This week remains slow...but tomorrow is Friday, and payday! Sabores is open again, which means easy access to ice cream and internet. I am going to Heredia this weekend to visit my Familia Tica, and I have to confess that I am in love.
If things ever seem down or dull, I have to take a deep breath and remind myself that I am in a beautiful country and in the midst of an amazing life adventure...I am in Costa Rica! Today after leaving work I decided to sit on the rock out n front of CPI, across the street, and watch the sunset. It was an absolutely clear view to the Gulf of Nicoya and Puntarenas, and the sun behind the clouds was winking in colors of orange, pink, yellow, and light purples. The sunsets are one of my favorite things about being so high in the mountains. We have the best views. I'm told that December is the month to really enjoy sunsets, when the sun appears to go down into the water of the Gulf. Its hard to imagine something ever more beautiful than what I have seen up to now. I am looking forward to December.
Luckily tomorrow is payday. I have already begun a mental list of groceries and other things I have to purchase, which include minutes for my phone and gas for the stove. We also have plenty of soups left on the shelves, but no sugar, salsa Lizano, meat, frijoles molidos or tortillas. In my mind we are just fine until we run out of rice and beans, but our menu has become very limited with the gas running out this evening (ironically we were making beans at the time!). The cost of living here is not high, but the little things add up. I will not be going out to eat for a while, that is for sure. A pity too, I miss sushi.
Sabores, the ice cream parlor up the street is open again. They were closed the whole month of October mas o menos, since it is usually such a slow month. Grettel and I are thrilled that they are open again...we have missed chocobananos and the wifi there. I ate ice cream this afternoon, naturally.
This weekend I plan to go to Heredia and visit with my Familia Tica there. I had planned to go last weekend but ended up travelling elsewhere. I haven't been back to see them since September, and a visit is way overdue. I am glad to have a cell phone, I have been in touch with my Mama and Papa Tico weekly since getting the cell. Going to see them feels very much like going home, and we always have great conversations. They are in every sense my surrogate parents here in Costa Rica.
I also want to share that I have been dating someone for the last four months...his name is Elliott, and we are completely smitten and perfectly comfortable with each other. Yes, I am not afraid to use the "L" word to describe what we have. Love, in the most unusual and wonderful of places.
Pura Vida!
clotheslines
I always seem to come up with interesting blog titles when I don`t have time to blog...same with topics for my blogs, instead of just an update about my life. Topics include:
Eco Tourism
Bilingual
Cost of Living
Customs
Family and Traditions
Vocabulary words
Travel-ways of getting around
Women's roles
Men's roles
Immersion
Wildlife/biodiveristy
Skype
Job hunting/careers
Geography of Costa Rica
Culture shock
If there is a topic you want to read about let me know.
Today I am going to write about laundry. My inspiration comes from the fact that we now have a clothesline hanging in our back room, the storage closet in the house. My luandry has been there since Monday, and is still damp. I have to say though that there isn't much air movement back there at that end of the house. I have socks drying on the extra bed in my room...
At least today it hasn't rained much. There was an early morning shower, then the sun gradualy came out and even now its peeking through clouds. I have no doubt it will rain again this evening though. A dryer would be a boon here in the rainy season...but it doesn't make much sense to have a dryer and not a washer. At least we have a clothesline, but there is no telling how long it will take our things to dry. Plus the fact that put togther Grettel and I have enough clothing to clothe at least our entire neighborhood(well the women anyway).
Washing clothes is actually quite an interesting experience. Grettel and I go to her grandmother's to wash, as she has two washers and *gasp* a dryer, which we do not use because it requires so much electricity. Washers here are set up differently too. There are two parts: a large compartment that is filled with the water and soap, where everything gets washed, and another part on the side that has the spin cycle...first you wash the clothes, and then move them over to be spun (mostly) dry. This type of washer uses much less electricity, and the washing is more thorough. I always manage to forget some dirty things to wash though. Then we line dry our clothes, or if it is really rainy then hopefully we will be able to use the dryer. Most families here do not have a dryer, and during most of the year its no big deal to line dry clothing in the backyard or under an awning, maybe in a back room. But in the rainy season doing laundry takes longer...you are never sure when things will be properly dry.
All I know is that I miss having a washer and dryer available when I need them...Washing clothes here without them is much more difficult. I was so spoiled in the USA!
The good thing is though, that my clothes last me about a month beofre I have to wash again. Another three weeks...hopefully my things will be dry by then.
This week we have three students: one girl from Switzerland and a couple from Colorado. Next week there are two students...I feel so necessary. Such is life here in low season.
Pura Vida
Eco Tourism
Bilingual
Cost of Living
Customs
Family and Traditions
Vocabulary words
Travel-ways of getting around
Women's roles
Men's roles
Immersion
Wildlife/biodiveristy
Skype
Job hunting/careers
Geography of Costa Rica
Culture shock
If there is a topic you want to read about let me know.
Today I am going to write about laundry. My inspiration comes from the fact that we now have a clothesline hanging in our back room, the storage closet in the house. My luandry has been there since Monday, and is still damp. I have to say though that there isn't much air movement back there at that end of the house. I have socks drying on the extra bed in my room...
At least today it hasn't rained much. There was an early morning shower, then the sun gradualy came out and even now its peeking through clouds. I have no doubt it will rain again this evening though. A dryer would be a boon here in the rainy season...but it doesn't make much sense to have a dryer and not a washer. At least we have a clothesline, but there is no telling how long it will take our things to dry. Plus the fact that put togther Grettel and I have enough clothing to clothe at least our entire neighborhood(well the women anyway).
Washing clothes is actually quite an interesting experience. Grettel and I go to her grandmother's to wash, as she has two washers and *gasp* a dryer, which we do not use because it requires so much electricity. Washers here are set up differently too. There are two parts: a large compartment that is filled with the water and soap, where everything gets washed, and another part on the side that has the spin cycle...first you wash the clothes, and then move them over to be spun (mostly) dry. This type of washer uses much less electricity, and the washing is more thorough. I always manage to forget some dirty things to wash though. Then we line dry our clothes, or if it is really rainy then hopefully we will be able to use the dryer. Most families here do not have a dryer, and during most of the year its no big deal to line dry clothing in the backyard or under an awning, maybe in a back room. But in the rainy season doing laundry takes longer...you are never sure when things will be properly dry.
All I know is that I miss having a washer and dryer available when I need them...Washing clothes here without them is much more difficult. I was so spoiled in the USA!
The good thing is though, that my clothes last me about a month beofre I have to wash again. Another three weeks...hopefully my things will be dry by then.
This week we have three students: one girl from Switzerland and a couple from Colorado. Next week there are two students...I feel so necessary. Such is life here in low season.
Pura Vida
welcome back october
Monday. The hardest day of my week...and not just beacuse I get a case of the Mondays every Monday. Today I met new and transfer students and did orientation, am working on a project that is slow going because I need more information and my resources are people who are busier than me, and its started to look more like a proper October in Monteverde...rainy. Good thing my raincoat is with me.
I have to talk about my wonderful weekend, which keeps making me smile.
A close friend of mine from UD is also here in Costa Rica for a year as part of a volunteer program. This past weekend she had a three day weekend (no work today, Monday). So she and some of her friends came up to Monteverde for a weekend trip, and to visit me! I was a guide and resource for them all weekend long, this being "my town." We ate dinner together Saturday night and then hung out until late, dancing and talking and laughing. On Sunday we went on a canopy tour (EXTREMO, my favorite and highly recommended for its being truly IN the canopy!) and then had a relaxing afternoon strolling around town and chatting, then dinner at my cabina and lots more laughter. It was great to see my friend again, and to get to know some relly cool new people. I also feel a glow of pride at being knowlegeable about the area and being able to help them with all thier questions, recommending restaurants and activities. Hopefully I will be able to make a trip to Moravia and the San Jose area to visit, maybe sometime in November. Having such good company really made my weekend!! It was a lot of fun, and I am so blessed to have friends here.
So even with the wet weather, I am warmed by the great memories I made this weekend. Thanks Brittany for visiting ; )
Pura Vida
I have to talk about my wonderful weekend, which keeps making me smile.
A close friend of mine from UD is also here in Costa Rica for a year as part of a volunteer program. This past weekend she had a three day weekend (no work today, Monday). So she and some of her friends came up to Monteverde for a weekend trip, and to visit me! I was a guide and resource for them all weekend long, this being "my town." We ate dinner together Saturday night and then hung out until late, dancing and talking and laughing. On Sunday we went on a canopy tour (EXTREMO, my favorite and highly recommended for its being truly IN the canopy!) and then had a relaxing afternoon strolling around town and chatting, then dinner at my cabina and lots more laughter. It was great to see my friend again, and to get to know some relly cool new people. I also feel a glow of pride at being knowlegeable about the area and being able to help them with all thier questions, recommending restaurants and activities. Hopefully I will be able to make a trip to Moravia and the San Jose area to visit, maybe sometime in November. Having such good company really made my weekend!! It was a lot of fun, and I am so blessed to have friends here.
So even with the wet weather, I am warmed by the great memories I made this weekend. Thanks Brittany for visiting ; )
Pura Vida
backpacks/vegetables/december
First of all, I gave in and bought a new daypack. I am a huge fan of LLBean, but after 9 years and a week of non stop rain my Turbo Transit pack is approaching retirement. Its molded throughout and some of the lining is starting to come off from the bottom compartment, making my things full of bits of plastic and fabric. While this bag has been great for school, it hasn't been ideal for the mountain climate.
My new favorite brand? Lafuma, a French brand that makes all kinds of products, including backpacks. The best thing about Lafuma packs? They all have built in rain covers. ESSENTIAL! Check it out:
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/lafuma-eco-28-backpack-1700cu-in
I like to think that I am pretty savvy when it comes to outdoor products, but every time I browse online I find yet another brand or product that is new or different. Its always good to know what brands and types of jackets, hiking boots, waterproof bags will work best for whatever adventure I undertake next. Plus I am just a fan of online shopping.
Lately I have also been reflecting on what to do for New Years. Last year my resolution was to brush my teeth every morning, which was not a regular part of my routine (gross I know, but I could just never remember!). There have only been a handful of times in 2010 that I have not brushed my teeth in the morning: now its automatic. But what to do for 2011, since I have pearly whites? I think I am going to try and do something more challenging.
For those that know me, I am huge meat lover. Pizza hut meat lover's pizza, turkey, chicken...I like meat. Bacon on my hamburger? Yes please. And I have been thinking to myself...what if I tried going vegetarian? For at least 6 months, just to try it? And the for the next year? Some of my reasoning is as follows:
-it is healthy. Avia is living proof that a healthy diet of fruits and veggies doesn't hurt anyone. And I could definitely use more fruits and veggies in my diet.
-the challenge. We are supposed to challenge ourselves in the new year, dare ourselves to be better. this fits the bill.
-it wouldn't be that hard...food here in Costa Rica is fresh fruits and veggies. Its a regular part of people's diet, and is affordable and plentiful. So it wouldn't be hard to cook, just to keep stocked.
-I eat lots of beans. I wouldn't be completely cutting protien from my diet, I would just have to make sure I am getting plenty.
-Meat is not usually on my shopping list. Just ask my roomies from last year...I occasionally bought jamon serrano or fish, but not chicken or red meat. I would be saving money since meat is usually a little more expensive.
We will see...I am still looking forward to ham sandwiches when I go home for Christmas...that is why this would be a New Year's resolution, haha!
Speaking of Christmas, we are still experiencing December weather here in Monteverde. It is windy and cool, cold even. I wear two layers and my raincoat, which doubles as a windbreaker. I wish I had brought a hat! and more socks. This has apparently been an uncharacteristically dry October...But I am loving. Way better than rain and wind! At least all my clothes are dry.
Speaking of clothes, I have to do laundry. SOON. Its been about 3 weeks...at least I still have clean underwear! Hopefully this weekend. What I wouldn't give for a washer and dryer...!!!
Pura Vida
My new favorite brand? Lafuma, a French brand that makes all kinds of products, including backpacks. The best thing about Lafuma packs? They all have built in rain covers. ESSENTIAL! Check it out:
http://www.departmentofgoods.com/lafuma-eco-28-backpack-1700cu-in
I like to think that I am pretty savvy when it comes to outdoor products, but every time I browse online I find yet another brand or product that is new or different. Its always good to know what brands and types of jackets, hiking boots, waterproof bags will work best for whatever adventure I undertake next. Plus I am just a fan of online shopping.
Lately I have also been reflecting on what to do for New Years. Last year my resolution was to brush my teeth every morning, which was not a regular part of my routine (gross I know, but I could just never remember!). There have only been a handful of times in 2010 that I have not brushed my teeth in the morning: now its automatic. But what to do for 2011, since I have pearly whites? I think I am going to try and do something more challenging.
For those that know me, I am huge meat lover. Pizza hut meat lover's pizza, turkey, chicken...I like meat. Bacon on my hamburger? Yes please. And I have been thinking to myself...what if I tried going vegetarian? For at least 6 months, just to try it? And the for the next year? Some of my reasoning is as follows:
-it is healthy. Avia is living proof that a healthy diet of fruits and veggies doesn't hurt anyone. And I could definitely use more fruits and veggies in my diet.
-the challenge. We are supposed to challenge ourselves in the new year, dare ourselves to be better. this fits the bill.
-it wouldn't be that hard...food here in Costa Rica is fresh fruits and veggies. Its a regular part of people's diet, and is affordable and plentiful. So it wouldn't be hard to cook, just to keep stocked.
-I eat lots of beans. I wouldn't be completely cutting protien from my diet, I would just have to make sure I am getting plenty.
-Meat is not usually on my shopping list. Just ask my roomies from last year...I occasionally bought jamon serrano or fish, but not chicken or red meat. I would be saving money since meat is usually a little more expensive.
We will see...I am still looking forward to ham sandwiches when I go home for Christmas...that is why this would be a New Year's resolution, haha!
Speaking of Christmas, we are still experiencing December weather here in Monteverde. It is windy and cool, cold even. I wear two layers and my raincoat, which doubles as a windbreaker. I wish I had brought a hat! and more socks. This has apparently been an uncharacteristically dry October...But I am loving. Way better than rain and wind! At least all my clothes are dry.
Speaking of clothes, I have to do laundry. SOON. Its been about 3 weeks...at least I still have clean underwear! Hopefully this weekend. What I wouldn't give for a washer and dryer...!!!
Pura Vida
scorpions and earthquakes OH MY
Last night Grettel and I were watching a movie when we suddenly felt like we were on a waterbed. "Meggie, un temblor!" Grettel jumped up and opened all the doors...we stood in the front door and felt a few smaller pulses. But earthquakes are harder to recognize when you are standing... sitting or lying down you recognize the movement. Opening the doors, Grettel later explained, is essential. If during the quake the house shifts the door might get stuck in the frame. The conecpt of standing in a doorframe immediately came to mind, and opening doors makes sense. We then made several phone calls and found that everyone was all right. But that was one of the strongest earthquakes I have experienced. Other than that it was an uneventful evening, and I am totally out of movies to watch. Lastima.
This morning I found a scorpion in my room. The walls of the house are overlapping pieces of wood, and in the corner I noticed a leg. Upon closer inspection I found a scorpion...small, black and POISONOUS. Grettel killed it with her flip flop...Where are the rest, we are wondering...oh dear.
So far its another breezy Saturday here in Monteverde. At last p oint I heard a few raindrops faling, but the sun is out again today gracias a Dios. I am on my way out to hike with a friend from Holland...later!
Pura Vida
This morning I found a scorpion in my room. The walls of the house are overlapping pieces of wood, and in the corner I noticed a leg. Upon closer inspection I found a scorpion...small, black and POISONOUS. Grettel killed it with her flip flop...Where are the rest, we are wondering...oh dear.
So far its another breezy Saturday here in Monteverde. At last p oint I heard a few raindrops faling, but the sun is out again today gracias a Dios. I am on my way out to hike with a friend from Holland...later!
Pura Vida
places i want to see/visit
Jaco
Montezuma
Playa Hermosa
Playa Samara
Santa Teresa
Osa Peninsula
Limon
Rio Celeste
Irazu Volcano
Moravia (Brittany Buckner is there!)
San Vito (again)
I still have time.
Montezuma
Playa Hermosa
Playa Samara
Santa Teresa
Osa Peninsula
Limon
Rio Celeste
Irazu Volcano
Moravia (Brittany Buckner is there!)
San Vito (again)
I still have time.
hello december
I am cold.
Today I am wearing a cardigan and a swetshirt, and I am still shivering. Oh I also have a scarf. The wind bites!
This is typical Monteverde weather...windy and chilly. But its come about 2 months too early! Still sleeping with socks every night. I have to say though, that I much prefer wind over rain. Up until the last three days, our front door was so swollen with water and saturated that it would not completely close. So stressful leaving the house with the dorr partially open. One morning after slamming it shut, I had to climb out the kitchen window to force it open from the outside. What an adventure..but now I know how to get out if there is ever an emergency, haha!
I also have a story about my closet. It is small, with a shelf at waist level and a smaller compartment above, built into the wall. I have my things folded and organized on the shelf, and some things leaning against the wall in the back. Below the shelf is a large space on the floor, where I have my shoes organized and two bags, one filled with socks and the other with underwear. Two night ago I opened the door and bent down to retrieve a pair of socks before going to bed...when I spotted something big and black on the wall in the corner. Yes, there was TARANTULA IN MY CLOSET. I screamed, and Grettel came in and stared. I have never seen a spider so big in my life...and the most unsettling thing was its proximity to my underwear. I took immediate action and removed everything from the closet floor except my chaco sandals, which are heavy and plastic...I then braced myself and wacked as hard as I could with my one chaco...the result was a leggy and squishy mess, which I cleaned with a paper towel, grimacing. I have been checking my sheets every night, and moved my bed further away from the wall. Daddy-long-legs are one thing...tarantulas are another. I understand that my environment invites itself to bug encounters, but this was by far the most unpleasant one I have had. Mosquitoes do not bother me. I am not unnerved by cockroaches. But tarantulas! That was crazy.
I hope this December weather keeps up; its better being cold and dry than cold and wet. Grettel and I have been eating oatmeal, toast and eggs for breakfast, and soups and hot rice dishes for dinner.
Some new words and phrases I have learned:
pegajoso= sticky
pelo de gato= drizzling rain.
If someone asks me if I am fluent or bilingual, I say no. Because truly, there is so much I have yet to learn. Eyes and ears open...all the time!
Pura Vida
Today I am wearing a cardigan and a swetshirt, and I am still shivering. Oh I also have a scarf. The wind bites!
This is typical Monteverde weather...windy and chilly. But its come about 2 months too early! Still sleeping with socks every night. I have to say though, that I much prefer wind over rain. Up until the last three days, our front door was so swollen with water and saturated that it would not completely close. So stressful leaving the house with the dorr partially open. One morning after slamming it shut, I had to climb out the kitchen window to force it open from the outside. What an adventure..but now I know how to get out if there is ever an emergency, haha!
I also have a story about my closet. It is small, with a shelf at waist level and a smaller compartment above, built into the wall. I have my things folded and organized on the shelf, and some things leaning against the wall in the back. Below the shelf is a large space on the floor, where I have my shoes organized and two bags, one filled with socks and the other with underwear. Two night ago I opened the door and bent down to retrieve a pair of socks before going to bed...when I spotted something big and black on the wall in the corner. Yes, there was TARANTULA IN MY CLOSET. I screamed, and Grettel came in and stared. I have never seen a spider so big in my life...and the most unsettling thing was its proximity to my underwear. I took immediate action and removed everything from the closet floor except my chaco sandals, which are heavy and plastic...I then braced myself and wacked as hard as I could with my one chaco...the result was a leggy and squishy mess, which I cleaned with a paper towel, grimacing. I have been checking my sheets every night, and moved my bed further away from the wall. Daddy-long-legs are one thing...tarantulas are another. I understand that my environment invites itself to bug encounters, but this was by far the most unpleasant one I have had. Mosquitoes do not bother me. I am not unnerved by cockroaches. But tarantulas! That was crazy.
I hope this December weather keeps up; its better being cold and dry than cold and wet. Grettel and I have been eating oatmeal, toast and eggs for breakfast, and soups and hot rice dishes for dinner.
Some new words and phrases I have learned:
pegajoso= sticky
pelo de gato= drizzling rain.
If someone asks me if I am fluent or bilingual, I say no. Because truly, there is so much I have yet to learn. Eyes and ears open...all the time!
Pura Vida
sun and signals
Today it has not rained.
AGH I feel like I just jinxed the weather, but I am so thrilled that today the sun was bright and beautiful over CPI and that I could leave my pathetic molding backpack on the lawn to dry. Overcast at 3pm, but now at 6:30pm we are still dry! Although the sky is not as clear as it was this morning...
This weekend I hope to do a deep cleaning of the house and sleep. I want to shake out all of the molding items in my closet and make sure my passport is safe. Plus we need to go shopping here for our little stock of food...we are running low on rice and beans.
Work has been going well. Right now there are so few students I hardly know what to do with myself...today a couple from Texas left after being here a whole month, and I am going to miss them! Yesterday we did a farewell dinner and they made an apple pie, which turned out great!
Speaking of pies, I am definitely missing fall back home. My favorite season, I love the transition of colors and the smells and tastes of the fall season. I will also miss making pies and celebrating Thanksgiving. Its strange to imagine not celebrating at all, but its a very American holiday. Maybe I will at least make apple pie and mashed potatoes for Grettel and myself.
Right now I am bumming internet off the restaurant next door, which is open today. Yesterday when I tried to go and call a cab in the rain, I was sad to discover that it was CLOSED! So I walked. Luckily today they are open for business, and conveniently do not have a password for internet.
Many places are closing earlier or closing completely for the month of October, low season here in Monteverde. There are still tourists and visitors to the community, but significantly fewer. So many places close for a time, and many people go on vacation.
I am getting desperate for a cell phone...after walking in the rain yesterday because I had no way to call for a taxi I felt pretty frustrated. There are some friends who can hopefully help me get a good deal on a cell phone here...the most expensive part is the phone, and I will simply have a pre-paid plan. Previously cell phones were not even an option for extranjeros...you had to be a resident to have a phone number here. Luckily that has changed in the last year. Now I just have to get a phone and get on board! Not having instant communication has been an adjustment. I am very thankful for Skype and e-mail.
That is all for now. Tonight I am meeting some friends downtown for sushi.
This weekend is off to a good start!
PURA VIDA
AGH I feel like I just jinxed the weather, but I am so thrilled that today the sun was bright and beautiful over CPI and that I could leave my pathetic molding backpack on the lawn to dry. Overcast at 3pm, but now at 6:30pm we are still dry! Although the sky is not as clear as it was this morning...
This weekend I hope to do a deep cleaning of the house and sleep. I want to shake out all of the molding items in my closet and make sure my passport is safe. Plus we need to go shopping here for our little stock of food...we are running low on rice and beans.
Work has been going well. Right now there are so few students I hardly know what to do with myself...today a couple from Texas left after being here a whole month, and I am going to miss them! Yesterday we did a farewell dinner and they made an apple pie, which turned out great!
Speaking of pies, I am definitely missing fall back home. My favorite season, I love the transition of colors and the smells and tastes of the fall season. I will also miss making pies and celebrating Thanksgiving. Its strange to imagine not celebrating at all, but its a very American holiday. Maybe I will at least make apple pie and mashed potatoes for Grettel and myself.
Right now I am bumming internet off the restaurant next door, which is open today. Yesterday when I tried to go and call a cab in the rain, I was sad to discover that it was CLOSED! So I walked. Luckily today they are open for business, and conveniently do not have a password for internet.
Many places are closing earlier or closing completely for the month of October, low season here in Monteverde. There are still tourists and visitors to the community, but significantly fewer. So many places close for a time, and many people go on vacation.
I am getting desperate for a cell phone...after walking in the rain yesterday because I had no way to call for a taxi I felt pretty frustrated. There are some friends who can hopefully help me get a good deal on a cell phone here...the most expensive part is the phone, and I will simply have a pre-paid plan. Previously cell phones were not even an option for extranjeros...you had to be a resident to have a phone number here. Luckily that has changed in the last year. Now I just have to get a phone and get on board! Not having instant communication has been an adjustment. I am very thankful for Skype and e-mail.
That is all for now. Tonight I am meeting some friends downtown for sushi.
This weekend is off to a good start!
PURA VIDA