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!