Estoy de chicha. (I am upset.)
Yesterday my Mama Tica fired a girl that she had come and help clean, after discovering that she had been stealing money and other things from the family. How uncomfortable, and unfortunate. This morning she asked her regular housekeeper to come and help, since the other girl was no longer working for her. The woman brought her teenage daughter with her, though the daughter is quite old enough to be left alone at home, and my Mama Tica pays only her mother. This morning I woke up and went to shower like normal, leaving my clothes on my bed and my cell phone charging. When I came out of the shower the housekeeper and her daughter were there cleaning. We greeted each other and I got ready as usual. After eating breakfast and packing up my backpack, I couldn't find my cell phone. I checked my other purses, thinking in tranferring my stuff I had left it there, under my pillow, under my blankets, emptying my backpack, but it was nowhere to be found. My Hermana Tica tried calling, but the phone was turned off. IMOPSSIBLE! I never turn my phone off, since I need to be reachable at all times in case of emergency. Nor could it be out of service range, as i have made and taken phone calls from my room over the course of the last trhee weeks. So...I hate to even think of it, but what if it was stolen? I didn't say anything before leaving home, but resolved to call later and suggest it to my Mama Tica and to look more throughly for my phone later. About half hour later I called my Hermana Tica and asked about it...she said my Mama Tica had already called the cops and questioned the daughter, and she had admitted to meeting her older sister and arranging to buy drugs..! Since the girl is a minor, not very much can be done. My Mama Tica insists on going and filing a compliant against her, hoping that it will scare her into better behavior. If another complaint is filed, she will be taken to a correctional facility.
On the whole I feel really awful for my Familia. What a terrible situation! My Mama Tica is up to her eyes in embarrassment and frustration. Students are always told that they can leave valuables with the family, that their homestay is a secure and safe place. I am glad that this happened to me and not to a student though. Being a chaperona and having a better command of Spanish I see the situation much differently. The whole situation is completely beyond my Mama Tica's control, and things happened that she never could have anticipated...
My Mama Tica also insisted on replacing my phone. She went and got me a new phone and a new SIM card, but I lost all the contacts and pictures I had on my old phone. I have to start from scratch. The silly part is that I was going to sell the phone I had to a friend, who now might not possibly want it, as I will now be charging full price. Later today I am going to pick up an iPhone which I got as a birthday gift, which will replace the phone, camera and ipod I had. All three devices in one.
This is the first time I have really truly been robbed here in Costa Rica. The irony is that it was in my house, at home, and was completely nonviolent/nonconfrontational. I always thought if I ever had anything stolen that it would be in a public place, possibly a dangerous situation, and that I could avoid it through primary prevention (ie, be on guard and be aware of my surroundings, not giving anyone any opportunity!). Unexpected things happen in unexpected places.
I now know what my weekend looks like. Tomorrow in the early morning I drop my group off at the airport, and from there go to Monteverde on the morning bus. I will be in the Groups office that afternoon. Weekend looks free, and I think I will go back to Heredia on Sunday to visit with my Familia. Saturday I would like to rest. I have some free time coming up, which will be nice.
Meanwhile winter has arrived...we have had some fierce rain the last couple days, though the downpours do not last too long. Time to start carrying my raincoat again.
Pura vida...
twenty-one
21 things about me, inspired by reading Mikel's Facebook.
1. I like my name a lot. I know of very few other Meggies.
2. Cats and dogs are super cute in my opinion, but they also scare me. Never having had a large pet I am unsure of how to play with them and not have a hand gnawed off.
3. Coffee is now an important part of my day. Coffee breaks, a pick-me-up, a social event...all found in a cup of coffee. I always drink my coffee with a little milk and NO sugar.
4. I am constantly amazed at how many different people I know. That is to say, I am aquainted with many different types of people. Its not exactly true to say that I have a lot of friends...more correctly I have many aquiantances in many different areas. I run with a mixed crowd.
5. I worry alot about my figure. And I miss working out at the RecPlex and hitting the pool. No lie, I was a fat kid in 9th grade.
6. Writing is one of my favorite passtimes. I would like to be published someday.
7. I want to learn another language. Sometimes I wish that I had learned Spanish when I was younger, so I could be learning Catalan or French. Why these languages? To be able to communicate better with my family.
8. Travel is my other favorite passtime. It wasn't until recently that I found myself able to enjoy more the journey and the first encounter with a new place...travel is an opportunity to go beyond yourself and to broaden your perspective. I want to travel as much as possible to as many countries as possible.
9. I constantly strive to have a more minimalistic take on life. When I pack a bag, when I look at what I own, I think to myself "do I need this?" and often recognize I do not. Minimalism also translates into a lesser obsession with consumerism. Buy what you need, and buy quality. Thanks Dad for teaching me that!
10. Drinking water helps to keep my skin clear. Lately I have been leaving my waterbottle at home, and it shows. Water is amazing.
11. I am in love with a Tico, and he is AMAZING. I live in Costa Rica and hope to continue living here. This country and its people have a special place in my heart. Dayton is my hometown, but Costa Rica is my country. Come visit me and maybe you will understand. Pura vida pretty much sums up my worldview : )
12. The fastest way to my heart is ice cream. Specifically chocolate, peanut butter, coffee or any combination along those lines.
13. I usually find the hard way to do things. I just never take the easy path, but that is not on purpose. I just somehow manage to wind up doing things the hard way.
14. I love blue, but my colors of choice now are neutrals like black/white/gray/olive. My accessories recently have changed to yellow and purple. Though I still like and look good in blue...especially with a tan.
15. I look amazing with a tan.
16. In September I plan to cut my hair extremely short. For fear of looking too boyish I will wear lots of dangly earrings.
17. I do not miss having a car or buying gas, paying for insurance, or driving. The public bus really works for me.
19. I love to read. Another favorite passtime.
20. I am totally comfortable in hot weather and would enjoy living in a warm place, but I love the seasons of fall and winter. There is something magical about snow, ice, hot chocolate and warm sweaters.
21. Music is constantly going in my background. I love it. I love most types of music. Lately I have been very into reggae. It has such a mellow vibe.
1. I like my name a lot. I know of very few other Meggies.
2. Cats and dogs are super cute in my opinion, but they also scare me. Never having had a large pet I am unsure of how to play with them and not have a hand gnawed off.
3. Coffee is now an important part of my day. Coffee breaks, a pick-me-up, a social event...all found in a cup of coffee. I always drink my coffee with a little milk and NO sugar.
4. I am constantly amazed at how many different people I know. That is to say, I am aquainted with many different types of people. Its not exactly true to say that I have a lot of friends...more correctly I have many aquiantances in many different areas. I run with a mixed crowd.
5. I worry alot about my figure. And I miss working out at the RecPlex and hitting the pool. No lie, I was a fat kid in 9th grade.
6. Writing is one of my favorite passtimes. I would like to be published someday.
7. I want to learn another language. Sometimes I wish that I had learned Spanish when I was younger, so I could be learning Catalan or French. Why these languages? To be able to communicate better with my family.
8. Travel is my other favorite passtime. It wasn't until recently that I found myself able to enjoy more the journey and the first encounter with a new place...travel is an opportunity to go beyond yourself and to broaden your perspective. I want to travel as much as possible to as many countries as possible.
9. I constantly strive to have a more minimalistic take on life. When I pack a bag, when I look at what I own, I think to myself "do I need this?" and often recognize I do not. Minimalism also translates into a lesser obsession with consumerism. Buy what you need, and buy quality. Thanks Dad for teaching me that!
10. Drinking water helps to keep my skin clear. Lately I have been leaving my waterbottle at home, and it shows. Water is amazing.
11. I am in love with a Tico, and he is AMAZING. I live in Costa Rica and hope to continue living here. This country and its people have a special place in my heart. Dayton is my hometown, but Costa Rica is my country. Come visit me and maybe you will understand. Pura vida pretty much sums up my worldview : )
12. The fastest way to my heart is ice cream. Specifically chocolate, peanut butter, coffee or any combination along those lines.
13. I usually find the hard way to do things. I just never take the easy path, but that is not on purpose. I just somehow manage to wind up doing things the hard way.
14. I love blue, but my colors of choice now are neutrals like black/white/gray/olive. My accessories recently have changed to yellow and purple. Though I still like and look good in blue...especially with a tan.
15. I look amazing with a tan.
16. In September I plan to cut my hair extremely short. For fear of looking too boyish I will wear lots of dangly earrings.
17. I do not miss having a car or buying gas, paying for insurance, or driving. The public bus really works for me.
19. I love to read. Another favorite passtime.
20. I am totally comfortable in hot weather and would enjoy living in a warm place, but I love the seasons of fall and winter. There is something magical about snow, ice, hot chocolate and warm sweaters.
21. Music is constantly going in my background. I love it. I love most types of music. Lately I have been very into reggae. It has such a mellow vibe.
Easter in Costa Rica
My experience of Easter this year was much different.
Costa Rica is a very Catholic country, and during "Semana Santa" or Holy Week many people go to Mass, pray novenas, and make typical foods like chiverre, pan casero, and sweet empanadas. Many businesses close completely during Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. And transportation is craaaaaaaaaaazy!
I had Thursday through Sunday off, as my group went to the Arenal Volcano on tour with a guide. On Wednesday afternoon I called the bus station in Monteverde to ask about bus schedules for Holy Thursday, and was informed that there would be only one bus leaving that day for Monteverde (at 6:30am).
Thursday morning I dropped one (of my two groups) group off at the airport and then got a ride to San Jose to catch the bus. I arrived around 5am and had breakfast with a new chaperone who arrived Wednesday evening and would be accompanying me on my ride up the mountain. By 5:30am we were chilling in the bus terminal, and it was already packed! When the ticket window opened shortly after 6am, it was only to announce that the morning bus was full but that there would be another bus in the afternoon. Not wasting any time and already being in line, I bought to tickets for the 2:30pm bus.
So what to do in San Jose? Almost everything was closed, shoe stores and some smaller cafes and restaurants being the only things open. The new chaperone and I (her name is Nanou) walked through empty San Jose all the way to the National Theater. Being fairly familiar with the capital I pointed out any buildings and explained some finer cultural points to a newbie, as well as explaining what being a chap is all about. We sat and talked in front of the Theater for almost 3.5 hours...about Spanish, Costa Rica, life, work, etc. We also throughly enjoyed ourselves people watching. Around 11:30 we wandered down the block and stopped to get some churros and mango drinks. (Right now its mango season and I am in heavennnnnnnn! I can eat a mango anytime!) We sat and talked some more before wandering into a nearby department store. We both got a pair of sandals...right now everything is on sale, as most stores are trying to liquidate their summer products in preparation for winter. We walked around several different stores and before we knew it it was almost 1:45pm, so we headed back to the bus station. We got there in plenty of time and the bus was packed, standing room only. Several tourists sat on the floor...typically its seen as improper tos it on the floor, but they were tourists. Both Nanou and I slept some, until the restroom break. At the same restaurant we saw the bus coming from Monteverde to San Jose, and who should be there but Grettel! On her way to spend the weekend with her brother and some of her Dad's family in San Jose. Its a small country, haha.
I got off in Guacimal, to spend time with my friend Dunnia and her family. She invited me to come visit during the week, and having time off I jumped at the occasion! Her mother was also visiting, and we all had a great time! Her daughter is three and very cute, and I know her husband pretty well! Sometimes we go out dancing together, Dunnia also loves to dance. We went to the river on Good Friday (I am used to not doing anything on good Friday, so going to the river was unexpected). There were numerous families there who had brought soccer balls and picnic food with them, and we watched an intense soccer game in the morning and many people swam in the river after. I played with Dunnia's daughter the whole time, and my shoulders got a little burnt from the sun.
From what I understand it is much more typical for people to spend time at home or go to church during Holy Week, but that life goes on as normal. The most important thing is being with family...thus buses being sold out, packed, and travel being longer and more difficult than usual. Many people also take the opportunity to go the beach or to take the whole week of vacation. This approach to Easter is very different from my experience...on the whole I was really touched by the family element, and how important it is to be with loved ones. North American culture does not have the same emphasis.
Friday evening I went with Dunnia, her husband and daughter to a friend's house a little down the road, where we all watched a movie together. The rest of the family came by and we all sat in the living room watching. Eventually Dunnia's daughter got tired and restless, so we headed back to the house. I was in bed by 9pm.
I also rode an ATV and a dirtbike...the road down to the river is steep and treacherous, so we rode down 4 people on the ATV Dunnia has. Dunnia driving, her daughter in front, and her mother and I hanging onto the back. On the way back up I rode on a dirtbike with a neighbor who lived down the road. I held on tight...it was fun!
On Saturday I watched Dunnia's daughter while Dunnia did laundry. we sat and watched cars go by, played in the swing, talked. She is the sweetest 3 year old ever!!!I will try to post a picture. Around 10:30 I caught the bus up to Monteverde and picked up a few bags from my old house. Muni is living there now, and house hunting too. In the afternoon I dropped off my HUGE suitcase at a friend's for storage. Now I just have to figure out what to do with my mattress. That afternoon I caught the bus back down the mountain to Barranca, and from there to Esparza. Traffic was VERY bad! Most people were heading home that day to spend Easter Sunday in thier house and prepare for work Monday. The trip from Monteverde to Barranca usually takes about 2 hours...instead it was 4. I was pooped when I got to Esparza! I dropped some bags off at Elliott's for storage and we got to visit. On Sunday I was in Puntarenas with Elliott's room-mates most of the day before travelling back to Heredia.
And here I am in the office.
This week my group leaves on Friday, so I will be preparing for that...certificates, questionnaires, probably another trip to the mall (these kids like to shop). Its going to go fast...and we will see what I am doing next week. Hopefully I will find out by Thursday!
As I told Nanou...it's an adventure.
Pura Vida!
Costa Rica is a very Catholic country, and during "Semana Santa" or Holy Week many people go to Mass, pray novenas, and make typical foods like chiverre, pan casero, and sweet empanadas. Many businesses close completely during Holy Thursday, Good Friday and Holy Saturday. And transportation is craaaaaaaaaaazy!
I had Thursday through Sunday off, as my group went to the Arenal Volcano on tour with a guide. On Wednesday afternoon I called the bus station in Monteverde to ask about bus schedules for Holy Thursday, and was informed that there would be only one bus leaving that day for Monteverde (at 6:30am).
Thursday morning I dropped one (of my two groups) group off at the airport and then got a ride to San Jose to catch the bus. I arrived around 5am and had breakfast with a new chaperone who arrived Wednesday evening and would be accompanying me on my ride up the mountain. By 5:30am we were chilling in the bus terminal, and it was already packed! When the ticket window opened shortly after 6am, it was only to announce that the morning bus was full but that there would be another bus in the afternoon. Not wasting any time and already being in line, I bought to tickets for the 2:30pm bus.
So what to do in San Jose? Almost everything was closed, shoe stores and some smaller cafes and restaurants being the only things open. The new chaperone and I (her name is Nanou) walked through empty San Jose all the way to the National Theater. Being fairly familiar with the capital I pointed out any buildings and explained some finer cultural points to a newbie, as well as explaining what being a chap is all about. We sat and talked in front of the Theater for almost 3.5 hours...about Spanish, Costa Rica, life, work, etc. We also throughly enjoyed ourselves people watching. Around 11:30 we wandered down the block and stopped to get some churros and mango drinks. (Right now its mango season and I am in heavennnnnnnn! I can eat a mango anytime!) We sat and talked some more before wandering into a nearby department store. We both got a pair of sandals...right now everything is on sale, as most stores are trying to liquidate their summer products in preparation for winter. We walked around several different stores and before we knew it it was almost 1:45pm, so we headed back to the bus station. We got there in plenty of time and the bus was packed, standing room only. Several tourists sat on the floor...typically its seen as improper tos it on the floor, but they were tourists. Both Nanou and I slept some, until the restroom break. At the same restaurant we saw the bus coming from Monteverde to San Jose, and who should be there but Grettel! On her way to spend the weekend with her brother and some of her Dad's family in San Jose. Its a small country, haha.
I got off in Guacimal, to spend time with my friend Dunnia and her family. She invited me to come visit during the week, and having time off I jumped at the occasion! Her mother was also visiting, and we all had a great time! Her daughter is three and very cute, and I know her husband pretty well! Sometimes we go out dancing together, Dunnia also loves to dance. We went to the river on Good Friday (I am used to not doing anything on good Friday, so going to the river was unexpected). There were numerous families there who had brought soccer balls and picnic food with them, and we watched an intense soccer game in the morning and many people swam in the river after. I played with Dunnia's daughter the whole time, and my shoulders got a little burnt from the sun.
From what I understand it is much more typical for people to spend time at home or go to church during Holy Week, but that life goes on as normal. The most important thing is being with family...thus buses being sold out, packed, and travel being longer and more difficult than usual. Many people also take the opportunity to go the beach or to take the whole week of vacation. This approach to Easter is very different from my experience...on the whole I was really touched by the family element, and how important it is to be with loved ones. North American culture does not have the same emphasis.
Friday evening I went with Dunnia, her husband and daughter to a friend's house a little down the road, where we all watched a movie together. The rest of the family came by and we all sat in the living room watching. Eventually Dunnia's daughter got tired and restless, so we headed back to the house. I was in bed by 9pm.
I also rode an ATV and a dirtbike...the road down to the river is steep and treacherous, so we rode down 4 people on the ATV Dunnia has. Dunnia driving, her daughter in front, and her mother and I hanging onto the back. On the way back up I rode on a dirtbike with a neighbor who lived down the road. I held on tight...it was fun!
On Saturday I watched Dunnia's daughter while Dunnia did laundry. we sat and watched cars go by, played in the swing, talked. She is the sweetest 3 year old ever!!!I will try to post a picture. Around 10:30 I caught the bus up to Monteverde and picked up a few bags from my old house. Muni is living there now, and house hunting too. In the afternoon I dropped off my HUGE suitcase at a friend's for storage. Now I just have to figure out what to do with my mattress. That afternoon I caught the bus back down the mountain to Barranca, and from there to Esparza. Traffic was VERY bad! Most people were heading home that day to spend Easter Sunday in thier house and prepare for work Monday. The trip from Monteverde to Barranca usually takes about 2 hours...instead it was 4. I was pooped when I got to Esparza! I dropped some bags off at Elliott's for storage and we got to visit. On Sunday I was in Puntarenas with Elliott's room-mates most of the day before travelling back to Heredia.
And here I am in the office.
This week my group leaves on Friday, so I will be preparing for that...certificates, questionnaires, probably another trip to the mall (these kids like to shop). Its going to go fast...and we will see what I am doing next week. Hopefully I will find out by Thursday!
As I told Nanou...it's an adventure.
Pura Vida!
raindrops
Winter is fast approaching here in Costa Rica. This may seem backwards...winter, you ask?? What the heck?? But winter weather here begins in late April and goes through December. This means rain most afternoons and sometimes all day (though days of rain are more common in October). Today there was quite a downpour around 12pm, and the weather is much cooler now. I almost wish I had brought a jacket! I am glad I have a raincoat and sweatshirt for the upcoming colder and wetter days. And rain boots!!!!!!! (thanks Mom : )
Pura Vida !!!
Pura Vida !!!
por arriba, por abajo.
Up and down! All around town!
Yesterday my second group arrived from the Bahamas...Queen's College. We left from the airport with the luggage LOADED on top of the bus, and went to CPI Heredia, where students met their Familia Ticas and headed home for the evening. I was wiped out, after a walking tour with my first Bahamas group, and then greeting a second group. I had a late birthday celebration with my Familia Tica from January...I ate dinner with them and they even had a little cake for me! It was so great! My hermanita Tica went crazy with the digital camera, and figured out how to take video. I felt very loved!
Today my second Bahamas group had testing and orientation, and right now I am trying to get their student IDs done before 5pm. We did some games today and walked around San Joaquin, and they are really great kids! The energy and attitude of the group is really positive and refreshing, these kids are all excited to be here and are asking great questions about the culture and the language! What good luck I had with them. The chaperones are also very positive, upbeat. The next two weeks with them will go quickly, I think. Tomorrow I have a pretty busy day, both groups will be doing dance and cooking class, and then classes in the afternoon. Instead of feeling exhausted I feel invigorated...these are some great kids to be working with. They love the phrase "pura vida," too. They have been shouting it as a greeting to any passer by on the street, to dogs, to buses full of people, to passing cars... I love it!
PURA VIDA!
Yesterday my second group arrived from the Bahamas...Queen's College. We left from the airport with the luggage LOADED on top of the bus, and went to CPI Heredia, where students met their Familia Ticas and headed home for the evening. I was wiped out, after a walking tour with my first Bahamas group, and then greeting a second group. I had a late birthday celebration with my Familia Tica from January...I ate dinner with them and they even had a little cake for me! It was so great! My hermanita Tica went crazy with the digital camera, and figured out how to take video. I felt very loved!
Today my second Bahamas group had testing and orientation, and right now I am trying to get their student IDs done before 5pm. We did some games today and walked around San Joaquin, and they are really great kids! The energy and attitude of the group is really positive and refreshing, these kids are all excited to be here and are asking great questions about the culture and the language! What good luck I had with them. The chaperones are also very positive, upbeat. The next two weeks with them will go quickly, I think. Tomorrow I have a pretty busy day, both groups will be doing dance and cooking class, and then classes in the afternoon. Instead of feeling exhausted I feel invigorated...these are some great kids to be working with. They love the phrase "pura vida," too. They have been shouting it as a greeting to any passer by on the street, to dogs, to buses full of people, to passing cars... I love it!
PURA VIDA!
in the city...
It feels good to be back in Heredia. The place is like home, its like coming back to my cousin's house after being away for a while! There are many familiar faces, and I can navigate easily the streets and sidewalks.
If I end up staying in Costa Rica long term, I would like to live in a place like San Joaquin or San Ramon. Both are more centrally located and have easy bus access to San Jose. They are big enough that there are plenty of things to do, and plenty of places to shop and bank. The services there are good, and the atmosphere isn't big city but isn't small-town either. It's more of a suburban environment...that would be the good comparison to the USA.
On the whole I really like being in Heredia. It's beautiful!
Today I have been doing all kinds of things. I have folded folders, printed nametags, taken pictures, danced in dance class, printed and re-printed itineraries, called Mama Ticas, and am currently looking for the number of American Airlines in Costa Rica. Just a normal day in the Grupos office.
My group, Spanish Wells, will arrive tonight at 7:10pm and will be getting dropped off at their Familia Tica's house. If all goes well, I will be in bed by 9:30pm. Tomorrow another group arrives, and I will be the chaperona. So in the morning one group...in the afternoon another. Ah, the excitement and the blur. This is the start of the temporada.
Also today my parents are celebrating 25 years of marriage! Congratulations Mom and Dad, and here's to 25 more!! I hope for the same thing in my married life in the future. : )
Pura Vida!
If I end up staying in Costa Rica long term, I would like to live in a place like San Joaquin or San Ramon. Both are more centrally located and have easy bus access to San Jose. They are big enough that there are plenty of things to do, and plenty of places to shop and bank. The services there are good, and the atmosphere isn't big city but isn't small-town either. It's more of a suburban environment...that would be the good comparison to the USA.
On the whole I really like being in Heredia. It's beautiful!
Today I have been doing all kinds of things. I have folded folders, printed nametags, taken pictures, danced in dance class, printed and re-printed itineraries, called Mama Ticas, and am currently looking for the number of American Airlines in Costa Rica. Just a normal day in the Grupos office.
My group, Spanish Wells, will arrive tonight at 7:10pm and will be getting dropped off at their Familia Tica's house. If all goes well, I will be in bed by 9:30pm. Tomorrow another group arrives, and I will be the chaperona. So in the morning one group...in the afternoon another. Ah, the excitement and the blur. This is the start of the temporada.
Also today my parents are celebrating 25 years of marriage! Congratulations Mom and Dad, and here's to 25 more!! I hope for the same thing in my married life in the future. : )
Pura Vida!
changes
So its a typical Thursday...I am hanging around to DJ dance class.
I just found out yesterday that I will be heading to Heredia TOMORROW! to begin working with groups. Within the last half hour my departure time changed from the afternoon to the morning. All of my things are packed.
This evening I am heading to the sushi place after dance class...to celebrate my birthday early. I was planning to have a mini party on Saturday, but I will be working all day. So...I am celebrating tonight. And this will be my last night in Monteverde for a while.
I plan to leave half of my things at Elliott's and half at Muni's. Paying for a house when I am not living there is silly. Muni can use all of my house stuff when she moves into her new place...meanwhile her boyfriend is staying in the cabina, since I have paid this month and they are waiting to move. He works in Monteverde, and I will have someone to watch my things (and to move them).
So this is jumping back into grupos, and the temporada. The next few weeks will be a whirlwind experience.
Pura Vida.
I just found out yesterday that I will be heading to Heredia TOMORROW! to begin working with groups. Within the last half hour my departure time changed from the afternoon to the morning. All of my things are packed.
This evening I am heading to the sushi place after dance class...to celebrate my birthday early. I was planning to have a mini party on Saturday, but I will be working all day. So...I am celebrating tonight. And this will be my last night in Monteverde for a while.
I plan to leave half of my things at Elliott's and half at Muni's. Paying for a house when I am not living there is silly. Muni can use all of my house stuff when she moves into her new place...meanwhile her boyfriend is staying in the cabina, since I have paid this month and they are waiting to move. He works in Monteverde, and I will have someone to watch my things (and to move them).
So this is jumping back into grupos, and the temporada. The next few weeks will be a whirlwind experience.
Pura Vida.
mountains
So here is an update on a Monday, instead of a Thursday! And I have some news.
I am now living alone.
Last Friday I paid my rent by myself, as Grettel is now living with her parents, having had to return for financial and health issues. I cannot fault her for it, as I understand her situation. All the same I wish I had a room-mate, not only for financial reasons but also for the company. Lately I have been watching a lot of movies in the evenings.
I don't have a stove.
The stove in my cabina belonged to Grettel's aunt. Apparently her stove is broken...and last night her brother arrived to take the stove. Its just a s well, since I don't have gas! But I am hoping for an electric stove. Meanwhile I am cooking at school.
I start with groups next week.
No clue yet about where i will be... and this is a big departure from what I was expecting, to be with groups starting in May. It doesn't make sense to be paying for a house if I am not living in it, and so I also want to figure out a new living situation, even if it's leaving all of my things packed up at Elliott's. Another option is leaving them at Muni's, once she is living in her new apartment. She will be living in Monteverde, which would be convenient. Be flexible!
I will not be returning to the USA in May.
My cousin and my brother have important life events coming up next month, but due to my work schedule (being the high season, and having a group) and funds (broke) I will not be able to make it, and I will not be able to afford a trip back to Ohio. I am upset about it... this was something I was really looking forward too, and its really disappointing to have to admit that I cannot go, to myself and to my loved ones.
Ok.
On a lighter note I have been reading a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez(in Spanish! Its been a challenge, sometimes I struggle without a dictionary), and have been bitten by a writing bug. I started a story last night and have ideas for several more. You know how much I like to write...and fiction! Sometimes I am not sure what to share in my blog, as I much prefer writing fiction, haha!
Bueno, I am climbing a few mountains in my life right now. But mine are the least of the world's problems.
Always....Pura Vida!
I am now living alone.
Last Friday I paid my rent by myself, as Grettel is now living with her parents, having had to return for financial and health issues. I cannot fault her for it, as I understand her situation. All the same I wish I had a room-mate, not only for financial reasons but also for the company. Lately I have been watching a lot of movies in the evenings.
I don't have a stove.
The stove in my cabina belonged to Grettel's aunt. Apparently her stove is broken...and last night her brother arrived to take the stove. Its just a s well, since I don't have gas! But I am hoping for an electric stove. Meanwhile I am cooking at school.
I start with groups next week.
No clue yet about where i will be... and this is a big departure from what I was expecting, to be with groups starting in May. It doesn't make sense to be paying for a house if I am not living in it, and so I also want to figure out a new living situation, even if it's leaving all of my things packed up at Elliott's. Another option is leaving them at Muni's, once she is living in her new apartment. She will be living in Monteverde, which would be convenient. Be flexible!
I will not be returning to the USA in May.
My cousin and my brother have important life events coming up next month, but due to my work schedule (being the high season, and having a group) and funds (broke) I will not be able to make it, and I will not be able to afford a trip back to Ohio. I am upset about it... this was something I was really looking forward too, and its really disappointing to have to admit that I cannot go, to myself and to my loved ones.
Ok.
On a lighter note I have been reading a book by Gabriel Garcia Marquez(in Spanish! Its been a challenge, sometimes I struggle without a dictionary), and have been bitten by a writing bug. I started a story last night and have ideas for several more. You know how much I like to write...and fiction! Sometimes I am not sure what to share in my blog, as I much prefer writing fiction, haha!
Bueno, I am climbing a few mountains in my life right now. But mine are the least of the world's problems.
Always....Pura Vida!