It's November...not much to recount but here is an update:
Just finished talking to Meggie in Costa Rica. : ) Pura vida.
Life is moving along quickly. We'll be at Christmas before I know it. I can't wait for it to snow!!
School is great! I adore teaching Spanish 2.
(Note to self: if you want a fun activity for your Spanish 2 classes, create an adventure race in the wooded area behind the school.)
Probably the biggest success yet this year came in the form of an adventure race for my students two weeks ago. The frantic deer that ran past one of the groups just added to the excitement. I need to come up with an Easter egg hunt for Spring. : )
Okay, like a good teacher I'm going to grade and go to bed.
Buenas noches!
Jessica Lynn
Monday, November 29, 2010
Friday, August 13, 2010
La Realidad
I’m back to it, all too soon and all too abruptly it seems. Reality. That’s what was inevitably waiting for me when I returned to the U.S.
I took my time adjusting myself it seemed, but it wasn’t enough. I was so rudely awakened today with a nightmare about school and not being in the right classroom. And so it has begun…
My family and I went to Lake Cumberland a week after I returned, and my brother and I got some big air on the wakeboard, while my dad carved the water on his slalom ski and mom was a good sport about it all and even got out there too. Kristen, still recovering from a back injury patiently watched it all take place.
I finally willed myself into going to school this week. I’m not sure what I accomplished but I think it helped me get back into school-mode. I think I may be ready come Monday.
My blog is signing off unofficially for the summer today. There will be periodic updates like last year, and most likely reflections of my summer that creep up on me when I least expect it.
To those returning to school, Buena Suerte y que te acompañe : )
Ahora vamos por todos, todos vamos por ellos.
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
I took my time adjusting myself it seemed, but it wasn’t enough. I was so rudely awakened today with a nightmare about school and not being in the right classroom. And so it has begun…
My family and I went to Lake Cumberland a week after I returned, and my brother and I got some big air on the wakeboard, while my dad carved the water on his slalom ski and mom was a good sport about it all and even got out there too. Kristen, still recovering from a back injury patiently watched it all take place.
I finally willed myself into going to school this week. I’m not sure what I accomplished but I think it helped me get back into school-mode. I think I may be ready come Monday.
My blog is signing off unofficially for the summer today. There will be periodic updates like last year, and most likely reflections of my summer that creep up on me when I least expect it.
To those returning to school, Buena Suerte y que te acompañe : )
Ahora vamos por todos, todos vamos por ellos.
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, July 26, 2010
NUTS!
Maybe the catchphrase of vacation, this term was coined by my siblings after borrowing it from the peaNUTS vendor at the Cincinnati Reds baseball games.
I’m home again. I’m back in the United States and having mixed feelings about it all. Without hesitating today, I told someone that ‘next summer when I’m in Costa Rica…’ I said it without thinking, but I mean it. I’ll probably find a way to get myself back down there.
My family and I wrapped up our week with a stay in Manuel Antonio (monkey sounds!) and our final day near San Jose. On Friday morning, my family walked through Manuel Antonio National Park and saw an abundance of wildlife. We saw birds, butterflies, lizards, two sloths, and muchos monkeys. We spent a little time on the beautiful beach inside the park before exiting and heading back to our hotel.
Back at the hotel, we showered up and hit the road back to the Central Valley. It was sometime in this time frame that I discovered that I may be having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic the pharmacy had given me the previous day. I was developing welts and bumps that resembled bug bites, but I was in the car, and no bugs were in sight. Needless to say, I laid off the medicine.
We arrived in the evening to the Central Valley and checked into the Marriot just outside of San Jose. The hotel is lindísimo. It was a fabulous way to end our trip. With everyone being exhausted, we opted for eating dinner at the hotel and calling it an early night. I called it a night little earlier than everyone else because I popped a couple Benedryl. (Dad managed to buy 4 individual pills at the pharmacy because the lady cut out 4 pills from the pack of 50 for him).
Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the Café Britt Coffee Tour. The whole family had a great time! My parents even got called up as volunteers during the tour and earned themselves Café Britt hats. My parents swear I had arranged something ahead of time, but I can promise you I didn’t. However, it could not have worked out any better.
On a side note, my dad was talking to one of the actors after the show, and they said ‘Oh yes, we know you’re daughter, she was here a week ago. I recognized her at the very beginning of the tour.” I guess I’ve been on that tour a few times this summer… : )
We wrapped up Saturday with a final visit to the artisan town of Sarchi to do some gift shopping and witness the local festival. Two adorable little tica girls were rather intrigued by my sister and I and our gringa skin and language. It was really cute because Kristen and I decided that we probably would have done the same thing at their age.
Saturday night was spent at a Peruvian restaurant celebrating my parent’s 29th wedding anniversary. It was a great dinner to finish out on!
Sunday was travel day and started at 4:00 a.m. We departed Costa Rica at 7:10 and arrived in Atlanta at 1:00 p.m. From Atlanta we made the drive home and rolled in around midnight. It was nice to finally arrive.
I’m making my cultural adjustments to the U.S. now, and I’m not fully acclimated yet, and I’m not sure I want to be. I miss Costa Rica already…
Time to get a run in.
Arroz y frijoles,
Jessica Lynn
I’m home again. I’m back in the United States and having mixed feelings about it all. Without hesitating today, I told someone that ‘next summer when I’m in Costa Rica…’ I said it without thinking, but I mean it. I’ll probably find a way to get myself back down there.
My family and I wrapped up our week with a stay in Manuel Antonio (monkey sounds!) and our final day near San Jose. On Friday morning, my family walked through Manuel Antonio National Park and saw an abundance of wildlife. We saw birds, butterflies, lizards, two sloths, and muchos monkeys. We spent a little time on the beautiful beach inside the park before exiting and heading back to our hotel.
Back at the hotel, we showered up and hit the road back to the Central Valley. It was sometime in this time frame that I discovered that I may be having an allergic reaction to the antibiotic the pharmacy had given me the previous day. I was developing welts and bumps that resembled bug bites, but I was in the car, and no bugs were in sight. Needless to say, I laid off the medicine.
We arrived in the evening to the Central Valley and checked into the Marriot just outside of San Jose. The hotel is lindísimo. It was a fabulous way to end our trip. With everyone being exhausted, we opted for eating dinner at the hotel and calling it an early night. I called it a night little earlier than everyone else because I popped a couple Benedryl. (Dad managed to buy 4 individual pills at the pharmacy because the lady cut out 4 pills from the pack of 50 for him).
Saturday morning we woke up and headed to the Café Britt Coffee Tour. The whole family had a great time! My parents even got called up as volunteers during the tour and earned themselves Café Britt hats. My parents swear I had arranged something ahead of time, but I can promise you I didn’t. However, it could not have worked out any better.
On a side note, my dad was talking to one of the actors after the show, and they said ‘Oh yes, we know you’re daughter, she was here a week ago. I recognized her at the very beginning of the tour.” I guess I’ve been on that tour a few times this summer… : )
We wrapped up Saturday with a final visit to the artisan town of Sarchi to do some gift shopping and witness the local festival. Two adorable little tica girls were rather intrigued by my sister and I and our gringa skin and language. It was really cute because Kristen and I decided that we probably would have done the same thing at their age.
Saturday night was spent at a Peruvian restaurant celebrating my parent’s 29th wedding anniversary. It was a great dinner to finish out on!
Sunday was travel day and started at 4:00 a.m. We departed Costa Rica at 7:10 and arrived in Atlanta at 1:00 p.m. From Atlanta we made the drive home and rolled in around midnight. It was nice to finally arrive.
I’m making my cultural adjustments to the U.S. now, and I’m not fully acclimated yet, and I’m not sure I want to be. I miss Costa Rica already…
Time to get a run in.
Arroz y frijoles,
Jessica Lynn
Voodoo Chicken
Voodoo Chicken: A dish at restuarant Kapi Kapi in Manuel Antonio that lived up to its name...even 48 hours later. Just ask my brother and sister.
Note to self: any dish with the word voodoo in it should be avoided at all costs.
Note to self: any dish with the word voodoo in it should be avoided at all costs.
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Coconuts
Here is an update of what my family and I have been up to for the past few days:
1. Watched a volcano erupt…sort of. It glowed red, so that counts.
2. Ziplining through a cloud forest…in the pouring rain with a little lightening.
3. Went surfing…or something that more resembled boogie boarding on a surfboard.
4. A really large raccoon bird-dogged my brother at the hotel…”I ain’t playin’” was his response as he bolted across the pool deck to get away.
5. Went on an ‘Adventure Snorkel’… although it was agreed that the company should probably remove the word ‘adventure’ from their title.
We are having a great time! The weather has cooperated and we have been enjoying the pura vida lifestyle down here. We are currently in the national park called Manuel Antonio and enjoying relaxing time on the beach and at our hotel. Tomorrow we are headed back to the central valley to spend our last few days touring around and visiting Café Britt!
Our accommodations here in Costa Rica have been amazing. CPI helped me book a few of the places and they are phenomenal! The food we have been eating has been equally as delicious and of course, the ice cream never disappoints!
On a side note, besides the hand-painted ox cart I am bringing home, I am also bringing home a bacterial infection. I received an insect bite (or something) about three weeks ago, and it never healed. In fact, the wound has been growing. Despite my stubbornness about wanting my body to heal on its own, I broke down today and went to the farmacia to get some medicine. Here in Costa Rica, if the ailment isn’t life threatening, you can simply go to the pharmacy and a pharmacist will recommend and give you medication. When I showed the woman my leg, she simply told me this was pretty common in Costa Rica and gave me an antibiotic and cream. I’m hoping it all goes away…
It’s time for dinner here in Manuel Antonio! We have a good recommendation, so I’m looking forward to dinner. My Spanish skills have yet to order us half of the Burger King menu, so I’m feeling successful. (In Spain when my brother came to visit, I accidentally ordered what seemed like half of the BK menu for us one night at dinner.)
¡Buen provecho!
Jessica Lynn
1. Watched a volcano erupt…sort of. It glowed red, so that counts.
2. Ziplining through a cloud forest…in the pouring rain with a little lightening.
3. Went surfing…or something that more resembled boogie boarding on a surfboard.
4. A really large raccoon bird-dogged my brother at the hotel…”I ain’t playin’” was his response as he bolted across the pool deck to get away.
5. Went on an ‘Adventure Snorkel’… although it was agreed that the company should probably remove the word ‘adventure’ from their title.
We are having a great time! The weather has cooperated and we have been enjoying the pura vida lifestyle down here. We are currently in the national park called Manuel Antonio and enjoying relaxing time on the beach and at our hotel. Tomorrow we are headed back to the central valley to spend our last few days touring around and visiting Café Britt!
Our accommodations here in Costa Rica have been amazing. CPI helped me book a few of the places and they are phenomenal! The food we have been eating has been equally as delicious and of course, the ice cream never disappoints!
On a side note, besides the hand-painted ox cart I am bringing home, I am also bringing home a bacterial infection. I received an insect bite (or something) about three weeks ago, and it never healed. In fact, the wound has been growing. Despite my stubbornness about wanting my body to heal on its own, I broke down today and went to the farmacia to get some medicine. Here in Costa Rica, if the ailment isn’t life threatening, you can simply go to the pharmacy and a pharmacist will recommend and give you medication. When I showed the woman my leg, she simply told me this was pretty common in Costa Rica and gave me an antibiotic and cream. I’m hoping it all goes away…
It’s time for dinner here in Manuel Antonio! We have a good recommendation, so I’m looking forward to dinner. My Spanish skills have yet to order us half of the Burger King menu, so I’m feeling successful. (In Spain when my brother came to visit, I accidentally ordered what seemed like half of the BK menu for us one night at dinner.)
¡Buen provecho!
Jessica Lynn
Sunday, July 18, 2010
Ya Llega Mi Familia!
JAJA! Adam (chaperone from last year) and guide Selma!I take back my title from yesterday. Today I am twiddling my thumbs.
In anticipation for the arrival of my family, I am hanging out at the hotel today and just being a bum. When was the last time I did this? I can’t remember. That being said, my lazy day probably won’t last long. I’ll need to find diversion.
I woke up this morning at 5:30 to get to the fitness center before anyone else. Mission accomplished. I ate breakfast, read the newspaper and went back to bed. I woke back up, took a lap around the outside of the hotel to find something to do and only found the casino. I may be gambling later. I’m thinking about taking a bus to the mall but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. I’ll keep you posted.
Approximately 12 hours after I started my day, I repeated everything I did this morning in the same fashion as when I woke up, including running for a second time. It was like the movie Groundhog Day.
For the first time in my life, I ran twice in one day so I could meet a weekly mileage goal. Don’t misunderstand me though, I have run twice in one day before—especially running collegiate track and field. However, I have never run twice in one day to meet a mileage goal. I’ll become a distance runner yet.
Yesterday I met up with a chaperone I worked with last year. Half of team JAJA was reunited again in Costa Rica! I was stoked to see him and right before we parted ways we realized we would be in Manuel Antonio at the same time. Que ta bien tuanis : )
In anticipation for the arrival of my family, I am hanging out at the hotel today and just being a bum. When was the last time I did this? I can’t remember. That being said, my lazy day probably won’t last long. I’ll need to find diversion.
I woke up this morning at 5:30 to get to the fitness center before anyone else. Mission accomplished. I ate breakfast, read the newspaper and went back to bed. I woke back up, took a lap around the outside of the hotel to find something to do and only found the casino. I may be gambling later. I’m thinking about taking a bus to the mall but I’m not sure it’s worth the effort. I’ll keep you posted.
Approximately 12 hours after I started my day, I repeated everything I did this morning in the same fashion as when I woke up, including running for a second time. It was like the movie Groundhog Day.
For the first time in my life, I ran twice in one day so I could meet a weekly mileage goal. Don’t misunderstand me though, I have run twice in one day before—especially running collegiate track and field. However, I have never run twice in one day to meet a mileage goal. I’ll become a distance runner yet.
Yesterday I met up with a chaperone I worked with last year. Half of team JAJA was reunited again in Costa Rica! I was stoked to see him and right before we parted ways we realized we would be in Manuel Antonio at the same time. Que ta bien tuanis : )
Okay, time for dinner and to patiently await my family’s arrival. Big day of touring Costa Rica tomorrow!!
Pura vida,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, July 17, 2010
Thumb Twiddling
Cafe Britt Coffee Map from yesterday. Very useful information for coffee lovers.Today was my last day of work. I would like to know where in the world this summer has gone.
This morning at 4 a.m. my group left for the airport. I didn’t go with them so I said my goodbyes last night. It was a whirlwind of a night full of food, memories and fun. After the Café Britt Coffee Tour we returned to our hotel to get ready for the farewell banquet dinner.
I arranged a fantastic meal at a place called Los Cebollines. The ambiance was phenomenal and we had a private room all to ourselves. Dinner was excellent and my cheesecake dessert was amazing. We followed dinner and dessert with presentations from the kids and staff. I even joined in on a skit! We also had a birthday to celebrate so earlier in the day we bought a cake and when it was time, the Los Cebollines staff brought in a sombrero and we all sang and ate cake. It was the perfect send off meal.
Back at the hotel we had some time to pack our bag and then there was a piñata to break. Sound like an overdose of sugar last night? It was. : ) We hung out around the pool until late and then the group and I headed to bed.
This morning I woke up at my normal time to go running. I relaxed in my hotel room, packed my bags, gathered my clothes to donate, and took a nice long shower and quiet breakfast. It was a wonderful way to wake up. I have not had a day like this the entire summer. I am hoping to spend today and tomorrow this way—taking time for myself. It’s a rare day even in U.S. that I take time to care for myself, so what better place to do it than in Costa Rica?
One morning before my 5 a.m. run. My group thought I was crazy for running every day!
This morning at 4 a.m. my group left for the airport. I didn’t go with them so I said my goodbyes last night. It was a whirlwind of a night full of food, memories and fun. After the Café Britt Coffee Tour we returned to our hotel to get ready for the farewell banquet dinner.
I arranged a fantastic meal at a place called Los Cebollines. The ambiance was phenomenal and we had a private room all to ourselves. Dinner was excellent and my cheesecake dessert was amazing. We followed dinner and dessert with presentations from the kids and staff. I even joined in on a skit! We also had a birthday to celebrate so earlier in the day we bought a cake and when it was time, the Los Cebollines staff brought in a sombrero and we all sang and ate cake. It was the perfect send off meal.
Back at the hotel we had some time to pack our bag and then there was a piñata to break. Sound like an overdose of sugar last night? It was. : ) We hung out around the pool until late and then the group and I headed to bed.
This morning I woke up at my normal time to go running. I relaxed in my hotel room, packed my bags, gathered my clothes to donate, and took a nice long shower and quiet breakfast. It was a wonderful way to wake up. I have not had a day like this the entire summer. I am hoping to spend today and tomorrow this way—taking time for myself. It’s a rare day even in U.S. that I take time to care for myself, so what better place to do it than in Costa Rica?
One morning before my 5 a.m. run. My group thought I was crazy for running every day!Time to spend the day with my boss’s family and their youngest son! I can’t wait : )
Paz, amor y libertad,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. 1.5 days!
Friday, July 16, 2010
Key Investments
Every time I leave the country I learn how to pack more efficiently. This year was my best packing year by far. I was efficient and compact. I attribute this to a few key investments:
1. My Osprey hiking backpack—probably the best investment by far. No more rolling luggage!
2. My North Face hiking pants—quick drying and not the zip away kind.
3. My compact, super absorbent travel towel.
This ends up looking for a plug for certain brands of clothing/gear, but it’s not. I am a nerd for how much I love my pack. I think I will travel more just to use it.
I survived 6 weeks of work, travel and running this year with just a hiking pack and day pack. My groups are usually shocked when they see how little I carry with me. It’s amazing how much they pack for 2 weeks of travel—one girl brought a 70 pound bag for two weeks. I made that mistake once with a 50 pound bag for 6 weeks, and I will never make that error in judgment again (although my dad did try to warn me before I even left that it would be too much).
5 year travel packing recap:
Peru (2 weeks): 36 pounds, 3 medium bags
Spain/Europe (6 weeks): 50 pounds, 1 large bag, 1 small carry on, backpack
Costa Rica 2008 (4 weeks): 47 pounds, 1 large rolling bag, backpack
Costa Rica 2009 (10 weeks): 42 pounds, 1 large rolling bag, backpack, computer case
My total weight year: 26 pounds. 1 hiking backpack. 1 daypack.
Success. My big determining factor for buying a pack this year was my bus fiasco last year where I spent 12 hours hauling around my luggage trying to get to the coast for work via the public bus. I decided then that if I were to ever travel for long periods of time again I would find a better way to pack for it. I am also very nomadic in the summer, traveling somewhere new almost every five days. A backpack is a necessity for this sort of lifestyle.
It just occurred to me I’ve spent a whole blog talking about my backpack and travel habits. Pura vida. : )
Time for breakfast and the Café Britt Coffee Tour!
Café y caffeine,
Jessica Lynn
1. My Osprey hiking backpack—probably the best investment by far. No more rolling luggage!
2. My North Face hiking pants—quick drying and not the zip away kind.
3. My compact, super absorbent travel towel.
This ends up looking for a plug for certain brands of clothing/gear, but it’s not. I am a nerd for how much I love my pack. I think I will travel more just to use it.
I survived 6 weeks of work, travel and running this year with just a hiking pack and day pack. My groups are usually shocked when they see how little I carry with me. It’s amazing how much they pack for 2 weeks of travel—one girl brought a 70 pound bag for two weeks. I made that mistake once with a 50 pound bag for 6 weeks, and I will never make that error in judgment again (although my dad did try to warn me before I even left that it would be too much).
5 year travel packing recap:
Peru (2 weeks): 36 pounds, 3 medium bags
Spain/Europe (6 weeks): 50 pounds, 1 large bag, 1 small carry on, backpack
Costa Rica 2008 (4 weeks): 47 pounds, 1 large rolling bag, backpack
Costa Rica 2009 (10 weeks): 42 pounds, 1 large rolling bag, backpack, computer case
My total weight year: 26 pounds. 1 hiking backpack. 1 daypack.
Success. My big determining factor for buying a pack this year was my bus fiasco last year where I spent 12 hours hauling around my luggage trying to get to the coast for work via the public bus. I decided then that if I were to ever travel for long periods of time again I would find a better way to pack for it. I am also very nomadic in the summer, traveling somewhere new almost every five days. A backpack is a necessity for this sort of lifestyle.
It just occurred to me I’ve spent a whole blog talking about my backpack and travel habits. Pura vida. : )
Time for breakfast and the Café Britt Coffee Tour!
Café y caffeine,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Mordizco de Pitufa
Has anyone heard of a Smurf bite? Me neither until today. Apparently it’s pinching someone using a combination of your thumb stuck between your index and middle finger. It’s interesting and the name just makes me laugh.
Today was white water rafting day! Usually one of my favorite days with any group and today was no exception. The rapids were awesome! Maybe one of the best parts was when the rapids slowed down a bit and we had to make our own excitement. The other chaperone and I decided to attack the other boat and let the air out of the middle of their raft. When we got close enough to the other raft, the chap and I dove into the other boat. They had no idea what was going on so they initially were just surprised. They all started piling on the other sneak attacker and completely forgot about me. I let the air completely out of one inside tubes and jumped back into my boat unscathed. My accomplice managed to deflate 2 tubes. Success!
Later, in retaliation, the boys jumped from their boat to ours and managed to steal most of our paddles. One boy tried to pull me in, but using some back-bending evasive maneuver managed to stay in the boat. I also managed this once before when the male chaperone tried to pull me in. Apparently unsatisfied with their failed attempts, 10 minutes later in a sneak attack, two boys dove at me trying to take me down. I grabbed onto their life jackets and held on. The chaperone came from under the boat and tried pulling me in also to no avail. I think I had a death grip on the life jackets because I wasn’t budging for a solid 3 minutes of struggling on their end. Finally, I went in. I’m calling it a success!
Also noteworthy: the ride to the rafting place today was rather pungent. The driver must have had eggs for breakfast. It was like riding in the suburban on a family vacation with my brother after a Bob Evens breakfast.
Today was white water rafting day! Usually one of my favorite days with any group and today was no exception. The rapids were awesome! Maybe one of the best parts was when the rapids slowed down a bit and we had to make our own excitement. The other chaperone and I decided to attack the other boat and let the air out of the middle of their raft. When we got close enough to the other raft, the chap and I dove into the other boat. They had no idea what was going on so they initially were just surprised. They all started piling on the other sneak attacker and completely forgot about me. I let the air completely out of one inside tubes and jumped back into my boat unscathed. My accomplice managed to deflate 2 tubes. Success!
Later, in retaliation, the boys jumped from their boat to ours and managed to steal most of our paddles. One boy tried to pull me in, but using some back-bending evasive maneuver managed to stay in the boat. I also managed this once before when the male chaperone tried to pull me in. Apparently unsatisfied with their failed attempts, 10 minutes later in a sneak attack, two boys dove at me trying to take me down. I grabbed onto their life jackets and held on. The chaperone came from under the boat and tried pulling me in also to no avail. I think I had a death grip on the life jackets because I wasn’t budging for a solid 3 minutes of struggling on their end. Finally, I went in. I’m calling it a success!
The men that tried to take me down.
Also noteworthy: the ride to the rafting place today was rather pungent. The driver must have had eggs for breakfast. It was like riding in the suburban on a family vacation with my brother after a Bob Evens breakfast.
...We just returned from dinner and ice cream. Dinner tonight was Chinese food-Costa Rican style. It was so nice to change things up! I am completely exhausted from the day however and I’m turning in early. Tomorrow is the last day with this group and I can’t believe it! Where has the summer gone?
Buenas noches a todos!
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Maybe the cutest juice box I’ve seen down here. It made me smile. Welchito: Little Welch.
Buenas noches a todos!
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Maybe the cutest juice box I’ve seen down here. It made me smile. Welchito: Little Welch.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Man Purse
Alex y yo durante la mejenga en la calle. : )Today was the last day of service in La Carpio. It was a tearful goodbye for me when I parted ways with Gail. She is such an inspiration to me and those who meet her. We finished our last day of service with delivering bunk beds and playing mejenga in the streets. Mejenga is a pick up game of soccer in Costa Rica.
The place where we delivered one of the beds was so small and cramped that we literally had to build the bed into its space. It’s a very humbling experience to walk into places like this and you walk away wanting to make a change and hoping you don’t forget those feelings when you return home. After beds and fútbol we ate a lunch that the women at the Montessori school prepared for us and then visited the room where the women’s co-op is located.
The women’s co-op is something Gail started for the women of La Carpio to give work to women with creative talents and skills. The women make things like jewelry and purses to sell as a way to learn a living. It’s a wonderful program.
One woman in particular makes purses entirely out of zippers that can be entirely unzipped if so desired into a string of zippers. Imagine who in the group thought this was a particularly incredible invention: the men. Guess who bought them to take home as gifts to the women in their lives? The men. I’ve never seen so many men buying purses. Tuanis.
Okay, my group is watching a movie and I’m just finishing work for the night, so I’m going to leave work and get some sleep. White water rafting tomorrow!!
Tuanis mae,
Jessica Lynn
The place where we delivered one of the beds was so small and cramped that we literally had to build the bed into its space. It’s a very humbling experience to walk into places like this and you walk away wanting to make a change and hoping you don’t forget those feelings when you return home. After beds and fútbol we ate a lunch that the women at the Montessori school prepared for us and then visited the room where the women’s co-op is located.
The women’s co-op is something Gail started for the women of La Carpio to give work to women with creative talents and skills. The women make things like jewelry and purses to sell as a way to learn a living. It’s a wonderful program.
One woman in particular makes purses entirely out of zippers that can be entirely unzipped if so desired into a string of zippers. Imagine who in the group thought this was a particularly incredible invention: the men. Guess who bought them to take home as gifts to the women in their lives? The men. I’ve never seen so many men buying purses. Tuanis.
Okay, my group is watching a movie and I’m just finishing work for the night, so I’m going to leave work and get some sleep. White water rafting tomorrow!!
Tuanis mae,
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Gawking
Courtesy of Merriam Webster:
gawk
Function: intransitive verb
: to gape or stare stupidly
Admittedly, I am a gawker. If I see something intriguing, I am liable to stop for a moment and watch as long as I am not in any danger.
Our new driver is also a gawker but at the most inopportune times. For instance, yesterday in La Carpio he slowed down to watch some men arguing. When those men realized that we were all watching them, they started approaching the bus in an aggressive manner. The driver kept creeping along saying to me “Mira, problemas. Mira! Mira!” (Look, problems!). Yes, that’s great, but there are going to be more problems if these men get any closer to the bus.
The same thing occurred today when leaving La Carpio. A man was being arrested and we had to slow down to watch. Of course, I’m curious to, but not to the extent that I’ll put myself in danger. La Carpio really isn’t a safe place and I don’t need anymore incidents on my record this year. Please, no more gawking.
Secondly, I feel very accomplished today. I managed to call a restaurant and set up a group menu for my group’s banquet dinner on Friday. I typically doubt my Spanish phone skills, but I rocked this one…I think. It all remains to be seen, but I’m feelin’ good.
Thirdly, I saw my mamatica from last year! It was a surprise and I was so excited to see her!! She told me I looked really tired and I asked “Does it really show that much? Because I am exhausted.” : )
Fourthly, I am meeting up on Saturday with my West Coast chaperone from last year. Pura Vida!
Bueno, vamos a participar en la clase de cocina. Mmmm. ¡Qué rico!
¡5 días!
Paz,
Jessica Lynn
gawk
Function: intransitive verb
: to gape or stare stupidly
Admittedly, I am a gawker. If I see something intriguing, I am liable to stop for a moment and watch as long as I am not in any danger.
Our new driver is also a gawker but at the most inopportune times. For instance, yesterday in La Carpio he slowed down to watch some men arguing. When those men realized that we were all watching them, they started approaching the bus in an aggressive manner. The driver kept creeping along saying to me “Mira, problemas. Mira! Mira!” (Look, problems!). Yes, that’s great, but there are going to be more problems if these men get any closer to the bus.
The same thing occurred today when leaving La Carpio. A man was being arrested and we had to slow down to watch. Of course, I’m curious to, but not to the extent that I’ll put myself in danger. La Carpio really isn’t a safe place and I don’t need anymore incidents on my record this year. Please, no more gawking.
Secondly, I feel very accomplished today. I managed to call a restaurant and set up a group menu for my group’s banquet dinner on Friday. I typically doubt my Spanish phone skills, but I rocked this one…I think. It all remains to be seen, but I’m feelin’ good.
Thirdly, I saw my mamatica from last year! It was a surprise and I was so excited to see her!! She told me I looked really tired and I asked “Does it really show that much? Because I am exhausted.” : )
Fourthly, I am meeting up on Saturday with my West Coast chaperone from last year. Pura Vida!
Bueno, vamos a participar en la clase de cocina. Mmmm. ¡Qué rico!
¡5 días!
Paz,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, July 12, 2010
Heartache and Hope
Today was our first day in La Carpio- the poor town outside of San Jose that is comprised mostly of Nicaraguan immigrants. On our way down to the daycare called La Libertad, we witnessed five young children being taken away in a police car and a woman crying and pleading not to take them. Gail explained to us that the foundation has tried everything to help this woman keep her children (given her food, a house) but the woman can’t stop beating them. The police officers wouldn’t tell Gail where the children were being taken, but Gail told us it could be any number of orphanages and that she fears the woman may never see her children again.
With that image burned in my mind, the group continued on to the day care where we were greeted by 15 energized children learning about healthy eating. Half of the group stayed there and the other half went to build bunk beds. It was a great day of service!
The most inspiring part of La Carpio is that despite all of the bad, the people are full of a lot of hope. Yes, the town is still dangerous and the people are still struggling to survive, but they continue to survive through perseverance and hope. From where the town was 17 years ago and how much potential it has, it’s pretty incredible to be a part of.
Amazingly, it is 8:45 p.m. now and I am exhausted. What a day… I am calling it an early night tonight.
Dulces sueños,
Jessica Lynn
Here’s a fun phrase:
Pulpería de pobre.
Background: a pulpería is a store that has a little bit of everything, like a convenience store. De pobre is ‘poor,’ thus implying the store is small, but has a lot. This being said, a girl who is a pulpería de pobre is a girl who is small, but ‘well-stocked.’ I have been called this on a few occasions by ticos…I think it’s supposed to be a compliment. : )
Pulpería de pobre: Chiquita, pero bien surtida.
With that image burned in my mind, the group continued on to the day care where we were greeted by 15 energized children learning about healthy eating. Half of the group stayed there and the other half went to build bunk beds. It was a great day of service!
The most inspiring part of La Carpio is that despite all of the bad, the people are full of a lot of hope. Yes, the town is still dangerous and the people are still struggling to survive, but they continue to survive through perseverance and hope. From where the town was 17 years ago and how much potential it has, it’s pretty incredible to be a part of.
Amazingly, it is 8:45 p.m. now and I am exhausted. What a day… I am calling it an early night tonight.
Dulces sueños,
Jessica Lynn
Here’s a fun phrase:
Pulpería de pobre.
Background: a pulpería is a store that has a little bit of everything, like a convenience store. De pobre is ‘poor,’ thus implying the store is small, but has a lot. This being said, a girl who is a pulpería de pobre is a girl who is small, but ‘well-stocked.’ I have been called this on a few occasions by ticos…I think it’s supposed to be a compliment. : )
Pulpería de pobre: Chiquita, pero bien surtida.
Sunday, July 11, 2010
Whirlwind Sunday
At Poas Volcano!Recall long ago when Sunday was supposed to be a relaxing day of rest? Today was quite the contrary of that.
I woke up and ran first. City running is much different than Monteverde running. First, because I am not as familiar with the city and I’m less comfortable in it. Secondly, because it doesn’t have hills, and I actually began to enjoy mountain running.
After my run, the group got breakfast and we headed to Poas Volcano. Poas is different than Arenal because it is a crater instead of a cone. Actually, it’s the largest volcanic crater on the planet. Because the group itinerary had free time in the afternoon and the chaperones wanted to do something more dynamic, there was a rush to find an activity. On the way down from the volcano we stopped at a great restaurant called Freddo Fresas for lunch and to watch the World Cup final.
After lunch, we finally found an activity: Parque de Diversiones. The Amusement Park. We got the kids in and the chaperones and I found a place to post up in the Plaza Antigua or Old City. Naturally, it started raining so the gazebo was a great place to be. We spent a few hours there, headed back to the hotel, showered, and went to dinner and then the supermarket. I can honestly say I’m pooped. Whew.
Tomorrow we head to do service work in the town of La Carpio with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. A woman by the name of Gail Nystrom has been living in La Carpio for 25 years and started the foundation. CPI sends volunteers there to help with her foundation. Last year and this year we will be building bunkbeds to give to the local families that need them and working the Montessori school that Gail founded.
La Carpio originally began around 17 years ago when Nicaraguans were fleeing their country due to political unrest and wars. Costa Rica was a refuge for them. However, the Nicaraguans didn’t have the resources to flourish, so the town started off very poor and remains that way today. With Gail’s foundation, however, vast improvements have been made and La Carpio continues to raise itself up by its own will power and determination. It’s an incredible story that I will continue to share throughout my blogs.
Time to fall asleep to the sound of the rain…that’s been falling since 2:00 p.m. : )
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
I woke up and ran first. City running is much different than Monteverde running. First, because I am not as familiar with the city and I’m less comfortable in it. Secondly, because it doesn’t have hills, and I actually began to enjoy mountain running.
After my run, the group got breakfast and we headed to Poas Volcano. Poas is different than Arenal because it is a crater instead of a cone. Actually, it’s the largest volcanic crater on the planet. Because the group itinerary had free time in the afternoon and the chaperones wanted to do something more dynamic, there was a rush to find an activity. On the way down from the volcano we stopped at a great restaurant called Freddo Fresas for lunch and to watch the World Cup final.
After lunch, we finally found an activity: Parque de Diversiones. The Amusement Park. We got the kids in and the chaperones and I found a place to post up in the Plaza Antigua or Old City. Naturally, it started raining so the gazebo was a great place to be. We spent a few hours there, headed back to the hotel, showered, and went to dinner and then the supermarket. I can honestly say I’m pooped. Whew.
Tomorrow we head to do service work in the town of La Carpio with the Costa Rican Humanitarian Foundation. A woman by the name of Gail Nystrom has been living in La Carpio for 25 years and started the foundation. CPI sends volunteers there to help with her foundation. Last year and this year we will be building bunkbeds to give to the local families that need them and working the Montessori school that Gail founded.
La Carpio originally began around 17 years ago when Nicaraguans were fleeing their country due to political unrest and wars. Costa Rica was a refuge for them. However, the Nicaraguans didn’t have the resources to flourish, so the town started off very poor and remains that way today. With Gail’s foundation, however, vast improvements have been made and La Carpio continues to raise itself up by its own will power and determination. It’s an incredible story that I will continue to share throughout my blogs.
Time to fall asleep to the sound of the rain…that’s been falling since 2:00 p.m. : )
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. The family arrives in exactly 1 week!
La Mitad Se Va
Half of my group left for the States yesterday and I am amazed at how small the group seems now. The group dynamic is definitely different and we are traveling in a much smaller bus with a really fun driver!
We headed to the Central Valley today to spend the rest of the time taking classes and doing service work. At the end of the week we will go white water rafting and on the Café Britt Coffee Tour. I can’t believe how fast the time is going down here!
Yesterday we spent the day in La Fortuna just hanging out and seeing the other group off. It was a really relaxing day that was much needed. From the town you can hear the volcano erupting every once in a while. It’s always amazing to me and I am astounded by it all.
One of the chaperones and I made plans to meet up in a week for dinner. She’s going to Panama for a week and then spending a day in Costa Rica before flying back to Canada so I’m going to meet up with her for dinner next Sunday. It’ll be great to see her again before she leaves! That is one of the best things about working for CPI Grupos—the people I get to meet. I have met so many amazing and wonderful people through this program!
Amor,
Jessica
We headed to the Central Valley today to spend the rest of the time taking classes and doing service work. At the end of the week we will go white water rafting and on the Café Britt Coffee Tour. I can’t believe how fast the time is going down here!
Yesterday we spent the day in La Fortuna just hanging out and seeing the other group off. It was a really relaxing day that was much needed. From the town you can hear the volcano erupting every once in a while. It’s always amazing to me and I am astounded by it all.
One of the chaperones and I made plans to meet up in a week for dinner. She’s going to Panama for a week and then spending a day in Costa Rica before flying back to Canada so I’m going to meet up with her for dinner next Sunday. It’ll be great to see her again before she leaves! That is one of the best things about working for CPI Grupos—the people I get to meet. I have met so many amazing and wonderful people through this program!
Amor,
Jessica
Friday, July 9, 2010
Que Linda La Naturaleza
Enfrente del Lago Arenal!Well what started out as a quiet day quickly turned to chaos. Almost 20km from arriving at our hotel in Arenal, a tired blew on our bus. This meant we all had to get off for an hour while the guide and driver changed it. In order to kill time, we walked around a half mile through the rainforest to get to Arenal Dam. Once we got there, we walked down to the lake below and sat around for a while. Naturally, during this time, the kids started throwing rocks. One errant throw later, we had a boy bleeding from the head.
Because our bus was so far away, we didn’t have a medical kit and the boy was bleeding some, so I hiked back up the dam and asked one of the tour company drivers who was there also with a group if he could help us out. Thankfully, he had a botiquin and the supplies we needed to get the boy cleaned up. He still went to the clinic later and received two stitches.
After finally arriving at the hotel, we quickly checked-in and headed to the hot springs. About an hour into what should be a relaxing trip to the thermal waters, the ambulance had to be called because one of the girls in the group hit her head hard going down the waterslides. She wasn’t taken to the hospital, but she was shaken up, dizzy, and hurting.
When it rains it pours I suppose…
However, after the hot springs, we all boarded the bus and headed to the lava point to watch the volcano erupt. When we got there and disembarked, we stepped out into one of the most beautiful nights I have witnessed here in Costa Rica. The sky was clear, no light pollution in sight and a million stars were surrounding us. The beauty was astonishing and breathtaking. Shortly after arriving, the volcano erupted twice; spewing orange and red hot lava high into the black sky and down the sides of the volcano. It was an incredible sight and probably one of the best lava viewings I have witnessed in the countless times I have gone to see this.
It’s amazing to me that after the chaotic day I could end with something so incredible and wonderful. I finally accepted that after all I have been through down here that I deserved to see something wonderful and to be reminded that there is such amazing, pure beauty in this world. I needed that.
Time to run and prepare to send half of my group back to the states today. Let’s hope for a more seamless transition today!
Lindo amor,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. I’ll tell you what’s not beautiful though, and that’s the stench my running shoes are giving off right now. Oh my.
Because our bus was so far away, we didn’t have a medical kit and the boy was bleeding some, so I hiked back up the dam and asked one of the tour company drivers who was there also with a group if he could help us out. Thankfully, he had a botiquin and the supplies we needed to get the boy cleaned up. He still went to the clinic later and received two stitches.
After finally arriving at the hotel, we quickly checked-in and headed to the hot springs. About an hour into what should be a relaxing trip to the thermal waters, the ambulance had to be called because one of the girls in the group hit her head hard going down the waterslides. She wasn’t taken to the hospital, but she was shaken up, dizzy, and hurting.
When it rains it pours I suppose…
However, after the hot springs, we all boarded the bus and headed to the lava point to watch the volcano erupt. When we got there and disembarked, we stepped out into one of the most beautiful nights I have witnessed here in Costa Rica. The sky was clear, no light pollution in sight and a million stars were surrounding us. The beauty was astonishing and breathtaking. Shortly after arriving, the volcano erupted twice; spewing orange and red hot lava high into the black sky and down the sides of the volcano. It was an incredible sight and probably one of the best lava viewings I have witnessed in the countless times I have gone to see this.
It’s amazing to me that after the chaotic day I could end with something so incredible and wonderful. I finally accepted that after all I have been through down here that I deserved to see something wonderful and to be reminded that there is such amazing, pure beauty in this world. I needed that.
Time to run and prepare to send half of my group back to the states today. Let’s hope for a more seamless transition today!
Lindo amor,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. I’ll tell you what’s not beautiful though, and that’s the stench my running shoes are giving off right now. Oh my.
The first time I really became homesick was upon seeing the lake and houseboat.
Wednesday, July 7, 2010
Zigzagging
I have finally figured out the only way to run the roads in Monteverde and that’s by zigzagging wildly from one side to another. Yes, it puts extra distance on my run, but it’s really the only safe way. Monteverde is full of hills and turns and the best way to take a turn is on the outside (because cars cut to the inside). So as I approach one turn I sprint to the outside of it, and inevitably the next turn is in the opposite direction so I sprint to the other side of the road. I look like I can’t make up my mind, but I know exactly what I am doing. : ) Not efficient, but it works.
I had two Monteverde dogs run with me for a while, but even they gave up on the hill that looks like the ‘Big Nasty’ back home only six times as long.
*There are even more perks to being a guide: I got my laundry done for free at the hotel. Instead of paying $1 for every shirt and $.50 for every sock, I got it gratis. I dropped it off in the morning and it was waiting on my bed, folded, when I returned. Tuanis.
I had two Monteverde dogs run with me for a while, but even they gave up on the hill that looks like the ‘Big Nasty’ back home only six times as long.
*There are even more perks to being a guide: I got my laundry done for free at the hotel. Instead of paying $1 for every shirt and $.50 for every sock, I got it gratis. I dropped it off in the morning and it was waiting on my bed, folded, when I returned. Tuanis.
Mucho Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
The Daughter of an Art Teacher
I love my parents for many reasons, and each one has given me so many gifts and talents, all of which I am so thankful for. However, today, I must give credit to my mom and having the privilege of growing up the daughter of an art teacher.
Today for our service work we held a day camp for the local children in Monteverde. Yesterday in the CPI we were trying to come up with ideas for the camp to add to the ones we already had. We really wanted to make this special for all involved. We came up with some great ideas and set them into motion. However, upon arriving this morning, we realized we couldn’t locate paper bags for the puppet making and we were really lacking another station.
This is where my background came into play. Because we had tissue paper for the puppet making, but no bags, we were kind of at a loss for what to do with that station. My mind kicked into high gear and soon, with some scissors, string, tissue paper, and quick instruction, we were making colorful paper flowers with the kids.
The group then really wanted to do face painting, but we lacked paint and supplies. One of the other CPI chaperones told me the mini-super across the street had paint but it was only Tempura Paint and they didn’t think that would work. Au contraire. When we were little, Mom used to paint our faces with Tempura paint mixed with a little dish soap for easy removal. I ran across the street, quickly bought the paint, soap and brushes. In no time at all we had the face painting station up and running. It ended up being one of the most popular.
I would like to take credit for saving the camp stations, but this one is going to my mom. I know where most of my creative spirit and intuition comes from and today, it was greatly needed. After a less than stellar volunteer day yesterday, we really needed something great today and we got it.
Thank you, Mom. : )
Writing more later,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Don't worry, Dad. I know my gymnastics came from you. : )
Today for our service work we held a day camp for the local children in Monteverde. Yesterday in the CPI we were trying to come up with ideas for the camp to add to the ones we already had. We really wanted to make this special for all involved. We came up with some great ideas and set them into motion. However, upon arriving this morning, we realized we couldn’t locate paper bags for the puppet making and we were really lacking another station.
This is where my background came into play. Because we had tissue paper for the puppet making, but no bags, we were kind of at a loss for what to do with that station. My mind kicked into high gear and soon, with some scissors, string, tissue paper, and quick instruction, we were making colorful paper flowers with the kids.
The group then really wanted to do face painting, but we lacked paint and supplies. One of the other CPI chaperones told me the mini-super across the street had paint but it was only Tempura Paint and they didn’t think that would work. Au contraire. When we were little, Mom used to paint our faces with Tempura paint mixed with a little dish soap for easy removal. I ran across the street, quickly bought the paint, soap and brushes. In no time at all we had the face painting station up and running. It ended up being one of the most popular.
I would like to take credit for saving the camp stations, but this one is going to my mom. I know where most of my creative spirit and intuition comes from and today, it was greatly needed. After a less than stellar volunteer day yesterday, we really needed something great today and we got it.
Thank you, Mom. : )
Writing more later,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Don't worry, Dad. I know my gymnastics came from you. : )
Monday, July 5, 2010
Nada Nada Limonada
Back in Monteverde! And of course, it’s raining like no other at the moment.
We arrived yesterday and spent some time in downtown Santa Elena before checking into our hotel. After check-in we headed to la cancha sintetica for some fútbol. The synthetic court is a covered court just for soccer, so the kids had a chance to burn off some energy after being on a bus for four hours in the morning.
Today we took the group to a coffee coop plantation where they helped plant coffee trees on a coffee plantation that aide the local town in earning money. The town that farms the coop is a poor town, so the money from the coop goes to help them. After the volunteer work, the kids ate at Stella’s Bakery—one of my favorite bakeries in Monteverde. I got a free pastry for being a guide (this job has all sorts of perks!).
It’s 8:30 and I’m back at CPI right now. We are attempting to have movie night, but the sound keeps failing. No worries, we have plenty of popcorn!
Nothing too exciting to speak of today though. I ran an 8k before work and it’s becoming like an addiction. I think it’s also how I stay sane. : )
Amor,
Jessica
We arrived yesterday and spent some time in downtown Santa Elena before checking into our hotel. After check-in we headed to la cancha sintetica for some fútbol. The synthetic court is a covered court just for soccer, so the kids had a chance to burn off some energy after being on a bus for four hours in the morning.
Today we took the group to a coffee coop plantation where they helped plant coffee trees on a coffee plantation that aide the local town in earning money. The town that farms the coop is a poor town, so the money from the coop goes to help them. After the volunteer work, the kids ate at Stella’s Bakery—one of my favorite bakeries in Monteverde. I got a free pastry for being a guide (this job has all sorts of perks!).
It’s 8:30 and I’m back at CPI right now. We are attempting to have movie night, but the sound keeps failing. No worries, we have plenty of popcorn!
Nothing too exciting to speak of today though. I ran an 8k before work and it’s becoming like an addiction. I think it’s also how I stay sane. : )
Amor,
Jessica
Saturday, July 3, 2010
Just Another Day in Costa Rica
A list of things I’ve done today:
- Scared a herd of cattle.
- Hiked in a national forest around a volcano.
- Jumped from a waterfall into the water below…first one to figure out this was possible and be willing to try it. The waterfall was only 10 feet high. (Tilt your head to the left to watch.)
And because I survived the waterfall jump twice…
- I shimmied out onto a little wooden bridge about 20 feet high nestled between two rock walls, hung from the bridge and dropped into the water below…with another chaperone.
- Went to the mud baths and painted myself up as directed…now I am stained. It looks like a spray on tan gone wrong.
I’m wondering if I should tell my family about all of this…
Cow in the Road, You Swerve to the Left
Or a horse. Or a monkey. Or an agouti.
I nearly jumped out of my skin this morning on my run, when a seemingly harmless group of cows came out onto the road I was running on. I’m a friend of cows back home, but apparently I startled them enough this morning that they all took off in a frenzy of hooves and utters. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but the cows around here have horns. I decided to turn around. You win, cows, you win.
On my way back, I saw a few horses in the road and then an Agouti scurried across the road. An agouti happens to be a rodent that looks a lot like an oversized combination of a hamster and a rat.
A nature sighting that I forgot to mention yesterday was a howler monkey in Flamingo. I was startled as something darted off the road, into the brush and up a tree, until I realized it had a tail and was perched in the tree later on. Monkey sounds.
By the way, here is a token picture of me on the horse yesterday. Look at my knee. See the brown spot? Yes, that is the knee that went up the other horse's butt...twice.
I nearly jumped out of my skin this morning on my run, when a seemingly harmless group of cows came out onto the road I was running on. I’m a friend of cows back home, but apparently I startled them enough this morning that they all took off in a frenzy of hooves and utters. Normally, I wouldn’t mind, but the cows around here have horns. I decided to turn around. You win, cows, you win.
On my way back, I saw a few horses in the road and then an Agouti scurried across the road. An agouti happens to be a rodent that looks a lot like an oversized combination of a hamster and a rat.
A nature sighting that I forgot to mention yesterday was a howler monkey in Flamingo. I was startled as something darted off the road, into the brush and up a tree, until I realized it had a tail and was perched in the tree later on. Monkey sounds.
By the way, here is a token picture of me on the horse yesterday. Look at my knee. See the brown spot? Yes, that is the knee that went up the other horse's butt...twice.
Time for a hike around the national park!
Animales y Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Feliz cumpleaños abuelito : )
Friday, July 2, 2010
Yo No Soy Caballera.
Let me translate: I’m not a cowgirl.
We transferred from Flamingo today to the national park, Rincón de la Vieja for the next two days. After a hearty ‘American’ breakfast this morning, we hopped on the bus for a couple of hours before arriving at our hotel Hacienda Gauchipelin. It’s a beautiful hotel that greets you with a refreshing drink and a gentleman playing Marimba music. It was a nice atmosphere to walk into.
After lunch at the hotel, we began the horseback riding to river tubing part of our day. This is why I claim that I am not a cowgirl. I am terribly awkward and uncomfortable on these beautiful creatures. However, this time my horse actually stayed with the group, so I can’t complain. The last time I did this tour my horse went on every trail but the one we were supposed to be on. My horse today was a little bit like me: social, stubborn, seemed to have a mind of its own, and would often make last minute decisions that took us into exciting territory. We bonded well.
For the record however, smelling like a horse, having my horse antagonize 25 other horses, and having horse poo running down my knee by the end of the ride is not my idea of a good time.
Once we arrived at river tubing, we grabbed our individual tubes and jumped into the river as the rain started to pour down. River tubing is a lot like white water rafting, but in single inner tubes and lower class rapids. I personally think it’s a blast. I quickly noted that my inner tube seemed to be a lot like me also because I started out in the back of the group of about 38 people and quickly sped to the front, bypassing all of the slower tubers.
About midway through, as the rain continued to pour, the lightening also became increasingly closer. So much so, in fact, that there was no delay between the lightening and the thunder attached to it. It was one wild river tubing ride. In Costa Rica, there is no such thing as the 30 minute rule when it comes to lightening apparently so we journeyed on through the pouring rain and lightening. Hakuna Matata. : )
I am at the hotel now relaxing before dinner. Last night was disco night, and what started out as a minor failure because the first disco we went to was a bust, ended up being a great experience for the kids. We ending up finding a great place called the Voodoo Lounge that had a rockin’ DJ and fire show to boot.
Tonight is an easy night at the hotel and I’m looking forward to it. I need a little less stress after my adventurous day! All right, chow time!
Hasta mañana,
Jessica Lynn
We transferred from Flamingo today to the national park, Rincón de la Vieja for the next two days. After a hearty ‘American’ breakfast this morning, we hopped on the bus for a couple of hours before arriving at our hotel Hacienda Gauchipelin. It’s a beautiful hotel that greets you with a refreshing drink and a gentleman playing Marimba music. It was a nice atmosphere to walk into.
After lunch at the hotel, we began the horseback riding to river tubing part of our day. This is why I claim that I am not a cowgirl. I am terribly awkward and uncomfortable on these beautiful creatures. However, this time my horse actually stayed with the group, so I can’t complain. The last time I did this tour my horse went on every trail but the one we were supposed to be on. My horse today was a little bit like me: social, stubborn, seemed to have a mind of its own, and would often make last minute decisions that took us into exciting territory. We bonded well.
For the record however, smelling like a horse, having my horse antagonize 25 other horses, and having horse poo running down my knee by the end of the ride is not my idea of a good time.
Once we arrived at river tubing, we grabbed our individual tubes and jumped into the river as the rain started to pour down. River tubing is a lot like white water rafting, but in single inner tubes and lower class rapids. I personally think it’s a blast. I quickly noted that my inner tube seemed to be a lot like me also because I started out in the back of the group of about 38 people and quickly sped to the front, bypassing all of the slower tubers.
About midway through, as the rain continued to pour, the lightening also became increasingly closer. So much so, in fact, that there was no delay between the lightening and the thunder attached to it. It was one wild river tubing ride. In Costa Rica, there is no such thing as the 30 minute rule when it comes to lightening apparently so we journeyed on through the pouring rain and lightening. Hakuna Matata. : )
I am at the hotel now relaxing before dinner. Last night was disco night, and what started out as a minor failure because the first disco we went to was a bust, ended up being a great experience for the kids. We ending up finding a great place called the Voodoo Lounge that had a rockin’ DJ and fire show to boot.
Tonight is an easy night at the hotel and I’m looking forward to it. I need a little less stress after my adventurous day! All right, chow time!
Hasta mañana,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Corriendo Las Olas
Surfs up! No really. The surf was way up today, and it was an awesome day on the beach!
My group had surf lessons in Tamarindo today (affectionately called Tamagringo) and because I have been to Iguana Surf so many times and been through their lessons about a dozen times, I decided to sweet talk the surf shop into letting me use a ‘real’ board instead of a beginner board. It worked! Instead of taking the lesson for the umpteenth time, I got to take out an actual board and ride the waves. It was a smaller board so I could manipulate in better, but that also made it more difficult to ride. No worries mae, it was still a great surf day!
I spent the rest of the morning wandering around Tamarindo and enjoying a smoothie before taking the group back to class at CPI. I’m in the office now trying to get some work done. Tomorrow the group leaves Flamingo and we head to Rincón de la Vieja for a couple of days (a beautiful national park where we are going horseback riding and river tubing). However, tonight we first have disco night in Tamarindo. : ) Looking forward to it.
Random sighting: A Monteverde dog in Tamarindo.
Also, the bonfire was awesome last night. I made the fire with another chaperone successfully in under 10 minutes. Nice.
Time to get dinner and get ready for disco night!
Always on the move,
Jessica Lynn
My group had surf lessons in Tamarindo today (affectionately called Tamagringo) and because I have been to Iguana Surf so many times and been through their lessons about a dozen times, I decided to sweet talk the surf shop into letting me use a ‘real’ board instead of a beginner board. It worked! Instead of taking the lesson for the umpteenth time, I got to take out an actual board and ride the waves. It was a smaller board so I could manipulate in better, but that also made it more difficult to ride. No worries mae, it was still a great surf day!
I spent the rest of the morning wandering around Tamarindo and enjoying a smoothie before taking the group back to class at CPI. I’m in the office now trying to get some work done. Tomorrow the group leaves Flamingo and we head to Rincón de la Vieja for a couple of days (a beautiful national park where we are going horseback riding and river tubing). However, tonight we first have disco night in Tamarindo. : ) Looking forward to it.
Random sighting: A Monteverde dog in Tamarindo.
Also, the bonfire was awesome last night. I made the fire with another chaperone successfully in under 10 minutes. Nice.
Time to get dinner and get ready for disco night!
Always on the move,
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Tuanis Mae
¿Adivina qué? I’m having a great Spanish day. The group I have now is a Language/Service combo group so the chaperones really want to speak to the kids in Spanish all time. It’s great because then I have to speak Spanish all the time. I had a long conversation with the husband of the woman who runs CPI Flamingo at the volunteer site and it was great because I was actually participating in the conversation at a normal rate of speech. He complimented me on how good my Spanish was. I was thrilled! I finally feel confident again. : )
Secondly, apparently I have lost a lot of weight since last year. At least four different people from CPI commented that I looked a lot thinner and they couldn’t believe it was me. I didn’t realize I looked so different last year! It’s been the running, I know, but apparently it’s made a bigger difference than I realized. Today I ran 4.5 miles as the sun was coming up. I can only stand to run at early hours because the heat and humidity are at least mildly tolerable.
Tonight we have a fogata at the beach. The bonfires are always fun and an enjoyable way to end out a day. Let’s hope for no rain! We finished our volunteer at the school today and it looks great! Check out the pictures, it’s amazing how much a little paint can do for a place.
I unfortunately don’t have any great stories at the moment. My Tico experiences have been limited because I’ve mostly been working this year. I’ll keep my eyes out for fun Tico Facts and random animal sightings. Meggie and I are ‘working’ right now, so we are amusing ourselves with dance versions of Lady Gaga songs. Just another day in Costa Rica…
I should go do something productive.
Wieners and huevos,
Jessica Lynn
Secondly, apparently I have lost a lot of weight since last year. At least four different people from CPI commented that I looked a lot thinner and they couldn’t believe it was me. I didn’t realize I looked so different last year! It’s been the running, I know, but apparently it’s made a bigger difference than I realized. Today I ran 4.5 miles as the sun was coming up. I can only stand to run at early hours because the heat and humidity are at least mildly tolerable.
Tonight we have a fogata at the beach. The bonfires are always fun and an enjoyable way to end out a day. Let’s hope for no rain! We finished our volunteer at the school today and it looks great! Check out the pictures, it’s amazing how much a little paint can do for a place.
I unfortunately don’t have any great stories at the moment. My Tico experiences have been limited because I’ve mostly been working this year. I’ll keep my eyes out for fun Tico Facts and random animal sightings. Meggie and I are ‘working’ right now, so we are amusing ourselves with dance versions of Lady Gaga songs. Just another day in Costa Rica…
I should go do something productive.
Wieners and huevos,
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Costa Rica Running 101
Buenos días : )
I got up this morning and went for a run like always and decided that if anyone is reading this and happens to visit Costa Rica and go for a run, they should know a few things first.
1. When in Rome… Down here, most Ticos walk with the traffic. I was never really comfortable with this, but trying to follow Tico customs I used to run this same way: with traffic. I wouldn’t recommend it. At least when you’re running against traffic, you can jump into the ditching when a crazy, pothole avoiding bus approaches you head on.
I got up this morning and went for a run like always and decided that if anyone is reading this and happens to visit Costa Rica and go for a run, they should know a few things first.
1. When in Rome… Down here, most Ticos walk with the traffic. I was never really comfortable with this, but trying to follow Tico customs I used to run this same way: with traffic. I wouldn’t recommend it. At least when you’re running against traffic, you can jump into the ditching when a crazy, pothole avoiding bus approaches you head on.
2. Think: Luis Sacher’s book Holes: Run as close as you can to them on dirt roads. Why? Because you can easily run around them, and the cars won’t go near them. This frees up plenty of space for you to run.
3.Holy Torrential Downpour: it’s inevitable. Just be aware that your shoes may not dry for days.
Last night I taught dance class to my group. Yes, this gringa teaches Salsa and Merengue with a little bit of Cumbia and Bachata. Last night we only got to Salsa because the group was so big and because I made them have a dance off. It was a lot of fun! I wish we could do Zumba with them. I’ve been to a few classes, and wow is it a blast! It’s a pretty workout too! Double bonus.
With this group, I basically have a full time job making sure they are a fed. I have to take care of their lunch and dinner menus everyday and I feel like all I do is ask for food orders! We volunteered at a local elementary school today painting, weeding, and beautifying. We will be back there for one more day tomorrow to finish the project.
Most young children in Costa Rica attend public schools where the education is free. When Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 the government put that money towards education, thus, Costa Rica has a 98% literacy race. In this particular town, there aren’t a lot of resources to ‘fix up’ the school. What little resources they do have, they put toward school supplies. This is where we come in. We paint, repair, and tend to the lawn area so the students have a beautiful setting to walk into each day. It’s a pretty neat transformation of the school.
Last night I taught dance class to my group. Yes, this gringa teaches Salsa and Merengue with a little bit of Cumbia and Bachata. Last night we only got to Salsa because the group was so big and because I made them have a dance off. It was a lot of fun! I wish we could do Zumba with them. I’ve been to a few classes, and wow is it a blast! It’s a pretty workout too! Double bonus.
With this group, I basically have a full time job making sure they are a fed. I have to take care of their lunch and dinner menus everyday and I feel like all I do is ask for food orders! We volunteered at a local elementary school today painting, weeding, and beautifying. We will be back there for one more day tomorrow to finish the project.
Most young children in Costa Rica attend public schools where the education is free. When Costa Rica abolished its army in 1948 the government put that money towards education, thus, Costa Rica has a 98% literacy race. In this particular town, there aren’t a lot of resources to ‘fix up’ the school. What little resources they do have, they put toward school supplies. This is where we come in. We paint, repair, and tend to the lawn area so the students have a beautiful setting to walk into each day. It’s a pretty neat transformation of the school.
I also went on the best snorkel cruise ever yesterday. This water wasn't very clear so we lacked any great fish sightings, but it was still fun nonetheless. The last time I was on this particular cruise, it was a year ago with Kristen and it was in the middle of a tropical storm. The waves were also pretty big yesterday, so we had numerous kids at the back of the boat sending their goldfish back to sea. Pura vida.
Smooth sailing...New group Chaps and I on the snorkel cruise.Okay, time to get more food orders. Yum!
Arroz y frijoles,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. This is was the view from my bedroom at my last homestay. Not bad, eh?
Monday, June 28, 2010
Waka Waka Eh Eh
Well I made it to Monday. Since Friday, I really haven’t had much time to think or write. Friday night I had a nice fogata on the beach with my group before heading back to my homestay. On Saturday, I had a ‘day off.’ Days off around here are in limited supply and by 4:00 p.m. I was in full work mode.
Saturday was spent hanging out in the morning watching the U.S. fútbol game with my friend and fellow CPI chaperone, Muni. She and I hung out at my host family’s house for the afternoon being lazy watching the game and enjoying the cool afternoon rain. After she left, I began working for the next 4 hours. I was in the midst of receiving the itinerary for my new group coming in Sunday and wrapping things up with my old group. I had so many things going on in my head, it’s a wonder it didn’t explode. I didn’t even have a full itinerary by the time it was all said and down. However, I somehow managed to coordinate things well enough that it looked like Sunday might be flawless.
Sunday morning, I woke at 5:00 a.m. for a run and to continue working before picking up my group to take them snorkeling. At the snorkel point, I had to say goodbye!
Anyway, from the snorkel point, I was whisked away to Liberia to meet the chaperone of my new group (West Coast Connection) at their hotel, take them to the supermarket and then to the airport to collect their kids. We waited at the airport for all of the flights, packed all 37 of them into a bus and headed to CPI Flamingo with pizza en route. At CPI they took their placement tests and we then headed to the hotel to check-in. After the hotel it was dinner and gelato before ending the night around 11:00. Whew. I made it. : )
That is my hectic life in a nutshell. Although it doesn’t look like much, it took a lot of intense planning on my part to see to it that everything went according to schedule (like picking up the pizzas on time and checking flights). My life slowed down a little today with a snorkel cruise and class. Más tranquila…
All right, time to check in on my estudiantes. I am teaching dance class tonight : )
Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
Saturday was spent hanging out in the morning watching the U.S. fútbol game with my friend and fellow CPI chaperone, Muni. She and I hung out at my host family’s house for the afternoon being lazy watching the game and enjoying the cool afternoon rain. After she left, I began working for the next 4 hours. I was in the midst of receiving the itinerary for my new group coming in Sunday and wrapping things up with my old group. I had so many things going on in my head, it’s a wonder it didn’t explode. I didn’t even have a full itinerary by the time it was all said and down. However, I somehow managed to coordinate things well enough that it looked like Sunday might be flawless.
Sunday morning, I woke at 5:00 a.m. for a run and to continue working before picking up my group to take them snorkeling. At the snorkel point, I had to say goodbye!
Anyway, from the snorkel point, I was whisked away to Liberia to meet the chaperone of my new group (West Coast Connection) at their hotel, take them to the supermarket and then to the airport to collect their kids. We waited at the airport for all of the flights, packed all 37 of them into a bus and headed to CPI Flamingo with pizza en route. At CPI they took their placement tests and we then headed to the hotel to check-in. After the hotel it was dinner and gelato before ending the night around 11:00. Whew. I made it. : )
That is my hectic life in a nutshell. Although it doesn’t look like much, it took a lot of intense planning on my part to see to it that everything went according to schedule (like picking up the pizzas on time and checking flights). My life slowed down a little today with a snorkel cruise and class. Más tranquila…
All right, time to check in on my estudiantes. I am teaching dance class tonight : )
Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, June 24, 2010
La vida mía
Vámonos Gringos!
Yay team U.S.A.! Now I can tease my papatico down here that the gringos won. : )
Yesterday was a good day with the group at Playa Conchal in the morning. I love this beach because the waters are so blue and the beach is actually made up of shells. It’s beautiful. I finished out the day at work and returned home for a wonderful dinner and conversation with my host family. I even had time for a gelato run with my group!
This morning I woke up at 5 for a 10k run out to Playa Grande in the rain! It was a great run and I was soaked by the time I got back, but it was worth it. Tranquila...
------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
I want to take a moment to explain what I’ve been doing down here every day for the past two weeks. It occurred to me, in a suggestion from my mom, that those who are new to this may not be able to follow exactly what it is I’m doing. Let me explain…
I officially work for the Spanish language immersion school called Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (or CPI). I work for CPI Grupos. Contrary to what most think, I do not teach English here. CPI is a school that offers Spanish courses for those interested in learning the language in Costa Rica. CPI was started in 1991 in a house in the Central Valley. It has since grown into three campuses located in Heredia (Central Valley), Monteverde (Mountains) and Flamingo (Beach, Pacific Coast). The courses are designed as full immersion for beginning to advanced speakers with a maximum of 4 students per class. The school is equipped to hold university, high school, individual and families of students coming through.
I work for the division of the school called CPI Grupos. I am hired as a chaperone for the summer. Basically, my job description entails working with high school or college groups that are taking classes through CPI. I am the intermediary between the group’s own chaperones and CPI. I am the “fill-in-the-blanks” person. I make sure their classes are ok, that they get fed and that they get to their other activities on time. I travel with them throughout the country and transfer schools with them when they do transfer. When I pick up a group from the airport, I am with them usually until they leave the country. Thus, I am very nomadic in the summer and typically won’t stay in one location for more than five days at a time.
A typical day includes waking up early around 5:30 a.m. and meeting my group at the pickup point around 7:30 a.m. before heading to a planned morning activity (i.e. canopy tour, surfing, volunteering, dance class, coffee tour, jungle tour, hiking, etc.). After the activity, we get lunch somewhere that I have coordinated and then return to CPI at 1:00 p.m. for Spanish class from 1:00-5:00 p.m. At 3:00 there is a 20 minute snack and coffee break. While the kids are in class, I am in the office usually uploading pictures, writing the group blog, confirming the following day’s activities or anything that needs to be done. After class we will all go to an evening activity if one is planned or I will make sure they arrive back at their homestays. This is usually the point when my job ends for the evening, around 7:30 p.m.
In a very small nutshell, this is what I do. There is very little personal time or down time and some of the groups can be intense while others are very relaxed and in touch with the pura vida lifestyle. However, I absolutely love my job and love being here for the summer. I work with a wonderful group of people and for a wonderful school. I am exhausted but content at the end of each day. : ) I will explain more in upcoming blogs about what all goes on here at school. This should give you all a good start!
Yay team U.S.A.! Now I can tease my papatico down here that the gringos won. : )
Yesterday was a good day with the group at Playa Conchal in the morning. I love this beach because the waters are so blue and the beach is actually made up of shells. It’s beautiful. I finished out the day at work and returned home for a wonderful dinner and conversation with my host family. I even had time for a gelato run with my group!
This morning I woke up at 5 for a 10k run out to Playa Grande in the rain! It was a great run and I was soaked by the time I got back, but it was worth it. Tranquila...
------ ----- ------ ------ ------ ------
I want to take a moment to explain what I’ve been doing down here every day for the past two weeks. It occurred to me, in a suggestion from my mom, that those who are new to this may not be able to follow exactly what it is I’m doing. Let me explain…
I officially work for the Spanish language immersion school called Centro Panamericano de Idiomas (or CPI). I work for CPI Grupos. Contrary to what most think, I do not teach English here. CPI is a school that offers Spanish courses for those interested in learning the language in Costa Rica. CPI was started in 1991 in a house in the Central Valley. It has since grown into three campuses located in Heredia (Central Valley), Monteverde (Mountains) and Flamingo (Beach, Pacific Coast). The courses are designed as full immersion for beginning to advanced speakers with a maximum of 4 students per class. The school is equipped to hold university, high school, individual and families of students coming through.
I work for the division of the school called CPI Grupos. I am hired as a chaperone for the summer. Basically, my job description entails working with high school or college groups that are taking classes through CPI. I am the intermediary between the group’s own chaperones and CPI. I am the “fill-in-the-blanks” person. I make sure their classes are ok, that they get fed and that they get to their other activities on time. I travel with them throughout the country and transfer schools with them when they do transfer. When I pick up a group from the airport, I am with them usually until they leave the country. Thus, I am very nomadic in the summer and typically won’t stay in one location for more than five days at a time.
A typical day includes waking up early around 5:30 a.m. and meeting my group at the pickup point around 7:30 a.m. before heading to a planned morning activity (i.e. canopy tour, surfing, volunteering, dance class, coffee tour, jungle tour, hiking, etc.). After the activity, we get lunch somewhere that I have coordinated and then return to CPI at 1:00 p.m. for Spanish class from 1:00-5:00 p.m. At 3:00 there is a 20 minute snack and coffee break. While the kids are in class, I am in the office usually uploading pictures, writing the group blog, confirming the following day’s activities or anything that needs to be done. After class we will all go to an evening activity if one is planned or I will make sure they arrive back at their homestays. This is usually the point when my job ends for the evening, around 7:30 p.m.
In a very small nutshell, this is what I do. There is very little personal time or down time and some of the groups can be intense while others are very relaxed and in touch with the pura vida lifestyle. However, I absolutely love my job and love being here for the summer. I work with a wonderful group of people and for a wonderful school. I am exhausted but content at the end of each day. : ) I will explain more in upcoming blogs about what all goes on here at school. This should give you all a good start!
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
El Señor Sapo y La Polilla (Mr. Toad and the Moth)
Sounds like a fairytale doesn’t it? Well, allow me to inform you that at 4:45 in the morning, neither of these seem much like a fairytale.
I had a small zoo in my bedroom this morning.
Let’s begin. At approximately 4:30 a.m. I was awakened by the sound of something hitting the walls and windows inside of my room. I remained in bed because it was dark, I couldn’t see anything, and I thought I could tolerate it. Fifteen minutes later, I could no longer sleep because the fluttering of wings against the window was too obnoxious to ignore. As my eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, I saw a moth about the size of my hand sitting on the wall. Awesome. I climbed out of bed knowing I would never sleep with this creature flying around me and spent the next 10 minutes ‘ushering’ it out of my room with my bath towel. In the spirit of the Tico culture, I try not to kill things thus, my exhaustive efforts to see that it made it outside alive.
Finally free of the giant moth, I made my way to the bathroom to use the facilities. Upon entering the bathroom I was first greeted by a centipede. This animal was not so lucky. Either the centipede or millipede is poisonous and because I couldn’t remember which one was more dangerous, this creature suffered at the mercy of my sandal. I’m sorry, Costa Rica. Feeling better, I took one more step toward the bathroom and was alarmed to see a large frog sitting in my shower looking up at me. Neither one of us could move, so we just sat there looking at each other until he hopped a little bit and hid under the shower curtain. Satisfied that he was out of sight, I used the bathroom and went back to my room wondering what to do.
As I laid in bed (gearing up for my big race) I heard a couple of hops and then nothing. By the time I went back in 30 minutes later the frog was gone. I have no idea where it went or how it got in for that matter, but it was gone. I can’t imagine what will await me tomorrow. : )
Anyway, I had my big 5k race today. It should be noted that this is my second 5k ‘race’ ever—outside of the one that I raced against two other teachers in the fall. None have been official but they have been fun. I lost today but it still felt good. Time: 22:49 on hills. I’ll take it.
It is 7:30 a.m. now. Time to get my day going with volunteer work and classes!
Chao pescado, <-- Oh look, another animal…
Jessica Lynn
I had a small zoo in my bedroom this morning.
Let’s begin. At approximately 4:30 a.m. I was awakened by the sound of something hitting the walls and windows inside of my room. I remained in bed because it was dark, I couldn’t see anything, and I thought I could tolerate it. Fifteen minutes later, I could no longer sleep because the fluttering of wings against the window was too obnoxious to ignore. As my eyes gradually adjusted to the darkness, I saw a moth about the size of my hand sitting on the wall. Awesome. I climbed out of bed knowing I would never sleep with this creature flying around me and spent the next 10 minutes ‘ushering’ it out of my room with my bath towel. In the spirit of the Tico culture, I try not to kill things thus, my exhaustive efforts to see that it made it outside alive.
Finally free of the giant moth, I made my way to the bathroom to use the facilities. Upon entering the bathroom I was first greeted by a centipede. This animal was not so lucky. Either the centipede or millipede is poisonous and because I couldn’t remember which one was more dangerous, this creature suffered at the mercy of my sandal. I’m sorry, Costa Rica. Feeling better, I took one more step toward the bathroom and was alarmed to see a large frog sitting in my shower looking up at me. Neither one of us could move, so we just sat there looking at each other until he hopped a little bit and hid under the shower curtain. Satisfied that he was out of sight, I used the bathroom and went back to my room wondering what to do.
As I laid in bed (gearing up for my big race) I heard a couple of hops and then nothing. By the time I went back in 30 minutes later the frog was gone. I have no idea where it went or how it got in for that matter, but it was gone. I can’t imagine what will await me tomorrow. : )
Anyway, I had my big 5k race today. It should be noted that this is my second 5k ‘race’ ever—outside of the one that I raced against two other teachers in the fall. None have been official but they have been fun. I lost today but it still felt good. Time: 22:49 on hills. I’ll take it.
It is 7:30 a.m. now. Time to get my day going with volunteer work and classes!
Chao pescado, <-- Oh look, another animal…
Jessica Lynn
Monday, June 21, 2010
What just happened here?
So I some how just volunteered myself to race a 5k tomorrow morning. How did this happen you might ask? I’m not really sure.
Yesterday in Arenal I ran with some of the group members on a ‘recovery run.’ However, it ended up being more like a 7k hard run uphill. The runners asked once on a climb if I wanted to slow down and I said ‘no’ because if I had slowed down I never would have made it. I think they took this as a sign of competitiveness. Near as I can tell, this is how I got pulled into a race tomorrow morning. Oh dear. This should be fun. : )
We did put a small wager on it, so the efforts won’t be for naught. Dos refrescos, por favor. Keep in mind though, I do not race 5ks—that is always something I have left to my brother and sister. Any racing tips might be nice. I measured the ‘course’ twice just to make sure it was accurate. Heaven help me. I told my host family that if I didn’t make it back for breakfast that they should come looking me.
Amor y suerte,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Went surfing today--muy tuanis. : )
P.P.S. The button on CSI Miami is not the same en español.
Yesterday in Arenal I ran with some of the group members on a ‘recovery run.’ However, it ended up being more like a 7k hard run uphill. The runners asked once on a climb if I wanted to slow down and I said ‘no’ because if I had slowed down I never would have made it. I think they took this as a sign of competitiveness. Near as I can tell, this is how I got pulled into a race tomorrow morning. Oh dear. This should be fun. : )
We did put a small wager on it, so the efforts won’t be for naught. Dos refrescos, por favor. Keep in mind though, I do not race 5ks—that is always something I have left to my brother and sister. Any racing tips might be nice. I measured the ‘course’ twice just to make sure it was accurate. Heaven help me. I told my host family that if I didn’t make it back for breakfast that they should come looking me.
Amor y suerte,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. Went surfing today--muy tuanis. : )
P.P.S. The button on CSI Miami is not the same en español.
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Gecko Kisses
Feliz Dia de Padres! Te amo Papa!
Allow me to share with you why it is 9:00 p.m. here on the coast, I am absolutely exhausted but I know without a doubt that I won’t sleep for a while.
Those that know me know that I am not particularly fond of snakes. I found out tonight that I am not particularly fond of chameleons either…even if they are on a leash. I met my new host family tonight (I’ll talk about them later because they are amazing!) and I also met their neighbor and son—who happens to have a pet chameleon. He walked in the door and I nearly jumped out of my skin. My papatico joked that there was an even bigger one sitting in my bedroom, hence, why I can’t sleep a wink. Although I know there isn’t a chameleon in my room, I do know for a fact that there is a big iguana in a cage somewhere on this property… Lord help me.
Anyway, I am in my quarters now listening to the geckos giving kisses to me outside of my room. That’s literally the sound they make—the smacking of lips. My new host family here in Lajas is fantastic. The area where we are staying is a poorer area and although the families aren’t destitute, there is a definite difference in living style compared to those in the Monteverde or the Central Valley. However, I must have won the lottery with host houses. This house is modern, well furnished, I basically have the ground floor to myself and a pool just outside of my double doors that lead to the patio. The family itself is great too! The husband and wife are so warm and welcoming and very laid back and friendly. I have a feeling my group will have a very different experience with their families, so I might not tell them about my living conditions. Tuanis : )
Basic run down of the weekend includes the volcano and hot springs. This morning the group hiked to La Fortuna waterfall. I haven’t been there since I went with UD, and I had forgotten how beautiful it is. I fully intend to take my family there. You can actually swim right next to the waterfall! The rest of the day was spent driving out to Flamingo in the pick up truck with Mario, the chauffeur. The volcano actually erupted during the day today, sending a large mushroom cloud into the sky. I’ve never witnessed that happening before so I was amazed. Of course, this followed last night at the base of the volcano where I enjoyed one of the most beautiful evenings I’ve had in Costa Rica. The sky was clear, the moon was bright and one could see the silhouette of the volcano and the ash rising toward the sky. It was beautiful.
Okay, I really am pooped. I ran 7km today in hills and I am beat. I am going to take a recovery run tomorrow before surfing.
Besitos,
Jessica Lynn
Allow me to share with you why it is 9:00 p.m. here on the coast, I am absolutely exhausted but I know without a doubt that I won’t sleep for a while.
Those that know me know that I am not particularly fond of snakes. I found out tonight that I am not particularly fond of chameleons either…even if they are on a leash. I met my new host family tonight (I’ll talk about them later because they are amazing!) and I also met their neighbor and son—who happens to have a pet chameleon. He walked in the door and I nearly jumped out of my skin. My papatico joked that there was an even bigger one sitting in my bedroom, hence, why I can’t sleep a wink. Although I know there isn’t a chameleon in my room, I do know for a fact that there is a big iguana in a cage somewhere on this property… Lord help me.
Anyway, I am in my quarters now listening to the geckos giving kisses to me outside of my room. That’s literally the sound they make—the smacking of lips. My new host family here in Lajas is fantastic. The area where we are staying is a poorer area and although the families aren’t destitute, there is a definite difference in living style compared to those in the Monteverde or the Central Valley. However, I must have won the lottery with host houses. This house is modern, well furnished, I basically have the ground floor to myself and a pool just outside of my double doors that lead to the patio. The family itself is great too! The husband and wife are so warm and welcoming and very laid back and friendly. I have a feeling my group will have a very different experience with their families, so I might not tell them about my living conditions. Tuanis : )
Basic run down of the weekend includes the volcano and hot springs. This morning the group hiked to La Fortuna waterfall. I haven’t been there since I went with UD, and I had forgotten how beautiful it is. I fully intend to take my family there. You can actually swim right next to the waterfall! The rest of the day was spent driving out to Flamingo in the pick up truck with Mario, the chauffeur. The volcano actually erupted during the day today, sending a large mushroom cloud into the sky. I’ve never witnessed that happening before so I was amazed. Of course, this followed last night at the base of the volcano where I enjoyed one of the most beautiful evenings I’ve had in Costa Rica. The sky was clear, the moon was bright and one could see the silhouette of the volcano and the ash rising toward the sky. It was beautiful.
Okay, I really am pooped. I ran 7km today in hills and I am beat. I am going to take a recovery run tomorrow before surfing.
Besitos,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, June 19, 2010
Banano Loco
¡Buenas tardes!
I spent Friday finishing volunteer work at the school with the kids before returning to work for the afternoon. Movie night was cancelled so that freed up my evening a little. My big evening off: packing and sleep. I transferred out to Arenal with the group today and then we are headed to Flamingo tomorrow to meet the new host families.
Today was an adventure of varying degrees. It started out when my luggage transportation arrived. It was a mid-size pickup truck. I actually thought the driver was mistaken, but no, it was I that stood corrected. We loaded the students’ luggage into the back of the pickup while it was pouring down rain. To keep the suitcases dry we managed to jimmy rig some pieces of tarp and plastic together with some rope. It seemed to have worked well enough… Once we tried to get underway, it was realized that the other van wouldn’t start, so once again the students had to push it down the road to get it started. This was all before 7:30 a.m.
Once on the road, however, things seemed to smooth out and we arrived at Don Juan’s Organic Farm right on time. A short tour and organic lunch followed before heading into the town of San Carlos, or La Fortuna. Remind me to tell my family that there isn’t much going on in San Carlos so we can take our sweet time driving there.
Right now, I’m at the base of Volcán Arenal and enjoying relaxing and listening to the rain. In about an hour, the group is headed to the hot springs. Assuming I’m not sporting a rice and bean belly yet, I’ll don my swimsuit and enjoy the springs too. I'm thinking I'll introduce Meggie to the banano loco that is complementary for guides.
Oh, and I am sitting through one of the hardest rains I’ve seen down here this year wondering if I should even attempt to get back to my cabin…I’m thinking otherwise.
Arroz y frijoles,
Jessica Lynn
P.s. Kristen, if you’re reading this, I looked all over for Jet bars today and couldn’t find them! I will keep searching. I must keep searching.
I spent Friday finishing volunteer work at the school with the kids before returning to work for the afternoon. Movie night was cancelled so that freed up my evening a little. My big evening off: packing and sleep. I transferred out to Arenal with the group today and then we are headed to Flamingo tomorrow to meet the new host families.
Today was an adventure of varying degrees. It started out when my luggage transportation arrived. It was a mid-size pickup truck. I actually thought the driver was mistaken, but no, it was I that stood corrected. We loaded the students’ luggage into the back of the pickup while it was pouring down rain. To keep the suitcases dry we managed to jimmy rig some pieces of tarp and plastic together with some rope. It seemed to have worked well enough… Once we tried to get underway, it was realized that the other van wouldn’t start, so once again the students had to push it down the road to get it started. This was all before 7:30 a.m.
Once on the road, however, things seemed to smooth out and we arrived at Don Juan’s Organic Farm right on time. A short tour and organic lunch followed before heading into the town of San Carlos, or La Fortuna. Remind me to tell my family that there isn’t much going on in San Carlos so we can take our sweet time driving there.
Right now, I’m at the base of Volcán Arenal and enjoying relaxing and listening to the rain. In about an hour, the group is headed to the hot springs. Assuming I’m not sporting a rice and bean belly yet, I’ll don my swimsuit and enjoy the springs too. I'm thinking I'll introduce Meggie to the banano loco that is complementary for guides.
Oh, and I am sitting through one of the hardest rains I’ve seen down here this year wondering if I should even attempt to get back to my cabin…I’m thinking otherwise.
Arroz y frijoles,
Jessica Lynn
P.s. Kristen, if you’re reading this, I looked all over for Jet bars today and couldn’t find them! I will keep searching. I must keep searching.
Friday, June 18, 2010
Ants in the Pants
The nocturnal nature hike is all fun and games until someone gets ants in their pants.
Naturally, these wouldn’t be your normal Ohio ants. They would have to be some form of rainforest ant that stings you. (I was told that ants don’t bite, they sting.) And of course, there wouldn’t be just one ant, there would be 12. As chance would have it too, you’re not on the hike alone and you have to try and play it cool in front of the group you are chaperoning by pretending it doesn’t sting or your leg is on fire. Welcome to Costa Rica.
The rest of the hike was pretty neat though. We saw a tarantula and some other enormous spiders along with a giant rodent and something that looked like a raccoon. Unfortunately, there weren’t any jaguar or puma sightings.
I finished off yesterday by going to a place with the other CPI chaperones called Mata e Caña and had a great time. It was nice to just hang out with everyone and relax for a little bit. Who knows when we will get to do this again…
On a different note, if you remember, I decided to do my laundry the other night and was really excited about have a washer and dryer to use. Well, let’s put it this way, I had a washer to use. I got my entire load washed, threw it in the dryer, pushed the button and waited. Nothing. I pushed the button a second, third, fourth and fifth time. Again, nothing. I now had a full load of soggy laundry and no way to dry it. All I could do was laugh. Fortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve been in this situation so I took the laundry back to my room and laid it everywhere hoping it might dry by Friday. By the morning, it was still soaked. However, the maintenance man showed up by chance after my run and I explained my predicament and he promptly fixed the situation. Twelve hours later, I dried my laundry. Considering the normal turnover time for drying laundry, this wasn’t bad!
I have one day left in Monteverde. : ( I got ice cream yesterday with the kids from my favorite Costa Rican family, Julian and Diego. Of course, I had to do my backflip for them. Good thing I’ve been practicing over the past year!
All right, time to get my day underway!
Chaooo,
Jessica Lynn
P.s. Feliz cumple, Papi! (Yesterday) : )
Naturally, these wouldn’t be your normal Ohio ants. They would have to be some form of rainforest ant that stings you. (I was told that ants don’t bite, they sting.) And of course, there wouldn’t be just one ant, there would be 12. As chance would have it too, you’re not on the hike alone and you have to try and play it cool in front of the group you are chaperoning by pretending it doesn’t sting or your leg is on fire. Welcome to Costa Rica.
The rest of the hike was pretty neat though. We saw a tarantula and some other enormous spiders along with a giant rodent and something that looked like a raccoon. Unfortunately, there weren’t any jaguar or puma sightings.
I finished off yesterday by going to a place with the other CPI chaperones called Mata e Caña and had a great time. It was nice to just hang out with everyone and relax for a little bit. Who knows when we will get to do this again…
On a different note, if you remember, I decided to do my laundry the other night and was really excited about have a washer and dryer to use. Well, let’s put it this way, I had a washer to use. I got my entire load washed, threw it in the dryer, pushed the button and waited. Nothing. I pushed the button a second, third, fourth and fifth time. Again, nothing. I now had a full load of soggy laundry and no way to dry it. All I could do was laugh. Fortunately, this isn’t the first time I’ve been in this situation so I took the laundry back to my room and laid it everywhere hoping it might dry by Friday. By the morning, it was still soaked. However, the maintenance man showed up by chance after my run and I explained my predicament and he promptly fixed the situation. Twelve hours later, I dried my laundry. Considering the normal turnover time for drying laundry, this wasn’t bad!
I have one day left in Monteverde. : ( I got ice cream yesterday with the kids from my favorite Costa Rican family, Julian and Diego. Of course, I had to do my backflip for them. Good thing I’ve been practicing over the past year!
All right, time to get my day underway!
Chaooo,
Jessica Lynn
P.s. Feliz cumple, Papi! (Yesterday) : )
Wednesday, June 16, 2010
Going Extremo
On my way to work this morning!Today began with a trip to Extremo Canopy Tours with my group. The last time I was able to do this particular zipline was 2 years ago when I was here with The University of Dayton. I’ve been on others since, but personally, Extremo is the best. It’s the longest/highest/fastest canopy tour. It has 12 cables, a Tarzan Swing and a Superman cable (new this year). Naturally, I would be inclined to like this zipline the best.
Toward the end of the zipline the group got to the Tarzan Swing and unfortunately I did not get to partake because I was taking pictures. The guides told me I could go twice next time. Tuanis. Anyway, the very last cable now has a new option: Superman. This means that instead of riding it like normal you can opt to be suspended in your harness from your chest and legs. You are literally facing the valley below you as you soar across the cable head first. It’s a pretty cool rush. Familia, prepárense. : ) Afterward, in town, I finally got my coffee ice cream! From there, we headed back to school for Spanish class and dance class (my favorite!).
Toward the end of the zipline the group got to the Tarzan Swing and unfortunately I did not get to partake because I was taking pictures. The guides told me I could go twice next time. Tuanis. Anyway, the very last cable now has a new option: Superman. This means that instead of riding it like normal you can opt to be suspended in your harness from your chest and legs. You are literally facing the valley below you as you soar across the cable head first. It’s a pretty cool rush. Familia, prepárense. : ) Afterward, in town, I finally got my coffee ice cream! From there, we headed back to school for Spanish class and dance class (my favorite!).
Superman Cable.I was telling someone today that I was pretty frustrated with my Spanish at the moment, but today has been a good Spanish day for me and I am relieved. Whew! I thought I was going to need remedial courses. We’ll see what tomorrow brings…
Ok, what started as a beautiful morning here has turned into wind and rain. It’s Costa Rica so I should not be surprised. Time for dance class!
Laundry night tonight with a washing machine! Those of you might remember from last year my laundry night involving my shower and ceiling fan and why a laundry machine this year is a really big deal.
Chao pescado!
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Mountain Marathon (Costa Rica Style)
Oh my goodness, what a run this morning! I woke up at 5 a.m. to go running at 5:30. (Before leaving, I heard Howler Monkeys. (Monkey sounds!) I ran from CPI up to the Monteverde Reserve. Let me emphasize up. It was a steady 22 minute climb from the bottom up to the reserve, and wow was it a killer. The climb was nearly relentless in its ascent and my foot was hurting pretty bad. Once up at the top, I looked around the reserve a little and began descending. While my foot hurt on the way up, I could not have predicted how bad it was going to hurt on the way down. Ouch. I can hardly walk now. De ninguna manera, la carrera fue fantástica! I am so glad I went. La naturaleza is beautiful on the run.
Vista de Monteverde al atardecer. Me encanta : )
For those of you that tuned into my blog last year, I am still a true believer in the adaptation of the dogs here in MV. They tend to be much shorter than most dogs. My theory last year was that they adapted shorter legs to decrease wind resistance and increase aerodynamics here on the mountain when the winds start to blow. Thus, most dogs in MV have really short legs to keep them low to the ground. Science teachers, correct me if I’m wrong.
Meggie, Muni and I went for sushi last night in Santa Elena and in the middle of dinner, a transformer blew in town and the whole restaurant went dark. We finished our food by candle light. ¡Qué romántico! After dinner, Meggie and I visited the SuperCompro for provisions for the week. I bought cheerios and whole grain crackers. Initially, before embarking on this trip, I was concerned with eating too much. Now, I am almost concerned I am eating too little! I plan on living on Cheerios this week. Don’t tell my mom.
Anyway, tonight I plan on relaxing and making some calls to loved ones as long as the internet connection holds out. It’s really raining here right now, which means I’ll be nice and soggy by the time I reach my apartment. : )
Buenas noches amores,
Jessica Lynn
Vista de Monteverde al atardecer. Me encanta : )For those of you that tuned into my blog last year, I am still a true believer in the adaptation of the dogs here in MV. They tend to be much shorter than most dogs. My theory last year was that they adapted shorter legs to decrease wind resistance and increase aerodynamics here on the mountain when the winds start to blow. Thus, most dogs in MV have really short legs to keep them low to the ground. Science teachers, correct me if I’m wrong.
Today was another busy day in the office with too few persons trying to accomplishing too many tasks. I really like the spirit of this office though with everyone helping each other to accomplish the montón of tasks in front of us. It makes everything more manageable and we have our share of laughs and conversations. It’s really a great place to work. I am continually amazed at one woman, Arelys, who somehow manages to keep every group’s information, itinerary, placements, food and housing organized and in order. She really is an incredible woman, and CPI is so fortunate to have her!
Meggie, Muni and I went for sushi last night in Santa Elena and in the middle of dinner, a transformer blew in town and the whole restaurant went dark. We finished our food by candle light. ¡Qué romántico! After dinner, Meggie and I visited the SuperCompro for provisions for the week. I bought cheerios and whole grain crackers. Initially, before embarking on this trip, I was concerned with eating too much. Now, I am almost concerned I am eating too little! I plan on living on Cheerios this week. Don’t tell my mom.
Anyway, tonight I plan on relaxing and making some calls to loved ones as long as the internet connection holds out. It’s really raining here right now, which means I’ll be nice and soggy by the time I reach my apartment. : )
Buenas noches amores,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, June 14, 2010
Mañana Oscura, Tarde Segura
¡Buenos días!
I arrived in Monteverde yesterday afternoon after lunch on the road and a van that wouldn’t start without a gentle push down a hill. It was eventful.
Once at the school, however, the students took their placement tests for Spanish and I gave them a brief introduction to Costa Rica and their homestays. I called it Homestay 101. I gave them all of the important information about how to work the showers, how much food they would be given and where to put their toilet paper. I kept it light and amusing and actually enjoyed the whole experience. Because Meggie had another group here at the same time and there was an emergency in Flamingo, I was enlisted to give my spellbinding orientation twice to the other group from a college in California. I used a lot of dry humor during my presentation but the groups seemed to laugh a lot and my boss enjoyed it too. I might have another job calling my name. : )
After we got everything squared away at the school, Meggie and I headed to our apartments next to CPI. I am staying in something similar to a matchbox with just enough room for a bed, small sink, and tiny bathroom. I love it! It’s really cozy and Meggie and Muni are just down the way. After settling in, Meggie and I went to Santa Elena for food and ran into a professional guide that she knows and his friend. We finished our food and headed to another establishment called Mata e Caña before calling it a night.
My room!
Today, my group when to the mariposario (butterfly farm) and had cooking class. I really enjoyed the mariposario today. I have never been there and the vegetation and butterflies were really intriguing. Currently, the students are in their Spanish classes and I’m working on uploading pictures to the CPI website.
Mariposa.
On a side note, the title ‘mañana oscura, tarde segura’ means “dark morning, certain afternoon.” It’s like saying a dark morning means it’s certainly going to rain in the afternoon. The phrase is kind of like “red skies in the morning, sailors take warning…”
Me gusta.
Ok, time to work. Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
I arrived in Monteverde yesterday afternoon after lunch on the road and a van that wouldn’t start without a gentle push down a hill. It was eventful.
Once at the school, however, the students took their placement tests for Spanish and I gave them a brief introduction to Costa Rica and their homestays. I called it Homestay 101. I gave them all of the important information about how to work the showers, how much food they would be given and where to put their toilet paper. I kept it light and amusing and actually enjoyed the whole experience. Because Meggie had another group here at the same time and there was an emergency in Flamingo, I was enlisted to give my spellbinding orientation twice to the other group from a college in California. I used a lot of dry humor during my presentation but the groups seemed to laugh a lot and my boss enjoyed it too. I might have another job calling my name. : )
After we got everything squared away at the school, Meggie and I headed to our apartments next to CPI. I am staying in something similar to a matchbox with just enough room for a bed, small sink, and tiny bathroom. I love it! It’s really cozy and Meggie and Muni are just down the way. After settling in, Meggie and I went to Santa Elena for food and ran into a professional guide that she knows and his friend. We finished our food and headed to another establishment called Mata e Caña before calling it a night.
My room!Today, my group when to the mariposario (butterfly farm) and had cooking class. I really enjoyed the mariposario today. I have never been there and the vegetation and butterflies were really intriguing. Currently, the students are in their Spanish classes and I’m working on uploading pictures to the CPI website.
Mariposa.On a side note, the title ‘mañana oscura, tarde segura’ means “dark morning, certain afternoon.” It’s like saying a dark morning means it’s certainly going to rain in the afternoon. The phrase is kind of like “red skies in the morning, sailors take warning…”
Me gusta.
Ok, time to work. Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, June 12, 2010
Aguaceros y Hambre
Bueno…
Hoy fue muy productivo por la mañana, pero en la tarde, yo no hice nada.
Today, I got up, ran, and headed to work at 9:00 with Sonia. Together we work for about 3.5 hours getting folders ready for groups and taking care of details. By 12:30 p.m. the U.S. soccer team was playing, we were done working, and we were hungry. We watched the first half of the game and then made soup for lunch before watching the second half. It is now 4:00 p.m. and I have been at school this entire time. I will probably be here until 7:30 or 8:00. Rock on.
Sounds uneventful, but we are in the midst of monsoon like rains and lightening that is getting uncomfortably close to our grupos office. Two minutes ago I thought about venturing across the street to the pulpería for a snack, but the rain somehow managed to upgrade itself from a torrential downpour to something one might experience if they simply filled a 5 gallon bucket of water and just dumped it over their head. It’s beautiful actually.
I have been mildly productive this afternoon in my quest to reserve hotel rooms for my family. I have some great ideas and options for them. Now, I just need to make the reservations.
Sonia and I have been watching the news for a while now trying to kill time. It’s mildly working, but my hunger is starting to kick in. Time to go in search of food and to get ready for my group to come in!
¡Buenas noches y buen viaje mañana!
Jessica Lynn
Hoy fue muy productivo por la mañana, pero en la tarde, yo no hice nada.
Today, I got up, ran, and headed to work at 9:00 with Sonia. Together we work for about 3.5 hours getting folders ready for groups and taking care of details. By 12:30 p.m. the U.S. soccer team was playing, we were done working, and we were hungry. We watched the first half of the game and then made soup for lunch before watching the second half. It is now 4:00 p.m. and I have been at school this entire time. I will probably be here until 7:30 or 8:00. Rock on.
Sounds uneventful, but we are in the midst of monsoon like rains and lightening that is getting uncomfortably close to our grupos office. Two minutes ago I thought about venturing across the street to the pulpería for a snack, but the rain somehow managed to upgrade itself from a torrential downpour to something one might experience if they simply filled a 5 gallon bucket of water and just dumped it over their head. It’s beautiful actually.
I have been mildly productive this afternoon in my quest to reserve hotel rooms for my family. I have some great ideas and options for them. Now, I just need to make the reservations.
Sonia and I have been watching the news for a while now trying to kill time. It’s mildly working, but my hunger is starting to kick in. Time to go in search of food and to get ready for my group to come in!
¡Buenas noches y buen viaje mañana!
Jessica Lynn
Friday, June 11, 2010
Where The Sidewalk Ends
Today I got up at 6 a.m. to run. I like to play a game when I’m running called ‘The Sidewalk Game.’ It involves me figuring out where the next sidewalk begins when the one I am running on abruptly ends. It’s better than playing “Dodge the Crazy Tico Drivers” I suppose. I’ve found a nice quiet residential area to run in around here which is great, and considering the sun is up by five, I can get a good run in before work.
I spent the day in the office completing simple tasks until my boss and her family arrived. I was so excited to see them! The oldest son has grown so much! After a rather hectic afternoon, my boss and I finally sat down to go over the logistics of my group which arrives Saturday evening. I’m jumping right in. In the midst of everything though, I still had time for a pick up game of fútbol with two of the other chaperones and Diego. Diego and I won. : )
Finally, after returning to my homestay and eating dinner, Sonia (another chap.) and I sat for a while and just talked. It was a great way to unwind from the day. I have to go into work tomorrow for most of the day and help get folders ready for incoming groups and then around 4 p.m. I’ll start preparing for my group to arrive!
On a side note, I received my cell phone for Grupos yesterday and let me put it this way: I really upgraded from last year. This phone is a modern phone with modern applications and a color screen. It’s almost too much technology for me to handle after the dinosaur of a phone I received last year. Whoo!
Okay, I need to get ready for bed. I plan on multitasking tomorrow and watching the U.S. soccer game.
Heading to Monteverde Sunday!
Hasta Luego!
Jessica Lynn
I spent the day in the office completing simple tasks until my boss and her family arrived. I was so excited to see them! The oldest son has grown so much! After a rather hectic afternoon, my boss and I finally sat down to go over the logistics of my group which arrives Saturday evening. I’m jumping right in. In the midst of everything though, I still had time for a pick up game of fútbol with two of the other chaperones and Diego. Diego and I won. : )
Finally, after returning to my homestay and eating dinner, Sonia (another chap.) and I sat for a while and just talked. It was a great way to unwind from the day. I have to go into work tomorrow for most of the day and help get folders ready for incoming groups and then around 4 p.m. I’ll start preparing for my group to arrive!
On a side note, I received my cell phone for Grupos yesterday and let me put it this way: I really upgraded from last year. This phone is a modern phone with modern applications and a color screen. It’s almost too much technology for me to handle after the dinosaur of a phone I received last year. Whoo!
Okay, I need to get ready for bed. I plan on multitasking tomorrow and watching the U.S. soccer game.
Heading to Monteverde Sunday!
Hasta Luego!
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, June 10, 2010
Monkey Sounds
Rockin' my CPI gear.
Kely y Yessica take on Heredia.I’ll give credit to my brother for the title of today’s entry. This has been his signature sign off for emails/text since I’ve been in CR. Ever since I ‘wowed’ my family with my rather accurate impression of a howler monkey, he’s been quick to remind me of my talent.
It takes a special person to witness my talent. It’s all the rage on jungle tours. Ask anybody.
Anyway, today was my first official day of work and I’m not sure exactly what I accomplished because most of my time was spent readjusting myself to the language and being reminded how much I really do still have to learn in the language! Oh boy.
Last night I got a full night’s sleep so I was awake by 5 a.m. I was at work by 7:30 and so began my day preparing for my group that comes in Saturday. I have almost everything ready to go which is a good feeling.
Tonight I met up with my good friend from college Kelli (pronounced Kee-lee if you’re our host mom in Spain) for dinner in Heredia. I was so excited to see her! We ate dinner at a soda and spent the better part of two hours catching up. It was a wonderful evening that I am so thankful to have shared with her. We probably could have stayed longer, but Tico buses don’t wait for Gringa Girls. Hopefully I can see her again before I leave. Anyway, it was a great way to finish out my day. Kelli has been living in Costa Rica for 10 months working in a school during the day and is looking to stay in Costa Rica for maybe another year—more incentive to return to CR for me. : )
My Spanish is improving, poco a poco. I have a long way to go, and I know this. It’s difficult to understand nearly everything you hear but not being able to reciprocate your thoughts verbally. Patience…
Tomorrow is the first game in the Copa del Mundo de Futbol (World Cup) at 6 a.m. CST featuring México y Sudáfrica. My host family is planning on waking up early, making gallo pinto and being ready for the game at 6 sharp. I just plan on waking up. I think I’ll wake up, run and then sit down for the game. I plan on watching the U.S. on Saturday though!
Ok, time to call it a night and get some sleep. Tomorrow my boss and her sons will be coming in to CPI. I am really looking forward to seeing them!
Nos vemos, mañana!
Jessica Lynn
It takes a special person to witness my talent. It’s all the rage on jungle tours. Ask anybody.
Anyway, today was my first official day of work and I’m not sure exactly what I accomplished because most of my time was spent readjusting myself to the language and being reminded how much I really do still have to learn in the language! Oh boy.
Last night I got a full night’s sleep so I was awake by 5 a.m. I was at work by 7:30 and so began my day preparing for my group that comes in Saturday. I have almost everything ready to go which is a good feeling.
Tonight I met up with my good friend from college Kelli (pronounced Kee-lee if you’re our host mom in Spain) for dinner in Heredia. I was so excited to see her! We ate dinner at a soda and spent the better part of two hours catching up. It was a wonderful evening that I am so thankful to have shared with her. We probably could have stayed longer, but Tico buses don’t wait for Gringa Girls. Hopefully I can see her again before I leave. Anyway, it was a great way to finish out my day. Kelli has been living in Costa Rica for 10 months working in a school during the day and is looking to stay in Costa Rica for maybe another year—more incentive to return to CR for me. : )
My Spanish is improving, poco a poco. I have a long way to go, and I know this. It’s difficult to understand nearly everything you hear but not being able to reciprocate your thoughts verbally. Patience…
Tomorrow is the first game in the Copa del Mundo de Futbol (World Cup) at 6 a.m. CST featuring México y Sudáfrica. My host family is planning on waking up early, making gallo pinto and being ready for the game at 6 sharp. I just plan on waking up. I think I’ll wake up, run and then sit down for the game. I plan on watching the U.S. on Saturday though!
Ok, time to call it a night and get some sleep. Tomorrow my boss and her sons will be coming in to CPI. I am really looking forward to seeing them!
Nos vemos, mañana!
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Tommy Bahama
¡Un gran saludo a todos!
I’m back! In Costa Rica that is… I made the successful journey from the Midwest to the rainforest today. It feels good to be here.
The plane ride from Detroit to the ATL was exciting. I hadn’t experienced turbulence like that since Dad and I flew to Peru. The plane made violent dips in altitude and was jerked around for the last half of the flight; even the landing was shaky. That probably didn’t bode well for Tommy Bahama sitting two rows up from me who found it necessary to wear his sunglasses for the entire flight and then remove them every time he needed to locate a flight attendant. From the sights and aromas around me, it appeared that Mr. Bahama went big last night. Thankfully, the flight from Atlanta to San Jose was much calmer.
I arrived at SJO at 11:40 a.m. and waited for over an hour to get through immigration. Once out of immigration I passed through customs with no problems and proceeded to the airport exit where I met up with the CPI driver, Alexis. He took me to CPI where I met up with Mayi (my host-mom) and the rest of the CPI chaperones. I stayed at CPI for about an hour before heading to Mayi’s house for the remainder of today. My first group doesn’t come until Saturday evening so I have plenty of time to prepare for them. I’ll spend two weeks with this group in Monteverde and Flamingo before receiving a West Coast group for 21 days. After the West Coast group I’ll be finished. Amazing.
On a victorious note, my first meal down here was NOT rice and beans. : ) I can’t guarantee what I’ll get for dinner, but it’s a nice start.
Time for a siesta and then hopefully a run later on.
Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
I’m back! In Costa Rica that is… I made the successful journey from the Midwest to the rainforest today. It feels good to be here.
The plane ride from Detroit to the ATL was exciting. I hadn’t experienced turbulence like that since Dad and I flew to Peru. The plane made violent dips in altitude and was jerked around for the last half of the flight; even the landing was shaky. That probably didn’t bode well for Tommy Bahama sitting two rows up from me who found it necessary to wear his sunglasses for the entire flight and then remove them every time he needed to locate a flight attendant. From the sights and aromas around me, it appeared that Mr. Bahama went big last night. Thankfully, the flight from Atlanta to San Jose was much calmer.
I arrived at SJO at 11:40 a.m. and waited for over an hour to get through immigration. Once out of immigration I passed through customs with no problems and proceeded to the airport exit where I met up with the CPI driver, Alexis. He took me to CPI where I met up with Mayi (my host-mom) and the rest of the CPI chaperones. I stayed at CPI for about an hour before heading to Mayi’s house for the remainder of today. My first group doesn’t come until Saturday evening so I have plenty of time to prepare for them. I’ll spend two weeks with this group in Monteverde and Flamingo before receiving a West Coast group for 21 days. After the West Coast group I’ll be finished. Amazing.
On a victorious note, my first meal down here was NOT rice and beans. : ) I can’t guarantee what I’ll get for dinner, but it’s a nice start.
Time for a siesta and then hopefully a run later on.
Chao for now!
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Ya vengo...
As of Saturday April 10, I am officially headed to Costa Rica for the summer!! I'll be arriving in San Jose on June 9 and returning to the U.S. on July 23. My work officially ends on July 17, so I'm spending an extra six days travelling on my own. I'm stoked!
Big news to go along with the plane ticket: I just bought a backpack big enough to fit a monkey, iguana and small dolphin in for when I return. My sister says she is approximately the size of a small dolphin, so I might just pack her instead. : )
Loving teaching and coaching. Looking forward to Costa Rica. : )
Chao Pescado,
Jessica
Big news to go along with the plane ticket: I just bought a backpack big enough to fit a monkey, iguana and small dolphin in for when I return. My sister says she is approximately the size of a small dolphin, so I might just pack her instead. : )
Loving teaching and coaching. Looking forward to Costa Rica. : )
Chao Pescado,
Jessica
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