twas the night before Christmas and in the Williams house...
Just ate a great meal of butter soup (celery, carrots, potatoes, peas, barley, tomato juice and browned butter) and ham sandwiches (ham and sandwich buns). Mom and I busted out the white zinfandel and drank the whole bottle, almost. I think Dad had only one glass! We left the tablecloth on for tomorrow, and I made a pumpkin pie for dessert tonight (which could have turned out much better, but at least I got a taste of pumpkin pie this year : )
The house is winding way down, with Uncle Dennis long gone to his quiet apartment, Nate back from work, Peter STILL at work, and John and I on our respective laptops. Avia is already in bed, and Mom is organizing the kitchen for tomorrow. Dad is in front of the tv, as usual. The fire in the fireplace is dying down and Mom has an old Christmas tape playing in the background. I still have to listen to John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas, haha! A classic here at Casa Williams.
I'm thrilled to be home right now. This is exactly what I imagined, during months of anticipation and pangs of homesickness. Quiet moments with the manger scene, the Christmas tree glowing, and the family relaxing. The house isn't always this tranquil, especially with all of 6 of us home. It makes me appreciate this moment that much more... Tomorrow morning we will have a leisurely breakfast and go to mass together, and then open gifts around lunch, and have a casual meal in the evening, since Mom is exhausted after the last couple days. I think its a simple pasta meal on the menu tomorrow night, accompanied by some good bread and wine.
I am heading up to bed, to curl up under my two comforters in my fleece pjs and wake up to my final day at home: Christmas Day.
Feliz Navidad, and lots of hugs!
Pura Vida
The house is winding way down, with Uncle Dennis long gone to his quiet apartment, Nate back from work, Peter STILL at work, and John and I on our respective laptops. Avia is already in bed, and Mom is organizing the kitchen for tomorrow. Dad is in front of the tv, as usual. The fire in the fireplace is dying down and Mom has an old Christmas tape playing in the background. I still have to listen to John Denver's Rocky Mountain Christmas, haha! A classic here at Casa Williams.
I'm thrilled to be home right now. This is exactly what I imagined, during months of anticipation and pangs of homesickness. Quiet moments with the manger scene, the Christmas tree glowing, and the family relaxing. The house isn't always this tranquil, especially with all of 6 of us home. It makes me appreciate this moment that much more... Tomorrow morning we will have a leisurely breakfast and go to mass together, and then open gifts around lunch, and have a casual meal in the evening, since Mom is exhausted after the last couple days. I think its a simple pasta meal on the menu tomorrow night, accompanied by some good bread and wine.
I am heading up to bed, to curl up under my two comforters in my fleece pjs and wake up to my final day at home: Christmas Day.
Feliz Navidad, and lots of hugs!
Pura Vida
reverse culture shock
I've officially been home for one week.
Last Wednesday I got Starbucks and got sick...my brother brought home breadsticks which did not agree with me. Or maybe the combination of tea and breadsticks was a bad idea?? In any case I felt like crap overnight, and all day the following day. I also got my haircut. (see picture!)
My brother and I put up the Christmas tree and brought up numerous boxes of Christmas decorations. The pesebre (manger scene) is set up, and so are the felt stockings that hang over the fireplace. The house smells like pine with the REAL Christmas tree...Mom and I picked it out at Lowe's, and she is very pleased with it: the shape is "just right," according to her. The best part for me was taking out all the old ornaments we have, things we made as kids and reminiscing. The last couple days my Christmas playlist has been on repeat...
But amidst the familiar I am also thrown with how different things are here in the USA. The snow for one, was a huge shock. I ran out of the plane into the warm airport, only to find out my mom had forgotten to bring my coat. I have yet to go sledding...but it seems like a crazy thing to do in the cold. At some point I think I'll go with my brother...
Also driving everywhere. If there is no car at home, I am STUCK! The bank is a half hour walk away, the nearest grocery store is even farther, to go anywhere you have to have a car to get there. I miss being able to walk down the street, or catch a taxi. I have gotten used to not having a car, to not depending on one for transportation. Its wierd, and frustrating at times. Things I have forgotten...little things that make life in Costa Rica so much easier! Those Ticos have public transportation down, thats for sure.
Also the amount of stuff!! A few days ago I made a smoothie with the blender, this morning I used the toaster, yesterday night I used the microwave, this morning i baked in the oven, I am doing laundry downstairs with the washer & dryer. I have none of these things at home...and sometimes I miss them, but I also realize that they are not essentials. What a simple life I live in my cabina in comparison. But I don't feel deprived.
My wardrobe too. I had forgotten how many sweaters I have, all my winter clothes that are here! There are sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks in abundance here in my dresser. But on the whole...I would hav been fine with the basics I brought with me. I feel a little silly having so much, and having things I don't use. Simplify, simplify...
Its been interesting to compare lifestyles. I think I know which one I like more... :)
Only four days until Navidad! All my gifts are wrapped! I think I will be helping mom and my brothers with last minute wrapping...
Pura Vida
Last Wednesday I got Starbucks and got sick...my brother brought home breadsticks which did not agree with me. Or maybe the combination of tea and breadsticks was a bad idea?? In any case I felt like crap overnight, and all day the following day. I also got my haircut. (see picture!)
My brother and I put up the Christmas tree and brought up numerous boxes of Christmas decorations. The pesebre (manger scene) is set up, and so are the felt stockings that hang over the fireplace. The house smells like pine with the REAL Christmas tree...Mom and I picked it out at Lowe's, and she is very pleased with it: the shape is "just right," according to her. The best part for me was taking out all the old ornaments we have, things we made as kids and reminiscing. The last couple days my Christmas playlist has been on repeat...
But amidst the familiar I am also thrown with how different things are here in the USA. The snow for one, was a huge shock. I ran out of the plane into the warm airport, only to find out my mom had forgotten to bring my coat. I have yet to go sledding...but it seems like a crazy thing to do in the cold. At some point I think I'll go with my brother...
Also driving everywhere. If there is no car at home, I am STUCK! The bank is a half hour walk away, the nearest grocery store is even farther, to go anywhere you have to have a car to get there. I miss being able to walk down the street, or catch a taxi. I have gotten used to not having a car, to not depending on one for transportation. Its wierd, and frustrating at times. Things I have forgotten...little things that make life in Costa Rica so much easier! Those Ticos have public transportation down, thats for sure.
Also the amount of stuff!! A few days ago I made a smoothie with the blender, this morning I used the toaster, yesterday night I used the microwave, this morning i baked in the oven, I am doing laundry downstairs with the washer & dryer. I have none of these things at home...and sometimes I miss them, but I also realize that they are not essentials. What a simple life I live in my cabina in comparison. But I don't feel deprived.
My wardrobe too. I had forgotten how many sweaters I have, all my winter clothes that are here! There are sweatshirts, t-shirts, socks in abundance here in my dresser. But on the whole...I would hav been fine with the basics I brought with me. I feel a little silly having so much, and having things I don't use. Simplify, simplify...
Its been interesting to compare lifestyles. I think I know which one I like more... :)
Only four days until Navidad! All my gifts are wrapped! I think I will be helping mom and my brothers with last minute wrapping...
Pura Vida
aeropuertoooooooooo
Hola muy buenos dias...
I am here in SJO waiting to board my flight to Houston. From Houston I go on to Dayton...my bag will be sent to my final destination, and I have very little with me. Just my backpack, an extra cardi, my cell phone (which won't work in the USA), and my compu. My flight leaves in another 55 minutes.
I walked around in the duty free store, and oh my how I love the smell...I kept from going nuts with all the sample perfumes and only tried one...D&G le'eau The One. YUM!! I actually didn't pack any perfumes with me leaving for two weeks, since I have two at home. (That is something cultural i have become very accustomed to: wearing perfume 24/7. Putting it on in the morning has become part of my routine.)
The smell of a nearby Cinnabon is driving me crazy!! But I don't want to spend money on something that I can get in the USA. Better to save that cash for little moments with friends in the USA...hitting a Starbucks tomorrow afternoon at 12pm, for example.
I like airports a lot though. They are so interesting: the people, the environment, movement, colors. You see all types in here, and its FACINATING. Some lady at the gate looked at me weird when I was speaking in Spanish with mom on the phone...It makes me wonder what do I look like? Tica? extranjera? where would someone guess I am from? Once I had someone mistake me for French. Airports are the best for people watching.
The last couple days have been whirlwind.
Saturday was the CPI Christmas party, and what day! I showed up at 10am to help with some prep, and people started arriving around 11am. Some staff from CPI Heredia came, and so did Carolina y Cali, who run CPI Flamingo. Romy Morales y Don Alfredo were there too...the founder and her husband. Romy even went to the bar with some of the younger crowd after the party was over.
We played lots of games and ate lots of food. I did a dance presentation with two co-workers, and while we could have used more practice we had a blast and everyone told us it looked good! At the very end of the night we opened gifts after a month of Secret Santa...my amigo had NO IDEA I was the gifter, and I had NO IDEA who my amigo was!! It was so much fun. Sunday I stopped in Esparza to visit Elliott with Muni, and yesterday I spent the whole day with Muni hanging out...we hung out at home with our Mama Tica, I went to the bank and paid my exit tax, then we went to the mall. I bought a watch...it was kind of cheap, but its plastic and perfect for Groups. Then I slept...and woke up at 4:30am. The bus ride to the airport was barely 10 minutes...my Hermano Tico let me out at 5am this morning. WOW! I am tired still...I have my little pillow for sleeping on the plane. I think I will be fine.
SJO-IAH-DAY. Almost home.
Pura Vida.
I am here in SJO waiting to board my flight to Houston. From Houston I go on to Dayton...my bag will be sent to my final destination, and I have very little with me. Just my backpack, an extra cardi, my cell phone (which won't work in the USA), and my compu. My flight leaves in another 55 minutes.
I walked around in the duty free store, and oh my how I love the smell...I kept from going nuts with all the sample perfumes and only tried one...D&G le'eau The One. YUM!! I actually didn't pack any perfumes with me leaving for two weeks, since I have two at home. (That is something cultural i have become very accustomed to: wearing perfume 24/7. Putting it on in the morning has become part of my routine.)
The smell of a nearby Cinnabon is driving me crazy!! But I don't want to spend money on something that I can get in the USA. Better to save that cash for little moments with friends in the USA...hitting a Starbucks tomorrow afternoon at 12pm, for example.
I like airports a lot though. They are so interesting: the people, the environment, movement, colors. You see all types in here, and its FACINATING. Some lady at the gate looked at me weird when I was speaking in Spanish with mom on the phone...It makes me wonder what do I look like? Tica? extranjera? where would someone guess I am from? Once I had someone mistake me for French. Airports are the best for people watching.
The last couple days have been whirlwind.
Saturday was the CPI Christmas party, and what day! I showed up at 10am to help with some prep, and people started arriving around 11am. Some staff from CPI Heredia came, and so did Carolina y Cali, who run CPI Flamingo. Romy Morales y Don Alfredo were there too...the founder and her husband. Romy even went to the bar with some of the younger crowd after the party was over.
We played lots of games and ate lots of food. I did a dance presentation with two co-workers, and while we could have used more practice we had a blast and everyone told us it looked good! At the very end of the night we opened gifts after a month of Secret Santa...my amigo had NO IDEA I was the gifter, and I had NO IDEA who my amigo was!! It was so much fun. Sunday I stopped in Esparza to visit Elliott with Muni, and yesterday I spent the whole day with Muni hanging out...we hung out at home with our Mama Tica, I went to the bank and paid my exit tax, then we went to the mall. I bought a watch...it was kind of cheap, but its plastic and perfect for Groups. Then I slept...and woke up at 4:30am. The bus ride to the airport was barely 10 minutes...my Hermano Tico let me out at 5am this morning. WOW! I am tired still...I have my little pillow for sleeping on the plane. I think I will be fine.
SJO-IAH-DAY. Almost home.
Pura Vida.
ensayos and 6 more days...
Its a beautiful sunset here in Monteverde, and its already Wednesday.
Quick weekend update:
Saturday spent the whole day with friends, walked to the Feria (local fair where produce and other stuff is on sale), had lunch and later coffee, watched the Teleton marathon until 9:30pm, slept hard.
Beautiful weather Sunday, did two loads of laundry and it dried fairly quickly in the sun. Went to a friend's birthday party and stayed til about 8pm, after went to wait downtown for the results of local elections and participated in a caravan of the winning party...I was the only gringa there, for sure. Cool experiencing Costa Rican democracy first-hand!
This week has been a mad rush, with the Christmas party this weekend! Everyone is really excited. I have a fun batch of students this week: a rasta girl, a middle-aged doctor, one semi-local, an actor, and a retired couple.
Next week ESCAPING to the USA!
Yesterday I bought gifts for the family, and tomorrow my goal is to get my Tica Bus ticket at lunchtime...Friday pay the exit tax...and be on my way to the CV Sunday.
Why does it still feel like I have forever and a day before I leave...??? Time really does have wings. But sometimes I feel like I see things passing in slow motion. And before I know it, things are passed and gone and DONE! Life is funny that way.
Pura Vida
Quick weekend update:
Saturday spent the whole day with friends, walked to the Feria (local fair where produce and other stuff is on sale), had lunch and later coffee, watched the Teleton marathon until 9:30pm, slept hard.
Beautiful weather Sunday, did two loads of laundry and it dried fairly quickly in the sun. Went to a friend's birthday party and stayed til about 8pm, after went to wait downtown for the results of local elections and participated in a caravan of the winning party...I was the only gringa there, for sure. Cool experiencing Costa Rican democracy first-hand!
This week has been a mad rush, with the Christmas party this weekend! Everyone is really excited. I have a fun batch of students this week: a rasta girl, a middle-aged doctor, one semi-local, an actor, and a retired couple.
Next week ESCAPING to the USA!
Yesterday I bought gifts for the family, and tomorrow my goal is to get my Tica Bus ticket at lunchtime...Friday pay the exit tax...and be on my way to the CV Sunday.
Why does it still feel like I have forever and a day before I leave...??? Time really does have wings. But sometimes I feel like I see things passing in slow motion. And before I know it, things are passed and gone and DONE! Life is funny that way.
Pura Vida
anecdotes
Reflection on my arrival to Costa Rica May 13th, 2010.
"Pura Vida: Third First Impressions"
The first thing I noticed was the smell.
Humidity started to seep through my pores, the air was full of dust, car exhaust, recent rain.
I had forgotten how the language sounded, “pura vida” fell on my ears again and again. A slow smile formed on my lips.
Glancing down at my wrists the words jumped out at me, inked onto my skin, part of me…pura vida. I felt like I was home.
I was back in Costa Rica.
This weekend I have little planned: tonight visiting downtown with a friend, doing all the laundry I can tomorrow, weather permitting, Sunday a birthday party for a friend and a possible visit from Elliott.
I have some exciting news for the New Year: in January I will be working with groups again, with college students from Maine for 3 weeks. I will be travelling to Heredia and then spend a week in Monteverde. I am really looking forward to getting back into ACTION! In fact my mind has already formed a tentative packing list...
The house is not as cozy as I would like these days. The wind gets in every nook and cranny! The last few nights I have been sleeping with socks and three top layers...with my hood over my head. But being the pinche (or cheap) person I am, I do not want to spring for a new blanket here when I have so many at home! Surviving...but I am almost out of clean socks. Thus the laundry tomorrow.
Pura Vida
"Pura Vida: Third First Impressions"
The first thing I noticed was the smell.
Humidity started to seep through my pores, the air was full of dust, car exhaust, recent rain.
I had forgotten how the language sounded, “pura vida” fell on my ears again and again. A slow smile formed on my lips.
Glancing down at my wrists the words jumped out at me, inked onto my skin, part of me…pura vida. I felt like I was home.
I was back in Costa Rica.
This weekend I have little planned: tonight visiting downtown with a friend, doing all the laundry I can tomorrow, weather permitting, Sunday a birthday party for a friend and a possible visit from Elliott.
I have some exciting news for the New Year: in January I will be working with groups again, with college students from Maine for 3 weeks. I will be travelling to Heredia and then spend a week in Monteverde. I am really looking forward to getting back into ACTION! In fact my mind has already formed a tentative packing list...
The house is not as cozy as I would like these days. The wind gets in every nook and cranny! The last few nights I have been sleeping with socks and three top layers...with my hood over my head. But being the pinche (or cheap) person I am, I do not want to spring for a new blanket here when I have so many at home! Surviving...but I am almost out of clean socks. Thus the laundry tomorrow.
Pura Vida