm learning something new every day. She has already made tortillas twice...next time it will be my turn.
Work has been going well, I am getting the hang of the little office details that make the difference between doing the job and doing it well...I am gettingthe hang of more phone lingo, having to answer the phone more. Helping with other office duties falls under the job description..and is a learning opportunity (oh if Dad could hear me now...he would eat this up haha).
My plans for this weekend include sleeping and doing laundry...I have a lot of dirty clothes, not having done laundry since moving in 3(3?? already?) weeks ago. This afternoon I might head down to the cafe nearby for a coffee and use the internet for a while, post some more pictures on Facebook and here on the old blog...
Pura Vidaaaaaaa!
Yesterday I assisted my boss in welcoming a new group of students to CPI. They will be studying at the Biological Research Station here in Monteverde, and will be taking Spanish classes in the afternoon. During the orientation I had some students ask me if I spoke English...and truly, being mistaken for Tica always gives me a little thrill, because it means that I am doing ok with my language skills! At least it means I am getting pronunciation right, haha.
Slowly but surely I am learning how to cook more. To clraify, I am not a bad cook or anything, but I am a little out of my element cooking with so many different materials: achote, culantro, palatno maduro, chile y salsa lizano. I am very lucky to have Grettel as a house-mate; I 'm learning something new every day. She has already made tortillas twice...next time it will be my turn.
Work has been going well, I am getting the hang of the little office details that make the difference between doing the job and doing it well...I am gettingthe hang of more phone lingo, having to answer the phone more. Helping with other office duties falls under the job description..and is a learning opportunity (oh if Dad could hear me now...he would eat this up haha).
My plans for this weekend include sleeping and doing laundry...I have a lot of dirty clothes, not having done laundry since moving in 3(3?? already?) weeks ago. This afternoon I might head down to the cafe nearby for a coffee and use the internet for a while, post some more pictures on Facebook and here on the old blog...
Pura Vidaaaaaaa!
what's in an ad?
If you check out several online classifieds websites, you will find a listing for CPI to study and travel in Costa Rica. The last two days I have been posting and updating adverts for the school on a variety of websites like buyselleverything.com, perfectdone.com, ad-mart.com and usahotads.com. This is one of those deatils that does not fall under the job descrition...I do appreciate my growing knowlege of how to find free online advertising.
I have also discovered craigslist for the first time, and wow is it cool. I think it might be a good jumping off point for job hunting when I come home. Speaking of job hunting, I need to update my CV (curriculum vitae)to include what I am doing now.
My goal during my time here is really to see and learn as much as I can in the way of experience, which I hope will serve me well when job-hunting back in old Ohio.
In reflection of my college years, I learned a lot but lacked direction. Spanish may be a major, but how to translate it into a career...I am greatful for websites like Hire a Flyer and connections. Because let's face it, connections are very important in finding a job! All this online posting and advertising is making me think of how best to advertise myself...
This Tuesday is flying by. It is almost 11am and cloudy, which means the rain will be coming early today. I just booked a canopy tour for two students, and there is no doubt they will be rained on...canopy is still fun inthe rain, but much less dry haha. Of course I have my raincoat and am wearing my new crocs, which in addition to being cute are also all-weather! Really I am a Boy Scout at heart, "always be prepared" could be my personal motto.
On a side note I am totally broke right now, awaiting two refunds for plane tickets. One from Mexicana, and another from Spirit. I ended up having to buy an exit ticket to enter Costa Rica, just as I feared. What a hit...right now I have about 1000 colones which will get me a taxi ride downtown or maybe a coffee. Right now I am very thankful for Grettel, who paid for groceries yesterday. At least the cost of living here isn't too high, and I am not spending on much besides rent and food, which on my current salary will allow me to begin paying loans back. Just lately its mind-blowing how much money I have poured into travel...plane tickets are expensive!!!! I am getting worried for the holidays... we will see.
Pura Vida
I have also discovered craigslist for the first time, and wow is it cool. I think it might be a good jumping off point for job hunting when I come home. Speaking of job hunting, I need to update my CV (curriculum vitae)to include what I am doing now.
My goal during my time here is really to see and learn as much as I can in the way of experience, which I hope will serve me well when job-hunting back in old Ohio.
In reflection of my college years, I learned a lot but lacked direction. Spanish may be a major, but how to translate it into a career...I am greatful for websites like Hire a Flyer and connections. Because let's face it, connections are very important in finding a job! All this online posting and advertising is making me think of how best to advertise myself...
This Tuesday is flying by. It is almost 11am and cloudy, which means the rain will be coming early today. I just booked a canopy tour for two students, and there is no doubt they will be rained on...canopy is still fun inthe rain, but much less dry haha. Of course I have my raincoat and am wearing my new crocs, which in addition to being cute are also all-weather! Really I am a Boy Scout at heart, "always be prepared" could be my personal motto.
On a side note I am totally broke right now, awaiting two refunds for plane tickets. One from Mexicana, and another from Spirit. I ended up having to buy an exit ticket to enter Costa Rica, just as I feared. What a hit...right now I have about 1000 colones which will get me a taxi ride downtown or maybe a coffee. Right now I am very thankful for Grettel, who paid for groceries yesterday. At least the cost of living here isn't too high, and I am not spending on much besides rent and food, which on my current salary will allow me to begin paying loans back. Just lately its mind-blowing how much money I have poured into travel...plane tickets are expensive!!!! I am getting worried for the holidays... we will see.
Pura Vida
my best friends' wedding
In the last 72 hours I have flown something like 4,000 miles, had a mini breakdown, got dressed up, had Starbucks, and saw all of my best friends and my parents.
I went to Chicago for 3 days for a wedding: my two best friends from college got married on Saturday, September 4th 2010. I was the Maid of Honor in the wedding, and I have never felt more honored to take part of anything in my entire life. The ceremony was truly moving, and seeing all my friends from home really broke me up. Leaving to come back was really hard...I was pretty much dead on my feet in the airport, focusing on not letting myself be too overwhelmed.
I got to see my parents also, and it was really great to catch up with them. I was worried I would get really emotional, but I held it together pretty well the whole weekend. I had a chance to fully explain what I am doing now in my job, and what my life and workday is like. I think there was definitely some curiosity about that. Part of being in this job is being flexible too, which groups prepared me for!!
I arrived home around 7pm last night, after about 12 hours of travel. I took two flights from O'Hare to Ft. Lauderdale to San Jose, and from there a taxi to the bus station in San Jose to arrive via public bus to Monteverde. I went to sleep around 9pm, and was still exhausted!! it might have had something to do with excessive dancing, alcohol consumption, and 2 hours of sleep the night before. Tonight I hope to sleep more.
I am home, broke, and happy as can be.
PURA VIDA
I went to Chicago for 3 days for a wedding: my two best friends from college got married on Saturday, September 4th 2010. I was the Maid of Honor in the wedding, and I have never felt more honored to take part of anything in my entire life. The ceremony was truly moving, and seeing all my friends from home really broke me up. Leaving to come back was really hard...I was pretty much dead on my feet in the airport, focusing on not letting myself be too overwhelmed.
I got to see my parents also, and it was really great to catch up with them. I was worried I would get really emotional, but I held it together pretty well the whole weekend. I had a chance to fully explain what I am doing now in my job, and what my life and workday is like. I think there was definitely some curiosity about that. Part of being in this job is being flexible too, which groups prepared me for!!
I arrived home around 7pm last night, after about 12 hours of travel. I took two flights from O'Hare to Ft. Lauderdale to San Jose, and from there a taxi to the bus station in San Jose to arrive via public bus to Monteverde. I went to sleep around 9pm, and was still exhausted!! it might have had something to do with excessive dancing, alcohol consumption, and 2 hours of sleep the night before. Tonight I hope to sleep more.
I am home, broke, and happy as can be.
PURA VIDA