Is it possible that a whole week has passed since I trekked to Nicaragua?
On the whole I much prefer Costa Rica. Coming over the border I felt like I was coming home...arriving in San Jose I felt like my whole body sagged in relief, being back in familiar territory.
While I was in Nicaragua I had several Nicas comment on my accent and my way of speaking, asking me if I was from Costa Rica. It was that obvious...I am becoming Tica at heart!
So what was Granada like?
It was hot. I wore shorts, tank tops, my romper, and I was still sweating bullets. Hot weather is much preferred to cold though, as I am always cold.
It was crowded. Traffic was nuts! Many of the streets were one way, small, narrow, and had only a sliver of sidewalk. The city has retained much of its original design and architecture, which makes it beautiful and unique, but also a little dangerous to pedestrians and hard to navigate for unfamiliar drivers.
It was crowded. There were people everywhere on the main street, and like Costa Rica many folks walk or take the public bus (the buses are almost ALL school buses, painted and with worn seats. The only tour style buses I saw were for tourism.) Poverty was also much more highly visible, with people on many street corners begging, and willing to approach and ask for money. It was a little shocking and at times made me uncomfortable. That I have seen in San Jose too, but not on such a large scale.
It was cheap. The dollar is equal to about 20 cordobas, and you can get a decent meal for around 30-40 cordobas. Eating on $5 a day is totally feasible. Clothes and shoes, food, everything is cheap! Sarah and I tried a little donuthole like pastry for 5 cordobas each. It would be a good place to retire (hint hint parents)! Buying land is easy, and for $20,000 you could build a mansion. Sarah and I saw many old American guys there, usually out on a restaurant patio drinking a rum and coke or beer.
The men are ridiculous. Nicas are very aggressive in comparison to Ticos. No matter what we were wearing or what time of day it was, Sarah and I always got cat calls, whistles, whispers, comments. This is even when I was wearing pants and a regular top, not a tank top! It was unnerving, irritating, frustrating. We ignored it totally, but it still got under my skin within the first 5 hours. The Ticos are well behaved by Nica standards.
The people are very helpful. The receptionist at the hostel was always very sweet and willing to answer my repeated questions about directions (I am terrible) and had recommendations for how to get places and where to go... We went to Masaya (1 hour bus ride from Granada) and wound up in the HUGE local market! To get to the Artisan market I asked directions 3 times, and poor Sarah was such a trooper..."Meggie, I don't think this place really exists!" But we got there ok and even found some good souvenirs. Also the day we left in the early morning, a lady on the street lent me her phone to call Trans Nica (the bus company) and confirm our reservation. (My phone did not work in Nicaragua, but I had service up until 5 or so km from the border)
Nicaragua was great to visit. Yes I drank the water. Yes I sweated. Yes it was FUN! Especially with Sarah. But after a whole 72 hours...I was so glad to be back in Costa Rica.
Pura Vida! para siempre.
aventuras NICAS
Saludos fom Nicaragua!
It has been officially a few hours since I arrived here in Nicaragua. Right now I am updating from the computer in the hostel.
This morning was quite an adventure. Sarah and I got up at 3:15am to catch a 4:30am bus...which never showed up. We risked missing our bus to Nicaragua by not leaving asap, and the office to buy a seperate ticket to Nicaragua would leave us stranded until Friday...so we paid $50 to taxi down the mountain to the bus stop. The taxi driver gained a customer, that is for sure. I will be calling him again once back in Monteverde! The fault lies with the bus company of Monteverde...they left several people (20 or so in all) waiting faithfulyy for that bus, which never arrived.
Drom the Panamerican highway we caught our bus to Nicaragua, slept fitfully, passed customs, and got off in Granada. We made it to our hostel after a brief taxi ride, and spent the remainder of the day exploring, finishing with $3 piña coladas.
First impressions:
Colors.
Every building is vibrant, bright, alive. I love it! It makes everything so much more beautiful and memorable. Our hostel is a lovely shade of blue from outside.
Men.
This comes across as rude, but Nicas (Nicaraguan men) are generally ugly and agressive. Yes there are some exceptions ("el es guapo," Sarah told me), but then I am taken aback by the kissy noises and comments. NO THANK YOU!
Architecture.
The buildings here are old and beautiful, with high ceilings and tiled floors. There is an old church that houses the central market, and there are two Cathedrals that are distinct: one being left historically as it has always been, and another bordering the central park and is immmaculately kept.
Mangoes and hot dogs.
I plan to eat some in the next few days...they are plentiful on every corner, at almost every kiosk.
Heat.
It is hot. What was I thinking wearing pants?? I switched to shorts immediately. Tomorrow I will be hanging out by the pool for sure.
Spanish.
My Spanish is distinctly Costa Rican. And I am proud of it.
Sarah.
I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE COMPANY!!!!!! Loving every minute.
Ok. Going to bed and possibly reading a book...I have yet to fully peruse the hostel's little library. Or try the hammocks!
PURA VIDA!
It has been officially a few hours since I arrived here in Nicaragua. Right now I am updating from the computer in the hostel.
This morning was quite an adventure. Sarah and I got up at 3:15am to catch a 4:30am bus...which never showed up. We risked missing our bus to Nicaragua by not leaving asap, and the office to buy a seperate ticket to Nicaragua would leave us stranded until Friday...so we paid $50 to taxi down the mountain to the bus stop. The taxi driver gained a customer, that is for sure. I will be calling him again once back in Monteverde! The fault lies with the bus company of Monteverde...they left several people (20 or so in all) waiting faithfulyy for that bus, which never arrived.
Drom the Panamerican highway we caught our bus to Nicaragua, slept fitfully, passed customs, and got off in Granada. We made it to our hostel after a brief taxi ride, and spent the remainder of the day exploring, finishing with $3 piña coladas.
First impressions:
Colors.
Every building is vibrant, bright, alive. I love it! It makes everything so much more beautiful and memorable. Our hostel is a lovely shade of blue from outside.
Men.
This comes across as rude, but Nicas (Nicaraguan men) are generally ugly and agressive. Yes there are some exceptions ("el es guapo," Sarah told me), but then I am taken aback by the kissy noises and comments. NO THANK YOU!
Architecture.
The buildings here are old and beautiful, with high ceilings and tiled floors. There is an old church that houses the central market, and there are two Cathedrals that are distinct: one being left historically as it has always been, and another bordering the central park and is immmaculately kept.
Mangoes and hot dogs.
I plan to eat some in the next few days...they are plentiful on every corner, at almost every kiosk.
Heat.
It is hot. What was I thinking wearing pants?? I switched to shorts immediately. Tomorrow I will be hanging out by the pool for sure.
Spanish.
My Spanish is distinctly Costa Rican. And I am proud of it.
Sarah.
I AM SO GLAD TO HAVE COMPANY!!!!!! Loving every minute.
Ok. Going to bed and possibly reading a book...I have yet to fully peruse the hostel's little library. Or try the hammocks!
PURA VIDA!
hours left til...NICARAGUA!
Hola!
This week has been so quick.
On Sunday Sarah arrived with no problems to Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela... I was bouncing on my heels waiting for her, watching the clock and eyeballing the tags on the luggage rolling past me at the arrivals gate. And there she was! With a little rolling carry-on, backpack, and a Red-Scare t-shirt. SARAH NORTH! We hugged and then jetted to the bus-stop 3 minutes away and waited for the bus to Monteverde.
We arrived safely in Monteverde around 7pm and ate...went to the grocery...and cabbed back home! Tiring.
Tomorrow we are leaving in the early morning for Nicaragua...like 4am from Monteverde, catching Trans Nica bus to the border, and from there heading up to Granada. Our rough plan is to relax Thursday, explore Friday, and if Elliott is available on Saturday we will do a little more exploring! WE have a lits of hotels, restaurants, and lots of advice on where to eat and go, what to try, and what bus I should catch to make it back to Monteverde.
Yesterday we had pizza in a local pizza joint and the waiter gave us a 20% discount, I think it might have to do with the fact that he recognized me! I see so many people around that I recognize but don't know.
Right now we are going to head back to Sabores, eat an ice-cream sundae, head home and pack.
Wish us luck on our adventure tomorrow...Nicaragua here we come!!! Watch out for the Dynamic Duo : )
Compliments of my week: yesterday my student asked me where I was from and was quite surprised that I was from good old Ohio. Also, a local woman today was surprised to find that I was from the US. She thought I was Tica!
This week has been so quick.
On Sunday Sarah arrived with no problems to Juan Santamaria International Airport in Alajuela... I was bouncing on my heels waiting for her, watching the clock and eyeballing the tags on the luggage rolling past me at the arrivals gate. And there she was! With a little rolling carry-on, backpack, and a Red-Scare t-shirt. SARAH NORTH! We hugged and then jetted to the bus-stop 3 minutes away and waited for the bus to Monteverde.
We arrived safely in Monteverde around 7pm and ate...went to the grocery...and cabbed back home! Tiring.
Tomorrow we are leaving in the early morning for Nicaragua...like 4am from Monteverde, catching Trans Nica bus to the border, and from there heading up to Granada. Our rough plan is to relax Thursday, explore Friday, and if Elliott is available on Saturday we will do a little more exploring! WE have a lits of hotels, restaurants, and lots of advice on where to eat and go, what to try, and what bus I should catch to make it back to Monteverde.
Yesterday we had pizza in a local pizza joint and the waiter gave us a 20% discount, I think it might have to do with the fact that he recognized me! I see so many people around that I recognize but don't know.
Right now we are going to head back to Sabores, eat an ice-cream sundae, head home and pack.
Wish us luck on our adventure tomorrow...Nicaragua here we come!!! Watch out for the Dynamic Duo : )
Compliments of my week: yesterday my student asked me where I was from and was quite surprised that I was from good old Ohio. Also, a local woman today was surprised to find that I was from the US. She thought I was Tica!
visits, plans, and NICARAGUA
Hola!
It seems that Thursday is becoming my day to update...on Tuesdays I also bring my computer to school, but never seem to find a moment to stop and post on my blog. So Thursdays you can look for a new post.
What has been happening lately?? Ticos along the Pacific coast had a scare in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that affected Japan...living in Monteverde I have nothing to worry about, and I haven't heard a thing about any areas being negatively affected. I actually went to the beach last weekend with friends, and there wasn't the faintest concern about being swallowed by the sea. All well here!
BIG NEWS! On Sunday my friend Sarah North will be arriving in Costa Rica to visit with me for a week...about two weeks ago she mentioned on Facebook that she was wanting to travel somewhere, and I reminded her that I am down here in Costa Rica...within two days she was asking me about plane tickets, bus schedules, the weather, and what my plans are. Another few days and she had bought her ticket to come visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited, her visit coincides perfectly with my trip to Nicaragua next week, so I will have some company. Originally I was hoping that Elliott would be able to come with, but his work schedule was uncertain...right now it looks like he might be able to meet us there in Nicaragua, which would be nice! He has traveled there before. Right now I have 3 nights reserved for Sarah and me at a hostel in Granada, which several friends from CPI recommended. I am not sure how much travelling we actually want to do yet. I was thinking of this trip as more of a kick back and enjoy the location kind of thing, and not run-around-like-a-tourist-with-head-in-guidebook type of experience. I think we will consult with Elliott about one other location that is a must-see, and just go there. I don't want to return to work on Monday being worn out! Being refreshed is the goal...although travel always takes a little something out of you.
This next week we will be investigating other cities of interest in Nicaragua, as well as making bus reservations. I will be playing hostess all week, and am already deciding which places are essential to knowing the real Monteverde...
Above all I am looking forward to having Sarah here!! Only two more full days...
PURA VIDA
It seems that Thursday is becoming my day to update...on Tuesdays I also bring my computer to school, but never seem to find a moment to stop and post on my blog. So Thursdays you can look for a new post.
What has been happening lately?? Ticos along the Pacific coast had a scare in the wake of the earthquake and tsunami that affected Japan...living in Monteverde I have nothing to worry about, and I haven't heard a thing about any areas being negatively affected. I actually went to the beach last weekend with friends, and there wasn't the faintest concern about being swallowed by the sea. All well here!
BIG NEWS! On Sunday my friend Sarah North will be arriving in Costa Rica to visit with me for a week...about two weeks ago she mentioned on Facebook that she was wanting to travel somewhere, and I reminded her that I am down here in Costa Rica...within two days she was asking me about plane tickets, bus schedules, the weather, and what my plans are. Another few days and she had bought her ticket to come visit!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am so excited, her visit coincides perfectly with my trip to Nicaragua next week, so I will have some company. Originally I was hoping that Elliott would be able to come with, but his work schedule was uncertain...right now it looks like he might be able to meet us there in Nicaragua, which would be nice! He has traveled there before. Right now I have 3 nights reserved for Sarah and me at a hostel in Granada, which several friends from CPI recommended. I am not sure how much travelling we actually want to do yet. I was thinking of this trip as more of a kick back and enjoy the location kind of thing, and not run-around-like-a-tourist-with-head-in-guidebook type of experience. I think we will consult with Elliott about one other location that is a must-see, and just go there. I don't want to return to work on Monday being worn out! Being refreshed is the goal...although travel always takes a little something out of you.
This next week we will be investigating other cities of interest in Nicaragua, as well as making bus reservations. I will be playing hostess all week, and am already deciding which places are essential to knowing the real Monteverde...
Above all I am looking forward to having Sarah here!! Only two more full days...
PURA VIDA
hola que tal...
Another week has flown by, and here I am updating my blog.
I do have some exciting news: there is a possibility that my friend Sarah North will be visiting me here in two weeks! Perusing the ever-present Facebook, I commented on her "I need a vacation" status that she should come visit me...and she is looking into it! The tentative dates would be ideal, as they would coincide with my required trip to Nicaragua...my tourist "visa" expires March 27th, and I have to leave for a cool 72 hours. That's right folks, I am illegal...and it kinda sucks being reminded of it. On the other hand I am thrilled with the chance to travel, the excuse to take a vacation. Having Sarah's company would really make the trip a lot more fun and a lot more special. We will see how it all works out. My fingers are crossed, hoping for the best!
Some news about my daily life...
I am now teaching an English class (unofficially, since I have only one student)on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. My student is Griselda, who works as part of the cleaning staff here at the school. She is 21, a Nicaraguan immigrant (but she came here as a baby, so she is really more Tica than Nica) and asked me to help her with her English...so I reluctantly agreed. Teaching Engslish is not something I enjoy very much, and I know that my teaching skills are lacking...I have trouble explaining the grammatical side of the English language. Despite being fluent I would not be able to explain parts of speech very well. All the same, I know she appreciates it a lot. Still not sure if I should charge her or not.
I am thinking about cutting my hair, quite short. It will be much easier to handle during the temporada. Not sure of when to do it, or where to go...I have gotten a couple suggestions though.
Looks like this weekend I will be visiting a friend in Miramar, close to Puntarenas. I might possibly be taking another friend with me, and possibly see Elliott. Flexible, flexible...the keyword for my weekend plans.
Update next week I guess...keep reading, I will try to post pictures!!!
Pura vida
I do have some exciting news: there is a possibility that my friend Sarah North will be visiting me here in two weeks! Perusing the ever-present Facebook, I commented on her "I need a vacation" status that she should come visit me...and she is looking into it! The tentative dates would be ideal, as they would coincide with my required trip to Nicaragua...my tourist "visa" expires March 27th, and I have to leave for a cool 72 hours. That's right folks, I am illegal...and it kinda sucks being reminded of it. On the other hand I am thrilled with the chance to travel, the excuse to take a vacation. Having Sarah's company would really make the trip a lot more fun and a lot more special. We will see how it all works out. My fingers are crossed, hoping for the best!
Some news about my daily life...
I am now teaching an English class (unofficially, since I have only one student)on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. My student is Griselda, who works as part of the cleaning staff here at the school. She is 21, a Nicaraguan immigrant (but she came here as a baby, so she is really more Tica than Nica) and asked me to help her with her English...so I reluctantly agreed. Teaching Engslish is not something I enjoy very much, and I know that my teaching skills are lacking...I have trouble explaining the grammatical side of the English language. Despite being fluent I would not be able to explain parts of speech very well. All the same, I know she appreciates it a lot. Still not sure if I should charge her or not.
I am thinking about cutting my hair, quite short. It will be much easier to handle during the temporada. Not sure of when to do it, or where to go...I have gotten a couple suggestions though.
Looks like this weekend I will be visiting a friend in Miramar, close to Puntarenas. I might possibly be taking another friend with me, and possibly see Elliott. Flexible, flexible...the keyword for my weekend plans.
Update next week I guess...keep reading, I will try to post pictures!!!
Pura vida
what am I doing these days???
-inside a strangler fig on the night hike
-this kid reminds me so much of Peter, haha
- cafe con leche
seven days later
Hola.
Its only a week later that I am able to update my blog again. This last week I haven't been bringing my laptop to school at all, just today for making a dvd for my group and playing dj for dance class.
Right now I am watching dance class actually...a couple from Austria, a girl from Canada, and a girl from California.
Earlier today I did a canyoning tour for the first time. It is basically waterfall rappelling! In general I am not a huge fan of rappelling, and being cold and wet did not help me feel any more relaxed. The guides were very encouraging, and made sure everyone felt confident. My kids really enjoyed it: just the right amount of adrenaline for the guys, and just pushing the girls beyond their comfort zones. As for me, my favorite tour is still canopy, by far! Yesterday night I went on my first night tour: we saw spiders, sloths, and some different birds.
Some news too. I will be with groups again this summer, and not in the office. I am really glad, being worried about possibly being asked to stay in the office due to the amount of experience I have. In comparison to working with groups, I have far more office training! Though it is steady work, it is NOT my first choice. I much prefer the active work of groups, travelling, meeting new people and watching the group dynamic emerge. This group has been particularly difficult, because I have also been working in the office.
I am particularly looking forward to this weekend: I have no travel plans, a friend of mine is coming to visit, and another friend is celebrating a birthday. It will be relaxing, and fun. And tomorrow is Friday...tgif!
Pura Vida
Its only a week later that I am able to update my blog again. This last week I haven't been bringing my laptop to school at all, just today for making a dvd for my group and playing dj for dance class.
Right now I am watching dance class actually...a couple from Austria, a girl from Canada, and a girl from California.
Earlier today I did a canyoning tour for the first time. It is basically waterfall rappelling! In general I am not a huge fan of rappelling, and being cold and wet did not help me feel any more relaxed. The guides were very encouraging, and made sure everyone felt confident. My kids really enjoyed it: just the right amount of adrenaline for the guys, and just pushing the girls beyond their comfort zones. As for me, my favorite tour is still canopy, by far! Yesterday night I went on my first night tour: we saw spiders, sloths, and some different birds.
Some news too. I will be with groups again this summer, and not in the office. I am really glad, being worried about possibly being asked to stay in the office due to the amount of experience I have. In comparison to working with groups, I have far more office training! Though it is steady work, it is NOT my first choice. I much prefer the active work of groups, travelling, meeting new people and watching the group dynamic emerge. This group has been particularly difficult, because I have also been working in the office.
I am particularly looking forward to this weekend: I have no travel plans, a friend of mine is coming to visit, and another friend is celebrating a birthday. It will be relaxing, and fun. And tomorrow is Friday...tgif!
Pura Vida