It is full blown winter weather up here in Monteverde. What does this mean?
Winter in Monteverde means that you are CRAZY to leave your house without rain gear. It means that you will be layering, that you wear socks and rainboots and that nothing is mas rico (more delicious) than a cup of coffee or tea in the afternoon. It means that when it rains, it POURS! In the evenings when you hear water all around you, pounding the roof and sloughing down the sides of your house, there are few things that sound better than getting under your blankets and letting the sound lull you to sleep. That is a sketch of winter...
Remember that the rain is what makes this mountain so beautiful and unique, that when the rain stops and there is a lingering humidity and cloud, that you see the cloud forest, everything! And taking a breath of pure, clean, green air you appreciate every little raindrop that makes this place what it is.
Meanwhile, I am wearing socks, a jacket, sipping on a cup of coffee and silently thanking my mom for my beautiful rainboots. They help to make winter a little cozier.
Speaking of winter, it looks like I will be heading back to Ohio come September. So for those of you in withdrawal, you can get a good dose of Meggie. I will be in Ohio indefinitely, with hopes to travel once in a while to Costa Rica. The tentative date of return is September 25th, just in time to greet my favorite season, fall.
You know, it seems that my cold tolerance has gone way down since being here. I have gotten very used to wearing shorts and short sleeves in the heat of Heredia, Puntarenas and Esparza. And naturally I will be coming back to the USA just in time for cold weather...Looking forward to layers and jackets. Such a clotheshorse, I know. Thinking I will leave most of my summer clothing here.
I have started to search for both cheap plane tickets and job opportunities. If you see (or hear) about either in Dayton, let me know! Especially if I can use my Spanish. I am ALL about Spanish, you know.
Yesterday I spoke with my Mom, Avia, and Tieta Tessa on Skype for almost an hour. It was so good to see them! Hear them! I wish I had been able to reach through and give them all hugs. These last few weeks I have been struggling with homesickness, with so many family events. I am looking forward to seeing everyone when I get back...there will be plenty of hugs to go around!!
PURA VIDA
looking for quetzals
Today the group went to the Santa Elena Reserve, managed by the local high school and used as an outdoor classroom. CPI sends many groups to this reserve and not to the more well known Monteverde Reserve. The chofer and I were talking about the differences today...
Reserva Santa Elena
-entrance fees support local schools
-run by the local school
-less crowded
-cheaper entrance fee ($9 with student ID, $12 regular)
-accept CPI student ID and international ID
Reserva Monteverde
-run by different organization dedicated to preserving this part of the cloud forest
-larger groups on tours (30+ people)
-more expensive entrance fee ($17 regular)
- require international student ID
Honestly, I have never been to the Monteverde Reserve. I have always enjoyed the Santa Elena Reserve. Today we heard but did not see the infamous quetzal bird. The quetzal is endangered and this is an environment where it thrives. For a time I was thinking about a quetzal tattoo, but I don't think my Avia would approve. Hopefully I will see one next time I go! But truly I always enjoy a visit to the cloud forest. Its one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Yesterday my students weren't feeling too well. Some left class with sick stomachs, chills and fevers. We went to the local doctor and many of them have throat infections. I don't know how much I trust this doctor, honestly...an irritated throat would not result in a sick stomach. I haven't been 100% for the last day, but on the whole I feel fine. Just tired! I also had a late night with some friends on Tuesday, so I expected to feel a little tired. Yesterday I went to bed really early and plan to rest more today.
This weekend I am not sure what I will be doing yet...hopefully I will be able to rest more.
Pura Vida
Reserva Santa Elena
-entrance fees support local schools
-run by the local school
-less crowded
-cheaper entrance fee ($9 with student ID, $12 regular)
-accept CPI student ID and international ID
Reserva Monteverde
-run by different organization dedicated to preserving this part of the cloud forest
-larger groups on tours (30+ people)
-more expensive entrance fee ($17 regular)
- require international student ID
Honestly, I have never been to the Monteverde Reserve. I have always enjoyed the Santa Elena Reserve. Today we heard but did not see the infamous quetzal bird. The quetzal is endangered and this is an environment where it thrives. For a time I was thinking about a quetzal tattoo, but I don't think my Avia would approve. Hopefully I will see one next time I go! But truly I always enjoy a visit to the cloud forest. Its one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Yesterday my students weren't feeling too well. Some left class with sick stomachs, chills and fevers. We went to the local doctor and many of them have throat infections. I don't know how much I trust this doctor, honestly...an irritated throat would not result in a sick stomach. I haven't been 100% for the last day, but on the whole I feel fine. Just tired! I also had a late night with some friends on Tuesday, so I expected to feel a little tired. Yesterday I went to bed really early and plan to rest more today.
This weekend I am not sure what I will be doing yet...hopefully I will be able to rest more.
Pura Vida
travel quotes
"Chase your bliss into the abyss and enjoy the journey." -- Joe Statile
"The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are." -- Samuel Johnson
"All the pathos and irony of leaving one's youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time." -- Paul Fussell
"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -- Miriam Beard
"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home." -- James Michener
"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends." -- Maya Angelou
"Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation." -- Elizabeth Drew
"Traveling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station." -- Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
"The use of traveling is to regulate imagination by reality, and instead of thinking how things may be, to see them as they are." -- Samuel Johnson
"All the pathos and irony of leaving one's youth behind is thus implicit in every joyous moment of travel: one knows that the first joy can never be recovered, and the wise traveler learns not to repeat successes but tries new places all the time." -- Paul Fussell
"Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living." -- Miriam Beard
"If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home." -- James Michener
"Perhaps travel cannot prevent bigotry, but by demonstrating that all peoples cry, laugh, eat, worry, and die, it can introduce the idea that if we try and understand each other, we may even become friends." -- Maya Angelou
"Too often travel, instead of broadening the mind, merely lengthens the conversation." -- Elizabeth Drew
"Traveling is like flirting with life. It's like saying, ‘I would stay and love you, but I have to go; this is my station." -- Lisa St. Aubin de Teran
back in the montes and the classroom
The next two weeks I will be with my group in Monteverde. My room is the "cuartito" up in Casas del Toro, which is the residence for students in CPI Monteverde. While I do not have a kitchen, there is a washer and dryer, so I did some of my laundry last night and now I have clean polo shirts for a while. Luckily this week there are two other chaperonas in the apartments too, so I can use their kitchen in the meantime. Next week I will be using the kitchen at the school more, or just making do with the microwave. No worries!
On the day my group arrived it was very wet and cloudy, and I ended up staying at a friend's house because we couldn't get a hold of the key to get me into the cuartito. Coming up the mountain the driver commented on how cloudy it was, and visibility was very limited. It served as a great introduction of Monteverde to the group..."Remember," I told them, "We are in the cloud forest!" and cloudy it was. Thankfully today is looking much nicer, only slightly overcast and pretty warm. In the evenings it gets pretty chilly, and the group knows to always bring their rain jackets and a sweatshirt. It feels like winter here now! In Heredia it was much warmer.
Today we visited a local primary school in Santa Elena, and did some activities with 4th graders and observed an English class with first graders. I was talking with the English teacher and she was saying that the kids in this school will learn only basic English, what is required by the Ministry of education (pronunciation, numbers, colors, the basics). During the first few years (grades 1-3) of learning English there is more emphasis on speaking and listening: pronunciation and hearing spoken English. Later on (grades 4-6) students focus more on reading and writing. She also said that in many cases a teacher's hands are tied...that they only teach what is required by the Ministry of Education. Many times they try to do a little more but sometimes face resistance from parents and students, claim that the material doesn't count because its not part of the required curriculum. To learn more fluid and conversational English, students have to study in the University. I found that very surprising...I thought maybe more parents would want their kids to be learning English! I think that you can begin to see more of a generational shift, that parents of people my age (21-30)did not have to learn English while they were in school, and may not be as supportive. While people in my age group who have kids are emphasizing more the importance of learning English, because it is important in getting a good job and being more marketable. You can also see now too the interest of younger children in learning English...every time the group enters a classroom, you hear a chorus of "Hello, how are you?" and often students are eager to practice the basics they know, and ask questions to learn more. It is a very different attitude from some older folks, who rely more on someone to translate and may not be as interested in learning English. Today I translated fro the professor of my group and the professor of the classroom we visited, because he spoke no English and she has very little Spanish.
It has been very interesting working with this group of education majors, and going back into the classroom with them. Observing them teach and helping to translate and coordinate their activities in the classroom has been eye-opening, and reaffirmed my hope to someday raise my children to be bilingual. Education and language go hand in hand, and these students are experiencing something really important, being exposed to another classroom in another culture and teaching in a different language.
Learning has no borders.
Pura vida!
On the day my group arrived it was very wet and cloudy, and I ended up staying at a friend's house because we couldn't get a hold of the key to get me into the cuartito. Coming up the mountain the driver commented on how cloudy it was, and visibility was very limited. It served as a great introduction of Monteverde to the group..."Remember," I told them, "We are in the cloud forest!" and cloudy it was. Thankfully today is looking much nicer, only slightly overcast and pretty warm. In the evenings it gets pretty chilly, and the group knows to always bring their rain jackets and a sweatshirt. It feels like winter here now! In Heredia it was much warmer.
Today we visited a local primary school in Santa Elena, and did some activities with 4th graders and observed an English class with first graders. I was talking with the English teacher and she was saying that the kids in this school will learn only basic English, what is required by the Ministry of education (pronunciation, numbers, colors, the basics). During the first few years (grades 1-3) of learning English there is more emphasis on speaking and listening: pronunciation and hearing spoken English. Later on (grades 4-6) students focus more on reading and writing. She also said that in many cases a teacher's hands are tied...that they only teach what is required by the Ministry of Education. Many times they try to do a little more but sometimes face resistance from parents and students, claim that the material doesn't count because its not part of the required curriculum. To learn more fluid and conversational English, students have to study in the University. I found that very surprising...I thought maybe more parents would want their kids to be learning English! I think that you can begin to see more of a generational shift, that parents of people my age (21-30)did not have to learn English while they were in school, and may not be as supportive. While people in my age group who have kids are emphasizing more the importance of learning English, because it is important in getting a good job and being more marketable. You can also see now too the interest of younger children in learning English...every time the group enters a classroom, you hear a chorus of "Hello, how are you?" and often students are eager to practice the basics they know, and ask questions to learn more. It is a very different attitude from some older folks, who rely more on someone to translate and may not be as interested in learning English. Today I translated fro the professor of my group and the professor of the classroom we visited, because he spoke no English and she has very little Spanish.
It has been very interesting working with this group of education majors, and going back into the classroom with them. Observing them teach and helping to translate and coordinate their activities in the classroom has been eye-opening, and reaffirmed my hope to someday raise my children to be bilingual. Education and language go hand in hand, and these students are experiencing something really important, being exposed to another classroom in another culture and teaching in a different language.
Learning has no borders.
Pura vida!
experience is an excellent teacher
This week there are 2 fairly new chaperonas in the office, so Clara and I have found ourselves explaining activities or tasks and showing them around. Mostly it has been me, as Clara is currently with one of the more delicate groups we have.
I know more than I thought I did! Being a chaperone is not a difficult task, but the challenge really depends on the group. Right now I am blessed to have a group of pretty laid back, interested and active kids. I have explained everything from airport pickup, to orientation and testing, ice breakers, first day procedures and who to contact for the class list, break times, touching base with kids after class, making student IDs, going on an Heredia City Tour, how to use the bus, the banks, families and travelling between campuses. It seems that I know how to do a little bit of everything!!
Sometimes I do get frustrated with myself for not being as confident as I should be. Part of how I trip myself up is thinking that I have more time to spare than I actually do. Another mistake is thinking "What would Muni do?" which often crosses my mind. Muni was an amazing chaperone and taught me everything I know, but I often forget that she ends up being an exception to some rules. Thinking what would Muni do (or wear!) has gotten me in trouble. What I have found that I need to do and focus on is being proactive, which is part of what my boss tells me. I hate dissapointing her, like when I did not come in pants to receive my group. I was wearing shorts, which she considered "too informal" though they were not by any means VERY short or inappropriate. But I was told that I had on a "play outfit," versus something more professional to receive my group. After being reprimanded I felt a little frustrated...this job doesn't require a pantsuit or a blazer, and my wardrobe is all jeans and khaki. My shorts were something Muni might have worn, and were not exposing me in any way. While I can see my boss's pertinent point, I still had to bite my tongue. Does that mean I shouldn't wear shorts in the heat of Playa Flamingo, where students come to class in their swim suits and without shoes? Talking with Muni about this afterwards made me feel a little better, and her pointing out that this is a stressful time and that chaperones should always be presentable...she said that even she has gotten a little flak lately for her dress. And Muni is the queen of personal style!
On the whole, the last couple days of explaining and showing new chaperones the ropes has strengthened my confidence in myself. I know how to do this job. The required basics are as follows:
-flexibility
-organization
-command of Spanish (essential! without Spanish you cannot do this job.)
-good with kids
-positive attitude (makes all the difference)
-problem solving
-physically active
-tranquilo/a
I have what it takes.
Pura vida.
I know more than I thought I did! Being a chaperone is not a difficult task, but the challenge really depends on the group. Right now I am blessed to have a group of pretty laid back, interested and active kids. I have explained everything from airport pickup, to orientation and testing, ice breakers, first day procedures and who to contact for the class list, break times, touching base with kids after class, making student IDs, going on an Heredia City Tour, how to use the bus, the banks, families and travelling between campuses. It seems that I know how to do a little bit of everything!!
Sometimes I do get frustrated with myself for not being as confident as I should be. Part of how I trip myself up is thinking that I have more time to spare than I actually do. Another mistake is thinking "What would Muni do?" which often crosses my mind. Muni was an amazing chaperone and taught me everything I know, but I often forget that she ends up being an exception to some rules. Thinking what would Muni do (or wear!) has gotten me in trouble. What I have found that I need to do and focus on is being proactive, which is part of what my boss tells me. I hate dissapointing her, like when I did not come in pants to receive my group. I was wearing shorts, which she considered "too informal" though they were not by any means VERY short or inappropriate. But I was told that I had on a "play outfit," versus something more professional to receive my group. After being reprimanded I felt a little frustrated...this job doesn't require a pantsuit or a blazer, and my wardrobe is all jeans and khaki. My shorts were something Muni might have worn, and were not exposing me in any way. While I can see my boss's pertinent point, I still had to bite my tongue. Does that mean I shouldn't wear shorts in the heat of Playa Flamingo, where students come to class in their swim suits and without shoes? Talking with Muni about this afterwards made me feel a little better, and her pointing out that this is a stressful time and that chaperones should always be presentable...she said that even she has gotten a little flak lately for her dress. And Muni is the queen of personal style!
On the whole, the last couple days of explaining and showing new chaperones the ropes has strengthened my confidence in myself. I know how to do this job. The required basics are as follows:
-flexibility
-organization
-command of Spanish (essential! without Spanish you cannot do this job.)
-good with kids
-positive attitude (makes all the difference)
-problem solving
-physically active
-tranquilo/a
I have what it takes.
Pura vida.
earthquakes and education
On Friday I received a new group from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
That same afternoon, during their time in San Joaquin, Costa Rica experienced a 5.9 earthquake. I was outside on the corner, counting students as they were entering the bus, and felt the bus rocking. I thought, "Gosh what are those kids doing in there?" and then noticed the chain fence next to us shaking and thought..."This is an earthquake! Temblor!" As we drove through downtown Heredia there were many people outdoors and the chofer and I listened to the radio to get the scoop on how big the quake was, how long it lasted, and where the epicenter was located. That was only my fourth earthquake in Costa Rica, but definitely one of the strongest.
All in a day in Costa Rica.
This new group is made of some really great kids. I guess I shouldn't say kids, since they are all university students, but as part of my group I see them as my "kids"...They are all studying education, and I am very impressed with how observant and open they are.
Interacting with them and listening to some of what they talk about in their course has made me reflect on my own experience here, and the cultural things I have learned.
More later. Tuanis : )
That same afternoon, during their time in San Joaquin, Costa Rica experienced a 5.9 earthquake. I was outside on the corner, counting students as they were entering the bus, and felt the bus rocking. I thought, "Gosh what are those kids doing in there?" and then noticed the chain fence next to us shaking and thought..."This is an earthquake! Temblor!" As we drove through downtown Heredia there were many people outdoors and the chofer and I listened to the radio to get the scoop on how big the quake was, how long it lasted, and where the epicenter was located. That was only my fourth earthquake in Costa Rica, but definitely one of the strongest.
All in a day in Costa Rica.
This new group is made of some really great kids. I guess I shouldn't say kids, since they are all university students, but as part of my group I see them as my "kids"...They are all studying education, and I am very impressed with how observant and open they are.
Interacting with them and listening to some of what they talk about in their course has made me reflect on my own experience here, and the cultural things I have learned.
More later. Tuanis : )
in good company
I know some really great people.
Yesterday evening I went out with Royner, Nanou and Clara, three friends from CPI. WE went to Bar Amigos around 9pm to watch kareoke night, and we had a great time.
We talked about visas, travelling, different nationalities and what we find interesting about the French (both Nanou and Clara are French). WE tried new drinks, I introduced amaretto to Clara and she liked it a lot. We laughed and joked about embarassing situations. The most beautiful was our conversation was 100% in Spanish.
There are only two main bars downtown in Santa Elena. And who should I see yesterday but a friend of mine, a guide who I worked with three years ago?? He had been in Monteverde on a bird watching tour, and we last saw each other a month or two ago in San Jose. Its a small world!
We all danced and laughed and it was a whole lot of fun.
I am lucky to know such wonderful people.
PURA VIDA
Yesterday evening I went out with Royner, Nanou and Clara, three friends from CPI. WE went to Bar Amigos around 9pm to watch kareoke night, and we had a great time.
We talked about visas, travelling, different nationalities and what we find interesting about the French (both Nanou and Clara are French). WE tried new drinks, I introduced amaretto to Clara and she liked it a lot. We laughed and joked about embarassing situations. The most beautiful was our conversation was 100% in Spanish.
There are only two main bars downtown in Santa Elena. And who should I see yesterday but a friend of mine, a guide who I worked with three years ago?? He had been in Monteverde on a bird watching tour, and we last saw each other a month or two ago in San Jose. Its a small world!
We all danced and laughed and it was a whole lot of fun.
I am lucky to know such wonderful people.
PURA VIDA
back in the bosque...
This week I have been in Monteverde covering the post of the Student Coordinator. Today I helped to train Muni, and tomorrow we continue training. Friday I think I still begin my 5 day leave, and am not sure yet if I will be going to the beach. The plan is to go SOMEWHERE to get sun!If Elliott has any free time I would like to visit him, and if not then I might stay with my Familia in Heredia for a while.
Whatever I do it will be nice to get out of the attic...currently my bed is on the third floor of CPI Monteverde, and I have been joking that I'm having trouble separating the personal from professional. Living in my workplace isn't much fun. I don't have a kitchen either, so i am very grateful for my co-worker and neighbor Clara, who has let me cook at her place the last few days. A co-worker even brought me lunch today, I was so touched! Although after the last three weeks with a Familia Tica I got fattened up...a couple lean days won't kill me, thats for sure!
Winter is coming, but the weather in Monteverde hasn't turned nasty yet. Today it was quite blustery but very sunny, so I felt chilly in the wind but warm under the sun( I think my nose may even be a little sunburnt!). I walked with Muni down to Sabores to get my ice cream fix. It hasn't been raining much, yet... I have missed Monteverde, my Costa Rican hometown.
Pura Vida
Whatever I do it will be nice to get out of the attic...currently my bed is on the third floor of CPI Monteverde, and I have been joking that I'm having trouble separating the personal from professional. Living in my workplace isn't much fun. I don't have a kitchen either, so i am very grateful for my co-worker and neighbor Clara, who has let me cook at her place the last few days. A co-worker even brought me lunch today, I was so touched! Although after the last three weeks with a Familia Tica I got fattened up...a couple lean days won't kill me, thats for sure!
Winter is coming, but the weather in Monteverde hasn't turned nasty yet. Today it was quite blustery but very sunny, so I felt chilly in the wind but warm under the sun( I think my nose may even be a little sunburnt!). I walked with Muni down to Sabores to get my ice cream fix. It hasn't been raining much, yet... I have missed Monteverde, my Costa Rican hometown.
Pura Vida