Arenal
Well, last weekend all the ISA kids packed on to two buses and headed off to the Volcanan Arenal. We hiked down to the Fortuna Waterfalls which were beautiful but FRIGID. In order to swim in them you had to climb over all these boulders then just jump into icy water and try not to get sucked under by the pressure of falling water. After that pleasant experience, we went to these hotsprings which are essentially shallow pools filled with water heated from the volcano. There was one spring that was 165 degrees F. You couldn't even walk into to that bad boy because the pain receptors in your feet started screaming bloddy murder. So we scooted into the pool, butt first. Obviously a good time was had by all.
The volcano stayed cloudy all weekend until the hour before we left, at which point it cleared up. I took some excellent pics, which I shall post as soon as I can figure out how to upload them without it taking FOREVER.
On Monday morning my Tica mother gave me food poisoning, which made for another pleasant experience. To the really nice Tico people who gave me a ride home (who probably are not reading my blog), thank you. And thank God that I didn't get sick in the nice tico's car.
Essentially it has been a trip of extremes. I don't know, I'm starting to think that three months here was a little excessive. By the way, the food here, not so much.
Wednesday, January 28, 2004
Friday, January 23, 2004
It's not all climbing volcanoes and salsa dancing
Well, ok, so this weekend it is. Last night I had my salsa lesson at school, then Robert and I went salsa dancing at this place called Castro's Bar. It amuses me that Castro's is locatated in Barrio Mexico. Anyhow, on our way in we saw Douglas, an older but excellent dancer (ex-Veritas student) that comes to our lessons. We chilled with him, his friends and their dates. The place was really fun, with a decent sized dance floor and a good mix of music. As fun as it was, I had to leave at midnight, not because I would turn into a pumpkin, but because....I'm going volcano climbing this weekend!
Well, ok, so this weekend it is. Last night I had my salsa lesson at school, then Robert and I went salsa dancing at this place called Castro's Bar. It amuses me that Castro's is locatated in Barrio Mexico. Anyhow, on our way in we saw Douglas, an older but excellent dancer (ex-Veritas student) that comes to our lessons. We chilled with him, his friends and their dates. The place was really fun, with a decent sized dance floor and a good mix of music. As fun as it was, I had to leave at midnight, not because I would turn into a pumpkin, but because....I'm going volcano climbing this weekend!
Tuesday, January 20, 2004
Monteverde
This weekend was amazing. All the International Studies Abroad (ISA) kids got together after classes on Friday and headed off to the rain forest. The trip took five and a half hours, which really wouldn't have been so bad but for the fact that we were perilously winding around the side of a mountain on a narrow, BUMPY dirt road. Most of the time you couldn't see around the corner so when another car comes zooming around, well, you can imagine. A note on the streets here, they are full of pot holes, which they call huecos. In other Latin American countries hueco is slang for a gay person. Imagine my friend's confusion when he kept telling everyone that the streets in San Jose were full of huecos and all the Argentinians kept laughing at him.
We finally arrived at Villa Verde, this awesome lodge, where we ate dinner and everyone proceeded to get drunk and dance to the DJ they had. There's a guy from Rice here named Robert who is at a different university but comes on our excursions. Anyhow, he's a great salsa dancer so I got lots of practice with him. It seems like white guys who can dance usually learned through classes so they're really technical and use terms like "cross body lead" and such and have a different sense of rhythm. Of course, I'm still learning but I think I dance better with latinos.
The next morning I woke up at 7AM and went for a walk in the rain forest. We were with a group of girls who kept whining about the mud and complaining that they hated nature. Do not ask me why you would come to Costa Rica if you hate nature. Or why you would bring your curling iron. Or your J-Lo sweatsuit. Anyhow, after ditching the fresitas, I proceeded to spend three hours hiking through the most amazing biological reserve. I took about 100 pictures, which I'll post on the internet as soon as some kind soul will tell me how. At one point it started to rain and you couldn't hear a thing except the drops landing on the leaves, and every once in a while, a monkey. I haven't felt so at peace in ages.
We headed back to the lodge, had lunch and then left for our canopy tour. A canopy tour, for those of you out of the loop, is where they strap a harness around your thighs and attach a strap to your waist with a carribeaner at the end. You hike up a ways into the forest and then climb up onto a little metal station that leads up to the top of a tree. They have a series of 16 wires connecting tree to tree. You get hooked on to the wire and then jump off the platform and zip down to the next station. Can you say adrenaline rush?
On station three I didn't stop in time and crashed into a tree, but other than that, I was a pro. At one station you have the option to do the Tarzan swing, which is just what it sounds like. That was exhilarating. The last line was the best, it ran 2,000 feet and was 260 feet up in the air. You get this bird's eye view of the rain forest and you feel like you're flying. It's different than skydiving because you actually have time to observe things, see the different colors of the greenery and the clouds meeting the hills.
Sunday morning was spent reading the sun and generally just lounging and enjoying the clean air. If anyone comes to visit, Monteverde is definitely on the itinerary.
Since a few of you aren't emailing me, I set up a comments section and you lazy asses can send some love that way. Remember, I'm all alone here and I miss everyone. (maybe the pity angle will work)
This weekend was amazing. All the International Studies Abroad (ISA) kids got together after classes on Friday and headed off to the rain forest. The trip took five and a half hours, which really wouldn't have been so bad but for the fact that we were perilously winding around the side of a mountain on a narrow, BUMPY dirt road. Most of the time you couldn't see around the corner so when another car comes zooming around, well, you can imagine. A note on the streets here, they are full of pot holes, which they call huecos. In other Latin American countries hueco is slang for a gay person. Imagine my friend's confusion when he kept telling everyone that the streets in San Jose were full of huecos and all the Argentinians kept laughing at him.
We finally arrived at Villa Verde, this awesome lodge, where we ate dinner and everyone proceeded to get drunk and dance to the DJ they had. There's a guy from Rice here named Robert who is at a different university but comes on our excursions. Anyhow, he's a great salsa dancer so I got lots of practice with him. It seems like white guys who can dance usually learned through classes so they're really technical and use terms like "cross body lead" and such and have a different sense of rhythm. Of course, I'm still learning but I think I dance better with latinos.
The next morning I woke up at 7AM and went for a walk in the rain forest. We were with a group of girls who kept whining about the mud and complaining that they hated nature. Do not ask me why you would come to Costa Rica if you hate nature. Or why you would bring your curling iron. Or your J-Lo sweatsuit. Anyhow, after ditching the fresitas, I proceeded to spend three hours hiking through the most amazing biological reserve. I took about 100 pictures, which I'll post on the internet as soon as some kind soul will tell me how. At one point it started to rain and you couldn't hear a thing except the drops landing on the leaves, and every once in a while, a monkey. I haven't felt so at peace in ages.
We headed back to the lodge, had lunch and then left for our canopy tour. A canopy tour, for those of you out of the loop, is where they strap a harness around your thighs and attach a strap to your waist with a carribeaner at the end. You hike up a ways into the forest and then climb up onto a little metal station that leads up to the top of a tree. They have a series of 16 wires connecting tree to tree. You get hooked on to the wire and then jump off the platform and zip down to the next station. Can you say adrenaline rush?
On station three I didn't stop in time and crashed into a tree, but other than that, I was a pro. At one station you have the option to do the Tarzan swing, which is just what it sounds like. That was exhilarating. The last line was the best, it ran 2,000 feet and was 260 feet up in the air. You get this bird's eye view of the rain forest and you feel like you're flying. It's different than skydiving because you actually have time to observe things, see the different colors of the greenery and the clouds meeting the hills.
Sunday morning was spent reading the sun and generally just lounging and enjoying the clean air. If anyone comes to visit, Monteverde is definitely on the itinerary.
Since a few of you aren't emailing me, I set up a comments section and you lazy asses can send some love that way. Remember, I'm all alone here and I miss everyone. (maybe the pity angle will work)
Thursday, January 15, 2004
Thursday 1/16/04
Yesterday after classes we headed to the San Pedro Mall to get some dinner and catch a two-for-one deal at the movies. On the way there our taxi driver seemed to think he was playing Crazy Cab. Seriously, the drivers here are so insane. The guy actually hit another car en route but just yelled that he didn't cause any damage and drove away. I wouldn't be suprised if someone died in a car accident or crossing the street. Apparently the half the patrol cars here are out of comission because their registration stickers are out-dated. They don't even ahve the money to rerair the police cars. It's muy peligroso.
At night we went to a great Reggae club last night called Raices. Everyone from school was there and the place was packed and the music was tight. It was a cool setting to be in because although it was a reggae club, there were more white and tico people there than black. Costa Rica has a pretty big rasta community, which shouldn't have suprised me but still did. There still seems to be a lot of racism here, though people won't admit to it. It's strange to me how people can still think that way, but blacks and ticos just don't mix here. I don't think it is the matter of hate, the way it is in America. It seriously seems to be more a matter of ignorance. The black community is somewhat united but not nearly as in your face, anti-white as some aspects of the black community in America. Still, they don't really attempt to integrate with other communities as much.
Ok, must go study for my first test tomorrow. After classes though we are heading out on our first weekend excursion. ISA is taking us to Monteverde, the rain forest about five hours from San Jose. aside from the fact that out director said there might be tarantulas, scorpions and snakes in the rooms, I'm really emocionada to be going.
Yesterday after classes we headed to the San Pedro Mall to get some dinner and catch a two-for-one deal at the movies. On the way there our taxi driver seemed to think he was playing Crazy Cab. Seriously, the drivers here are so insane. The guy actually hit another car en route but just yelled that he didn't cause any damage and drove away. I wouldn't be suprised if someone died in a car accident or crossing the street. Apparently the half the patrol cars here are out of comission because their registration stickers are out-dated. They don't even ahve the money to rerair the police cars. It's muy peligroso.
At night we went to a great Reggae club last night called Raices. Everyone from school was there and the place was packed and the music was tight. It was a cool setting to be in because although it was a reggae club, there were more white and tico people there than black. Costa Rica has a pretty big rasta community, which shouldn't have suprised me but still did. There still seems to be a lot of racism here, though people won't admit to it. It's strange to me how people can still think that way, but blacks and ticos just don't mix here. I don't think it is the matter of hate, the way it is in America. It seriously seems to be more a matter of ignorance. The black community is somewhat united but not nearly as in your face, anti-white as some aspects of the black community in America. Still, they don't really attempt to integrate with other communities as much.
Ok, must go study for my first test tomorrow. After classes though we are heading out on our first weekend excursion. ISA is taking us to Monteverde, the rain forest about five hours from San Jose. aside from the fact that out director said there might be tarantulas, scorpions and snakes in the rooms, I'm really emocionada to be going.
Tuesday, January 13, 2004
So instead of sending out countless emails I figured I'd blog my Costa Rica trip and anyone who cared to know all the amazing (or not so amazing) things I'm doing could read up. I'll keep all the personal reflection, well, personal so you won't have to read all my whining.
Week in Review
Sunday 1/4/04
I had a whole lot of trouble on my way over. Seems I was headed to San Jose, California instead of San Jose, Costa Rica. After a whole lot of mess I retired to my free hotel at the Holiday Inn. People, never, NEVER fly American West. Just don't do it.
Monday 1/5/04
Finally get on the plane to Costa Rica. After a five hour flight I arrive, sans luggage. Meet my fabulous new tica (slang for Costa Rican) family which consists of Ligia and her two daughters: Pamela age 10, and Nicol age 7. They live about a fifteen minute walk from school and our living set up is pretty cool. I get my own little room and bathroom. Their roms are upstairs so at night I'll get the bottom floor to myself. Plus my mamatica makes my bed, washes my clothes and cooks for me. It's kinda cool.
Tuesday 1/6/04
Start classes in Universidad Veritas. Mornings consist of four hours of Conversation and Grammar. Head to downtown San Jose to buy some much-needed underwear. San Jose is this dirty city full of air pollution, but with an amazing view. It's a lot like the border towns in Mexico, but not nearly as hot. The school offers free Salsa classes which all the gringos are all over. Watching that many pairs of stiff hips sway is muy funny. Still no sign of luggage.
Wednesday 1/7/03
Classes as usual. At night I headed to a local bar called El Pescadito with Luis and Josue, Ligia's nephews. They told me that a lot curse words in Mexico aren't bad here. It pains me to call my favorite herb cilantro, culantro. Culo to me will always mean asshole, literally. Also, in Mexico (and by default Texas) coger means to fuck. Here it means to take, as in "Voy a coger el bus" or to pick up as in "El cogio su perro." It still boggles my mind to hear that
Thursday 1/8/03
Classes in the morning and again late afternoon. I'm taking Afro-Latin studies which may be kinda interesting. During my break we went shopping to this mini-mall kinda place to pick up some essentials. Note on tico style. The girls are skankarrific. I have never seen pants so tight or so many midriffs and cleavage.
I had another dance class at night which is the highlight of my week. I'm gonna improve so much when I'm here. You guys better be in the mood to go dancing when I get home, or all this will have been for naught.
Still no sign of my bag.
Friday 1/9/03
Woke up sick so I slept in. When I got out of bed Ligia was making a picnic for us so we went to this great little park right around the corner. As pretty as Costa Rica is, San Jose is in a valley and there are no emission regulations here so the air is so nasty. It's kinda hard to enjoy a park when busses keep spewing fumes your way.
Was feeling really homesick so I opted not to go out. Talked to my amazing mom who managed to find my luggage. This cheered me up immensely.
Saturday 1/10/03
American West sucks. They just do.
7PM Luggage FINALLY arrives. I have never been so happy to see a pair of Tevas in my life.
Sunday 1/11/03
Went to a great restaurant up in the mountains. The view from these places is breath-taking. They're called miradores, which means look-outs and indeed they are.
At night I finally headed to a local hot-spot called El Puelblo. It's this really cool little village looking place with bars and clubs. We had a blast watching the ticos dance on stage. They really like choreography here, and EVERYONE knows how to shake it. If you can believe it, the taxi ride to and from, plus three shots of tequila only cost me $3. I love it here. Did you hear me? I said three dollars! What are you waiting for? Book the ticket over here already.
Week in Review
Sunday 1/4/04
I had a whole lot of trouble on my way over. Seems I was headed to San Jose, California instead of San Jose, Costa Rica. After a whole lot of mess I retired to my free hotel at the Holiday Inn. People, never, NEVER fly American West. Just don't do it.
Monday 1/5/04
Finally get on the plane to Costa Rica. After a five hour flight I arrive, sans luggage. Meet my fabulous new tica (slang for Costa Rican) family which consists of Ligia and her two daughters: Pamela age 10, and Nicol age 7. They live about a fifteen minute walk from school and our living set up is pretty cool. I get my own little room and bathroom. Their roms are upstairs so at night I'll get the bottom floor to myself. Plus my mamatica makes my bed, washes my clothes and cooks for me. It's kinda cool.
Tuesday 1/6/04
Start classes in Universidad Veritas. Mornings consist of four hours of Conversation and Grammar. Head to downtown San Jose to buy some much-needed underwear. San Jose is this dirty city full of air pollution, but with an amazing view. It's a lot like the border towns in Mexico, but not nearly as hot. The school offers free Salsa classes which all the gringos are all over. Watching that many pairs of stiff hips sway is muy funny. Still no sign of luggage.
Wednesday 1/7/03
Classes as usual. At night I headed to a local bar called El Pescadito with Luis and Josue, Ligia's nephews. They told me that a lot curse words in Mexico aren't bad here. It pains me to call my favorite herb cilantro, culantro. Culo to me will always mean asshole, literally. Also, in Mexico (and by default Texas) coger means to fuck. Here it means to take, as in "Voy a coger el bus" or to pick up as in "El cogio su perro." It still boggles my mind to hear that
Thursday 1/8/03
Classes in the morning and again late afternoon. I'm taking Afro-Latin studies which may be kinda interesting. During my break we went shopping to this mini-mall kinda place to pick up some essentials. Note on tico style. The girls are skankarrific. I have never seen pants so tight or so many midriffs and cleavage.
I had another dance class at night which is the highlight of my week. I'm gonna improve so much when I'm here. You guys better be in the mood to go dancing when I get home, or all this will have been for naught.
Still no sign of my bag.
Friday 1/9/03
Woke up sick so I slept in. When I got out of bed Ligia was making a picnic for us so we went to this great little park right around the corner. As pretty as Costa Rica is, San Jose is in a valley and there are no emission regulations here so the air is so nasty. It's kinda hard to enjoy a park when busses keep spewing fumes your way.
Was feeling really homesick so I opted not to go out. Talked to my amazing mom who managed to find my luggage. This cheered me up immensely.
Saturday 1/10/03
American West sucks. They just do.
7PM Luggage FINALLY arrives. I have never been so happy to see a pair of Tevas in my life.
Sunday 1/11/03
Went to a great restaurant up in the mountains. The view from these places is breath-taking. They're called miradores, which means look-outs and indeed they are.
At night I finally headed to a local hot-spot called El Puelblo. It's this really cool little village looking place with bars and clubs. We had a blast watching the ticos dance on stage. They really like choreography here, and EVERYONE knows how to shake it. If you can believe it, the taxi ride to and from, plus three shots of tequila only cost me $3. I love it here. Did you hear me? I said three dollars! What are you waiting for? Book the ticket over here already.
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