Well this past week has definitely been bittersweet... I have spent as much time as possible getting lunch with friends, playing basketball in the park, and just soaking up my time here. Although, I had a presentation and exam in my advanced class this week so I was stressing over that too! I leave tomorrow morning at 10 a.m. I really though this trip would seem like it took forever but in reality I can not believe I am leaving tomorrow.
I am really grateful to God for this experience, I think he sent me here for reasons other than learning
Spanish and I am still discovering those reasons... I think he sent me here to heal a part of my life that has needed healed for a long time now... and to give me a greater appreciation for the people in my life at home.
I have definitely experienced some things that some people can only dream about- white water rafting, zip lining, hiking mountains, going to beaches in Costa Rica and Panama, and just experiencing a different culture for the good and the bad. I have met so many people from so many walks of life, a lawyer from Argentina (they have the coolest accents by the way), Spaniards, Ticos (of course), a guy from Denmark, and people from all over the United States.
One thing I keep telling myself is "It's not goodbye, it's i'll see you later." I will hopefully get to see some of these people again either in this life or the next. I will definitely miss my mama tica a lot, God really blessed me and my roommate with her.
I am off for my last night out here with my friends, lots of goodbyes, and probably tears.
God bless,
See you all when I am back in good ole Indiana :)
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Bocas Del Toro, Panama
Where do I even begin for this grand adventure??
Well, we left last Saturday at 4 a.m. from San Jose, Costa Rica and arrived in Panama around 9 p.m. by the time we got through immigrations/customs, took a bus to the port, and then a boat to the island it was about 2 p.m. By that time we were all exhausted. Well, we settled into our room which had 6 people in it. 3 sets of bunk beds.... this room can hardly be classified as "nice." The walls were covered with mold, the pillows had mold growing on them, and there were no toilet seats... needless to say, none of us girls were pleased with our living conditions but we decided we had to make the best of it. Saturday evening we went to a bar called Aqua Lounge. It was a $2 boat ride to get there and it cost a few bucks to get in but the drinks were free for girls. This bar was the coolest bar I have ever been to! It had a spot to jump into the ocean and it had swings that you could swing off of into the ocean!
The next day we went to a place called Starfish beach, all of the islands you had to take boats to. This island was like something you would see in a movie. It was the true definition of a tropical paradise :) it had huge starfish everywhere (see below), the water was crystal clear, and we went snorkeling. I saw stingrays and TONS of exotic looking fish. We spent all day on this island soaking up the sun (a little too much on my back :/ ). That evening when we arrived to the hostel, we all realized our backs were fried from snorkeling all day, it was quite painful. That night we just relaxed and hung out at the hostel since we were in so much pain. We also went to look at the stars as a group but ended up playing a game called "star-tripping" and playing red-rover :) The child in me came out again:)
On Monday we rented beach cruisers (bikes) with cute little baskets in front and cruised around the Island all day. It was me, my girl friends Faith, Marina, Anna, and Devon and our new guy friends John, Cody, and Nayoto. We biked to the end of the island... it was a peaceful relaxing bike ride. Some of the scenery reminded me of being in the South in the United States. That evening we went to a bar called Iguana. It also had a place where you could jump into the ocean but this time I refrained from doing so :) It was a fun night as well.
On Tuesday, we had a dolphin tour and some more snorkeling at a different beach. We saw a lot of dolphins, it was so pretty :) I love God's wildlife. We also went to Red Frog Beach. The water here was the bluest water I have EVER seen and I have been to Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Jamaiica! I just lounged on the beach all day and played in the waves. Tuesday evening we all went to dinner at a little place that reminded me of a 50s diner, it was super cute. Afterwards my friends and I played some card games and then went to the beach and played truth or dare on the beach at night, it was a fun time. I love reliving childhood whenever I can :)
On Wednesday, some of us went to the beach actually on the island. It was about a 45 minute walk. The beaches on this island were filled with trash, it was quite sad. I don't understand how people can ruin such beauty. We eventually found a spot with a smaller amount of trash and hung out there for the day. We played cards on the beach and I just lounged around (again) haha. That evening I was exhausted so I stayed in the hostel and watched t.v. with some of my girlfriends while everyone else went back to Aqua Lounge.
Thursday we headed back to Costa Rica and going through customs has NEVER made me more grateful for our amazing country, The United States. We waited in line for HOURS, in the pouring rain with all of our luggage to get our passport stamped, the line was literally not moving and we still have no idea why. Then we had to cross a bridge to get from Panama back to Costa Rica and this bridge went over a river... I already have a fear of bridges but this was THE WORST. It was made with lumber and there were places where the lumber was literally rotted through, holes everywhere, boards missing and loose so I had to watch my footing (while carrying my bags) and could see below me the entire time. Imagine an Indiana Jones-esque bridge and this is what that was. Once we arrived back to the Costa Rica side we had to wait AGAIN to get our passports stamped to get back into Costa Rica. We waited for 2 HOURS, not joking... we all were getting so impatient because some of the workers who were obviously corrupt would take bribes from people in line and take their passports up and do about 20-30 passports at a time while the rest of us waited in line... we all got so fed up we started chanting "fila, fila" which means line in Spanish. We then started blocking the line so the corrupt workers could not get through and screw us all over. Everyone started getting really riled up, haha it was quite an experience to say the least.
I finally made it back safely to San Jose last night and officially have a week until I am back to my country I love so much. As much fun as I have had here, I am definitely ready to be with the people I love and care about.
God Bless!
Well, we left last Saturday at 4 a.m. from San Jose, Costa Rica and arrived in Panama around 9 p.m. by the time we got through immigrations/customs, took a bus to the port, and then a boat to the island it was about 2 p.m. By that time we were all exhausted. Well, we settled into our room which had 6 people in it. 3 sets of bunk beds.... this room can hardly be classified as "nice." The walls were covered with mold, the pillows had mold growing on them, and there were no toilet seats... needless to say, none of us girls were pleased with our living conditions but we decided we had to make the best of it. Saturday evening we went to a bar called Aqua Lounge. It was a $2 boat ride to get there and it cost a few bucks to get in but the drinks were free for girls. This bar was the coolest bar I have ever been to! It had a spot to jump into the ocean and it had swings that you could swing off of into the ocean!
The next day we went to a place called Starfish beach, all of the islands you had to take boats to. This island was like something you would see in a movie. It was the true definition of a tropical paradise :) it had huge starfish everywhere (see below), the water was crystal clear, and we went snorkeling. I saw stingrays and TONS of exotic looking fish. We spent all day on this island soaking up the sun (a little too much on my back :/ ). That evening when we arrived to the hostel, we all realized our backs were fried from snorkeling all day, it was quite painful. That night we just relaxed and hung out at the hostel since we were in so much pain. We also went to look at the stars as a group but ended up playing a game called "star-tripping" and playing red-rover :) The child in me came out again:)
On Monday we rented beach cruisers (bikes) with cute little baskets in front and cruised around the Island all day. It was me, my girl friends Faith, Marina, Anna, and Devon and our new guy friends John, Cody, and Nayoto. We biked to the end of the island... it was a peaceful relaxing bike ride. Some of the scenery reminded me of being in the South in the United States. That evening we went to a bar called Iguana. It also had a place where you could jump into the ocean but this time I refrained from doing so :) It was a fun night as well.
On Tuesday, we had a dolphin tour and some more snorkeling at a different beach. We saw a lot of dolphins, it was so pretty :) I love God's wildlife. We also went to Red Frog Beach. The water here was the bluest water I have EVER seen and I have been to Honduras, Panama, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, and Jamaiica! I just lounged on the beach all day and played in the waves. Tuesday evening we all went to dinner at a little place that reminded me of a 50s diner, it was super cute. Afterwards my friends and I played some card games and then went to the beach and played truth or dare on the beach at night, it was a fun time. I love reliving childhood whenever I can :)
On Wednesday, some of us went to the beach actually on the island. It was about a 45 minute walk. The beaches on this island were filled with trash, it was quite sad. I don't understand how people can ruin such beauty. We eventually found a spot with a smaller amount of trash and hung out there for the day. We played cards on the beach and I just lounged around (again) haha. That evening I was exhausted so I stayed in the hostel and watched t.v. with some of my girlfriends while everyone else went back to Aqua Lounge.
Thursday we headed back to Costa Rica and going through customs has NEVER made me more grateful for our amazing country, The United States. We waited in line for HOURS, in the pouring rain with all of our luggage to get our passport stamped, the line was literally not moving and we still have no idea why. Then we had to cross a bridge to get from Panama back to Costa Rica and this bridge went over a river... I already have a fear of bridges but this was THE WORST. It was made with lumber and there were places where the lumber was literally rotted through, holes everywhere, boards missing and loose so I had to watch my footing (while carrying my bags) and could see below me the entire time. Imagine an Indiana Jones-esque bridge and this is what that was. Once we arrived back to the Costa Rica side we had to wait AGAIN to get our passports stamped to get back into Costa Rica. We waited for 2 HOURS, not joking... we all were getting so impatient because some of the workers who were obviously corrupt would take bribes from people in line and take their passports up and do about 20-30 passports at a time while the rest of us waited in line... we all got so fed up we started chanting "fila, fila" which means line in Spanish. We then started blocking the line so the corrupt workers could not get through and screw us all over. Everyone started getting really riled up, haha it was quite an experience to say the least.
I finally made it back safely to San Jose last night and officially have a week until I am back to my country I love so much. As much fun as I have had here, I am definitely ready to be with the people I love and care about.
God Bless!
part of the group, minus the guys!
starfish!
moldy room :(
boat ride to the beach!
crystal clear water!
dolphins!
Red Frog Beach
Tuesday, March 12, 2013
Montezuma :)
This past weekend I had yet another great adventure. My friends and I left Friday after class to embark on our adventure to Montezuma. In total, we took 3 separate buses and a ferry to arrive to this special place in Costa Rica. The ferry ride was gorgeous because we rode the ferry at sunset :) We stayed in a nice hostel (well, nice compared to what I have stayed in). We met a girl who was working at our hostel for a work-study program who was from Minnesota so it was a pleasant surprise to speak english to make our reservations :) That night my friends and I ate dinner and I made the big mistake of drinking 4 cups of free coffee offered by the hostel. It was so good, I could not stop drinking it! Unfortunately, that night I got zero hours of sleep... and by zero, I mean ZERO. It was awful, I was up all night just thinking and thinking and could not get to sleep. On the bright side, God spoke to me about something I have struggled with for the past 3 years (for those of you who know me well, I am sure you know what this is).... anyways it was as if he finally delivered me from this struggle of mine and honestly I have not felt this happy in ages. Everything has come together, just as God said it would.
Saturday, we left for the cliffs and waterfalls. We hiked to the waterfalls. There were various waterfalls you could jump off of, I did the smallest one haha. I did not want to take a chance on getting hurt and my dad had previously lectured me so I decided to listen :) There was also a rope swing we could swing off of into the water, that made my whole weekend! It has been something i've always wanted to do :)
After hiking back to the beach town, we layed out on the beach for a couple hours and just soaked in the sun. The stars that night were the most incredible stars i've ever seen, the sky was just covered in them and you could really see soo many. It was beautiful. I am reminded of God's majesty SO much here.
As far as life in San Jose, it is going great! Just been busy with my advanced spanish class, it is very hard. I have a 15 minute presentation Thursday with NO notecards, yikes! I've got about 24 days to go, I am starting the countdown! It is hard not to be excited to see my family so SOON.
I am looking for a job when I return to, I really hope something comes through. If you don't mind praying for me that God will provide me with a job that fits my schedule this summer that would be awesome.
God bless, miss you all!
Saturday, we left for the cliffs and waterfalls. We hiked to the waterfalls. There were various waterfalls you could jump off of, I did the smallest one haha. I did not want to take a chance on getting hurt and my dad had previously lectured me so I decided to listen :) There was also a rope swing we could swing off of into the water, that made my whole weekend! It has been something i've always wanted to do :)
After hiking back to the beach town, we layed out on the beach for a couple hours and just soaked in the sun. The stars that night were the most incredible stars i've ever seen, the sky was just covered in them and you could really see soo many. It was beautiful. I am reminded of God's majesty SO much here.
As far as life in San Jose, it is going great! Just been busy with my advanced spanish class, it is very hard. I have a 15 minute presentation Thursday with NO notecards, yikes! I've got about 24 days to go, I am starting the countdown! It is hard not to be excited to see my family so SOON.
I am looking for a job when I return to, I really hope something comes through. If you don't mind praying for me that God will provide me with a job that fits my schedule this summer that would be awesome.
God bless, miss you all!
ROPE SWING TIME
Monday, March 4, 2013
Manuel Antonio
This past weekend my friends and I went to Manuel Antonio. By far the prettiest of all the beaches i've been to! It started on Friday, we arrived to Manuel Antonio and the bus was going to drop us off at our hostel... only problem being we did not know which hostel was ours or where it was located. We past one called "Pura Vida" which was the name of ours so we took a shot in the dark and told the bus to stop. We had to walk about 5 minutes downhill to get to it and while walking my friend Michelle's plastic bag ripped and her jelly, in a glass jar, splattered and cut her foot open. Also, while on the bus I sat my bag on the ground only to realize that I sat it in something that looked like puke
:( very unfortuante night! Once we got to our hostel we went to our room which was $10/night so we should not have expected much... this room was the size of my bedroom at home with 3 bunkbeds and no bathroom... and no air. It was probably 90 degrees that night so we asked the lady if we could upgrade to an air conditioned room which we did! Praise the Lord! After the room fiasco, we set off to town to get our friend's some dinner... we arrive to a convenience store and it starts to downpour! My friends get some food and then we walk the mile back to the hostel, by the time we arrive we are all drenched with water! We finished the night off with some card games in the hostel room :)
The next day we went to the National Park beach which was gorgeous (see pictures below) we then went to a restaurant that overlooked the water, it was very pretty. The beaches had a ton of wild monkeys, it was so cool! Unfortunately, on Saturday night the only room available was the non-air conditioned one... at one point I felt like I would have an anxiety attack because the room was so hott and small. Only a fan! My friend Brittany and I were on the bottom bunk and we decided to pester our friend, Katie, on the top bunk. It was so much fun haha we all had a good time!
I survived the 100 degree room thankfully! We went to the beach for a few hours the next day and relaxed in the sun and then got on the bus back to San Jose! It was a successful weekend :)
Hope everyone is doing well!
:( very unfortuante night! Once we got to our hostel we went to our room which was $10/night so we should not have expected much... this room was the size of my bedroom at home with 3 bunkbeds and no bathroom... and no air. It was probably 90 degrees that night so we asked the lady if we could upgrade to an air conditioned room which we did! Praise the Lord! After the room fiasco, we set off to town to get our friend's some dinner... we arrive to a convenience store and it starts to downpour! My friends get some food and then we walk the mile back to the hostel, by the time we arrive we are all drenched with water! We finished the night off with some card games in the hostel room :)
The next day we went to the National Park beach which was gorgeous (see pictures below) we then went to a restaurant that overlooked the water, it was very pretty. The beaches had a ton of wild monkeys, it was so cool! Unfortunately, on Saturday night the only room available was the non-air conditioned one... at one point I felt like I would have an anxiety attack because the room was so hott and small. Only a fan! My friend Brittany and I were on the bottom bunk and we decided to pester our friend, Katie, on the top bunk. It was so much fun haha we all had a good time!
I survived the 100 degree room thankfully! We went to the beach for a few hours the next day and relaxed in the sun and then got on the bus back to San Jose! It was a successful weekend :)
Hope everyone is doing well!
Our "prison-cell"
The beautiful beach!
Monos!
More beach!
God Bless!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
I'm still waiting for the catch... Tortugero
This past weekend I went to Tortuguero. It was absolutely beautiful! We left on Friday afternoon and I took my first public bus to get to Cariari which is the first stop you make before you get to the Island. Let me back up, I planned this trip for my friends and I, which was a pain in the butt in itself. Anyways, I used a tour guide that my friends recommended and he helped me get a hotel for Friday night as well as helping us figure out transportation to and from Tortuguero, and in return we were going on a canoe tour Saturday morning with him for $20/person. There were only four of us, we were a bit skeptical as to why he was so willing to help us. Anyways... we stay in Cariari on Friday night and get settled into our sketchy hotel rooms, more like hostel rooms. Haha. My friend Katie's infamous line that night was the joke of the whole trip, as we were in our room talking about this man's sketchiness she says "I'm still waiting for the catch." Hence, my blog title. It was a had to be there moment haha. My bed sheets on Friday night were hospital sheets (see below) and we only got one paper thin sheet to sleep with, we woke up freezing in the middle of the night so we had to turn the air off.
The next morning we leave for Tortuguero, we took a 2 hour ferry ride through the canal to get there. It was spectacular and beautiful... as we were leaving the port at Pavona for Tortugero, a man and a camera crew approach our ferry. We then proceed to find out that his name is "El Galan" and he is a famous TV star in Costa Rica... we were soon to find out how famous. My friend Katie was interviewed by him for her show and I was in the background with my other friends, Brittany and Devon. What a story! As we approach the island of Tortugero, we see that the entire town has congregated near the port to welcome this man. The kids were playing music, photos were being taken, the whole nine yards. It was so neat. Definitely a great experience.
After, we took a canoe ride through the National Park where we saw monkeys, birds, lizards, caiman, and crocodiles!! Then I went hiking throughout the national Park with my friends (minus Brittany). We had to buy rubber boots to wear for $1 then return them, the darn things cut my legs up so bad. It was not fun. We stayed in a hostel on the ocean for $15/night it was such a good deal!! Saturday night we went out to dinner, I got a quesadilla that was so good! After, we went to a local bar and I just looked at the river. The island was surrounded by the caribbean ocean on one side and a river on the other. A creepy, Costa Rican man asked me about 5 times and my friends as well to dance with him, he would not leave us alone! We then got stuck in the rain (the first rain i've experienced since i've been here)... needless to say we started walking home in it and honestly it was so much fun. It was a warm rain so I felt like a kid again playing in the rain. Sometimes it is good to just stop and smell the roses and experience the little things in life all over again, such as playing in the rain : )
That night my friends and I shared some laughs and played cards. We had to leave the next morning for San Jose. It was a fabulous weekend, probably my favorite yet just because of all the laughs and inside jokes my friends and I had between meeting a famous Costa Rican TV star to being chauffered by a skeptical man haha
On a sad note, my mama tica's mother died on Sunday night so that has been hard for her. My roommate and I feel bad being here because we feel like we are intruding in her time of grieving. Also, one of my friends from ISU that came on this trip got mugged at gun point last night when he was walking home. He lost a lot of valuables. Instances like that just make me so grateful for the United States and so ready to return to my home! Other than that, I am doing great :) Also, any prayers right now for my knee would be great, it has been hurting me really bad lately and I do not have good medical service here so I am hoping/praying it gets better!
Gracias
God Bless
The next morning we leave for Tortuguero, we took a 2 hour ferry ride through the canal to get there. It was spectacular and beautiful... as we were leaving the port at Pavona for Tortugero, a man and a camera crew approach our ferry. We then proceed to find out that his name is "El Galan" and he is a famous TV star in Costa Rica... we were soon to find out how famous. My friend Katie was interviewed by him for her show and I was in the background with my other friends, Brittany and Devon. What a story! As we approach the island of Tortugero, we see that the entire town has congregated near the port to welcome this man. The kids were playing music, photos were being taken, the whole nine yards. It was so neat. Definitely a great experience.
After, we took a canoe ride through the National Park where we saw monkeys, birds, lizards, caiman, and crocodiles!! Then I went hiking throughout the national Park with my friends (minus Brittany). We had to buy rubber boots to wear for $1 then return them, the darn things cut my legs up so bad. It was not fun. We stayed in a hostel on the ocean for $15/night it was such a good deal!! Saturday night we went out to dinner, I got a quesadilla that was so good! After, we went to a local bar and I just looked at the river. The island was surrounded by the caribbean ocean on one side and a river on the other. A creepy, Costa Rican man asked me about 5 times and my friends as well to dance with him, he would not leave us alone! We then got stuck in the rain (the first rain i've experienced since i've been here)... needless to say we started walking home in it and honestly it was so much fun. It was a warm rain so I felt like a kid again playing in the rain. Sometimes it is good to just stop and smell the roses and experience the little things in life all over again, such as playing in the rain : )
That night my friends and I shared some laughs and played cards. We had to leave the next morning for San Jose. It was a fabulous weekend, probably my favorite yet just because of all the laughs and inside jokes my friends and I had between meeting a famous Costa Rican TV star to being chauffered by a skeptical man haha
On a sad note, my mama tica's mother died on Sunday night so that has been hard for her. My roommate and I feel bad being here because we feel like we are intruding in her time of grieving. Also, one of my friends from ISU that came on this trip got mugged at gun point last night when he was walking home. He lost a lot of valuables. Instances like that just make me so grateful for the United States and so ready to return to my home! Other than that, I am doing great :) Also, any prayers right now for my knee would be great, it has been hurting me really bad lately and I do not have good medical service here so I am hoping/praying it gets better!
Gracias
God Bless
Our hostel :)
Hospital bed sheets!
Tortugero Island
Crocodile!
Ferry Ride!
Saturday, February 16, 2013
The effects of Costa Rica :)
I decided to blog about how Costa Rica has changed me thus far, for anyone who knows me, you know these are BIG changes :)
1) I wake up now at 7 a.m. usually every morning, even when I get the rare chance to sleep in until 8, my body now wakes up at 7:30. So hopefully once I return to the States, I can keep this great habit up :) I have always been a night owl so this is different.
2) I have become content with having a MUCH less busy/hectic lifestyle. At college, I was constantly doing something or always busy and I loved it... here I have a ton more downtime. At first, I hated it because I wasn't sure what to do with myself during the weeks, but I am starting to enjoy it and appreciate it while it lasts. The weekends here are crazy busy but that is all fun stuff :)
3) I have probably eaten more meat here in the past month and a half than I have the past 5 YEARS combined! Crazy right?
4) As far as sweets go, I have not eaten much of those here because my host family NEVER has them so if I wanted something sweet, i'd have to go by it. It is not like home where I can eat what I want pretty much whenever. Therefore, I decided to give up sweets for lent. I am not Catholic, but I thought it would be good to give something up for God. We will see if I can do this, 2 days down and I am already dying haha
Well, those are the biggest changes I have noticed so far :)
Also, my friends and I hiked up a HUGE mountain today! Literally took us about 4 hours to get to the top. There were 3 huge crosses along the way, it was very neat. Some of our friends had to turn back because it was such an exhausting hike.
The first cross we encountered :)
1) I wake up now at 7 a.m. usually every morning, even when I get the rare chance to sleep in until 8, my body now wakes up at 7:30. So hopefully once I return to the States, I can keep this great habit up :) I have always been a night owl so this is different.
2) I have become content with having a MUCH less busy/hectic lifestyle. At college, I was constantly doing something or always busy and I loved it... here I have a ton more downtime. At first, I hated it because I wasn't sure what to do with myself during the weeks, but I am starting to enjoy it and appreciate it while it lasts. The weekends here are crazy busy but that is all fun stuff :)
3) I have probably eaten more meat here in the past month and a half than I have the past 5 YEARS combined! Crazy right?
4) As far as sweets go, I have not eaten much of those here because my host family NEVER has them so if I wanted something sweet, i'd have to go by it. It is not like home where I can eat what I want pretty much whenever. Therefore, I decided to give up sweets for lent. I am not Catholic, but I thought it would be good to give something up for God. We will see if I can do this, 2 days down and I am already dying haha
Well, those are the biggest changes I have noticed so far :)
Also, my friends and I hiked up a HUGE mountain today! Literally took us about 4 hours to get to the top. There were 3 huge crosses along the way, it was very neat. Some of our friends had to turn back because it was such an exhausting hike.
The second cross we encountered
The girls who made it to the top :)
The first cross we encountered :)
The last cross, how beautiful!
A view along the way!
Saturday, February 9, 2013
White Water Rafting
Haha, well today was interesting to say the least. I got up at 5:30 a.m. to go white water rafting on one of the TOP 5 prettiest rivers in the world, according to National Geographic Magazine. So that was a plus :) We had a buffet breakfast which was great. Then, we headed to the river. I swear the white water rafting guides are the cutest guys ever, every time i've ever been, they are extremely attractive haha. Anyways, we had two guides. One named Oso (bear in espanol) and the other Manuel. Both were GREAT. There was another guide in a different boat who was so attractive. We all had a crush on him.
I went with four other friends in our boat. We did not have the best of luck but it made for the best experience. Within the first five minutes, we slam into a rock and then the boat turns sideways and we get stuck on this rock. Meanwhile, the boat starts sinking in the water and we literally are standing on the boat and sinking in the water. The guides hurried up and pulled us all onto the rock. It was so hilarious. I about peed my pants from laughing so hard. It was one of those you had to be there moments. There were many of those on this trip. Then, about 20-30 other times we got stuck on rocks in the river. Haha. We literally were the last group always. However, this is what made it so much fun. We got to swim in the water as well which was beautiful. I honestly loved today and had so much fun. It was the hardest i've laughed in a while. Our guides were so funny and made us all laugh numerous times.
On the bus ride home, we played catch phrase with some friends we made. They spoke both english and spanish so we played in English first, then spanish :) I can honestly tell that my Spanish is starting to improve. I am hearing more now and understanding a lot more. Not anywhere close to where I want to be, but I hope by the time I return I have a good enough grasp where I can talk with my Aunt who is fluent and other friends :)
I am asking for prayers if anyone is willing. I just am worried about my credits not transferring over at a high enough level and if they do not, then it just means I am taking these classes for nothing, because I already have the credits from back home. So, if you're willing, please pray that I will get the credits I need to fulfill my Spanish Major :)
Muchas Gracias
God Bless :)
I went with four other friends in our boat. We did not have the best of luck but it made for the best experience. Within the first five minutes, we slam into a rock and then the boat turns sideways and we get stuck on this rock. Meanwhile, the boat starts sinking in the water and we literally are standing on the boat and sinking in the water. The guides hurried up and pulled us all onto the rock. It was so hilarious. I about peed my pants from laughing so hard. It was one of those you had to be there moments. There were many of those on this trip. Then, about 20-30 other times we got stuck on rocks in the river. Haha. We literally were the last group always. However, this is what made it so much fun. We got to swim in the water as well which was beautiful. I honestly loved today and had so much fun. It was the hardest i've laughed in a while. Our guides were so funny and made us all laugh numerous times.
On the bus ride home, we played catch phrase with some friends we made. They spoke both english and spanish so we played in English first, then spanish :) I can honestly tell that my Spanish is starting to improve. I am hearing more now and understanding a lot more. Not anywhere close to where I want to be, but I hope by the time I return I have a good enough grasp where I can talk with my Aunt who is fluent and other friends :)
I am asking for prayers if anyone is willing. I just am worried about my credits not transferring over at a high enough level and if they do not, then it just means I am taking these classes for nothing, because I already have the credits from back home. So, if you're willing, please pray that I will get the credits I need to fulfill my Spanish Major :)
Muchas Gracias
God Bless :)
Sunday, February 3, 2013
Monteverde, Volcan Arenal, and La Fortuna
This past weekend was crazy, I did so MANY things, but let me start from the beginning.
Friday we left San Jose and arrived at Baldi Hot Springs that evening. We stayed in the hot springs for a few hours. The Hot Springs are literally just that, hot springs. They have natural minerals in them and the water is completely pure. Some of the springs were scorching hot, others luke warm, others cold, etc. They also had two water slides which were awesome to go down. After the hot springs, we had a buffet dinner. I may or may not have eaten my body weight in food. We all stuffed ourselves. It was such a good dinner. After that, I stayed up with my friends and looked at the stars then talked to one of my friends about our faith in God. It was so great. At one point in the conversation, I had goosebumps. She told me stories of her mom, who is a very religious lady, it was so neat.
The next day, we got up at 7 a.m. once again :( and then ate breakfast and headed to La Fortuna waterfall (see below). I have officially gotten to check 3 things off my bucket list since being here, and swimming in waterfalls was the third. The water was freezing but well worth it. After this, we got to see Volcan Arenal which was spectacular. Then, we headed off to our boat tour. The boat took us from Volcan Arenal to Monteverde, another part of Costa Rica. The boat tour was spectacular. We literally were on a lake that was formed between so many mountains. I honestly missed home at this point of my trip because it was so beautiful and I wanted to share it with my family. The weather and lake just reminded of home in the summer, it was a bittersweet feeling. The boat trip lasted maybe an hour, and then we arrived in Monteverde. From there, we took a bus through the mountains, literally on rocky, bumpy roads. However, this was one of the highlights of the trip for me, and probably everyone else. It was a spectacular view. Just imagine driving through mountains with rolling hills and the hills had cows and wild horses just grazing. It was soo spectacular. There were rivers running through the mountains as well. It was like something you would have seen in a movie. Breathtaking. After, we arrived in our hotel. We stayed in a hotel in the Cloud Forest. We also saw 3 rainbows on the way in, which just reminded me of how God is always with me.
Today, Sunday, we went ziplining. That was SUCH an awesome experience. I have been ziplining in West Virginia, but this was unreal. I was literally probably 50 feet ABOVE the trees at one point, just looking down. We went from mountain-top to mountain-top. I am not going to lie, at one point I was terrified. It was so high up. At the end of the ziplining tour, we did a Tarzan Swing to get down (see below). Pretty much, you walk across this bridge out to this platform. The two men hook you up to cables then you jump off and fall 120 feet and the roap catches and you swing back and forth until you come to the ground. It was a blast! I loved it. I am all for adrenaline rushes, and this was definitely one!
I had such a great weekend, it was well worth the money I spent. This place is truly picturesque. God's creation is so gorgeous. After coming here, I really do not understand how people do not believe in God. Nature is just too magnificent not to.
I hope everyone is going well :)
Also, I found out on Thursday that my grandfather on my mom's side had a stroke. I am asking for prayers for him that he will have a full recovery and not ever experience that again. I hate being here and being away from my family, especially when that happens.
Thanks everyone.
God Bless!
Friday we left San Jose and arrived at Baldi Hot Springs that evening. We stayed in the hot springs for a few hours. The Hot Springs are literally just that, hot springs. They have natural minerals in them and the water is completely pure. Some of the springs were scorching hot, others luke warm, others cold, etc. They also had two water slides which were awesome to go down. After the hot springs, we had a buffet dinner. I may or may not have eaten my body weight in food. We all stuffed ourselves. It was such a good dinner. After that, I stayed up with my friends and looked at the stars then talked to one of my friends about our faith in God. It was so great. At one point in the conversation, I had goosebumps. She told me stories of her mom, who is a very religious lady, it was so neat.
The next day, we got up at 7 a.m. once again :( and then ate breakfast and headed to La Fortuna waterfall (see below). I have officially gotten to check 3 things off my bucket list since being here, and swimming in waterfalls was the third. The water was freezing but well worth it. After this, we got to see Volcan Arenal which was spectacular. Then, we headed off to our boat tour. The boat took us from Volcan Arenal to Monteverde, another part of Costa Rica. The boat tour was spectacular. We literally were on a lake that was formed between so many mountains. I honestly missed home at this point of my trip because it was so beautiful and I wanted to share it with my family. The weather and lake just reminded of home in the summer, it was a bittersweet feeling. The boat trip lasted maybe an hour, and then we arrived in Monteverde. From there, we took a bus through the mountains, literally on rocky, bumpy roads. However, this was one of the highlights of the trip for me, and probably everyone else. It was a spectacular view. Just imagine driving through mountains with rolling hills and the hills had cows and wild horses just grazing. It was soo spectacular. There were rivers running through the mountains as well. It was like something you would have seen in a movie. Breathtaking. After, we arrived in our hotel. We stayed in a hotel in the Cloud Forest. We also saw 3 rainbows on the way in, which just reminded me of how God is always with me.
Today, Sunday, we went ziplining. That was SUCH an awesome experience. I have been ziplining in West Virginia, but this was unreal. I was literally probably 50 feet ABOVE the trees at one point, just looking down. We went from mountain-top to mountain-top. I am not going to lie, at one point I was terrified. It was so high up. At the end of the ziplining tour, we did a Tarzan Swing to get down (see below). Pretty much, you walk across this bridge out to this platform. The two men hook you up to cables then you jump off and fall 120 feet and the roap catches and you swing back and forth until you come to the ground. It was a blast! I loved it. I am all for adrenaline rushes, and this was definitely one!
I had such a great weekend, it was well worth the money I spent. This place is truly picturesque. God's creation is so gorgeous. After coming here, I really do not understand how people do not believe in God. Nature is just too magnificent not to.
I hope everyone is going well :)
Also, I found out on Thursday that my grandfather on my mom's side had a stroke. I am asking for prayers for him that he will have a full recovery and not ever experience that again. I hate being here and being away from my family, especially when that happens.
Thanks everyone.
Tuesday, January 29, 2013
Tamarindo
This past weekend, we went to Tamarindo. This is on the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and was absolutely breathtaking (see below). One of my friends here, Lexi, is a surf instructor and lives in Long Island, NY and she showed me how to surf. I can not say that I was very successful, it is very difficult to actually stand up and keep your balance. However, I now know how to surf and want to practice next time I go to a beach somewhere. I also rode a horse on the beach during sunset which was pretty magnificent.
The food there was outrageous, $10.00 for a 6" sub meal at subway, I am very cheap so I hate spending my money on food! Also, on Saturday night my friends and I met two Texans on the beach. One was rather cute :) haha. He is an ESPN sports broadcaster, which I thought was pretty cool. He did his broadcasting voice for us :)
Our entire group hung out on the beach Friday night and just relaxed, it was such a great time. Looking at the stars and having a fire on the beach. Pretty cool.
As far as the rest of my trip, haha, no I am not always on the beach! I am adapting more to the culture here and do not feel nearly as scared to walk alone. However, I DO NOT and WILL not walk alone at night. Definitely not safe. My host brother got mugged 3 months ago by 3 guys and they stole his phone, and pulled a knife on him :( I was not exactly thrilled to hear that news. But I know God is with me and will watch over me always.
My first Spanish class ends this Friday, we have a final thursday and project due Friday. I begin Int. 2 classes next Tuesday. We get a 3 day weekend this weekend, woo hoo. I have yet to sleep in since coming here. For those of you who know me, you know how much I need my sleep. So getting up every day at 7 a.m. is killing me haha
Anyways, I think that's most of the updates so far :) Things are going well on my part, definitely missing aspects of home though. The best part of this trip thus far, for me, is that it has given me a whole new appreciation of the United States. I am so grateful for my country and the safety I feel there.
P.S. today I got in a debate with my Spanish teacher, in spanish, about why President Obama is not a good president. Costa Rica is a liberal country, so he kept saying "I love Obama" haha. He is a cute professor so it was all in good fun, but just thought that was cool that I could attempt to debate with someone in espanol. However, my spanish communication still needs LOTS of practice.
God Bless,
Miss you all!
The food there was outrageous, $10.00 for a 6" sub meal at subway, I am very cheap so I hate spending my money on food! Also, on Saturday night my friends and I met two Texans on the beach. One was rather cute :) haha. He is an ESPN sports broadcaster, which I thought was pretty cool. He did his broadcasting voice for us :)
Our entire group hung out on the beach Friday night and just relaxed, it was such a great time. Looking at the stars and having a fire on the beach. Pretty cool.
As far as the rest of my trip, haha, no I am not always on the beach! I am adapting more to the culture here and do not feel nearly as scared to walk alone. However, I DO NOT and WILL not walk alone at night. Definitely not safe. My host brother got mugged 3 months ago by 3 guys and they stole his phone, and pulled a knife on him :( I was not exactly thrilled to hear that news. But I know God is with me and will watch over me always.
My first Spanish class ends this Friday, we have a final thursday and project due Friday. I begin Int. 2 classes next Tuesday. We get a 3 day weekend this weekend, woo hoo. I have yet to sleep in since coming here. For those of you who know me, you know how much I need my sleep. So getting up every day at 7 a.m. is killing me haha
Anyways, I think that's most of the updates so far :) Things are going well on my part, definitely missing aspects of home though. The best part of this trip thus far, for me, is that it has given me a whole new appreciation of the United States. I am so grateful for my country and the safety I feel there.
P.S. today I got in a debate with my Spanish teacher, in spanish, about why President Obama is not a good president. Costa Rica is a liberal country, so he kept saying "I love Obama" haha. He is a cute professor so it was all in good fun, but just thought that was cool that I could attempt to debate with someone in espanol. However, my spanish communication still needs LOTS of practice.
God Bless,
Monday, January 21, 2013
Volcan Poas & La Paz Cataratas
Hola all :)
This past weekend we went to two coffee plantations, a volcano, and waterfalls and a butterfly garden. This past weekend was not as exciting as the beach, for me, but still great nonetheless. Unfortunately, it was too misty to see the volcano. We were in a "cloud" forest as our guide said, meaning we were up high enough to be in the clouds and it was SO rainy/misty, we were drenched. The temperature went from 75 degrees to 30-40. Cloud forests are at the elevation of 5000-8000 feet. We were up pretty high.
On Sunday, we saw how the coffee in Costa Rica is made. I bought a couple bags for my parents. Costa Rica is one of the best places to buy coffee, our tour guide said "It is illegal to leave home without it" :)
On the bus ride, one of my guy friends, Josh, was cracking jokes and saying cheesy pick up lines the entire time. However, my friends and I were in tears because it was so funny.
Also, on Friday night I went to a futbol (soccer) game with one of my Tico guy friends and some of my American friends here. It was so much fun!
Things truly are getting easier for me, still struggling with some aspects and hoping/praying my spanish improves more than it has but for the most part, no complains here.
Have a splendid week :)
This past weekend we went to two coffee plantations, a volcano, and waterfalls and a butterfly garden. This past weekend was not as exciting as the beach, for me, but still great nonetheless. Unfortunately, it was too misty to see the volcano. We were in a "cloud" forest as our guide said, meaning we were up high enough to be in the clouds and it was SO rainy/misty, we were drenched. The temperature went from 75 degrees to 30-40. Cloud forests are at the elevation of 5000-8000 feet. We were up pretty high.
On Sunday, we saw how the coffee in Costa Rica is made. I bought a couple bags for my parents. Costa Rica is one of the best places to buy coffee, our tour guide said "It is illegal to leave home without it" :)
On the bus ride, one of my guy friends, Josh, was cracking jokes and saying cheesy pick up lines the entire time. However, my friends and I were in tears because it was so funny.
Also, on Friday night I went to a futbol (soccer) game with one of my Tico guy friends and some of my American friends here. It was so much fun!
Things truly are getting easier for me, still struggling with some aspects and hoping/praying my spanish improves more than it has but for the most part, no complains here.
Have a splendid week :)
Wednesday, January 16, 2013
Puerto Viejo
We went to Puerto Viejo this past weekend, it was a blast! We arrived there on Friday night. That night my friends and I walked around and walked on the beach. The next morning we woke up and due to the weather, we could not snorkel, however we went on a nature park with some "rastas", this is what Costa Ricans call African Americans with dreads in their hair. After the nature walk we went on a private beach and hung out. The beaches were like nothing i've ever seen. No hotels, nothing. Just mountains and forests all around. It was gorgeous. It reminded me of an exotic, private island that you see in movies. Later that night, we all went out to dinner which was delicious. I have been eating two meals a day so I am hoping to lose some weight while here :) haha. After dinner, we went to a bonfire on the beach which was something i've always wanted to do. Then, we went to some salsa clubs/bars and one of my Costa Rican friends, Ale, taught me how to salsa dance! Woo Hoo haha. It was such a fun night. Hanging out on the beach with my new friends, dancing, and just being near the ocean.
Now I am back in San Jose, I found that I love the traveling part of this whole experience the most. I like it here, but I enjoyed this weekend so much. I am still struggling with the location of my house and debating on whether I should move to a closer house or stay where I am at. I love my family here, but I want to be closer so I can do things with my friends. Either way I am praying for God's discernment. If you could please pray that he will make it clear for me, that would be great.
I hope you are all doing great. I miss and love you guys. One thing I am grateful for is how this trip has showed me how truly blessed I am. It is beautiful here, but it is not home.
Have a great week!
Now I am back in San Jose, I found that I love the traveling part of this whole experience the most. I like it here, but I enjoyed this weekend so much. I am still struggling with the location of my house and debating on whether I should move to a closer house or stay where I am at. I love my family here, but I want to be closer so I can do things with my friends. Either way I am praying for God's discernment. If you could please pray that he will make it clear for me, that would be great.
I hope you are all doing great. I miss and love you guys. One thing I am grateful for is how this trip has showed me how truly blessed I am. It is beautiful here, but it is not home.
Wednesday, January 9, 2013
We found the supermarket... finally!
Hola todas mis amigas y familia :) Te extrano mucho!
Today my friends and I decided to take a trip to find the nearest supermarket/wal mart... well this was my first taxi ride ever ( I believe ) and it was in espanol only! Woo hoo : )) Anyways, it was about 5 minutes from campus and for two things it cost me $10.00 so very expensive but we were just happy to have an idea where to get stuff... my roommate has been without a notebook for the past week lol so now we have the things we need.
I was originally in Intermediate II here but after being surrounded by spanish 24/7 I didn't want to have to push myself anymore than need be so I decided to drop down into Int. I but I LOVE it... probably one of the best parts of my day, as weird as that sounds. The teachers here are so wonderful and my professor is from Cuba! He is awesome haha and so funny. I seriously love that class, one of our assignments today, during class, was to ask a local Costa Rican what certain idiomas mean so I got to practice my spanish.
As far as my home situation goes, my roommate and I have a system worked out where we wait for each other each day to walk home. I felt 100 times more safe walking home with her! I just pray we can figure out a way to get home safely by ourselves or at night, so please pray for that :)
I honestly miss you all and love you all so much and am so grateful to have the friends and family that I do. Thanks for your prayers!
My roommate Katie y Yo
My new friend Katie!
Hasta luego!
Today my friends and I decided to take a trip to find the nearest supermarket/wal mart... well this was my first taxi ride ever ( I believe ) and it was in espanol only! Woo hoo : )) Anyways, it was about 5 minutes from campus and for two things it cost me $10.00 so very expensive but we were just happy to have an idea where to get stuff... my roommate has been without a notebook for the past week lol so now we have the things we need.
I was originally in Intermediate II here but after being surrounded by spanish 24/7 I didn't want to have to push myself anymore than need be so I decided to drop down into Int. I but I LOVE it... probably one of the best parts of my day, as weird as that sounds. The teachers here are so wonderful and my professor is from Cuba! He is awesome haha and so funny. I seriously love that class, one of our assignments today, during class, was to ask a local Costa Rican what certain idiomas mean so I got to practice my spanish.
As far as my home situation goes, my roommate and I have a system worked out where we wait for each other each day to walk home. I felt 100 times more safe walking home with her! I just pray we can figure out a way to get home safely by ourselves or at night, so please pray for that :)
I honestly miss you all and love you all so much and am so grateful to have the friends and family that I do. Thanks for your prayers!
My roommate Katie y Yo
My new friend Katie!
Tuesday, January 8, 2013
Mi primero dia de las clases
Well, today had an interesting start... I got to the international offices where they posted our student schedules, only to find out that I wasn't on the list. By mistake, my study abroad coordinator forgot to put my name on the list so I didn't have any classes but then I emailed her (thank God for wifi) and we got it figured out.
I am serious when I say, I have never been more out of my comfort zone than now... it is terrifying not knowing what to do or how to convey your ideas. I really am praying/hoping by the end of this trip I know a LOT more espanol :)
It is honestly so gorgeous here... I am grateful to God to be here but still adjusting.
I ask for your prayers always :) My host family's house is further from the school than anyone elses and I have to walk alone sometimes... last night my roommate and I got rocks thrown at us :( It was scary so I am asking for a ton of prayers because I don't really feel safe and they told us muggings happen all the time...
Anyways,
Miss you all! See you soon!
I am serious when I say, I have never been more out of my comfort zone than now... it is terrifying not knowing what to do or how to convey your ideas. I really am praying/hoping by the end of this trip I know a LOT more espanol :)
It is honestly so gorgeous here... I am grateful to God to be here but still adjusting.
I ask for your prayers always :) My host family's house is further from the school than anyone elses and I have to walk alone sometimes... last night my roommate and I got rocks thrown at us :( It was scary so I am asking for a ton of prayers because I don't really feel safe and they told us muggings happen all the time...
Anyways,
Miss you all! See you soon!
Monday, January 7, 2013
Let the adventure begin
Today was my second official day! I had orientation, learned a little about the school but for the most part I am still going in blind so wish me luck. I get my classes tomorrow, I am going to the school with my roommate, Katie, at 7:30 and we start class at 8!! Eek. I have about a 15 minute walk to school. It is absolutely gorgeous here. I also really enjoy my host family. For the most part, this is all so new. Kind of scary to be 100% honest... the language barrier is what gets me the most but I guess that's why i'm ultimately here!
Goodnight! There will be more to come :)
Goodnight! There will be more to come :)
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