Tomorrow morning I leave bright and early for the airport, to begin my journey back to Dayton, Ohio.
Right now I am in Esparza, and the weather is humid and overcast which reflects my mood.
Thanks to poor planning on my part, I won't be spending the last night with Elliott and I am kicking myself for it. Today Muni is having a surprise baby shower, and feeling obligated to help I volunteered and later repented, thus changing plans and leaving things undone and making it difficult to spend this last bit of time with my esposo. Why, why???? I should not have felt obligated to go, and should have prioritized better...my relationship with my spouse should have taken precedence. Getting used to married life will be a challenge in many ways, I expect. More so since I am going back to the USA for a time.
Why am I going, anyway? This ticket I bought during full on high season, before we tied the knot, before I had any plans. Because I wanted to make a plan. Now when I think of what I am going to do it has to be in the context of "we," what are WE going to do? Because I am no longer alone. That requires a change in how I think, in how I plan, in how I live my life.
In these final hours I am more and more aware of it, and regretting (yes, regretting) that I decided to leave.
Later this afternoon I will head to Heredia, pack my bag, and soon be on my way.
The consolation is that I am coming back, and that I am staying. Hopefuly it will be a quick three months.
Read about it here: my new blog
Pura Vida.
Adios, mi querido Costa Rica.
beach babe
In the last two weeks of freedom from schedules and itineraries, I have gone to the beach numerous times. Many people, when thinking of Costa Rica, automatically think that all there is to see or do is go to the beach. FALSE! There is so much natural beauty here that to see it all you will need a lifetime. And while I like the mountains, I like the beach a lot too. Right now Elliott and I are in Playa Santa Teresa, which is absolutely breathtaking....
Also note that I have an amazing tan going on right now!!! I think everyone looks better with a little color. Just remember sunscreen, haha!
More later.
Pura Vida
Also note that I have an amazing tan going on right now!!! I think everyone looks better with a little color. Just remember sunscreen, haha!
More later.
Pura Vida
something like normal
(from September 19th)
So the last couple days have been pretty slow, and at the same time extremely fast.
I have been living in Esparza with Elliott, and the small-town feel and my husband's constant presence have grown on me. Little things like how much a carrot is at the super market, the price of bus fare to Puntarenas, the bulidings we pass coming to and from El Puerto...I have gotten used to them. They are part of what is normal to me here, in the life I have been living.
Today we even checked on an apartment we saw the other day, and while they are all occupied Elliott knew the guy who owns them so we might have an in...
Sometimes I still don't feel married. Still looking forward to having our own place, a house, and all the acoutrements. Soon, although December cannot come soon enough.
Pura Vida.
So the last couple days have been pretty slow, and at the same time extremely fast.
I have been living in Esparza with Elliott, and the small-town feel and my husband's constant presence have grown on me. Little things like how much a carrot is at the super market, the price of bus fare to Puntarenas, the bulidings we pass coming to and from El Puerto...I have gotten used to them. They are part of what is normal to me here, in the life I have been living.
Today we even checked on an apartment we saw the other day, and while they are all occupied Elliott knew the guy who owns them so we might have an in...
Sometimes I still don't feel married. Still looking forward to having our own place, a house, and all the acoutrements. Soon, although December cannot come soon enough.
Pura Vida.
faroles! fireworks!
(From September 15th)
Independence Day is quite a show in any country... it was great this year in Costa Rica!
Yesterday night Elliott and I joined the local parade of "faroles," walking through an unknown part of Esparza and admiring all of the unique and colorful faroles. 2589 The 25899700 walk ended at a local school, and then we headed back to the central park of Esparza, where there were many people walking around, selling food and just hanging out...at 8pm there was a fireworks show in the paza, so we headed down to watch. It was nothing like what I have seen on the 4th of July...a much smaller display, and people allowed to get much closer. We stayed all the way through the end, and afterwards walked home to watch a movie.
Today we got up early and made breakfast (pancakes a la Meggie) and then headed to Puntarenas to see the parades. There were lots of good local bands and cool costumes, and it was hilarious people watching. We also jotted down several numbers of apartments or houses for rent...just to check out prices. I got sunburned and on the way back to Esparza it started pouring rain, by the time we arrived people had taken cover everywhere...under awnings, in the bank, the supermarket. We also arrived just in time to see a commotion going on in the central park, where two people got taken away in a police car. Crazy! We bought a few items and made an excellent dinner of pasta pomodoro, and opened a bottle of cabernet. I told Elliott we should have eaten some arroz con pollo...much more patriotic! All the same it was a great day, and I loved hanging out with my esposo.
We are thinking of visiting Santa Teresa in the next few days, to visit and possibly stay with a friend of Elliott's. Too bad I left all my favorite swim suits in Heredia...but either way I wil be working on my tan.
Pura Vida
Independence Day is quite a show in any country... it was great this year in Costa Rica!
Yesterday night Elliott and I joined the local parade of "faroles," walking through an unknown part of Esparza and admiring all of the unique and colorful faroles. 2589 The 25899700 walk ended at a local school, and then we headed back to the central park of Esparza, where there were many people walking around, selling food and just hanging out...at 8pm there was a fireworks show in the paza, so we headed down to watch. It was nothing like what I have seen on the 4th of July...a much smaller display, and people allowed to get much closer. We stayed all the way through the end, and afterwards walked home to watch a movie.
Today we got up early and made breakfast (pancakes a la Meggie) and then headed to Puntarenas to see the parades. There were lots of good local bands and cool costumes, and it was hilarious people watching. We also jotted down several numbers of apartments or houses for rent...just to check out prices. I got sunburned and on the way back to Esparza it started pouring rain, by the time we arrived people had taken cover everywhere...under awnings, in the bank, the supermarket. We also arrived just in time to see a commotion going on in the central park, where two people got taken away in a police car. Crazy! We bought a few items and made an excellent dinner of pasta pomodoro, and opened a bottle of cabernet. I told Elliott we should have eaten some arroz con pollo...much more patriotic! All the same it was a great day, and I loved hanging out with my esposo.
We are thinking of visiting Santa Teresa in the next few days, to visit and possibly stay with a friend of Elliott's. Too bad I left all my favorite swim suits in Heredia...but either way I wil be working on my tan.
Pura Vida
chao, CPI
I am officially done with my work at CPI. Last Sunday I dropped a group off at the airport, after explaining to the professor for a third time how to pay the exit tax and where to go to check in for the flight. At 6am I wasn't feeling very friendly, but many of the students gave me hugs and from there I went back to my familia's house and slept another 45 minutes, before showering and going to drop off my iPhone with the girl I sold it too. We chatted for a while and I hope to see her again when I go back to Heredia!
Sunday morning around 10am Muni, Nidia, Miguel (Nidia and Miguel are my "papas") got picked up to run errands for Muni. We went looking for furniture for her house, and ended up getting a couch, a coffee table and a small shelf along with a variety of other items...It was a TON of fun just joking around, being toegether and helping Muni, who is very pregnant at 36 weeks.
Speaking of Muni being prego...on Saturday I accompanied her to a prenatal class at CIMA, the hospital where she will give birth. Jonle couldn't go, Nidia wasn't up for it, and her sister-in-law never called her back...so I went. There were many couples, all of them having their first kid (Muni joked that we should have said we were lesbians, just to see how people would react haha) and it was an all day thing, with snacks and lunch included. We covered all kinds of topics, from how to bathe a baby, what happens at birth, epiderals, how to care for baby's skin, breast feeding...the whole thing really convinced me that Elliott and I will be waiting to have kids for a good while. It was really great info, I was impressed. Muni fell asleep twice while practicing breathing techniques, haha! Good thing she can relax.
I have spent the last two days in Monteverde at Muni's with Nidia, cleaning house and helping with cooking and laundry etc. The trip was also my chance to pick up my bag that I had in storage there with winter clothes, which I will be needing in Ohio. Also a chance to say goodbye to many people, especially those at CPI Monteverde. I had a GREAT time, going out one evening with just the girls (Muni, Nidia, Arelys and myself) and doing some errands like paying my exit tax and picking up some small gifts. I spent the last evening with Grettel and then with Royner, and we had sooooooo much fun!! This morning I barely woke up in time to catch the 6:30am bus (my alarm didn't go off at 5:30 like I thought it would), and Nidia and I headed down the mountain. I will very much miss Monteverde, and all the wonderful people there. That small mountain village in all of it's natural beauty will always be my first home here, where I truly started to fall in love with Costa Rica. The cloud forest won my heart.
My stop was Esparza, where Elliott was waiting for me and we went home and ate a real breakfast! Tomorrow is independance day, so this afternoon we will be going to watch the parades and "faraloes," which are handmade lanterns that were historically used to alert the country of it's independence, the light representing the torch of freedom in Central America (and Costa Rica). On independence day there are lots of parades, red white and blue, and almost everything is closed. Last year I watched the parades in Monteverde, and it was really cool!! Looking forward to this year.
The rest of my time here I will be with Elliott, and we have a lot to do before my time here is up. Making the most of every moment!!
Pura Vida.
Sunday morning around 10am Muni, Nidia, Miguel (Nidia and Miguel are my "papas") got picked up to run errands for Muni. We went looking for furniture for her house, and ended up getting a couch, a coffee table and a small shelf along with a variety of other items...It was a TON of fun just joking around, being toegether and helping Muni, who is very pregnant at 36 weeks.
Speaking of Muni being prego...on Saturday I accompanied her to a prenatal class at CIMA, the hospital where she will give birth. Jonle couldn't go, Nidia wasn't up for it, and her sister-in-law never called her back...so I went. There were many couples, all of them having their first kid (Muni joked that we should have said we were lesbians, just to see how people would react haha) and it was an all day thing, with snacks and lunch included. We covered all kinds of topics, from how to bathe a baby, what happens at birth, epiderals, how to care for baby's skin, breast feeding...the whole thing really convinced me that Elliott and I will be waiting to have kids for a good while. It was really great info, I was impressed. Muni fell asleep twice while practicing breathing techniques, haha! Good thing she can relax.
I have spent the last two days in Monteverde at Muni's with Nidia, cleaning house and helping with cooking and laundry etc. The trip was also my chance to pick up my bag that I had in storage there with winter clothes, which I will be needing in Ohio. Also a chance to say goodbye to many people, especially those at CPI Monteverde. I had a GREAT time, going out one evening with just the girls (Muni, Nidia, Arelys and myself) and doing some errands like paying my exit tax and picking up some small gifts. I spent the last evening with Grettel and then with Royner, and we had sooooooo much fun!! This morning I barely woke up in time to catch the 6:30am bus (my alarm didn't go off at 5:30 like I thought it would), and Nidia and I headed down the mountain. I will very much miss Monteverde, and all the wonderful people there. That small mountain village in all of it's natural beauty will always be my first home here, where I truly started to fall in love with Costa Rica. The cloud forest won my heart.
My stop was Esparza, where Elliott was waiting for me and we went home and ate a real breakfast! Tomorrow is independance day, so this afternoon we will be going to watch the parades and "faraloes," which are handmade lanterns that were historically used to alert the country of it's independence, the light representing the torch of freedom in Central America (and Costa Rica). On independence day there are lots of parades, red white and blue, and almost everything is closed. Last year I watched the parades in Monteverde, and it was really cool!! Looking forward to this year.
The rest of my time here I will be with Elliott, and we have a lot to do before my time here is up. Making the most of every moment!!
Pura Vida.
last day!
Today is my last day working at CPI Heredia.
How crazy is it that 16 months have come and gone so quickly?! I am elated but sad, having to say adios to so many good people! This campus has truly become like my second home (after Monteverde) and I will miss it very much.
Tomorrow I have a free day, as the group will head out on a tour with a real guide. Most likely I will head to Puntarenas to visit with Elliott for the day. On Sunday I get up extra early and drop my group off at the airport and...I am done!
This next week I will be spending a few days in Monteverde, saying good-bye to folks there (and picking up my suitcase). It turns out that my Mama Tica and I will not be able to go to the beach, as my hermano wants to go with some friends for his birthday, which definitely trumps our plans. If Elliott isn't too busy working I will with him those extra days, which will be nice. We want to start house hunting and try to get moving plans going before I head back to the USA.
I feel like there is so much to do before I leave, and time seems simultaneously long and stretched out, yet life seems to be moving in fast forward...I think, "oh I have two whole weeks left!" But I know that each day will go quicker than the last.
Enjoy the little moments.
Pura Vida.
How crazy is it that 16 months have come and gone so quickly?! I am elated but sad, having to say adios to so many good people! This campus has truly become like my second home (after Monteverde) and I will miss it very much.
Tomorrow I have a free day, as the group will head out on a tour with a real guide. Most likely I will head to Puntarenas to visit with Elliott for the day. On Sunday I get up extra early and drop my group off at the airport and...I am done!
This next week I will be spending a few days in Monteverde, saying good-bye to folks there (and picking up my suitcase). It turns out that my Mama Tica and I will not be able to go to the beach, as my hermano wants to go with some friends for his birthday, which definitely trumps our plans. If Elliott isn't too busy working I will with him those extra days, which will be nice. We want to start house hunting and try to get moving plans going before I head back to the USA.
I feel like there is so much to do before I leave, and time seems simultaneously long and stretched out, yet life seems to be moving in fast forward...I think, "oh I have two whole weeks left!" But I know that each day will go quicker than the last.
Enjoy the little moments.
Pura Vida.
new tours.
The other day the group went on a Canopy Tour in Heredia, close to the Barva Volcano. Man, this tour blew Canopy Zurqui out of the water!!!!!! I hope we send more groups here, it was awesome! The guides were super knowledgeable, the location was gorgeous and the ziplines were fun! I went and posted a review on Trip Advisor. (attempted to post video...check it out!)
My parents are in Europe right now. I am simultaneously thrilled, sentimental and very jealous. I know they are having a great time! I miss my family in Spain.
Today was our last day of service in La Carpio. I went back to a construction site that I visited a month ago, and they have come a long way on completing this home. I worked again with Freddy, who the kids loved when I was last there.
This group of students has been highly motivated and positive, really putting their best efforts into doing service work. I have been impressed...they are not afraid to get dirty.
In conversation with Fatima and Marlenny today, I am sad that I will not be going back for a while. Going to La Carpio is always eye opening and humbling. Today I flinched when I saw food go uneaten on my students' plates, thinking of those in the community who do not have food. When clearing out the construction site to mix concrete, I was annoyed at how much trash there was...until I realized that there is nowhere else to put it when there is no regular pick-up. My shoes and jeans stink right now, and I can't help but be grateful that I have somewhere to shower, and clean clothes to put on.
Don't take for granted the blessings you have all around you.
Pura Vida.
My parents are in Europe right now. I am simultaneously thrilled, sentimental and very jealous. I know they are having a great time! I miss my family in Spain.
Today was our last day of service in La Carpio. I went back to a construction site that I visited a month ago, and they have come a long way on completing this home. I worked again with Freddy, who the kids loved when I was last there.
This group of students has been highly motivated and positive, really putting their best efforts into doing service work. I have been impressed...they are not afraid to get dirty.
In conversation with Fatima and Marlenny today, I am sad that I will not be going back for a while. Going to La Carpio is always eye opening and humbling. Today I flinched when I saw food go uneaten on my students' plates, thinking of those in the community who do not have food. When clearing out the construction site to mix concrete, I was annoyed at how much trash there was...until I realized that there is nowhere else to put it when there is no regular pick-up. My shoes and jeans stink right now, and I can't help but be grateful that I have somewhere to shower, and clean clothes to put on.
Don't take for granted the blessings you have all around you.
Delicados.
So far so good with my group. Deciding what to do with free time tomorrow and Friday has been a bit of a challenge for the...since they only have one week, they cannot do everything at once. Tomorrow we will be going on a canopy tour, with a new company (at least, one I am not familiar with). Not sure how we will get there! We will see tomorrow....
Today the group went to La Carpio and did service work, building floors, painting a mural and helping in the kinder garden classroom. Everyone was totally exhausted at the end of the day, and the sun was HOT. Once again, I have to say how much I love going to visit this community. It is always a humbling and deeply moving experience...it brings me back down to earth, back to the reality of the life I live, how blessed I am, and how much I have. Every time I go back, I am struck. I love La Carpio and it's people.
This group is turning out to be a little delicado (delicate). There are some students who for personal reasons cannot be in class together, and today we had one girl switch families because she thought there was an argument in her homestay (which turned out to be just an animated discussion) and the professor has mysteriously mentioned some sort of group trauma that the school suffered, and insisted it is better to have her switch to a different family for that reason (and to cover his own butt). Who knew med students would have so much drama?? It is like Grey's Anatomy in Costa Rica...or something like that. On the whole I am satisfied with this as my last group..they are all older, all serious students. I appreciate that. They work hard too, in Spanish class and also at the service site.
Tonight I am going to sleep early...for sure.
Pura Vida
Today the group went to La Carpio and did service work, building floors, painting a mural and helping in the kinder garden classroom. Everyone was totally exhausted at the end of the day, and the sun was HOT. Once again, I have to say how much I love going to visit this community. It is always a humbling and deeply moving experience...it brings me back down to earth, back to the reality of the life I live, how blessed I am, and how much I have. Every time I go back, I am struck. I love La Carpio and it's people.
This group is turning out to be a little delicado (delicate). There are some students who for personal reasons cannot be in class together, and today we had one girl switch families because she thought there was an argument in her homestay (which turned out to be just an animated discussion) and the professor has mysteriously mentioned some sort of group trauma that the school suffered, and insisted it is better to have her switch to a different family for that reason (and to cover his own butt). Who knew med students would have so much drama?? It is like Grey's Anatomy in Costa Rica...or something like that. On the whole I am satisfied with this as my last group..they are all older, all serious students. I appreciate that. They work hard too, in Spanish class and also at the service site.
Tonight I am going to sleep early...for sure.
Pura Vida
Irazu
My Familia Tica went to the beach, and Mama Tica gave me the green light to have Elliott over, since he was in San Jose Friday afternoon.
When I left work Friday it was POURING RAIN, one of those real winter time rains that soaks you and leaves you feel damp and chilled. Elliott picked me up in a taxi after a crowded bus ride, and we went right home and ordered pizza and took it easy the rest of the evening. This means he fell asleep at 8pm and I watched a movie with The Rock. Our initial plan for Saturday? Go to Irazu Volcano.
When we woke at 6am Saturday morning it was cloudy outside, which meant that there wouldn't be much a of a view of the volcano.
"Go back to sleep," Elliott said, "We won't be able to see anything today."
I went back to sleep and slept in until about 8am, opening my eyes to see bright blue sky, the weather having cleared up. Of course, we should have gone... So we got up late and took the bus to downtown Heredia, where we had breakfast and walked around. We ended up getting ice cream and then Elliott left to go get his work uniform for that evening...only to have the tour be cancelled. So we spent another restful evening at the house, and got up again this morning at 6am to the sound of...rain drops. But even as it was raining a little, it was clearing up!!! So we showered and grabbed our bags, getting to the corner just in time to catch a bus to Chepe (San Jose). We had a quick breakfast and got in line for the bus to Irazu, which is right in front of the National Theater. We sat for our 2 hour bus ride through Cartago, up the mountain and got off around 10am in the Irazu Volcano National Park. We walked to the crater, we walked to the highest point, walked around, had an agua dulce in the little cafeteria and walked back down. It was totally clear, chilly, and there weren't an overwhelming amount of people. It was beautiful! The crater had a little blue-green water in it and the vegetation looked like something out of Jurassic Park. The walk was across the dead plain, full of sand and some grasses.
Irazu is not exactly a dormant volcano, but it isn't active either. It's last major erruption was in 1963, and the area around the crater is still in regrowth. The area around it doesn't smell like Poas (sulfur and mineral) or look like Arenal (cone shaped, versus Irazu which was a crater). It was gorgeous and different. Elliott and I took lots of pictures and then headed back down the mountain, got lunch in San Jose, and he headed to San Ramon to visit some family.
I am back in Heredia, and this evening I pick up my last group. It is bittersweet, this being my last group. I am tired and ready to take a break, but I like travelling and getting to know people. At the same time I am ready for a little change...I am looking forward to when we have our own place, to when I have a set schedule, to knowing what I will be doing. It is looking more and more like we will be moving to Puntarenas in the future.
Wow...I have just a few days left. If I think about it too much I know I will not be able to enjoy being here...just live it up!!
....Pura VIda.
see you later, USA
While I may be coming back to the USA for three months, my return to the Rich Coast is now secured. Today I bought my ticket for December 29th! FINALLY!
Pura Vida
Pura Vida
transitioning to Tica
Today in conversation with some co-workers I shared the story of how last weekend I went to Rio Celeste with Elliott and his family....And how I passed for Tica. We were talking about how in regular conversation Ticos use a lot of slang words, or "pachuco" instead of speaking clear and simple Spanish. This makes it very hard for a beginner in the language to understand or follow a conversation between two native speakers...there is so much slang, they would just end up being confused (perfect example here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lf76qGmVZw8)! Many foreigners can't hide the fact that they are foreign...me being an exception.
I have a Tico accent. That is to say, my Spanish is Costa Rican. To hear me speaking with someone from Spain or Nicaragua, my intonation and speaking style are different and reflect the amount of time I have spent here. When I went to Rio Celeste with all the Bolivars, who are very dark (I am white), they told me to just speak naturally and throw in some slang, and say that I am from Heredia. In the end I didn't have to say a word, I just went about my business and Elliott paid the fee for nationals for me (800 colones, vs. 5000 for foreigners).
I still have a long way to go before I get mistaken for Tica, though. Ticas are very conscious of image...even if you don't have the greatest figure, you play everything to the best advantage and you never leave the house without your face on.
Putting on makeup and perfume are daily rituals, and going without makes you feel incomplete or unkempt. Most women keep a little bag with them of key make-up items, to touch up as needed. Eye shadow is HUGE here, and is worn in every shade no matter how well it works with your skin tone. It usually matches clothing...so if you see a purple shirt, don't be surprised to see purple eye shadow, even if it is not the best color for that individual. Many brands here are sold through catalogs, like Avon or Mary Kay back in the USA. Avon is actually very popular here! Most brands that are typical in the USA (Maybelline, Revlon, Cover Girl) are much more expensive here. So get your Great Lash in the USA! My make-up routine was previously ZERO, but now I put on a little bit of mascara and some brown eye-liner, maybe black liner and a little light gold shadow to dress up. All I lack is the foundation. I also put on perfume every day now...leaving without it I do feel incomplete. But this was something that I picked up over a year ago, and did when I was a senior in college. I have my signature scent that I always use.
Clothes are always fashionable, clean, ironed (when applicable), and match. In the USA we are much more informal, going in gym shorts and a tee shirt, flip flops or athletic shoes to the grocery store or the mall. Here that is unthinkable. Gym shorts, tee shirts and athletic shoes are exclusively for the gym. Clothing styles range from glam, to preppy to punk or beach babe. My style has grown from utility to elegant (thanks to my obsession with Audrey Hepburn) and while I do not iron my jeans, I try to look more put together than I used to do.
Even wearing flip flops can be a give-away of being foreign...here women wear sandals, real sandals with straps and designs and always have their nails done. If it's not sandals it's heels, pumps, or something to give you a little boost, as Ticas in general are a little on the short side. And whatever kind of shoes you are wearing, they should match your clothing. I am in dire need of some heels...I like wedges a lot, as they are a little more comfortable and stable, and lucky me my husband is taller than I am so I don't look silly next to him.
Hair is also different. Here highlights, low lights, dye jobs are common and an important part of personal maintenance. Getting your hair straightened too is a big deal, as a quality straightener is expensive and hair sometimes doesn't cooperate with heat and humidity. Here long hair is the norm, and it is always swept back, gelled, or done with a lot of care. Throwing your hair up into a ponytail or quick bun looks a little messy sometimes. In the USA we are all about simplicity and expedience, and we often have our hair-ties on our wrists, instead of in our purse or on a key-chain. Ticas are very, very well groomed in the sense that hair and it's upkeep are a priority. My hair? Well, I am getting it cut this afternoon. And a straightener is on my list of things to buy while at home.
What is the bottom line? That Ticas are always "arregladas" or "put together" and sometimes gringas aren't so much. I may not look Tica a lot of the time, but I do have a more acute sense of personal presentation, and a heightened awareness of what does or doesn't look acceptable. My style is for sure changing, becoming a little more Tica. But I am still myself, 100% of the time.
Pura Vida
I still have a long way to go before I get mistaken for Tica, though. Ticas are very conscious of image...even if you don't have the greatest figure, you play everything to the best advantage and you never leave the house without your face on.
Putting on makeup and perfume are daily rituals, and going without makes you feel incomplete or unkempt. Most women keep a little bag with them of key make-up items, to touch up as needed. Eye shadow is HUGE here, and is worn in every shade no matter how well it works with your skin tone. It usually matches clothing...so if you see a purple shirt, don't be surprised to see purple eye shadow, even if it is not the best color for that individual. Many brands here are sold through catalogs, like Avon or Mary Kay back in the USA. Avon is actually very popular here! Most brands that are typical in the USA (Maybelline, Revlon, Cover Girl) are much more expensive here. So get your Great Lash in the USA! My make-up routine was previously ZERO, but now I put on a little bit of mascara and some brown eye-liner, maybe black liner and a little light gold shadow to dress up. All I lack is the foundation. I also put on perfume every day now...leaving without it I do feel incomplete. But this was something that I picked up over a year ago, and did when I was a senior in college. I have my signature scent that I always use.
Clothes are always fashionable, clean, ironed (when applicable), and match. In the USA we are much more informal, going in gym shorts and a tee shirt, flip flops or athletic shoes to the grocery store or the mall. Here that is unthinkable. Gym shorts, tee shirts and athletic shoes are exclusively for the gym. Clothing styles range from glam, to preppy to punk or beach babe. My style has grown from utility to elegant (thanks to my obsession with Audrey Hepburn) and while I do not iron my jeans, I try to look more put together than I used to do.
Even wearing flip flops can be a give-away of being foreign...here women wear sandals, real sandals with straps and designs and always have their nails done. If it's not sandals it's heels, pumps, or something to give you a little boost, as Ticas in general are a little on the short side. And whatever kind of shoes you are wearing, they should match your clothing. I am in dire need of some heels...I like wedges a lot, as they are a little more comfortable and stable, and lucky me my husband is taller than I am so I don't look silly next to him.
Hair is also different. Here highlights, low lights, dye jobs are common and an important part of personal maintenance. Getting your hair straightened too is a big deal, as a quality straightener is expensive and hair sometimes doesn't cooperate with heat and humidity. Here long hair is the norm, and it is always swept back, gelled, or done with a lot of care. Throwing your hair up into a ponytail or quick bun looks a little messy sometimes. In the USA we are all about simplicity and expedience, and we often have our hair-ties on our wrists, instead of in our purse or on a key-chain. Ticas are very, very well groomed in the sense that hair and it's upkeep are a priority. My hair? Well, I am getting it cut this afternoon. And a straightener is on my list of things to buy while at home.
What is the bottom line? That Ticas are always "arregladas" or "put together" and sometimes gringas aren't so much. I may not look Tica a lot of the time, but I do have a more acute sense of personal presentation, and a heightened awareness of what does or doesn't look acceptable. My style is for sure changing, becoming a little more Tica. But I am still myself, 100% of the time.
Pura Vida
making whip cream
Yesterday evening I made an ice cream cake for my Familia Tica...it was hit!! They had never had anything like it. My Mama Tica and I are saving the best for last: oatmeal brownies.
On top of the ice cream cake I wanted to put a little Cool Whip...and was dismayed to not find it in the Mega Super. Instead I bought a box and made it myself! It required a half cup of milk and a little whipping action...about 7 minutes-worth. It was interesting to watch the mix go from liquid to whip, and it tasted pretty good, but the texture was a little different.
It was like making pudding! My first time making whipped cream...my first time making an ice cream cake too.
Not bad.
Pura Vida.
Not bad.
Pura Vida.
I already miss...
Starting to think about things I will miss when I go back to the USA: at the stop of the list is fresh fruit and veggies. There won't be a farmer's market I can walk to every Friday afternoon to buy a kilo of pejibayes or tomatoes, mamonchinos or yuca. The pineapple won't be as sweet.
The salads will have lots of funny dressings.
Things just aren't as fresh...we in the USA do have produce readily available, but it is often at higher prices and it is not locally grown. Our bananas come from Hondouras, Guatemala...Costa Rica. Kiwis come from New Zealand. Apples from Chile. It's great that we have these things available, but not so great that their freshness is often lost or compromised on the trip to get to our grocery store.
In addition, I will miss taking the bus.
Maybe that seems silly...but I will miss the stress-free feeling of hopping on the bus and not worrying about traffic, if I have gas in my tank, is my seatbelt buckled. The bus is so cheap (less than 50 cents for a ride) and goes everywhere. Cars give you more freedom, but with this freedom comes extra stress...like where to park, paying gas/insurance/tickets, and watching out for crazies on the road. the Dayton bus system is just pitiful by comparison. And I have no idea if I am even still on my parents' car insurance.
Costa Rica is just amazing in these areas...the USA is no comparison.
(Let me clarify though, that I am looking forward to crisp fall weather, pumpkin ice cream, and snow. You can't get that here!!)
It's just too bad I can't have the best of both worlds.
Pura Vida
The salads will have lots of funny dressings.
Things just aren't as fresh...we in the USA do have produce readily available, but it is often at higher prices and it is not locally grown. Our bananas come from Hondouras, Guatemala...Costa Rica. Kiwis come from New Zealand. Apples from Chile. It's great that we have these things available, but not so great that their freshness is often lost or compromised on the trip to get to our grocery store.
In addition, I will miss taking the bus.
Maybe that seems silly...but I will miss the stress-free feeling of hopping on the bus and not worrying about traffic, if I have gas in my tank, is my seatbelt buckled. The bus is so cheap (less than 50 cents for a ride) and goes everywhere. Cars give you more freedom, but with this freedom comes extra stress...like where to park, paying gas/insurance/tickets, and watching out for crazies on the road. the Dayton bus system is just pitiful by comparison. And I have no idea if I am even still on my parents' car insurance.
Costa Rica is just amazing in these areas...the USA is no comparison.
(Let me clarify though, that I am looking forward to crisp fall weather, pumpkin ice cream, and snow. You can't get that here!!)
It's just too bad I can't have the best of both worlds.
Pura Vida
Rio Celeste
This weekend was absolutely amazing!
I left from work promptly at 5pm to get the bus to Upala...Elliott has been there this week visiting with his mom. I got there late, around 11pm. Thankfully I got a ride from downtown to San Jorge with some nieghbors, and I went right to sleep when I got to the house.
Since last year Elliott has been saying that we will go visit Rio Celeste, but it has never worked out having enough time and our schedules. But yesterday we borrowed a car and went with two of his sisters and his son, and had an amazing time. The weather was perfect...I passed for Tica, which is amazing since I was with all the Bolivars who are very dark. We walked about 5 kilometers total, up and down. The trail was pretty rough in some areas, but it was worth it.
The waterfall is gorgeous, white and foaming, below the water turns a beautiful turquoise blue, and flows down. The rocks all around the waterfall are very slippery and swimming is not allowed...because of the chemicals many of them have turned green. WE walked all the way to the mirador, to see the Tenorrio Volcano National Park, where we saw the volcano. Afterwards we walked down to the laguna,where the water was again beautiful turquoise blue. We walked all the way down and around to the hot springs, that are naturally formed being so close for the Tenorrio volcano. Elliott and his sister went in, but I didn't bring my swim suit. It was a good hike too, I was sweating a ton!! Up and down, and thankfully it didn't rain because there were some pretty muddy spots on the trail. We had lunch by the waterfall, and arrived home tired but happy. It was the best day, a dream come true to finally visit!!
What an amazing weekend...
Upala was nice too. There are lots of pineapple, and I was busy making atol with my sister-in-law...a tradiational dessert made with corn and milk, then strained and boiled and poured into dishes until it sets. It reminds me a lot of pudding and cornbread! Elliott loves it, and it was a fun thing to learn...it takes quite a bit of work, but it is delicious.
This afternoon Elliott and I rode a dirt bike all the way to Upala downtown so I could catch the bus for San Jose at 2pm. We arrived just in time and I got a seat...It was quite the bumpy ride, and exhilarating, but I think I like the ride in a car better. But that is only the fourth time I have ever ridden on dirt bike, and it was fun!!!!!! Apparently next time I have to learn, when I go to San Jorge again.
It just started to rain as I got home, and now I will go to bed...tired after the hike, after travel. Buenas noches!
Pura Vida : )
I left from work promptly at 5pm to get the bus to Upala...Elliott has been there this week visiting with his mom. I got there late, around 11pm. Thankfully I got a ride from downtown to San Jorge with some nieghbors, and I went right to sleep when I got to the house.
Since last year Elliott has been saying that we will go visit Rio Celeste, but it has never worked out having enough time and our schedules. But yesterday we borrowed a car and went with two of his sisters and his son, and had an amazing time. The weather was perfect...I passed for Tica, which is amazing since I was with all the Bolivars who are very dark. We walked about 5 kilometers total, up and down. The trail was pretty rough in some areas, but it was worth it.
The waterfall is gorgeous, white and foaming, below the water turns a beautiful turquoise blue, and flows down. The rocks all around the waterfall are very slippery and swimming is not allowed...because of the chemicals many of them have turned green. WE walked all the way to the mirador, to see the Tenorrio Volcano National Park, where we saw the volcano. Afterwards we walked down to the laguna,where the water was again beautiful turquoise blue. We walked all the way down and around to the hot springs, that are naturally formed being so close for the Tenorrio volcano. Elliott and his sister went in, but I didn't bring my swim suit. It was a good hike too, I was sweating a ton!! Up and down, and thankfully it didn't rain because there were some pretty muddy spots on the trail. We had lunch by the waterfall, and arrived home tired but happy. It was the best day, a dream come true to finally visit!!
What an amazing weekend...
Upala was nice too. There are lots of pineapple, and I was busy making atol with my sister-in-law...a tradiational dessert made with corn and milk, then strained and boiled and poured into dishes until it sets. It reminds me a lot of pudding and cornbread! Elliott loves it, and it was a fun thing to learn...it takes quite a bit of work, but it is delicious.
This afternoon Elliott and I rode a dirt bike all the way to Upala downtown so I could catch the bus for San Jose at 2pm. We arrived just in time and I got a seat...It was quite the bumpy ride, and exhilarating, but I think I like the ride in a car better. But that is only the fourth time I have ever ridden on dirt bike, and it was fun!!!!!! Apparently next time I have to learn, when I go to San Jorge again.
It just started to rain as I got home, and now I will go to bed...tired after the hike, after travel. Buenas noches!
Pura Vida : )
love the french press
http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B000KEM4TQ/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1314390438&sr=8-1&condition=new
one more month! and notes on learning a new language.
One month from today I will rise early to go to the airport, with my bags packed and my passport at the ready, enter the airport and go to the check-in counter to start my journey back to the USA. THis is utterly depressing, stressful and makes my stomach turn. My instincts tell me that leaving this country is WRONG! There is so much I am leaving behind, I feel sick.
I realize that maybe this sounds funny, as I left the USA and and so many more things and peaople behind 15 months ago. Wasn't that hard too? The answer is thta yes it was, but that I was looking forward to being here, and while I love my family and my home, I have made a home here.
People have asked me if it was hard to adjust to life here. I close my eyes for a moment and things come to me: the feeling of homesickness during THanksgiving, Christmas, the longing to go to Trout Lake, missing giving my Mom and Dad a hug, being greeted by people as I drive through the streets of Dayton. Yes, there are things I miss. Was it hard to adjust? No. But why is that? I have seen students come and retuyrn home after only 2 days, and people be miserable because they are homesick. IN my case I suspect the influence of my Mom's family, and especially my Avia, resulted in my open-mindedness and interest in travel and other cultures. Look at the examples: My Avis, who left Spain young and moved to Chile to begin a new life. My Avi, bringing his family to the USA from Chile. My Tieta Angelica, a world traveler, my Tieta Ana and cousin MOnica, who have explored the world and still have the travel bug. I have become adaptable, flexible, and am now accustomed to another kind of life, so much so that going back to the USA will be tough. I can't even speak in English for long periods of time with co-workers or Elliott...my brain starts to switch back to Spanish. I am at home here. This is where I belong, no doubt about it.
Let's go back a moment to the part about me speaking Spanish. I am by no means fluent...I learn new words and phrases all the time, and still find myself struggling sometimes with comprehension and expression when I am stressed. Some days I speak fluently, but make grammar mistakes. Some days I speak hardly at all, but every sentance comes out correct. There are still areas I need to work on : conditional and subjunctive, and if I wcould I would take private classes. Right now I am actually doing some worksheets on subjunctive, to try and get it down a little better. I never seem to grasp which tense to use, or how to conjugate. No, I am not fluent by any means.
How far a student gets in a language journey depends on the person. THere have been many times when students have asked me, "how much will I learn in one week? two weeks? a month?" and there is no exact answer. THere are many factors to consider, like the student's experience with other languages, previous areas of study (having studied French, Latin, other romance languages helps), how much they study (if the students goes home and looks at homework and does it well, and practices), how much you want to learn! Because if you are taking classes just to pass the time, fill the credits, or get out of your country then you shouldn't be in the classroom at all. How much you learn depends on your own motivation and dedication.
Which is why I feel like such a fish out of water studying subjunctive...I know that with the Spanish I have now, I can get along just fine. But if I want to IMPROVE, then I have to push myself. And that is what I am doing. I have to rededicate myself, my efforts. I love Spanish...I will never stop learning.
I have decided too that when I return to the USA my conversations with my Mom will be exclusively in Spanish...I couldn't bear to lose all the language experience and fluency I have gained. That is another area where I will have to work hard. To keep the Spanish I have now.
Life is journey in many things...you live, love, learn. And it's painfully beautiful at times.
Pura Vida.
I realize that maybe this sounds funny, as I left the USA and and so many more things and peaople behind 15 months ago. Wasn't that hard too? The answer is thta yes it was, but that I was looking forward to being here, and while I love my family and my home, I have made a home here.
People have asked me if it was hard to adjust to life here. I close my eyes for a moment and things come to me: the feeling of homesickness during THanksgiving, Christmas, the longing to go to Trout Lake, missing giving my Mom and Dad a hug, being greeted by people as I drive through the streets of Dayton. Yes, there are things I miss. Was it hard to adjust? No. But why is that? I have seen students come and retuyrn home after only 2 days, and people be miserable because they are homesick. IN my case I suspect the influence of my Mom's family, and especially my Avia, resulted in my open-mindedness and interest in travel and other cultures. Look at the examples: My Avis, who left Spain young and moved to Chile to begin a new life. My Avi, bringing his family to the USA from Chile. My Tieta Angelica, a world traveler, my Tieta Ana and cousin MOnica, who have explored the world and still have the travel bug. I have become adaptable, flexible, and am now accustomed to another kind of life, so much so that going back to the USA will be tough. I can't even speak in English for long periods of time with co-workers or Elliott...my brain starts to switch back to Spanish. I am at home here. This is where I belong, no doubt about it.
Let's go back a moment to the part about me speaking Spanish. I am by no means fluent...I learn new words and phrases all the time, and still find myself struggling sometimes with comprehension and expression when I am stressed. Some days I speak fluently, but make grammar mistakes. Some days I speak hardly at all, but every sentance comes out correct. There are still areas I need to work on : conditional and subjunctive, and if I wcould I would take private classes. Right now I am actually doing some worksheets on subjunctive, to try and get it down a little better. I never seem to grasp which tense to use, or how to conjugate. No, I am not fluent by any means.
How far a student gets in a language journey depends on the person. THere have been many times when students have asked me, "how much will I learn in one week? two weeks? a month?" and there is no exact answer. THere are many factors to consider, like the student's experience with other languages, previous areas of study (having studied French, Latin, other romance languages helps), how much they study (if the students goes home and looks at homework and does it well, and practices), how much you want to learn! Because if you are taking classes just to pass the time, fill the credits, or get out of your country then you shouldn't be in the classroom at all. How much you learn depends on your own motivation and dedication.
Which is why I feel like such a fish out of water studying subjunctive...I know that with the Spanish I have now, I can get along just fine. But if I want to IMPROVE, then I have to push myself. And that is what I am doing. I have to rededicate myself, my efforts. I love Spanish...I will never stop learning.
I have decided too that when I return to the USA my conversations with my Mom will be exclusively in Spanish...I couldn't bear to lose all the language experience and fluency I have gained. That is another area where I will have to work hard. To keep the Spanish I have now.
Life is journey in many things...you live, love, learn. And it's painfully beautiful at times.
Pura Vida.
tickets and anxious hunger
For the last two weeks I have been eye-balling tickets for December on Kayak and Priceline from DAY to SJO (for those of you who do not frequently travel by air, those are the codes for Dayton International and Juan Santamaria). My mom made the error last year of waiting for "prices to go down" getting closer and closer to the date of Christmas. No way am I paying $1000 on a one-way ticket! The sooner the better...
So far prices seem to be hovering right around $480. I'll take that. It's a pretty good price for December, when people are trying to make a getaway to a tropical paradise like Costa Rica.
Looking forward to payday, to make that big purchase. The sooner the better! I will feel better once I know for sure when I am coming back.
I am starting to wonder if I am an anxious eater. I have a good lunch every day, and do not like eating in the evening and taking in calories I don't need. But the last few days I have come home and...I am not hungry, but I feel like I should be eating something!! I really miss my crocheting, it was something to keep my hands busy while I sat or watched tv. Here my co-workers and friends have made fun of me for twirling my hair.
In any case, I am hitting the gym EVERY DAY when I get back! I got to fix myself up!
Speaking of fixing, I definitely need to get my hair trimmed. It has been quite a while. My last haircut was in March!! I bet I have split ends.
I have no idea what to do for our wedding registry. Looking at all the details of the wedding this one sticks out, WAY out, because we will not be living in the USA. Keeping that in mind, it doesn't make sense to have people give us gifts here and then try to figure out how to take everything home. At the same time I feel bad just asking for money. I like the idea of honeyfund.com, but we will need more than just a honeymoon. There will be lots of things for our house/apartment/HOME that we will need! How to tastefully let people know that it would be easiest to just give us cash...? A bank account is another option, but then you have to have banking info and pay for the international transaction etc., and it could get a little messy.
If you have any suggestions, I am listening...
Pura Vida...and buenas noches.
So far prices seem to be hovering right around $480. I'll take that. It's a pretty good price for December, when people are trying to make a getaway to a tropical paradise like Costa Rica.
Looking forward to payday, to make that big purchase. The sooner the better! I will feel better once I know for sure when I am coming back.
I am starting to wonder if I am an anxious eater. I have a good lunch every day, and do not like eating in the evening and taking in calories I don't need. But the last few days I have come home and...I am not hungry, but I feel like I should be eating something!! I really miss my crocheting, it was something to keep my hands busy while I sat or watched tv. Here my co-workers and friends have made fun of me for twirling my hair.
In any case, I am hitting the gym EVERY DAY when I get back! I got to fix myself up!
Speaking of fixing, I definitely need to get my hair trimmed. It has been quite a while. My last haircut was in March!! I bet I have split ends.
I have no idea what to do for our wedding registry. Looking at all the details of the wedding this one sticks out, WAY out, because we will not be living in the USA. Keeping that in mind, it doesn't make sense to have people give us gifts here and then try to figure out how to take everything home. At the same time I feel bad just asking for money. I like the idea of honeyfund.com, but we will need more than just a honeymoon. There will be lots of things for our house/apartment/HOME that we will need! How to tastefully let people know that it would be easiest to just give us cash...? A bank account is another option, but then you have to have banking info and pay for the international transaction etc., and it could get a little messy.
If you have any suggestions, I am listening...
Pura Vida...and buenas noches.
strawberry pancakes
This morning my Mama Tica and I made strawberry pancakes, from scratch. We made them one other time I stayed, and they were a hit!
Usually in the USA we make pancakes from a box, but it really is very easy to make them from scratch. You just need a little flour, baking powder, milk, water, and an egg or two (depending on how much you want to make). Already thinking about making this for my padres when I am home! It's so easy!
I had a little trouble getting the pancakes to flip... the first two ended up being a little folded over. IN the end they were just right, made with a little butter in the pà n and fresas (strawberry) in the middle. There is even some batter left, so I think I will make some tomorrow morning too! Nidia and I each ate three. This next week we have to make oatmeal brownies with the recipe my Mom sent!
Whoever thought that pancakes would be so easy in Costa Rica...? YUM!
Pura Vida :)
Usually in the USA we make pancakes from a box, but it really is very easy to make them from scratch. You just need a little flour, baking powder, milk, water, and an egg or two (depending on how much you want to make). Already thinking about making this for my padres when I am home! It's so easy!
I had a little trouble getting the pancakes to flip... the first two ended up being a little folded over. IN the end they were just right, made with a little butter in the pà n and fresas (strawberry) in the middle. There is even some batter left, so I think I will make some tomorrow morning too! Nidia and I each ate three. This next week we have to make oatmeal brownies with the recipe my Mom sent!
Whoever thought that pancakes would be so easy in Costa Rica...? YUM!
Pura Vida :)
invitations
My Mama Tica and I have had a fun evening tonight...we are in the process of planning a baby shower for Muni in September, and today we spent time browsing online for photos to get ideas of fun and simple centerpieces, colors, etc.
I will be making the invitations for the event! The colors are white and green, and I am thinking of sloths and monkeys for the images...I love doing this kind of thing, haha!
Lately I have been going crazy with details...after marrying legally in Costa Rica, we are getting married in the USA next year and my Mom and I had a good talk today about some ideas, what we will work on when we are together in September. So many details...
Meanwhile, working on invitations : )
Pura Vida
I will be making the invitations for the event! The colors are white and green, and I am thinking of sloths and monkeys for the images...I love doing this kind of thing, haha!
Lately I have been going crazy with details...after marrying legally in Costa Rica, we are getting married in the USA next year and my Mom and I had a good talk today about some ideas, what we will work on when we are together in September. So many details...
Meanwhile, working on invitations : )
Pura Vida
"matando fiebre"
Elliott explained to me what "matando fiebre" means..killing the fever. I'll explain in a bit.
This past weekend I went to Upala to meet my father-in-law and some of Elliott's extended family.
I left Friday afternoon from work a little early, anticipating Friday traffic and Tico time for the bus. By 6pm I was on the bus to Upala, Elliott getting on in Esparza. We napped a bit and then I ate ravenously at our 15 minute bus stop (the trip from San Jose to Upala is around 5 hours). Around 10pm we arrived to downtown Upala and hopped in a taxi for the bumpy 30 minute ride to San Jorge, the tiny town where Elliott is from. We got there around 10:30pm and greeted Elliott's mom and younger sister, who were still up. By 11pm we were sleeping, exhausted. Travel takes it out of you!
On Saturday I got up late (8:30am...not that late you think, but consider I usually get up between 6 and 6:30am!) and had a great big breakfast with the family. Elliott's son lives with his grandma, and two of his nieces were there while their mom was at classes in downtown. Tortillas, gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee. Elliott still forgets that I don't drink sugar with my coffee, haha! Elliott spent the morning and early afternoon doing house chores and I played with the nieces. Later I helped make a refresco for lunch, with the starfruit Kendall collected from the yard (imagine having a starfruit tree next to your house! YUM). We all ate and afterwards Elliott, Kendall and I went on a trip to visit Don Lupe, Elliott's dad (my father-in-law) who I had never met. We drove about 10 minutes to the farm where he works as the manager, and then to his house were we had some coffee and met his wife and extended family (Elliott's step-mom and some half siblings. His father has re-married, while his mother is single and lives with Kendall in her own house). He is a very tall, serious man and Elliott takes after him a LOT. He was very sweet and welcoming, and made sure to speak to me slowly and clearly. We hugged at our goodbye. Afterwards we drove to Veracruz, where some of his aunts and cousins live, another 15 minutes. I met some more aunts and cousins, got lots of hugs and shook many hands, and felt extremely welcome. Then we headed back to San Jorge to get ready to leave...Elliott got a call to work on Sunday.
(By the way, the whole time I GOT TO DRIVE!
"Mataste el fiebre, eh?"/ "You killed the fever, huh?" Elliott told me.
"Yeah, I haven't driven in months!" I loved every minute behind the wheel, even when I had to go over some really sketchy bridges. I killed the fever, haha!)
Saturday afternoon we rushed to the bus station to catch the bus to Canas, and from there we caught a bus to Esparza. It was raining when we walked to Elliott's house, and we were both tired.
Sunday we got up at 4am to catch the bus for Jaco, where Elliott picked up some tourists to go to Arenal Volcano for the day. I stayed on the beach and...burned. It was overcast when I arrived and set up between two palm trees, and then promptly fell asleep. When I woke, I was roasting. When will I learn???
I got mistaken for gringa at every turn too, with my backpack. I hate that. In the afternoon I took the bus back to San Jose, and from there I got a ride back to San Joaquin with a chofer from CPI (how random to run into him at a gas station in the capital!!!!! he was so nice, we chatted and he dropped me off at my Familia).
I slept early, watching 13 Going on 30 with Nidia.
Jam-packed weekend! But it was really fulfilling, meeting my new family and getting to spend time with Elliott. I like Upala and how simple it is, despite how hot it can be. I think we will go back one more time before I leave! I hope so anyway, if Elliott isn't to busy.
Pura vidaaaaaaaaaaa!
This past weekend I went to Upala to meet my father-in-law and some of Elliott's extended family.
I left Friday afternoon from work a little early, anticipating Friday traffic and Tico time for the bus. By 6pm I was on the bus to Upala, Elliott getting on in Esparza. We napped a bit and then I ate ravenously at our 15 minute bus stop (the trip from San Jose to Upala is around 5 hours). Around 10pm we arrived to downtown Upala and hopped in a taxi for the bumpy 30 minute ride to San Jorge, the tiny town where Elliott is from. We got there around 10:30pm and greeted Elliott's mom and younger sister, who were still up. By 11pm we were sleeping, exhausted. Travel takes it out of you!
On Saturday I got up late (8:30am...not that late you think, but consider I usually get up between 6 and 6:30am!) and had a great big breakfast with the family. Elliott's son lives with his grandma, and two of his nieces were there while their mom was at classes in downtown. Tortillas, gallo pinto, scrambled eggs, cheese, coffee. Elliott still forgets that I don't drink sugar with my coffee, haha! Elliott spent the morning and early afternoon doing house chores and I played with the nieces. Later I helped make a refresco for lunch, with the starfruit Kendall collected from the yard (imagine having a starfruit tree next to your house! YUM). We all ate and afterwards Elliott, Kendall and I went on a trip to visit Don Lupe, Elliott's dad (my father-in-law) who I had never met. We drove about 10 minutes to the farm where he works as the manager, and then to his house were we had some coffee and met his wife and extended family (Elliott's step-mom and some half siblings. His father has re-married, while his mother is single and lives with Kendall in her own house). He is a very tall, serious man and Elliott takes after him a LOT. He was very sweet and welcoming, and made sure to speak to me slowly and clearly. We hugged at our goodbye. Afterwards we drove to Veracruz, where some of his aunts and cousins live, another 15 minutes. I met some more aunts and cousins, got lots of hugs and shook many hands, and felt extremely welcome. Then we headed back to San Jorge to get ready to leave...Elliott got a call to work on Sunday.
(By the way, the whole time I GOT TO DRIVE!
"Mataste el fiebre, eh?"/ "You killed the fever, huh?" Elliott told me.
"Yeah, I haven't driven in months!" I loved every minute behind the wheel, even when I had to go over some really sketchy bridges. I killed the fever, haha!)
Saturday afternoon we rushed to the bus station to catch the bus to Canas, and from there we caught a bus to Esparza. It was raining when we walked to Elliott's house, and we were both tired.
Sunday we got up at 4am to catch the bus for Jaco, where Elliott picked up some tourists to go to Arenal Volcano for the day. I stayed on the beach and...burned. It was overcast when I arrived and set up between two palm trees, and then promptly fell asleep. When I woke, I was roasting. When will I learn???
I got mistaken for gringa at every turn too, with my backpack. I hate that. In the afternoon I took the bus back to San Jose, and from there I got a ride back to San Joaquin with a chofer from CPI (how random to run into him at a gas station in the capital!!!!! he was so nice, we chatted and he dropped me off at my Familia).
I slept early, watching 13 Going on 30 with Nidia.
Jam-packed weekend! But it was really fulfilling, meeting my new family and getting to spend time with Elliott. I like Upala and how simple it is, despite how hot it can be. I think we will go back one more time before I leave! I hope so anyway, if Elliott isn't to busy.
Pura vidaaaaaaaaaaa!
pretty big announcement
I want to go ahead and share with you all some very big news.
On Sunday August 14th, 2011, Elliott and I were married in a simple civil ceremony in San Vito de Coto Brus in Puntarenas.
The witnesses were Jimmy and Kathleen, two of Elliott's close friends. The ceremony was at their B&B, Casa Botania. It was very intimate and simple, with ourselves, the witnesses and the lawyer and her daughter there. We listened to the lawyer's words about marriage and how honored she felt to be part of the event. Jimmy spoke about how important it is to be there for your spouse in the good and bad.
(On a side note, I want to tell you a little about Jimmy and Kathleen.
He is Tico and she is Belgian. They met five years ago, he a tour guide and she a tour director for a group. They got along very well and eventually fell in love (sound familiar?), marrying three years ago in a similar ceremony and later again in Belgium with Kathleen's family. Elliott attended the wedding in Belgium, and he is very close with both of them. They were extremely honored to witness the event, very happy and touched. They are wonderful people, and I am so glad that they were present.)
Afterwards we toasted with sparkling wine and all had a piece of cake.
Right now we are waiting for the rings to be finished, to make a formal announcement. Our close friends and family already know. In August of 2012 we will have a ceremony in the Catholic Church with my family in the USA.
So, I am a married woman!! I am still getting used to referring to Elliott as my husband! I know that my choice is hardly traditional, but let's face it...my life is hardly traditional. And that doesn't bother me at all. I love Elliott and I know that while things will not always be easy, this man is the one for me, no question about it : )
Pura vida
On Sunday August 14th, 2011, Elliott and I were married in a simple civil ceremony in San Vito de Coto Brus in Puntarenas.
The witnesses were Jimmy and Kathleen, two of Elliott's close friends. The ceremony was at their B&B, Casa Botania. It was very intimate and simple, with ourselves, the witnesses and the lawyer and her daughter there. We listened to the lawyer's words about marriage and how honored she felt to be part of the event. Jimmy spoke about how important it is to be there for your spouse in the good and bad.
(On a side note, I want to tell you a little about Jimmy and Kathleen.
He is Tico and she is Belgian. They met five years ago, he a tour guide and she a tour director for a group. They got along very well and eventually fell in love (sound familiar?), marrying three years ago in a similar ceremony and later again in Belgium with Kathleen's family. Elliott attended the wedding in Belgium, and he is very close with both of them. They were extremely honored to witness the event, very happy and touched. They are wonderful people, and I am so glad that they were present.)
Afterwards we toasted with sparkling wine and all had a piece of cake.
Right now we are waiting for the rings to be finished, to make a formal announcement. Our close friends and family already know. In August of 2012 we will have a ceremony in the Catholic Church with my family in the USA.
So, I am a married woman!! I am still getting used to referring to Elliott as my husband! I know that my choice is hardly traditional, but let's face it...my life is hardly traditional. And that doesn't bother me at all. I love Elliott and I know that while things will not always be easy, this man is the one for me, no question about it : )
Pura vida
slow down and breathe
So much has changed in the last week.
My favorite group of the summer is long gone, everyone is back home and my days are so quiet without them!!
Gerry flew back to the USA today. Pim flies back to Holland tomorrow. Clara is on tour with her Dad in Costa Rica, and leaves soon. I am the only chaperona left!
Today I started work in the Admissions Office. It is not a difficult job, but it requires a lot of attention to detail and I am getting more experience. (Seems like in my last couple jobs I have been cross-trained to the point of being over-qualified!)
For the rest of my time here I will be with my Mama Tica, even though she wasn't accepting students she made an exception for me! and I am sooooooooooo happy!
My cold is gone! I can breathe, and I still have a bit of a cough but I am taking something for it. I was just telling a co-worker today that I feel 100 times better than I did a week ago.
My days off I spent running errands (Wednesday), in Manuel Antonio (Thursday), and in San Vito (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and traveling back (Monday) to the Central Valley.
During my free time it was great to visit with Elliott too. I am more sure than ever that he is the guy for me...and I am so lucky to have him.
It will be nice to have a slower schedule for a while. I know that my time here will fly, I only have about a month left! What I have to do is slow down and breathe...appreciate where I am, what I am doing.
Pura Vida!
My favorite group of the summer is long gone, everyone is back home and my days are so quiet without them!!
Gerry flew back to the USA today. Pim flies back to Holland tomorrow. Clara is on tour with her Dad in Costa Rica, and leaves soon. I am the only chaperona left!
Today I started work in the Admissions Office. It is not a difficult job, but it requires a lot of attention to detail and I am getting more experience. (Seems like in my last couple jobs I have been cross-trained to the point of being over-qualified!)
For the rest of my time here I will be with my Mama Tica, even though she wasn't accepting students she made an exception for me! and I am sooooooooooo happy!
My cold is gone! I can breathe, and I still have a bit of a cough but I am taking something for it. I was just telling a co-worker today that I feel 100 times better than I did a week ago.
My days off I spent running errands (Wednesday), in Manuel Antonio (Thursday), and in San Vito (Friday, Saturday, Sunday) and traveling back (Monday) to the Central Valley.
During my free time it was great to visit with Elliott too. I am more sure than ever that he is the guy for me...and I am so lucky to have him.
It will be nice to have a slower schedule for a while. I know that my time here will fly, I only have about a month left! What I have to do is slow down and breathe...appreciate where I am, what I am doing.
Pura Vida!
tips for travelers
I love this blog! Check out this cool post about travel: Leo has some great points.
Enjoy your journeys!
http://zenhabits.net/travel/
Pura Vida!
Enjoy your journeys!
http://zenhabits.net/travel/
Pura Vida!
day twenty-one
It is currently 5:01am and I just dropped my group off at the airport. They all stayed up last night, since our departure time from the hotel was 4am. I got up at 3am after going to bed around 1am, hanging out and packing and enjoying my last moments with the group. I miss them already, and while I shed no tears, there were some kids who got emotional at the airport drop off. Frankly, I am going to feel very alone all day today without my group. Did I mention that I miss them already...?
Yesterday we bid an early farewell to one group member, who headed home to California. We went white water rafting, and even sang her the morning song (the song we start everyday with, our theme music: "Walking on Sunshine") in the bus on the way. We spent a great day on the river, and only two kids fell out (on the first rapid too!) during the whole tour.
On a more disappointing note we had one cell phone and two cameras go missing yesterday, and after calling the rafting company twice and the transportation company twice with nothing being found on the bus, I am afraid to say that we face the possibility of these items having been stolen, which is a very serious accusation. After having the kids search all bags, belongings and hotel rooms with no results, it seems to be the most likely option. All of them remember putting the item in their backpack before leaving, but did not at any point remove it...and we left our bags the whole morning in the bus. Which throws the safety of our things into doubt.
I also discovered that I left my sweatshirt and jacket at the last hotel, hanging in the closet. I did not realize it until two days ago, as I haven't needed either item. I put them in the closet with the idea of keeping them dry and separate from my raincoat, and in the end they got left behind. I called the hotel FIVE TIMES yesterday and left my number with two different people, but still have not heard anything. I am very, very disappointed and frustrated, and now will need to replace those items. If only the hotel would call me back!!! I plan to call again around 8am today and be more insistent. Maybe even a little demanding. Definitely aggressive!
These next few days I have off, so I will be in full relax mode, travelling a bit and just taking it easy. Today I plan to run errands, first stop being the doctor.
Hopefully I will see Elliott later today, as he finishes a tour in San Jose this afternoon which isn't to far from CPI Heredia. I also want to visit with my Familia Tica!
After my couple days off I will be working here in the Admissions Office of CPI Heredia until my final (THE final) group of the season arrives the first week of September.
It is so strange to think that 21 days ago I was just beginning with my West Coast group. Already it seems like a whole lifetime has passed, but in just the blink of an eye. Now that all of them are gone, I am left with a cd of trip songs, a cute card signed by the kids, and some really great memories. I am so blessed to have had such a FANTASTIC group! No other group compares. I hope to see them again, somehow, someday.
Pura Vida.
Yesterday we bid an early farewell to one group member, who headed home to California. We went white water rafting, and even sang her the morning song (the song we start everyday with, our theme music: "Walking on Sunshine") in the bus on the way. We spent a great day on the river, and only two kids fell out (on the first rapid too!) during the whole tour.
On a more disappointing note we had one cell phone and two cameras go missing yesterday, and after calling the rafting company twice and the transportation company twice with nothing being found on the bus, I am afraid to say that we face the possibility of these items having been stolen, which is a very serious accusation. After having the kids search all bags, belongings and hotel rooms with no results, it seems to be the most likely option. All of them remember putting the item in their backpack before leaving, but did not at any point remove it...and we left our bags the whole morning in the bus. Which throws the safety of our things into doubt.
I also discovered that I left my sweatshirt and jacket at the last hotel, hanging in the closet. I did not realize it until two days ago, as I haven't needed either item. I put them in the closet with the idea of keeping them dry and separate from my raincoat, and in the end they got left behind. I called the hotel FIVE TIMES yesterday and left my number with two different people, but still have not heard anything. I am very, very disappointed and frustrated, and now will need to replace those items. If only the hotel would call me back!!! I plan to call again around 8am today and be more insistent. Maybe even a little demanding. Definitely aggressive!
These next few days I have off, so I will be in full relax mode, travelling a bit and just taking it easy. Today I plan to run errands, first stop being the doctor.
Hopefully I will see Elliott later today, as he finishes a tour in San Jose this afternoon which isn't to far from CPI Heredia. I also want to visit with my Familia Tica!
After my couple days off I will be working here in the Admissions Office of CPI Heredia until my final (THE final) group of the season arrives the first week of September.
It is so strange to think that 21 days ago I was just beginning with my West Coast group. Already it seems like a whole lifetime has passed, but in just the blink of an eye. Now that all of them are gone, I am left with a cd of trip songs, a cute card signed by the kids, and some really great memories. I am so blessed to have had such a FANTASTIC group! No other group compares. I hope to see them again, somehow, someday.
Pura Vida.
in case you visit and are baffled by...
There are some funny differences between the USA and Costa Rica that do not even register with me after so much time being here. I have accepted these small things as normal, expected, matter of fact differences that do not warrant any explanation. Small and simple as they may seem, they are for the visiting tourist baffling.
Water fountains.
There aren't any water fountains in Costa Rica. I have never seen one. This can be frustrating when you just want a quick drink of water, at a side-of-the-road stop, at a grocery store, even at Walmart. But you will not find them anywhere. In schools and public places you do not have water fountains located throughout the building, free for all. Instead you may have a little snack bar, or someone selling food and drink from a cart that wanders the hallways. But you want a water fountain? Well, amigo, you are just out of luck!
Bathrooms.
With this group I have had to make various, unexpected bathroom stops. I don't think I ever mentioned that we even stopped at a house on the side of the road, and that one of my girls went to the bathroom in a pit toilet in someone's backyard. She just had to go! I think living in the USA we do not appreciate our highway system, our rest areas and information centers that are pit stops for bursting bladders. Generally if you have to go while in the middle of nowhere, you can stop at:
a) a gas station, and hope that the bathrooms aren't gross and that the toilets have seats
b)a restaurant, and hope that they have tp!
For bathrooms you also may have to pay a small fee to use the restroom if you are NOT a customer. This may be something like 200 colones (50 cents!), which could be just for the bathroom or for a few precious squares of tp to take with you. Some places, like McDonald's, you can go in and use the facilities free of charge. But you can't always count on finding a place like that! In the USA it is almost always posted, plain and politely, that "bathrooms are for customers ONLY." But wouldn't it be smarted to charge and use the bathrooms? Just saying...even 50 cents per person would pay for the tp (although here in Costa Rica you can buy individual rolls of tp and not a pack of 4, so it's cheaper).
Also remember that tp goes in the trashcan, never in the toilet. That is one of the hardest adjustments! But you better get used to it quick, because it is the rule EVERYWHERE you go.
Anyway, just a few things to keep in mind when you come visit me here. Don't be too surprised.
Pura vida : )
Water fountains.
There aren't any water fountains in Costa Rica. I have never seen one. This can be frustrating when you just want a quick drink of water, at a side-of-the-road stop, at a grocery store, even at Walmart. But you will not find them anywhere. In schools and public places you do not have water fountains located throughout the building, free for all. Instead you may have a little snack bar, or someone selling food and drink from a cart that wanders the hallways. But you want a water fountain? Well, amigo, you are just out of luck!
Bathrooms.
With this group I have had to make various, unexpected bathroom stops. I don't think I ever mentioned that we even stopped at a house on the side of the road, and that one of my girls went to the bathroom in a pit toilet in someone's backyard. She just had to go! I think living in the USA we do not appreciate our highway system, our rest areas and information centers that are pit stops for bursting bladders. Generally if you have to go while in the middle of nowhere, you can stop at:
a) a gas station, and hope that the bathrooms aren't gross and that the toilets have seats
b)a restaurant, and hope that they have tp!
For bathrooms you also may have to pay a small fee to use the restroom if you are NOT a customer. This may be something like 200 colones (50 cents!), which could be just for the bathroom or for a few precious squares of tp to take with you. Some places, like McDonald's, you can go in and use the facilities free of charge. But you can't always count on finding a place like that! In the USA it is almost always posted, plain and politely, that "bathrooms are for customers ONLY." But wouldn't it be smarted to charge and use the bathrooms? Just saying...even 50 cents per person would pay for the tp (although here in Costa Rica you can buy individual rolls of tp and not a pack of 4, so it's cheaper).
Also remember that tp goes in the trashcan, never in the toilet. That is one of the hardest adjustments! But you better get used to it quick, because it is the rule EVERYWHERE you go.
Anyway, just a few things to keep in mind when you come visit me here. Don't be too surprised.
Pura vida : )
summer has wings
How are we already in August?? I remember when July began...and now it is already gone.
This summer has gone so quickly. Already the chaperones I have grown to know and love over the summer are leaving and going away...Jessica is back in the USA, Jesus has left for Spain, Pim is touring with his parents in Costa Rica, and Gerry will be gone before I know it. I will be lost without Clara in my life! It is hard making so many good friends and then having to say good bye. I have met so many memorable and wonderful people here.
I have to say that on the whole, this group has been my absolute favorite this season. I was nervous about West Coast, but this group has been an absolute pleasure and these kids have beyond impressed me! And I am going to miss them a lot.
The vegetarian fare at this hotel has been great so far. Maybe I can go meatless after all!
Pura vida...
This summer has gone so quickly. Already the chaperones I have grown to know and love over the summer are leaving and going away...Jessica is back in the USA, Jesus has left for Spain, Pim is touring with his parents in Costa Rica, and Gerry will be gone before I know it. I will be lost without Clara in my life! It is hard making so many good friends and then having to say good bye. I have met so many memorable and wonderful people here.
I have to say that on the whole, this group has been my absolute favorite this season. I was nervous about West Coast, but this group has been an absolute pleasure and these kids have beyond impressed me! And I am going to miss them a lot.
The vegetarian fare at this hotel has been great so far. Maybe I can go meatless after all!
Pura vida...
volcanoes, surf, mud and going meatless
Day 13 of my West Coast tour and doing great. I haven't had any disasters or hospital visits, but i should bite my tongue. You never know.
We already visited Monteverde: planting tress and making terraces at a local farm, Life Monteverde. Service work was followed by a zipline tour, which my kids loved, and disco night at Bar Amigos where I caught up with Muni and Adrian, Gerry, Arelys, Royner and Clara. Too bad the change of climate made me feel miserable!!!!!!!! In Monteverde we also bid farewell to Don Mario, who had been our chofer for the first week. He was replaced by a STV chofer who I know, and the kids like him but don't love him the way they did Don Mario. I however, have gotten fond of him and his antics. If a good piece of salsa comes on, he glances over his shoulder to ask if I am busy...if I want to stop and dance!! Haha, he is a good guy.
After Monteverde we went to Arenal Volcano, where we arrived to clear weather and a great view. Our one night stay was highlighted by a trip to the hot springs, where the kids had fun running up and down to different pools and the chaps and I relaxed and bonded. I think I boiled my feet in one particularly hot pool, so I stuck to the pools close to the bar, which are more pleasantly warm. We left the next day in rainy weather, and the volcano hidden by clouds.
The long leg of the trip was leaving Arenal and going to Playa Flamingo. Four hours in bus, going around Lake Arenal and then past the airport in Liberia, all the way to Tamarindo. We had surf lessons and free time to explore and do some souvenir shopping. Beautiful beach day, even though the skies were overcast. The next day we did service work at a local grade school, painting the inside. The compliment of the day was that we were by far the most organized West Coast group who had worked there, and we got done in good time. The rest of the afternoon was spent at Playa Penca, playing frisbee and tanning, enjoying the waves. I got a little color! In the evening we went to dinner and afterwards back to Tamarindo for disco night. We ended up at Club Aqua, and I was recognized by some Georgia Southern University boys (who were part of Jessica's group). Funny! What a small town. We had fun dancing and got back around 11pm.
Leaving beautiful Playa Flamingo we had some quality relax time at Hacienda Guachepelin, right by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. We arrived in the early afternoon and lunched, then went on horseback to a beautiful waterfall! and afterwards a mudbath. Well, it was more of a paint-the-mud-on-and-wash-it-off type of thing, but it was funny and an interesting spa like experience. The following day we did river tubing, which was GREAT!! I would do it again, it was so much fun! And in the afternoon caught some rays by the pool and then as it clouded over opted to go to Liberia for a movie (Charlie St. Cloud).
This morning we had a sleep-in and left for another long trip, this time to Alajuela where we will be doing service with Habiitat for Humanity. Our hotel in Lands in Love, which is remote, to say the least. The road here made me a little dizzy, and I have never been bother by twists and turns (especially not after living in Monteverde!). It is secluded but beautiful...and reminds me a lot of San Vito. The staff are a mix of Tico and Israeli, and my kids think they look like zombies. The hotel is cute...and everything is vegetarian. On the way here I saw signs every 100 meters advertising animal friendly food, soy burgers, vegetarian fare. So it will be a meatless diet for a while (luckily I am not a huge fan of red meat to begin with). My chofer bought himself cereal before we arrived. The place is...a little wierd, to say the least. Oh, did I mention there is absolutely no cell phone service? But at least there is internet. Thus my lengthy post. Feel free to skype me the next couple evenings.
I am still feeling like crap. Even after taking antibiotics, my cold hasn't left me. But I think it has gone from a cold to a virus...I cough phlem and have to blow my nose regularly. I need to see a doctor, but do not have an opportunity. I have been taking pills to get by, but what I really need is some good rest. It's not any easier going to and from, in and around so many different environments. Mountain to beach to valley, it keeps messing up my system. I finish every day exhausted, and feel like taking a nap every day around 2pm. Very much looking forward to finishing this tour, and taking it easy. My first stop is a doctor's office. I am sick of being...sick!
I need to recover.
Bueno...pura vida.
We already visited Monteverde: planting tress and making terraces at a local farm, Life Monteverde. Service work was followed by a zipline tour, which my kids loved, and disco night at Bar Amigos where I caught up with Muni and Adrian, Gerry, Arelys, Royner and Clara. Too bad the change of climate made me feel miserable!!!!!!!! In Monteverde we also bid farewell to Don Mario, who had been our chofer for the first week. He was replaced by a STV chofer who I know, and the kids like him but don't love him the way they did Don Mario. I however, have gotten fond of him and his antics. If a good piece of salsa comes on, he glances over his shoulder to ask if I am busy...if I want to stop and dance!! Haha, he is a good guy.
After Monteverde we went to Arenal Volcano, where we arrived to clear weather and a great view. Our one night stay was highlighted by a trip to the hot springs, where the kids had fun running up and down to different pools and the chaps and I relaxed and bonded. I think I boiled my feet in one particularly hot pool, so I stuck to the pools close to the bar, which are more pleasantly warm. We left the next day in rainy weather, and the volcano hidden by clouds.
The long leg of the trip was leaving Arenal and going to Playa Flamingo. Four hours in bus, going around Lake Arenal and then past the airport in Liberia, all the way to Tamarindo. We had surf lessons and free time to explore and do some souvenir shopping. Beautiful beach day, even though the skies were overcast. The next day we did service work at a local grade school, painting the inside. The compliment of the day was that we were by far the most organized West Coast group who had worked there, and we got done in good time. The rest of the afternoon was spent at Playa Penca, playing frisbee and tanning, enjoying the waves. I got a little color! In the evening we went to dinner and afterwards back to Tamarindo for disco night. We ended up at Club Aqua, and I was recognized by some Georgia Southern University boys (who were part of Jessica's group). Funny! What a small town. We had fun dancing and got back around 11pm.
Leaving beautiful Playa Flamingo we had some quality relax time at Hacienda Guachepelin, right by the Rincon de la Vieja Volcano. We arrived in the early afternoon and lunched, then went on horseback to a beautiful waterfall! and afterwards a mudbath. Well, it was more of a paint-the-mud-on-and-wash-it-off type of thing, but it was funny and an interesting spa like experience. The following day we did river tubing, which was GREAT!! I would do it again, it was so much fun! And in the afternoon caught some rays by the pool and then as it clouded over opted to go to Liberia for a movie (Charlie St. Cloud).
This morning we had a sleep-in and left for another long trip, this time to Alajuela where we will be doing service with Habiitat for Humanity. Our hotel in Lands in Love, which is remote, to say the least. The road here made me a little dizzy, and I have never been bother by twists and turns (especially not after living in Monteverde!). It is secluded but beautiful...and reminds me a lot of San Vito. The staff are a mix of Tico and Israeli, and my kids think they look like zombies. The hotel is cute...and everything is vegetarian. On the way here I saw signs every 100 meters advertising animal friendly food, soy burgers, vegetarian fare. So it will be a meatless diet for a while (luckily I am not a huge fan of red meat to begin with). My chofer bought himself cereal before we arrived. The place is...a little wierd, to say the least. Oh, did I mention there is absolutely no cell phone service? But at least there is internet. Thus my lengthy post. Feel free to skype me the next couple evenings.
I am still feeling like crap. Even after taking antibiotics, my cold hasn't left me. But I think it has gone from a cold to a virus...I cough phlem and have to blow my nose regularly. I need to see a doctor, but do not have an opportunity. I have been taking pills to get by, but what I really need is some good rest. It's not any easier going to and from, in and around so many different environments. Mountain to beach to valley, it keeps messing up my system. I finish every day exhausted, and feel like taking a nap every day around 2pm. Very much looking forward to finishing this tour, and taking it easy. My first stop is a doctor's office. I am sick of being...sick!
I need to recover.
Bueno...pura vida.
concrete
So far so good on my West Coast tour. I am missing my buddies Pim and Jesus terribly, after hanging out with them for a few days in La Condesa. I am staying with Nanou, but I miss Clara a lot. I think out of all the CPI chaps I have gotten closest with her.
Today was the group's first day of tough service work in La Carpio. We went to the Montessori center to meet with Gail and learn a little bit about La Carpio's history and how it came to be. The work itself was very physically difficult. We worked to put a concrete floor in the home of a family that lives down by the river, the poorest area of La Carpio and probably the poorest neighborhood in the whole country. The materials to make the concrete floor were not in an ideal location. To get down to the river you have to walk down a hill on a narrow, semi-paved footpath where a car cannot enter. The materials were left at the top of the hill, and the work today was filling buckets with rock and sand and transporting it down the hill and to the work-site: someone's home. It was very hot this morning and the hill is at quite an angle, so the kids got pretty tired after a few runs. In the end I stayed at the top and did shoveling as people came back with empty buckets, and the kids went down in pairs with the full buckets. There are a few who really stood out as being motivated and excited to be here, serious about the service part of the program. And there were some others who did not miss an opportunity to flake on doing hard work. I shared with the West Coast chaperones about this and they agree...there is a difference in some of the kids' attitudes. We are going to try and improve on it! Tomorrow is another day of service work.
On the whole I was very impressed, and listening tonight to some of the kids responses and reactions to what they saw in La Carpio today was very heartening. One girl was so impacted that she began to cry, and had to leave the work-site.
"How come I have so much?? They have so little! It is just so sad!"
But it is reality. Do what yo can to make a change!
I am tired...good night!
Pura Vida
Today was the group's first day of tough service work in La Carpio. We went to the Montessori center to meet with Gail and learn a little bit about La Carpio's history and how it came to be. The work itself was very physically difficult. We worked to put a concrete floor in the home of a family that lives down by the river, the poorest area of La Carpio and probably the poorest neighborhood in the whole country. The materials to make the concrete floor were not in an ideal location. To get down to the river you have to walk down a hill on a narrow, semi-paved footpath where a car cannot enter. The materials were left at the top of the hill, and the work today was filling buckets with rock and sand and transporting it down the hill and to the work-site: someone's home. It was very hot this morning and the hill is at quite an angle, so the kids got pretty tired after a few runs. In the end I stayed at the top and did shoveling as people came back with empty buckets, and the kids went down in pairs with the full buckets. There are a few who really stood out as being motivated and excited to be here, serious about the service part of the program. And there were some others who did not miss an opportunity to flake on doing hard work. I shared with the West Coast chaperones about this and they agree...there is a difference in some of the kids' attitudes. We are going to try and improve on it! Tomorrow is another day of service work.
On the whole I was very impressed, and listening tonight to some of the kids responses and reactions to what they saw in La Carpio today was very heartening. One girl was so impacted that she began to cry, and had to leave the work-site.
"How come I have so much?? They have so little! It is just so sad!"
But it is reality. Do what yo can to make a change!
I am tired...good night!
Pura Vida
setting sail
Today begins my 3 week tour with West Coast. I met my chaperone yesterday and she seems pretty cool..excited to be here, friendly, a nice person. First impressions are everything with me, so I hope we continue on a good note. My group is 12 kids, so it will either be easy or double the trouble. I heard someone's West Coast kids broke a table in a hotel last night. Just hope that won't be me...!
This afternoon I will bid farewell to my Alabama group. It has been a pleasure to have them, and I hope to see them again next year! Hopefully I won't regret putting on eye makeup today, having to say adios.
The antibiotics are kicking in and I feel so much better. My sinuses are clearing and while I still blow my nose a lot, I don't have a pressure headache in the afternoon or trouble breathing. I just cough and blow my nose, getting everything out of my system.
Spent yesterday evening visiting my Mama Tica for a little while, then packing, hanging out with my roomies... I am already looking forward to coming back after my tour, and I hope that I can stay with my Mama Tica in my downtime between groups! We will see how it works out!
Note: Try making a ginger drink to help clear throat and sinuses. It really works wonders!
Pura vida.
This afternoon I will bid farewell to my Alabama group. It has been a pleasure to have them, and I hope to see them again next year! Hopefully I won't regret putting on eye makeup today, having to say adios.
The antibiotics are kicking in and I feel so much better. My sinuses are clearing and while I still blow my nose a lot, I don't have a pressure headache in the afternoon or trouble breathing. I just cough and blow my nose, getting everything out of my system.
Spent yesterday evening visiting my Mama Tica for a little while, then packing, hanging out with my roomies... I am already looking forward to coming back after my tour, and I hope that I can stay with my Mama Tica in my downtime between groups! We will see how it works out!
Note: Try making a ginger drink to help clear throat and sinuses. It really works wonders!
Pura vida.
mandados!
This morning La Jefa gave me some free time to run down to the farmacia and go to Heredia. I talked with the doctor at the pharmacy who gave me an antibiotic after deducing that I have sinusitis, in addition to a decongestant. I already feel it! Not as stuffed. Thank goodness, I have been sick for 3 weeks now and am just dying. I need to be on my top game for my West Coast group coming Thursday. Lucky me there are antibiotics in full supply here.
I also have a new watch! I am a happy camper.
Yesterday I had to take one of my Soccer Camp kids to the doctor, and watched her get a shot. Lovely. At least she is feeling better today!
This week has been go go go, I don't feel like the weekend even happened. I am so glad that I have my laundry clean. Tomorrow I want to go visit my Mama Tica again before I begin my 3 week tour.
Looking forward to a good sleep tonight, after such a fast day.
Pura Vida
I also have a new watch! I am a happy camper.
Yesterday I had to take one of my Soccer Camp kids to the doctor, and watched her get a shot. Lovely. At least she is feeling better today!
This week has been go go go, I don't feel like the weekend even happened. I am so glad that I have my laundry clean. Tomorrow I want to go visit my Mama Tica again before I begin my 3 week tour.
Looking forward to a good sleep tonight, after such a fast day.
Pura Vida
subcultures
What a whirlwind 24 hours.
I am currently in La Condesa in San Rafael de Heredia with a West Coast group. One of my compañeras had an emergency and had to leave for the USA today...so this weekend I took over her group, until another guide can step in. I already have 2 groups this week, and start on my own West Coast tour next Thursday.
Looking over my shoulder at Friday, I had everything ready to go for a trip to Upala, where my suegra lives. Elliott has been there for a few days, and the idea was to visit him and his mom and celebrate our one year anniversary by going to Rio Celeste. I had planned to leave work early to catch the bus, had my bags packed, had called to double check the bus schedule and had even reserved a taxi to take me to the station on time. Then...I had to go take care of this group. Elliott told me today was a perfect day too, after raining a lot it was clear and would have been perfect for hiking to Rio Celeste. I was really looking forward to going, since I will not have any free weekends with West Coast. I will be with that group until the tour ends in August, 21 full days. Hopefully this next week we can make time to do something in Heredia, before my life is eaten by West Coast.
It has been an interesting 24 hours, getting a taste of West Coast culture after working with a group two years ago. Really its a good refresher before I go pick up my own group. The kids are just as fussy, picky and wacky as I remember. The chaperones seem a lot cooler though! Pim and Jesus are also here, so we hung out yesterday evening and I am waiting for them to be done so we can chill again tonight. Thank goodness for good company up here in the middle of nowhere. I am kicking myself for not bringing my swim suit...so I can enjoy the hot tub! Here in San Rafael it is FREEZING! and I only brought clothes for two days.
Hotel subculture is interesting too...you know who to ask for what in reception, the doorman is your best friend, you know to avoid certain guests or floors that are noisy, you always see the same two stressed out people in reception. Interesting. I could people watch here all day...and La Condesa is so big, you can wander and wander. It's beautiful too, there is a great view of San Jose from the mountainside. Really this is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in! It is considered five star in Costa Rica...
Ok, Jesus just called so its time to go chill with my homies...hasta pronto.
Pura Vida
I am currently in La Condesa in San Rafael de Heredia with a West Coast group. One of my compañeras had an emergency and had to leave for the USA today...so this weekend I took over her group, until another guide can step in. I already have 2 groups this week, and start on my own West Coast tour next Thursday.
Looking over my shoulder at Friday, I had everything ready to go for a trip to Upala, where my suegra lives. Elliott has been there for a few days, and the idea was to visit him and his mom and celebrate our one year anniversary by going to Rio Celeste. I had planned to leave work early to catch the bus, had my bags packed, had called to double check the bus schedule and had even reserved a taxi to take me to the station on time. Then...I had to go take care of this group. Elliott told me today was a perfect day too, after raining a lot it was clear and would have been perfect for hiking to Rio Celeste. I was really looking forward to going, since I will not have any free weekends with West Coast. I will be with that group until the tour ends in August, 21 full days. Hopefully this next week we can make time to do something in Heredia, before my life is eaten by West Coast.
It has been an interesting 24 hours, getting a taste of West Coast culture after working with a group two years ago. Really its a good refresher before I go pick up my own group. The kids are just as fussy, picky and wacky as I remember. The chaperones seem a lot cooler though! Pim and Jesus are also here, so we hung out yesterday evening and I am waiting for them to be done so we can chill again tonight. Thank goodness for good company up here in the middle of nowhere. I am kicking myself for not bringing my swim suit...so I can enjoy the hot tub! Here in San Rafael it is FREEZING! and I only brought clothes for two days.
Hotel subculture is interesting too...you know who to ask for what in reception, the doorman is your best friend, you know to avoid certain guests or floors that are noisy, you always see the same two stressed out people in reception. Interesting. I could people watch here all day...and La Condesa is so big, you can wander and wander. It's beautiful too, there is a great view of San Jose from the mountainside. Really this is one of the nicest hotels I have ever stayed in! It is considered five star in Costa Rica...
Ok, Jesus just called so its time to go chill with my homies...hasta pronto.
Pura Vida
room mates
This morning was quite interesting...Clara and I had to switch apartments, moving all of our things into the little place across the hall where Jessica is staying. We will be sharing a room, and a bed, the rest of our time here...now we just need keys!
Going back to my blog from yesterday, I appreciate all the more a certain mellowness found in all of us chaperones...whether it's the understanding that our groups come first, talking about tours, complaining or glorifying our group, talking about guides, sharing horror stories or giving advice, or sharing an apartment: ) We are some cool and tough characters. And I am cool with my roomies!
Yesterday evening I went to see Transformers 3 with my group. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be! Going to the movies with friends is different than going to the movies with your group, because you are still "on duty" so to speak...But who should I see there in the theater but Jesus! Another chaperone, there with his West Coast group. He called to me from where he was and we were able to sit together. I haven't seen him in a month! So it was great to catch up a bit, and sit with a friend.
It would be great if before we all leave, we could do something together, us chaperones. I miss all my amigos! The temporada is fast coming to a close...hold on tight for the ride.
Pura vida
Going back to my blog from yesterday, I appreciate all the more a certain mellowness found in all of us chaperones...whether it's the understanding that our groups come first, talking about tours, complaining or glorifying our group, talking about guides, sharing horror stories or giving advice, or sharing an apartment: ) We are some cool and tough characters. And I am cool with my roomies!
Yesterday evening I went to see Transformers 3 with my group. It was a lot more fun than I thought it would be! Going to the movies with friends is different than going to the movies with your group, because you are still "on duty" so to speak...But who should I see there in the theater but Jesus! Another chaperone, there with his West Coast group. He called to me from where he was and we were able to sit together. I haven't seen him in a month! So it was great to catch up a bit, and sit with a friend.
It would be great if before we all leave, we could do something together, us chaperones. I miss all my amigos! The temporada is fast coming to a close...hold on tight for the ride.
Pura vida
chills
The last few days it has really felt like winter here...there has been rain every afternoon and it has been chilly, so I am always taking my sweatshirt with me. (you know how I always feel cold!) My soccer group was shocked to hear that we are in winter right now. But rain and chilly afternoons and evenings are typical winter weather. I won't be missing the rain in Monteverde come October. Winter up on the mountain is not for the faint of heart!!
Monday was a good day, although very busy. I have two groups right now, and Monday I was doing orientation for my new group, all minors and all soccer fans. Luckily I don't think they will be a tough crowd, they are all sweet kids.
I have been getting a good dose of soccer this week too, what with my soccer group and watching the Costa Rica v. Argentina game on Monday. I went to my Familia Tica here in Heredia to eat dinner and watch the game...and couldn't stop laughing! My hermano Jason get very excited about soccer, and is very vocal..."Zorras! Perras! Hoy van a perder los Argentinos! Que se quebran los pies!" It doesn't warrant translation, but it's all a little mean and dirty, trust me : ) Jessica and I were both there for dinner and dessert...tres leches!! I haven't had any that good since my birthday in April!! YUM! No one makes it like Nidia. We headed home before the game ended, as we were both dead tired. I slept well and had weird dreams about West Coast all night.
Yesterday I didn't got to the mall after all, Lucy had to cancel. So I hung out all evening with Clara in the apartment watching Criminal Minds and eating pizza. Love having a room-mate!! It reminded me of my days at 305.
Clara told me too that having a room-mate this summer has been a different experience for her. In France she had her own bed and bathroom, and did not have to share. The kitchen was the only shared space! I think I have been very lucky in room-mates, on the whole. Especially here in Costa Rica, considering that I do not have a choice of who I am with! I love being close to Clara and Jess especially, and getting to know Ciera was awesome! Nanou is the only one I have not had to share with of all the chaperonas. Muni might as well be family! My amigas are all pretty fabulous.
Today Julian is leaving to go back to the USA. How has summer passed so quickly already, that some of us are leaving? It seems impossible and wrong. La jefa commented today that it will be even tougher for me to leave, after being here for so long. I agree, I am not sure how I will handle it. Already thinking about how and when I can come back!! Because this is where I belong...
Pura Vida...
Monday was a good day, although very busy. I have two groups right now, and Monday I was doing orientation for my new group, all minors and all soccer fans. Luckily I don't think they will be a tough crowd, they are all sweet kids.
I have been getting a good dose of soccer this week too, what with my soccer group and watching the Costa Rica v. Argentina game on Monday. I went to my Familia Tica here in Heredia to eat dinner and watch the game...and couldn't stop laughing! My hermano Jason get very excited about soccer, and is very vocal..."Zorras! Perras! Hoy van a perder los Argentinos! Que se quebran los pies!" It doesn't warrant translation, but it's all a little mean and dirty, trust me : ) Jessica and I were both there for dinner and dessert...tres leches!! I haven't had any that good since my birthday in April!! YUM! No one makes it like Nidia. We headed home before the game ended, as we were both dead tired. I slept well and had weird dreams about West Coast all night.
Yesterday I didn't got to the mall after all, Lucy had to cancel. So I hung out all evening with Clara in the apartment watching Criminal Minds and eating pizza. Love having a room-mate!! It reminded me of my days at 305.
Clara told me too that having a room-mate this summer has been a different experience for her. In France she had her own bed and bathroom, and did not have to share. The kitchen was the only shared space! I think I have been very lucky in room-mates, on the whole. Especially here in Costa Rica, considering that I do not have a choice of who I am with! I love being close to Clara and Jess especially, and getting to know Ciera was awesome! Nanou is the only one I have not had to share with of all the chaperonas. Muni might as well be family! My amigas are all pretty fabulous.
Today Julian is leaving to go back to the USA. How has summer passed so quickly already, that some of us are leaving? It seems impossible and wrong. La jefa commented today that it will be even tougher for me to leave, after being here for so long. I agree, I am not sure how I will handle it. Already thinking about how and when I can come back!! Because this is where I belong...
Pura Vida...
at the beach with the sobrinos
This weekend was GREAT!
I slept in Saturday til 8:30am, which is late for me. I spent my time eating breakfast, stretching, watching some tv, showering.
Later in the morning I was bored out of my mind with both Clara and Jess away, and I tried to go see my friend Brittany in Moravia but wasn't able to get ahold of her. So I spent the morning with my Mama Tica, helping with laundry and hanging out eating cajetas...
(Cajetas: made of milk, these are typical candies. To make a simple version, get a can of condensed milk, a stick of butter, powdered milk and crushed peanuts. Boil the condensed milk, mix in the butter. When the butter is totally melted, pur in the powdered milk mixed with the peanuts. Mix everything well, and as it begins to cool pour it into a pan. Let it cool completely and cut into squares...enjoy your cajeta de leche!)
We ran a few errands after eating lunch. I am still looking for a new watch, since I bought a dud one last week (typical me!), hitting the carniceria and going to get my Mama's nails done at the family that I was staying with! My nails got painted on Tuesday, when I just went to hang out. But I like having them done...its a little confidence booster! I got to drive after the nails part...in San Joaquin traffic, in a pick up truck. Quite an exciting ride for me! Then in the afternoon I went to Elliott's, catching the bus around 4:30pm.
On Sunday I spent all day at Elliott's in Esparza, with his sister, 3 nieces, and son. WE hung out around the house and played, ate lunch, got ice cream, and then went to the beach in Caldera.
It's funny too, these kids don't go to the beach very much, so it was really special for them. I spent most of the time with Janieri(6) and Sherlyn(10), in the water letting the waves wash over. Gladys (13) and Kendall(11) were both ok in the water by themselves. They all live in San Jorge de Upala, Elliott's hometown, and do not get to go to the beach often, since it's really pretty far away. They loved every minute, playing in the sand and splashing around. I remember how much fun I had going to the beach as a kid, and watching Janieri's face every time we hit a wave was priceless. Elliott couldn't stop smiling, saying I looked like quite the nanny with 4 kids playing with me in the water! It was a fun family day : ) I am very comfortable with his sister and sobrinos (nieces and nephews). It started to rain around 4:30pm, so we headed back to Esparza and made dinner. Priceless...!
This week I am pretty busy with 2 groups, one of them a group of minor students doing a soccer program...Peter would have fun with them I think...
Tonight I plan to go to Nidia's for dinner, tomorrow I have plans with Lucy to get churros, and on Thursday I think I will be eating with Elvia and Alexis! According to my friends in the office, I am a regular Laura Chinchilla (who happens to be the president of Costa Rica, with a very full social calender I imagine...). Hey, I have to keep up with everyone somehow! I only have until September....
Pura vida.
I slept in Saturday til 8:30am, which is late for me. I spent my time eating breakfast, stretching, watching some tv, showering.
Later in the morning I was bored out of my mind with both Clara and Jess away, and I tried to go see my friend Brittany in Moravia but wasn't able to get ahold of her. So I spent the morning with my Mama Tica, helping with laundry and hanging out eating cajetas...
(Cajetas: made of milk, these are typical candies. To make a simple version, get a can of condensed milk, a stick of butter, powdered milk and crushed peanuts. Boil the condensed milk, mix in the butter. When the butter is totally melted, pur in the powdered milk mixed with the peanuts. Mix everything well, and as it begins to cool pour it into a pan. Let it cool completely and cut into squares...enjoy your cajeta de leche!)
We ran a few errands after eating lunch. I am still looking for a new watch, since I bought a dud one last week (typical me!), hitting the carniceria and going to get my Mama's nails done at the family that I was staying with! My nails got painted on Tuesday, when I just went to hang out. But I like having them done...its a little confidence booster! I got to drive after the nails part...in San Joaquin traffic, in a pick up truck. Quite an exciting ride for me! Then in the afternoon I went to Elliott's, catching the bus around 4:30pm.
On Sunday I spent all day at Elliott's in Esparza, with his sister, 3 nieces, and son. WE hung out around the house and played, ate lunch, got ice cream, and then went to the beach in Caldera.
It's funny too, these kids don't go to the beach very much, so it was really special for them. I spent most of the time with Janieri(6) and Sherlyn(10), in the water letting the waves wash over. Gladys (13) and Kendall(11) were both ok in the water by themselves. They all live in San Jorge de Upala, Elliott's hometown, and do not get to go to the beach often, since it's really pretty far away. They loved every minute, playing in the sand and splashing around. I remember how much fun I had going to the beach as a kid, and watching Janieri's face every time we hit a wave was priceless. Elliott couldn't stop smiling, saying I looked like quite the nanny with 4 kids playing with me in the water! It was a fun family day : ) I am very comfortable with his sister and sobrinos (nieces and nephews). It started to rain around 4:30pm, so we headed back to Esparza and made dinner. Priceless...!
This week I am pretty busy with 2 groups, one of them a group of minor students doing a soccer program...Peter would have fun with them I think...
Tonight I plan to go to Nidia's for dinner, tomorrow I have plans with Lucy to get churros, and on Thursday I think I will be eating with Elvia and Alexis! According to my friends in the office, I am a regular Laura Chinchilla (who happens to be the president of Costa Rica, with a very full social calender I imagine...). Hey, I have to keep up with everyone somehow! I only have until September....
Pura vida.
tgif
Well, despite my efforts I still have a lingering hacking cough...oh so pleasant, and watching my boss periodically pour on the hand sanitizer makes me feel like I have the black plague. This weekend my goal is to sleep, and it looks entirely possible as I have zero activities with my group and both Clara and Jess are headed to other destinations.
Last night I had a lot of fun with a friend of mine from CPI, we went out to a local bar and chatted. I danced a little, but it was nothing compared to my salsa nights in Monteverde. I have to admit that I am a little hung over. Before leaving I opened a bottle of white wine, and Jess and I polished it off...then I had something else at the bar. Bad idea. In any case I slept well and I am drinking water like I slept in a desert.
On the whole I am just glad it's the weekend...tgif.
Pura Vida!
Last night I had a lot of fun with a friend of mine from CPI, we went out to a local bar and chatted. I danced a little, but it was nothing compared to my salsa nights in Monteverde. I have to admit that I am a little hung over. Before leaving I opened a bottle of white wine, and Jess and I polished it off...then I had something else at the bar. Bad idea. In any case I slept well and I am drinking water like I slept in a desert.
On the whole I am just glad it's the weekend...tgif.
Pura Vida!
orange juice in my veins
The last few days I have had some serious drainage going on. When I arrived in Monteverde I got a head cold, which has plagued me since...I have felt fine, but my voice is awful and my nose is constantly running. This week I am determined to kick it with heavy doses of vitamin C and sleep. So I have been drinking liters of orange juice during the day, and turning in early at night, plus taking extra vitamin C pills.
Currently sharing an apartment with Claire, and Jessica is next door. It is nice to be hanging out with just us girls! We also have breakfast and dinner included which is a luxury...since we have no stove in our apartment, just a microwave, microwave oven and fridge. I still maintain that I can make do in any conditions...but it is really nice to have some meals taken care of.
My new group is a really nice bunch...there are some personalities that remind me of the kids from last year, and the professor is very nice. Yesterday we went on a walking tour of Heredia, which I love doing! Heredia is pretty much my other hometown, though my love for Monteverde won't fade anytime soon. I enjoy walking around downtown, chilling in the plazas and people watching.
Speaking of watching, I bought another watch that already needs a battery change. Great! I plan to go this afternoon during my lunch hour.
Later this month Elliott and I will celebrate our 1 year anniversary! Hard to believe time has gone so fast. We are still thinking about what we will do. Tentatively planning a trip to Nicaragua, since I need to make a Visa run. We will see what pans out, balancing our work schedules.
Later this morning Gerry arrives from Miami...looking forward to giving him a big hug! It will be like having the old crew back together. Cannot wait!!!
Pura Vida :)
Currently sharing an apartment with Claire, and Jessica is next door. It is nice to be hanging out with just us girls! We also have breakfast and dinner included which is a luxury...since we have no stove in our apartment, just a microwave, microwave oven and fridge. I still maintain that I can make do in any conditions...but it is really nice to have some meals taken care of.
My new group is a really nice bunch...there are some personalities that remind me of the kids from last year, and the professor is very nice. Yesterday we went on a walking tour of Heredia, which I love doing! Heredia is pretty much my other hometown, though my love for Monteverde won't fade anytime soon. I enjoy walking around downtown, chilling in the plazas and people watching.
Speaking of watching, I bought another watch that already needs a battery change. Great! I plan to go this afternoon during my lunch hour.
Later this month Elliott and I will celebrate our 1 year anniversary! Hard to believe time has gone so fast. We are still thinking about what we will do. Tentatively planning a trip to Nicaragua, since I need to make a Visa run. We will see what pans out, balancing our work schedules.
Later this morning Gerry arrives from Miami...looking forward to giving him a big hug! It will be like having the old crew back together. Cannot wait!!!
Pura Vida :)
has anyone seen the month of June?
It is hard to believe that half of the year is already over.
It freaks the heck out of me that it goes by so quickly! I can hardly feel it, the way the time passes.
Speaking of time, my watch broke. I need to get another one or see if it is worth getting repaired...it's just one of those cheapie popular plastic ones, but I liked the color a lot and it was very practical for the job. The screen no longer flashes the date and time...it just flashes bits and pieces of lines that make no sense, or it goes blank. I have gotten used to having a watch, I need to go get another one...!
Well, I am back in the big city. Although San Joaquin de Flores is not really the big city, it sure feels like it in comparison to Monteverde. I said goodbye to my group from Arkansas yesterday afternoon and will be picking up my new group from Alabama shortly...with so much Southern exposure it's no wonder that my gringo accent sounds so country! Folks from the southern United States are really quite nice. Their hospitality and friendliness is famous! But at the same time some parts of the South are also famously racist. I think on the whole people from the south are pretty good cultural ambassadors, and at least in my experience they have been a pleasure to work with.
Funny story, this group I will be with for the next three weeks came for the very first time last summer, and I was their chaperone. This year they are returning, and the professor who organizes the whole program specifically asked for me! The group was my absolute favorite last year, they were so energetic, nice, curious, culturally conscious. I am looking forward to meeting these kids! From what I know there is one "repeat" in the group, a student who came last year and is doing the program again. It will be interesting to see how her Spanish has improved.
While I am here in Heredia I will be sharing an apartment with Jessica, my fellow chap. Looking forward to hanging out with her here, it is a treat to have my co-workers in the same place at the same time... when we have groups we are so busy we don't get to hang out! I am also trying to plan a visit to see my Mama Tica, Nidia, my Familia in Llorente, and Fresia wants me to teach her and her sister-in-law English. Also I have a friend from Dayton studying in Costa Rica for the next five weeks, so I want to make a date with her too! There are just so many people to see.
And of course I need to make time for mi amor.
Busy, busy. But I like it that way : )
Adios, June. Hola, July...
Pura Vida
It freaks the heck out of me that it goes by so quickly! I can hardly feel it, the way the time passes.
Speaking of time, my watch broke. I need to get another one or see if it is worth getting repaired...it's just one of those cheapie popular plastic ones, but I liked the color a lot and it was very practical for the job. The screen no longer flashes the date and time...it just flashes bits and pieces of lines that make no sense, or it goes blank. I have gotten used to having a watch, I need to go get another one...!
Well, I am back in the big city. Although San Joaquin de Flores is not really the big city, it sure feels like it in comparison to Monteverde. I said goodbye to my group from Arkansas yesterday afternoon and will be picking up my new group from Alabama shortly...with so much Southern exposure it's no wonder that my gringo accent sounds so country! Folks from the southern United States are really quite nice. Their hospitality and friendliness is famous! But at the same time some parts of the South are also famously racist. I think on the whole people from the south are pretty good cultural ambassadors, and at least in my experience they have been a pleasure to work with.
Funny story, this group I will be with for the next three weeks came for the very first time last summer, and I was their chaperone. This year they are returning, and the professor who organizes the whole program specifically asked for me! The group was my absolute favorite last year, they were so energetic, nice, curious, culturally conscious. I am looking forward to meeting these kids! From what I know there is one "repeat" in the group, a student who came last year and is doing the program again. It will be interesting to see how her Spanish has improved.
While I am here in Heredia I will be sharing an apartment with Jessica, my fellow chap. Looking forward to hanging out with her here, it is a treat to have my co-workers in the same place at the same time... when we have groups we are so busy we don't get to hang out! I am also trying to plan a visit to see my Mama Tica, Nidia, my Familia in Llorente, and Fresia wants me to teach her and her sister-in-law English. Also I have a friend from Dayton studying in Costa Rica for the next five weeks, so I want to make a date with her too! There are just so many people to see.
And of course I need to make time for mi amor.
Busy, busy. But I like it that way : )
Adios, June. Hola, July...
Pura Vida
la chiquita Tica...
Yesterday my group went on a canopy tour--my favorite one here in Monteverde, Extremo. I must have done this tour eight or more times by now...
At the end of the tour a young man approached me and began speaking in Spanish, asking me about CPI. He studied at CPI Heredia for six months some years ago and is now doing a Peace Corps program here teaching English in San Rafael de Abangares. What a small world! He asked about coming to observe English and Spanish classes at CPI Monteverde, who he should contact, etc. I was impressed with his Spanish, and at first glance he looks Tico! He must have thought the same thing about me, because he asked where I was from and when I told him Ohio he was very taken aback... "De verdad??" he asked. "For real??" It made me smile.
During lunch time I was talking with co-workers about the chaperones we have working in Groups this summer, and joking about funny situations and the different personalities we have. Almost all of the chaps have studied at CPI, and have taken Spanish classes at some point. All of us have improved over time, all of us have differing levels and make different mistakes, have different areas to work on. I know I am still missing subjunctive and need to work on vocabulary building. On the whole, I have been told that out of all the chaps I am the one who has made the most improvements on my Spanish...and I think it has to do with my immersion and how much time I have spent here. With my co-workers too, it is really hard for me to speak in English. I have it all so programmed in my mind that when I speak with them I automatically, without thinking about it, speak in Spanish. I have also spent a lot of time with Ticos here in general, having a Tica room-mate and always, almost ALWAYS speaking to Elliott in Spanish. My level of Spanish and their level of English makes it much easier to communicate in Spanish versus English... I know that I still have a long way to go to achieve complete fluency. Learning a language is a life long process and I will never be able to say that I know everything.
But I am proud that at least, I can be mistaken for Tica with the Spanish I have now. Also that my Spanish is distinctly Costa Rican, in my intonation, vocabulary, sayings. Casi, casi, casi Tica...Almost Tica.
Pura vida.
At the end of the tour a young man approached me and began speaking in Spanish, asking me about CPI. He studied at CPI Heredia for six months some years ago and is now doing a Peace Corps program here teaching English in San Rafael de Abangares. What a small world! He asked about coming to observe English and Spanish classes at CPI Monteverde, who he should contact, etc. I was impressed with his Spanish, and at first glance he looks Tico! He must have thought the same thing about me, because he asked where I was from and when I told him Ohio he was very taken aback... "De verdad??" he asked. "For real??" It made me smile.
During lunch time I was talking with co-workers about the chaperones we have working in Groups this summer, and joking about funny situations and the different personalities we have. Almost all of the chaps have studied at CPI, and have taken Spanish classes at some point. All of us have improved over time, all of us have differing levels and make different mistakes, have different areas to work on. I know I am still missing subjunctive and need to work on vocabulary building. On the whole, I have been told that out of all the chaps I am the one who has made the most improvements on my Spanish...and I think it has to do with my immersion and how much time I have spent here. With my co-workers too, it is really hard for me to speak in English. I have it all so programmed in my mind that when I speak with them I automatically, without thinking about it, speak in Spanish. I have also spent a lot of time with Ticos here in general, having a Tica room-mate and always, almost ALWAYS speaking to Elliott in Spanish. My level of Spanish and their level of English makes it much easier to communicate in Spanish versus English... I know that I still have a long way to go to achieve complete fluency. Learning a language is a life long process and I will never be able to say that I know everything.
But I am proud that at least, I can be mistaken for Tica with the Spanish I have now. Also that my Spanish is distinctly Costa Rican, in my intonation, vocabulary, sayings. Casi, casi, casi Tica...Almost Tica.
Pura vida.
Costa Rica--Top 10 Online
This website lists some of the top ten places to visit in Costa Rica... and note that Monteverde is on the list! Along with several other places I have yet to visit.
There is ALWAYS more to see in this beautiful country...
http://costa-rica-guide.com/top_ten.htm
Pura Vida : )
PS. At 6:16am today John Michael Taliaferro was born...felicidades to my very best friends, Katie and Ben Taliaferro! So excited for them!!!!!!!!!!!
There is ALWAYS more to see in this beautiful country...
http://costa-rica-guide.com/top_ten.htm
Pura Vida : )
PS. At 6:16am today John Michael Taliaferro was born...felicidades to my very best friends, Katie and Ben Taliaferro! So excited for them!!!!!!!!!!!
technology proves that it is a small world, afterall...
The internet is an amazing tool.
It allows me to post this blog to the world and share my experiences, pictures, ideas, observations.
I can also use Skype to call home and not spend minutes calling all the time.
Yesterday using the internet I connected my parents (in Dayton, Ohio, USA) and my boyfriend (in Jaco, Puntarenas, COSTA RICA) for the first time.
Elliott has only recently begun to use Skype, and is a very quick learner haha! We have been able to video chat in the evenings, as he has been on tour lately and has had internet access at hotels. My Mom and I usually have a Skype date at least once a week. Last night they were both on at the same time, and I hosted a three-way call. My mom and Elliott have spoken once before, when I called him in December from the USA. We talked for a while in Spanish...later we spoke with my Dad in English! For me it was really special that I was able to connect them, these people that I care about that are separated by incredible distances shrunken to the size of my computer screen thanks to modern technology. HOW EXCITING!!!!!!!!!
What a small world : )
Pura Vida
It allows me to post this blog to the world and share my experiences, pictures, ideas, observations.
I can also use Skype to call home and not spend minutes calling all the time.
Yesterday using the internet I connected my parents (in Dayton, Ohio, USA) and my boyfriend (in Jaco, Puntarenas, COSTA RICA) for the first time.
Elliott has only recently begun to use Skype, and is a very quick learner haha! We have been able to video chat in the evenings, as he has been on tour lately and has had internet access at hotels. My Mom and I usually have a Skype date at least once a week. Last night they were both on at the same time, and I hosted a three-way call. My mom and Elliott have spoken once before, when I called him in December from the USA. We talked for a while in Spanish...later we spoke with my Dad in English! For me it was really special that I was able to connect them, these people that I care about that are separated by incredible distances shrunken to the size of my computer screen thanks to modern technology. HOW EXCITING!!!!!!!!!
What a small world : )
Pura Vida
add this to my "dislikes"
In discussion with Muni I thought of something else to add to my list of dislikes in Costa Rica.
I do not like curtains here.
The style is similar to something you would expect to find in your grandma's house, sheers embroidered with floral or plant designs and odd cut-outs. They usually come in a variety of pastel colors that do not make for very functional curtains, as the lighter colors fade faster in the sun. They are also floor length, which means they need to be cleaned more often (but probably aren't). Bottom line: the curtains here remind me of some old lady's house and are not practical.
I think I prefer blinds. Or even shutters. Ok, done ranting about curtains.
Pura vida...
I do not like curtains here.
The style is similar to something you would expect to find in your grandma's house, sheers embroidered with floral or plant designs and odd cut-outs. They usually come in a variety of pastel colors that do not make for very functional curtains, as the lighter colors fade faster in the sun. They are also floor length, which means they need to be cleaned more often (but probably aren't). Bottom line: the curtains here remind me of some old lady's house and are not practical.
I think I prefer blinds. Or even shutters. Ok, done ranting about curtains.
Pura vida...
travel fever
Read these and you will want to start making travel plans.
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/23/istanbul.travel.guide/index.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/17/top.floating.hotels/index.html
http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/play/10-great-cities-100-fantastic-free-attractions-442516
More to come!
Pura vida
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/23/istanbul.travel.guide/index.html
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/TRAVEL/06/17/top.floating.hotels/index.html
http://www.cnngo.com/explorations/play/10-great-cities-100-fantastic-free-attractions-442516
More to come!
Pura vida
when in Costa Rica...
Some things you should do while visiting this amazing country:
Visit the tourist spots.
This means plan a trip to a well known destination like Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, San Jose (the capital) and Puerto Viejo. These places a are famous for a reason! They are part of why CR is so well known for it's mystical natural beauty. You will want to be able to say you saw an active volcano, visited a pristine beach, saw the mix of Caribbean and Spanish cultures, and you will have some memorable photos.
Climb Chirripo!
Visit Rio Celeste!
Check out the Osa Peninsula!
Relax on Playa Conchal!
Visit a national park.
25% of this country is protected...thinking about how much biodiversity you can find in a country the size of West Virginia, it makes sense that so much of it is reserves and national parks! Taking care of the environment helps to ensure that what makes this country so unique, beautiful, wonderful is being preserved. It also reflects the Tico's love of nature. See a spider walking across your patio? Let it be. Ecotourism is also HUGE here, so preserving the natural environment is also making sure that the economy stays strong. Tourism provides a lot of jobs (tour guides, hotels, transportation, restaurants, etc.). Why does everyone want to come visit Costa Rica? Because it is a tropical paradise. And we want to keep it that way. Go look for a quetzal!
Try gallo pinto.
The diet here is rice and beans and...well, rice and beans. Being the staples you can find them at almost every meal in some shape or form...you have to be sure to try this typical plate! "Gallo pinto" literally means "painted rooster." It is a dish made from rice (typically leftover from the previous day), beans, sweet red pepper, onion, cilantro, and salsa lizano.
How to make this dish:
-Finely chop onion, red pepper, cilantro
-Sautee onion and red pepper in skillet
-Add beans to sautee'd onion and pepper (don't be afraid to put a little bit of the bean liquid in...it makes it moist and not so dry!)
-Once beans are good and hot, begin to add rice. Mix the rice in well.
-When rice is well mixed and hot, add salsa lizano to taste.
-Remove from heat and mix in cilantro.
Note that if you don't have salsa lizano at home, you can add cummin.
I LOVE gallo pinto, to the point that I would make it at home my senior year of college. Just ask my roomies about "not disturbing the beans," haha!
Be sure to give it a try : )
Eat some fresh fruit.
Everything tastes different! It is fresh, and it is good. You can taste the sunshine in every pineapple (maybe that sounds corny) and the sweetness of every papaya. Fruit is abundant, cheap, and seriously delicious.
Drink coffee.
Costa Rica is one of the most famous in the world for producing quality coffee. Try it and let your taste buds decide! (I have grown to love cafe con leche...)I wasn't a coffee drinker before I came here!
Take a public bus.
Its cheap and it gives you a new cultural perspective. Everyone takes the bus, from cleaning ladies to lawyers. It's a little slice of life that will only cost you 200 colones.
Stop and smell the hibiscus.
Pura vida...it sums up the lifestyle here, 100%. You see people on their front porches, relaxing in hammocks, just chilling out. It's a combination of Tico time and the more relaxed way of living. Ticos are some of the happiest people in the world. Why do you think that is?
Take a shot.
Imperial and guaro...typical, traditional. If a bar here has nothing else, it will have one of these two.
Play some soccer.
A soccer field is an essential part of any town or city here. There are local teams that play, kids after school, neighborhood folks. Don't be afraid to go kick the ball around! You might catch the fever that spread worldwide during the World Cup, and the Copa de Oro (going on right now! I watched Costa Rica v. Honduras with Elliott last weekend!). It's the national game, no contest, and I admit that even a five year old Tico here has more soccer skills than me.
Get a t-shirt.
Even the Ticos wear souvenir type t-shirts with "pura vida" or "Imperial" prints.
Learn some "pachuco."
Slang! It's what you hear on the streets, or in conversation with regular folks. Old folks too. Even if you arrive with zero Spanish, I can guarantee you leave with these words in your basic vocabulary: Pura vida. Tuanis. Mae. I am still learning slang all the time. It helps to make you not seem like such a ... tourist, haha!
Open your eyes!
This is a travel basic. Look around and notice the differences in the culture, ask questions, participate, engage in conversation. Be culturally sensitive. Remember, it's not better or worse...just different!
Pura Vida : )
Visit the tourist spots.
This means plan a trip to a well known destination like Arenal Volcano, Manuel Antonio, San Jose (the capital) and Puerto Viejo. These places a are famous for a reason! They are part of why CR is so well known for it's mystical natural beauty. You will want to be able to say you saw an active volcano, visited a pristine beach, saw the mix of Caribbean and Spanish cultures, and you will have some memorable photos.
Climb Chirripo!
Visit Rio Celeste!
Check out the Osa Peninsula!
Relax on Playa Conchal!
Visit a national park.
25% of this country is protected...thinking about how much biodiversity you can find in a country the size of West Virginia, it makes sense that so much of it is reserves and national parks! Taking care of the environment helps to ensure that what makes this country so unique, beautiful, wonderful is being preserved. It also reflects the Tico's love of nature. See a spider walking across your patio? Let it be. Ecotourism is also HUGE here, so preserving the natural environment is also making sure that the economy stays strong. Tourism provides a lot of jobs (tour guides, hotels, transportation, restaurants, etc.). Why does everyone want to come visit Costa Rica? Because it is a tropical paradise. And we want to keep it that way. Go look for a quetzal!
Try gallo pinto.
The diet here is rice and beans and...well, rice and beans. Being the staples you can find them at almost every meal in some shape or form...you have to be sure to try this typical plate! "Gallo pinto" literally means "painted rooster." It is a dish made from rice (typically leftover from the previous day), beans, sweet red pepper, onion, cilantro, and salsa lizano.
How to make this dish:
-Finely chop onion, red pepper, cilantro
-Sautee onion and red pepper in skillet
-Add beans to sautee'd onion and pepper (don't be afraid to put a little bit of the bean liquid in...it makes it moist and not so dry!)
-Once beans are good and hot, begin to add rice. Mix the rice in well.
-When rice is well mixed and hot, add salsa lizano to taste.
-Remove from heat and mix in cilantro.
Note that if you don't have salsa lizano at home, you can add cummin.
I LOVE gallo pinto, to the point that I would make it at home my senior year of college. Just ask my roomies about "not disturbing the beans," haha!
Be sure to give it a try : )
Eat some fresh fruit.
Everything tastes different! It is fresh, and it is good. You can taste the sunshine in every pineapple (maybe that sounds corny) and the sweetness of every papaya. Fruit is abundant, cheap, and seriously delicious.
Drink coffee.
Costa Rica is one of the most famous in the world for producing quality coffee. Try it and let your taste buds decide! (I have grown to love cafe con leche...)I wasn't a coffee drinker before I came here!
Take a public bus.
Its cheap and it gives you a new cultural perspective. Everyone takes the bus, from cleaning ladies to lawyers. It's a little slice of life that will only cost you 200 colones.
Stop and smell the hibiscus.
Pura vida...it sums up the lifestyle here, 100%. You see people on their front porches, relaxing in hammocks, just chilling out. It's a combination of Tico time and the more relaxed way of living. Ticos are some of the happiest people in the world. Why do you think that is?
Take a shot.
Imperial and guaro...typical, traditional. If a bar here has nothing else, it will have one of these two.
Play some soccer.
A soccer field is an essential part of any town or city here. There are local teams that play, kids after school, neighborhood folks. Don't be afraid to go kick the ball around! You might catch the fever that spread worldwide during the World Cup, and the Copa de Oro (going on right now! I watched Costa Rica v. Honduras with Elliott last weekend!). It's the national game, no contest, and I admit that even a five year old Tico here has more soccer skills than me.
Get a t-shirt.
Even the Ticos wear souvenir type t-shirts with "pura vida" or "Imperial" prints.
Learn some "pachuco."
Slang! It's what you hear on the streets, or in conversation with regular folks. Old folks too. Even if you arrive with zero Spanish, I can guarantee you leave with these words in your basic vocabulary: Pura vida. Tuanis. Mae. I am still learning slang all the time. It helps to make you not seem like such a ... tourist, haha!
Open your eyes!
This is a travel basic. Look around and notice the differences in the culture, ask questions, participate, engage in conversation. Be culturally sensitive. Remember, it's not better or worse...just different!
Pura Vida : )
reggae and old friends
Lately I have been in a very reggae mood. The mellowness is great! I have been looking for some new, good music online. Liking the rasta bit. Though I am not rasta at all! I prefer black/white/blue to red/yellow/green.
Today I am happy to welcome back an old friend from CPI Grupos...Pim, from Holland! He arrived today in Costa Rica and will be up in Monteverde tomorrow. I also found out that Gerry, who trained me three years ago as a chaperona, will be back working with CPI this summer. I am super excited to see these two friends! It will be like three years ago,the dream team : ))
PURA VIDA!
Today I am happy to welcome back an old friend from CPI Grupos...Pim, from Holland! He arrived today in Costa Rica and will be up in Monteverde tomorrow. I also found out that Gerry, who trained me three years ago as a chaperona, will be back working with CPI this summer. I am super excited to see these two friends! It will be like three years ago,the dream team : ))
PURA VIDA!
smells fresh ground...
**From June 20th**
You know what? Some people do not know how to function without their morning cup of brew. It may be Starbucks, or Boston Stoker, Dunkin' Donuts, etc. Whatever.
But I have to tell you, that the best coffee I have ever tasted is from Costa Rica. I love me some Cafe Britt! And Cafe Monteverde. Always with milk...never sugar.
Cafe con leche, porfa.
Its funny too, that a coffee machine is now a completely foreign object. I like the chorreador, the french press. (I think I will try to bring a chorreador home to my mom! No electricity required.)
When I was last in the USA I was overcome by the variety of coffee available. Here on the drinks menu you always see, put simply, "cafe con leche."
So when I went up to the counter at Starbucks I felt a little silly..."Cafe con leche?"
Coffee and a little milk, please, makes my day that much better.
Thank you Costa Rica for giving me a taste of the golden bean....
Pura Vida
You know what? Some people do not know how to function without their morning cup of brew. It may be Starbucks, or Boston Stoker, Dunkin' Donuts, etc. Whatever.
But I have to tell you, that the best coffee I have ever tasted is from Costa Rica. I love me some Cafe Britt! And Cafe Monteverde. Always with milk...never sugar.
Cafe con leche, porfa.
Its funny too, that a coffee machine is now a completely foreign object. I like the chorreador, the french press. (I think I will try to bring a chorreador home to my mom! No electricity required.)
When I was last in the USA I was overcome by the variety of coffee available. Here on the drinks menu you always see, put simply, "cafe con leche."
So when I went up to the counter at Starbucks I felt a little silly..."Cafe con leche?"
Coffee and a little milk, please, makes my day that much better.
Thank you Costa Rica for giving me a taste of the golden bean....
Pura Vida
back in the montes
So today I arrived back to Monteverde after two weeks away in la cuidad. And I have missed it! The air is so fresh, I feel like my lungs are getting a cleanse. The hard part is saying good-bye to Heredia and all the wonderful people there. I am really going to miss Nanou, Clara, the rest of the office staff, and the ease of getting around!
Looks like for the next two weeks I am in training mode again. I am rooming with a new chaperona here in Casas del Toro, and well...I hope her Spanish comes back to her! It's disconcerting to have a co-worker who speaks such elementary Spanish. She has been studying 8 years, apparently. I have been studying 9. But the difference is night and day!!!
Happy Father's Day to all the Papis out there, especially MY Dad! Un abrazo!!!
Pura vida
Looks like for the next two weeks I am in training mode again. I am rooming with a new chaperona here in Casas del Toro, and well...I hope her Spanish comes back to her! It's disconcerting to have a co-worker who speaks such elementary Spanish. She has been studying 8 years, apparently. I have been studying 9. But the difference is night and day!!!
Happy Father's Day to all the Papis out there, especially MY Dad! Un abrazo!!!
Pura vida
my bucket list detinations
After reading an article on CNN Travel, I am inspired to write down a few places I would like to travel too before it's too late.
1. Switzerland
Why Swizterland? Ever since reading "Bloomability" by Sharon Creech in 5th grade, I have dreamed about going to Switzerland. To see the mountains, try the cheese and chocolate, hear the different spoken languages there, and maybe give skiing another go.
2. France
I have family in Bordeaux! Enough said.
3. Chile
My mother was born and raised in Chile, and I would love to go and visit. To see the mountains, visit the coast, try some good wine. Santiago is a must.
4. India
I have quite a few Indian friends. To immerse myself in a completely different culture, and be surrounded by a completely different language would be pretty challenging...interesting...eye-opening. I wonder how I would handle curry?
5. Canada
Woods. I want to go camping in Canada!!!
6. China
*See India explanation. *
TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN!
And embrace the journey.
Pura Vida : )
1. Switzerland
Why Swizterland? Ever since reading "Bloomability" by Sharon Creech in 5th grade, I have dreamed about going to Switzerland. To see the mountains, try the cheese and chocolate, hear the different spoken languages there, and maybe give skiing another go.
2. France
I have family in Bordeaux! Enough said.
3. Chile
My mother was born and raised in Chile, and I would love to go and visit. To see the mountains, visit the coast, try some good wine. Santiago is a must.
4. India
I have quite a few Indian friends. To immerse myself in a completely different culture, and be surrounded by a completely different language would be pretty challenging...interesting...eye-opening. I wonder how I would handle curry?
5. Canada
Woods. I want to go camping in Canada!!!
6. China
*See India explanation. *
TRAVEL WHILE YOU CAN!
And embrace the journey.
Pura Vida : )
sick season
It is not unusual for seasonal changes to affect our well-being.
Spring and summer can be tough for those suffering from allergies and hayfever, when fall begins some folks tend to get colds and sniffles. There is always some sort of flu or virus that goes around in winter, and people always try to avoid it by getting flu-shots. My Mom being a fan of natural remedies always encourages my sibs and I to take Vitamin C and echinacea, to help boost our immune system.
Its the same in Costa Rica!
When the season changes from summer to winter (summer is December through May, winter is June through November) many people get sick! There is often a virus, or just a bodily reaction to the change. Flu-like symptoms, sore throats and colds are all common.
This time of year is also when students come to visit us...and sometimes get sick with the whole between the seasons change, or have allergies, or with the high carb diet get upset stomachs. My last group, we all had some sort of stomach bug...even me. Today a couple of my students came to me in the morning not feeling their best, and I hope that this afternoon they start feeling better! This weekend is their tour to the Arenal Volcano, no time to be feeling poorly.
I admit that I have been a little under the weather the last few days, with a tickle in my throat and an afternoon headache in addition to just feeling agotada...tired.
It is sick season. So I am going to work on staying hydrated and taking Vitamin C.
Sleep is essential! Last night I went to bed around 8:40pm and it felt great.
Pura Vida...
Spring and summer can be tough for those suffering from allergies and hayfever, when fall begins some folks tend to get colds and sniffles. There is always some sort of flu or virus that goes around in winter, and people always try to avoid it by getting flu-shots. My Mom being a fan of natural remedies always encourages my sibs and I to take Vitamin C and echinacea, to help boost our immune system.
Its the same in Costa Rica!
When the season changes from summer to winter (summer is December through May, winter is June through November) many people get sick! There is often a virus, or just a bodily reaction to the change. Flu-like symptoms, sore throats and colds are all common.
This time of year is also when students come to visit us...and sometimes get sick with the whole between the seasons change, or have allergies, or with the high carb diet get upset stomachs. My last group, we all had some sort of stomach bug...even me. Today a couple of my students came to me in the morning not feeling their best, and I hope that this afternoon they start feeling better! This weekend is their tour to the Arenal Volcano, no time to be feeling poorly.
I admit that I have been a little under the weather the last few days, with a tickle in my throat and an afternoon headache in addition to just feeling agotada...tired.
It is sick season. So I am going to work on staying hydrated and taking Vitamin C.
Sleep is essential! Last night I went to bed around 8:40pm and it felt great.
Pura Vida...
sounds of Costa Rica
Topic: Music
One thing I always like to try and teach my groups is the difference between the popular types of music here. The top three are of course, salsa, merengue and cumbia. Other popular types are reggae, reggaeton and pop. You even hear some popular English songs on the radio. But no matter where you go, you can always find the rhythms of those top three.
It was a chofer from CPI who taught me to train my uneducated ear and catch the differences in the beat, the rhythm and bounce of these types of music. I can say to that I have some small talent in dancing to all of them, though my true love would have to be salsa. Merengue is the easiest to dance too, and pretty recognizable. Sometimes there is a fine difference between certain types of salsa and merengue, while any type of cumbia is immediately recognizable. Cumbia, being so unique, is a little harder to dance to. The little jump step always leaves me stumbling for the following step, throwing me off in a way that salsa doesn't. I just don't know what to do with my feet after the jump-step! Thus cumbia is great to watch...but dancing to it can be challenging.
Other types of popular music include: soca, bachata, swing.
I happen to like bachata a lot, though I am just now learning to dance to it. The style of dance involves a lot more personal contact and you really have to be able to move to it... Learning it well will be a challenge for me.
I love music!! There is always some background sound in my world.
Pura Vida
One thing I always like to try and teach my groups is the difference between the popular types of music here. The top three are of course, salsa, merengue and cumbia. Other popular types are reggae, reggaeton and pop. You even hear some popular English songs on the radio. But no matter where you go, you can always find the rhythms of those top three.
It was a chofer from CPI who taught me to train my uneducated ear and catch the differences in the beat, the rhythm and bounce of these types of music. I can say to that I have some small talent in dancing to all of them, though my true love would have to be salsa. Merengue is the easiest to dance too, and pretty recognizable. Sometimes there is a fine difference between certain types of salsa and merengue, while any type of cumbia is immediately recognizable. Cumbia, being so unique, is a little harder to dance to. The little jump step always leaves me stumbling for the following step, throwing me off in a way that salsa doesn't. I just don't know what to do with my feet after the jump-step! Thus cumbia is great to watch...but dancing to it can be challenging.
Other types of popular music include: soca, bachata, swing.
I happen to like bachata a lot, though I am just now learning to dance to it. The style of dance involves a lot more personal contact and you really have to be able to move to it... Learning it well will be a challenge for me.
I love music!! There is always some background sound in my world.
Pura Vida
be thankful, always.
Tuesdays aren't usually my favorite days (well almost any day besides Monday is good) but today was pretty good!
I got an e-mail from the one and only, my beloved Sarah North, and it really touched my heart. The way only Sarah can! A "sister-friend" as my Mom would say. I always end up laughing a lot when I read, much to the dismay of my co-workers, and every message leaves me feeling a little homesick and longing for the closeness that distance erases from our relationship. I love me some Sarah!
Office-wise there was quite a bit to do, prepping for groups arriving this weekend and coordinating the departure of my group's activity this afternoon as well as plans for them during the rest of the week. Right now I am also helping to coordinate the details of another group's program via e-mail, and taking some of the heat off my Jefa's inbox. I have a few projects going on, and I like to stay busy.
This afternoon my group spent time visiting La Carpio. As always, visiting this community is a special and rewarding experience for me.
(Just a reminder: La Carpio is a community of most Nicaraguan immigrants, very impoverished and subject to violence and crime in addition to the prejudices and daily difficulties that are present in the lives of it's inhabitants.)
My group spent the afternoon in the Montessori school, playing with the children and giving them time and attention. We played lost with puzzles, blocks, read books and playdough! I think some of the kids were a little taken aback, arriving at naptime and seeing the kids asleep on the concrete floor. One of my girls felt almost overwhelmed by the heat, and we had to make sure that she got some water and air. Talking with her I thought to myself, "what about these kids and teachers who are here all day?" The building has very little ventilation, and no AC. I was sweating quite a bit! But I wasn't extremely uncomfortable.
I spoke for a little while with Griselda, a Nicaraguan girl who has worked at the Montessori for almost two years about the education children in La Carpio receive. She explained that if parents can afford it, they send their children to schools outside La Carpio that have more comprehensive education programs (that include English, Phys Ed, Religion). The school in La Carpio has so many students that the schedule has been shortened to 7-10:30am, versus a regular schedule of 7-12:30pm in other schools. This change was made to attempt to accommodate the large number of kids in La Carpio, and does not allow for classes like English and Phys Ed. This makes sending your child to a school outside La Carpio a much better option, but also more expensive. Parents who send their kids to schools outside of La Carpio have to pay for transportation and meals in addition to school materials. Kids at the school in La Carpio can walk to school and eat lunch at home, making it a much more economical option but a less comprehensive education.
How grateful I am for my years of private, Catholic education which I know my parents struggled to give me and my siblings. And I loved my time at UD, although it broke me.
Visiting La Carpio always puts my life into perspective. And makes me ever more thankful for the life I am blessed to be living. I only hope that students take away from it a wider worldview, and a deeper appreciation for what they have in their lives. In many it fosters a desire to be a positive force in the lives of others, and makes people more socially aware. The impact a visit to La Carpio has on a person of course depends on the person...but I imagine it always sets off some small spark. I hope so.
Pura Vida.
I got an e-mail from the one and only, my beloved Sarah North, and it really touched my heart. The way only Sarah can! A "sister-friend" as my Mom would say. I always end up laughing a lot when I read, much to the dismay of my co-workers, and every message leaves me feeling a little homesick and longing for the closeness that distance erases from our relationship. I love me some Sarah!
Office-wise there was quite a bit to do, prepping for groups arriving this weekend and coordinating the departure of my group's activity this afternoon as well as plans for them during the rest of the week. Right now I am also helping to coordinate the details of another group's program via e-mail, and taking some of the heat off my Jefa's inbox. I have a few projects going on, and I like to stay busy.
This afternoon my group spent time visiting La Carpio. As always, visiting this community is a special and rewarding experience for me.
(Just a reminder: La Carpio is a community of most Nicaraguan immigrants, very impoverished and subject to violence and crime in addition to the prejudices and daily difficulties that are present in the lives of it's inhabitants.)
My group spent the afternoon in the Montessori school, playing with the children and giving them time and attention. We played lost with puzzles, blocks, read books and playdough! I think some of the kids were a little taken aback, arriving at naptime and seeing the kids asleep on the concrete floor. One of my girls felt almost overwhelmed by the heat, and we had to make sure that she got some water and air. Talking with her I thought to myself, "what about these kids and teachers who are here all day?" The building has very little ventilation, and no AC. I was sweating quite a bit! But I wasn't extremely uncomfortable.
I spoke for a little while with Griselda, a Nicaraguan girl who has worked at the Montessori for almost two years about the education children in La Carpio receive. She explained that if parents can afford it, they send their children to schools outside La Carpio that have more comprehensive education programs (that include English, Phys Ed, Religion). The school in La Carpio has so many students that the schedule has been shortened to 7-10:30am, versus a regular schedule of 7-12:30pm in other schools. This change was made to attempt to accommodate the large number of kids in La Carpio, and does not allow for classes like English and Phys Ed. This makes sending your child to a school outside La Carpio a much better option, but also more expensive. Parents who send their kids to schools outside of La Carpio have to pay for transportation and meals in addition to school materials. Kids at the school in La Carpio can walk to school and eat lunch at home, making it a much more economical option but a less comprehensive education.
How grateful I am for my years of private, Catholic education which I know my parents struggled to give me and my siblings. And I loved my time at UD, although it broke me.
Visiting La Carpio always puts my life into perspective. And makes me ever more thankful for the life I am blessed to be living. I only hope that students take away from it a wider worldview, and a deeper appreciation for what they have in their lives. In many it fosters a desire to be a positive force in the lives of others, and makes people more socially aware. The impact a visit to La Carpio has on a person of course depends on the person...but I imagine it always sets off some small spark. I hope so.
Pura Vida.
breathing room and tortillas
This week the Groups office is much less crowded...last Friday there were 6 of us in here, plus Arelys and La Jefa (though the jefa was next door). There was hardly air to breathe, but we had a great time bonding and I am really excited for the team we have this year.
Things have been going very smoothly with my group, thank goodness. They had a blast at Manuel Antonio this last weekend, and I took some time to visit with Elliott and sleep in. I spent Saturday in Esparza, making tortillas (which I do very well now!) and watching Elliott do laundry and get a haircut. We made a yummy dinner in the evening and watched tv. RELAX!
Next week and the next we will be in Monteverde...home sweet home.
I have been looking at jobs online again, so if you happen to hear of any openings with an emphasis on Spanish or customer service let me know!
Lately I have been drinking a LOT more water, and you can see the difference...my skin is much clearer. I need to work harder on staying hydrated. That is one thing I always emphasize to my students but never seem to do myself...
Still feeling very depressed by the idea of going back to Dayton. I am looking forward to seeing my family but I feel like I will be leaving my REAL life behind. I belong here. I am so torn! Half of me wants to try and get a refund, the other half is saying "damn girl go get your loans paid up so you can really live!"
My heart will stay here, that is for sure. Between Elliott and my understanding of PURA VIDA, I am changed forever. My tattoo could not be more appropriate... soy la pura vida chica, verdad?
Tuanis.
Things have been going very smoothly with my group, thank goodness. They had a blast at Manuel Antonio this last weekend, and I took some time to visit with Elliott and sleep in. I spent Saturday in Esparza, making tortillas (which I do very well now!) and watching Elliott do laundry and get a haircut. We made a yummy dinner in the evening and watched tv. RELAX!
Next week and the next we will be in Monteverde...home sweet home.
I have been looking at jobs online again, so if you happen to hear of any openings with an emphasis on Spanish or customer service let me know!
Lately I have been drinking a LOT more water, and you can see the difference...my skin is much clearer. I need to work harder on staying hydrated. That is one thing I always emphasize to my students but never seem to do myself...
Still feeling very depressed by the idea of going back to Dayton. I am looking forward to seeing my family but I feel like I will be leaving my REAL life behind. I belong here. I am so torn! Half of me wants to try and get a refund, the other half is saying "damn girl go get your loans paid up so you can really live!"
My heart will stay here, that is for sure. Between Elliott and my understanding of PURA VIDA, I am changed forever. My tattoo could not be more appropriate... soy la pura vida chica, verdad?
Tuanis.
smells like danger
Today was an exhausting day. And I imagine that my jefas are even more tired than I am.
I learned the procedures of what to do in case a student goes missing...a 29-year-old student left his homestay last night and did not return, at all. This morning after he did not arrive to go to class I called his Familia Tica and...well, the situation blew up. Step one when a student goes missing:
1. Call the professor of the group or representative of the school.
2. Try and get in touch with the student.
3. Communicate with the family to determine where the student went.
4. Advise local police and province security.
5. Notify the consulate.
6. Consult locals to see if the student was seen, try to speak with witnesses. (I went to a local bar with Alexis, a school chofer, to try and re-trace the student's steps. The bar owner recognized his picture and recounted what time and where the students went after leaving the bar.)
7. Check with taxistas or other modes of transportation to see if the student was seen on bus, in taxi, or on foot.
8. Find a photo of the student and print it, post it.
9. Be in touch with the university, and with the consulate.
Thank goodness the student showed up to the school in the afternoon, still smelling like the bar and without shoes! His story is that he left his homestay and went to a nearby bar, where he only had four beers, and trued to return home in a taxi that ended up taking him to a hotel/casino in San Jose, that he walked all the way from San Jose to Heredia, and got a taxi to CPI. All with twenty thousand colones, or $40. NO WAY! The Provost made it mandatory for him to return to the USA, and he was removed from the program and sent home the following day. 24 hours in Costa Rica and he got lost...48 hours and he was already on his way home. I think it is in his and the group's best interest, really. He seemed likely to repeat this kind of incident, and the professor who came with the group was already a little leery about him coming at all...seems he is a special case. I am just glad he is alive and well. And better off in the USA. How stressful!
Today my group is off to Manuel Antonio, and I have the weekend free. Looks like I will be heading to Esparza at some point and visiting Elliott.
Yesterday evening I went to the mall and found some shoes for $6! And got some gelato. Yum! I took some students and they learned how take the public bus.
I like to think that I am kind of an expert at taking the public bus...it's not so bad! And its really cheap. That is something I LOVE about Costa Rica!
The other day I had dinner with a friend who asked me: what do I NOT like about Costa Rica? And I had trouble answering. Because I love it here. There are a few things that have occurred to me since our conversation:
-The roads are not much good...messy, twisty, sometimes unpaved.
-How many stray dogs and cats are living in the streets. It makes students upset, and it can be very sad to see.
-Tico time. It kills me! I am still sooooooo gringa in my emphasis on arriving on time and being punctual.
-Bureaucratic process. To do anything here it takes forever, legal processing is incredibly slow. Sometimes the laws aren't enforced, and when they are it's almost exaggerated. (A perfect example...two years ago the director of transportation said that a passage for pedestrians would be established on a man highway within the next two months...two years later, people are still crossing the highway on foot and risking their lives. The highway passes by Caldera, just for reference.)
-How things close on the weekends. Banks, stores, official buildings have NO weekend hours.
-Machismo.
That's all I have for now.
PURA VIDA, COSTA RICA
I learned the procedures of what to do in case a student goes missing...a 29-year-old student left his homestay last night and did not return, at all. This morning after he did not arrive to go to class I called his Familia Tica and...well, the situation blew up. Step one when a student goes missing:
1. Call the professor of the group or representative of the school.
2. Try and get in touch with the student.
3. Communicate with the family to determine where the student went.
4. Advise local police and province security.
5. Notify the consulate.
6. Consult locals to see if the student was seen, try to speak with witnesses. (I went to a local bar with Alexis, a school chofer, to try and re-trace the student's steps. The bar owner recognized his picture and recounted what time and where the students went after leaving the bar.)
7. Check with taxistas or other modes of transportation to see if the student was seen on bus, in taxi, or on foot.
8. Find a photo of the student and print it, post it.
9. Be in touch with the university, and with the consulate.
Thank goodness the student showed up to the school in the afternoon, still smelling like the bar and without shoes! His story is that he left his homestay and went to a nearby bar, where he only had four beers, and trued to return home in a taxi that ended up taking him to a hotel/casino in San Jose, that he walked all the way from San Jose to Heredia, and got a taxi to CPI. All with twenty thousand colones, or $40. NO WAY! The Provost made it mandatory for him to return to the USA, and he was removed from the program and sent home the following day. 24 hours in Costa Rica and he got lost...48 hours and he was already on his way home. I think it is in his and the group's best interest, really. He seemed likely to repeat this kind of incident, and the professor who came with the group was already a little leery about him coming at all...seems he is a special case. I am just glad he is alive and well. And better off in the USA. How stressful!
Today my group is off to Manuel Antonio, and I have the weekend free. Looks like I will be heading to Esparza at some point and visiting Elliott.
Yesterday evening I went to the mall and found some shoes for $6! And got some gelato. Yum! I took some students and they learned how take the public bus.
I like to think that I am kind of an expert at taking the public bus...it's not so bad! And its really cheap. That is something I LOVE about Costa Rica!
The other day I had dinner with a friend who asked me: what do I NOT like about Costa Rica? And I had trouble answering. Because I love it here. There are a few things that have occurred to me since our conversation:
-The roads are not much good...messy, twisty, sometimes unpaved.
-How many stray dogs and cats are living in the streets. It makes students upset, and it can be very sad to see.
-Tico time. It kills me! I am still sooooooo gringa in my emphasis on arriving on time and being punctual.
-Bureaucratic process. To do anything here it takes forever, legal processing is incredibly slow. Sometimes the laws aren't enforced, and when they are it's almost exaggerated. (A perfect example...two years ago the director of transportation said that a passage for pedestrians would be established on a man highway within the next two months...two years later, people are still crossing the highway on foot and risking their lives. The highway passes by Caldera, just for reference.)
-How things close on the weekends. Banks, stores, official buildings have NO weekend hours.
-Machismo.
That's all I have for now.
PURA VIDA, COSTA RICA