After hours in the office again and we are putting to the test office productivity and music choices. These results reflect actual trials and calculations.
This was also my assignment for the last hour in the office: be the Motivational DJ.
Songs that increase office productivity at CPI:
1. Don’t Stop Believin’ – Journey
2. Jesse’s Girl – Rick Springfield
3. Boogie Shoes – KC and the Sunshine Band
4. Lido Shuffle – Boz Scraggs
5. Only the Good Die Young – Billy Joel
6. Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money
7. We Built This City – Jefferson Starship
Songs that do NOT increase productivity at CPI:
1. Anything Barry Manilow
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Walkabout with 34
Well, my new group is officially getting acclimated to Costa Rica. I’ve been answering A LOT of questions thus far, and I honestly feel like a Costa Rica expert at this point. : ) I’m not, but sometimes I like to think I am.
After a long day on Sunday, all of the CPI chaperones were treated to dinner at Tacontento near San Jose. It was delicious! Monday, my group got situated into their classes and then went for a walking tour of Heredia. Imagine taking 34 gringos on the public bus for the first time. It was quite the experience. Thankfully, I had Jesús and Pim to help me help. I led the group and Jesús and Pim covered the middle and the caboose of the entourage.
After successfully making it to the market in Heredia, we ate lunch inside the Market and then headed to the plaza in the middle of Heredia. Pim successfully got pooped on by a pigeon, and Jesús, being a good friend, lent a hand cleaning it up. I just laughed...and took a picture.
After a long day on Sunday, all of the CPI chaperones were treated to dinner at Tacontento near San Jose. It was delicious! Monday, my group got situated into their classes and then went for a walking tour of Heredia. Imagine taking 34 gringos on the public bus for the first time. It was quite the experience. Thankfully, I had Jesús and Pim to help me help. I led the group and Jesús and Pim covered the middle and the caboose of the entourage.
After successfully making it to the market in Heredia, we ate lunch inside the Market and then headed to the plaza in the middle of Heredia. Pim successfully got pooped on by a pigeon, and Jesús, being a good friend, lent a hand cleaning it up. I just laughed...and took a picture.
The bus trip back was rather uneventful, but once back in San Joaquin, Pim, Jesús and I had to walk all of the students to their home-stays. I am pretty sure I walked to Panamá and back to get one girl home…
Not much else to recount other than this week is a locura in the office. West Coast groups start arriving this week…
Not much else to recount other than this week is a locura in the office. West Coast groups start arriving this week…
My group right now is pretty tranquilo and their professor is muuuuy tuanis. I think I’m going to like this group : )
Time to check in on the students during their coffee break!
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
Time to check in on the students during their coffee break!
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
A special note: the word gringos here in Costa Rica is NOT derogatory. It only points out that we are North Americans, not ticos. Costa Ricans have a way of pointing things out about people in an affectionate manner. For instance, I am often called machita because I have light hair (both men and women alike). Cultural lesson for the day... : )
Sunday, June 26, 2011
Back in Action
My new group arrived today!!
I saw my other group off on Saturday morning at the Liberia Airport. Liberia's airport has been major upgrades since I last flew out of there with Kristen 2 years ago. (Sister Bear, you wouldn't even recognize it.)
Friday night we had a farewell dinner and fogata (bonfire) on the beach which is always fun. : ) I almost forgot to mention the snorkel cruise we went on that morning. Now, Kristen, you would recognize this scene: Storm clouds, dangerously high tides and a lot of rain on the horizon. It was a wild boat ride out and back to say that least. I sat up with the capitan and crew so I could watch everything and it was quite the image to see these enormous waves crashing over the front of the catamaran. Deadliest Catch, anyone?
Saturday after the drop off, I headed back into the Central Valley where I will spend most of the next four weeks. I'm staying in an apartment next to the school right now with Jesus and Nanou until they leave with their West Coast groups.
Saturday night, Julian, Jesus, Nanou and I decided to go out at around 11:30 p.m. to a place called Dos Doce (Two Twelve). Upon arriving, we noticed a big group of people standing outside not being allowed to enter, about 14 police officers standing around and security guard holding a shot gun. Apparently a fight had broken out right before we had gotten there, and we arrived to seeing a guy being carried out by his buddies still wanting to fight someone, as well as three hysterical girls. It was quite the event...
At midnight, we decided we would be better served to just cab it over to Heredia and find a place to go. We walked into Rancho Fofo and discoverd it was Two for One coctail night! We all decided to try something different. Julian and Jesus ended up with the girliest (and best tasting drinks) and Nanou and I with the man drinks. Jesus got the award for best pick of the night: Saltamontes.
All right, it's after hours at the office. You know what that means...everyone is giddy. We're all going out to dinner tonight (Arelys, Jonle, and all of the chaperones). I can't wait!!!
Amor y amor,
Jessica
I saw my other group off on Saturday morning at the Liberia Airport. Liberia's airport has been major upgrades since I last flew out of there with Kristen 2 years ago. (Sister Bear, you wouldn't even recognize it.)
Friday night we had a farewell dinner and fogata (bonfire) on the beach which is always fun. : ) I almost forgot to mention the snorkel cruise we went on that morning. Now, Kristen, you would recognize this scene: Storm clouds, dangerously high tides and a lot of rain on the horizon. It was a wild boat ride out and back to say that least. I sat up with the capitan and crew so I could watch everything and it was quite the image to see these enormous waves crashing over the front of the catamaran. Deadliest Catch, anyone?
Saturday after the drop off, I headed back into the Central Valley where I will spend most of the next four weeks. I'm staying in an apartment next to the school right now with Jesus and Nanou until they leave with their West Coast groups.
Saturday night, Julian, Jesus, Nanou and I decided to go out at around 11:30 p.m. to a place called Dos Doce (Two Twelve). Upon arriving, we noticed a big group of people standing outside not being allowed to enter, about 14 police officers standing around and security guard holding a shot gun. Apparently a fight had broken out right before we had gotten there, and we arrived to seeing a guy being carried out by his buddies still wanting to fight someone, as well as three hysterical girls. It was quite the event...
At midnight, we decided we would be better served to just cab it over to Heredia and find a place to go. We walked into Rancho Fofo and discoverd it was Two for One coctail night! We all decided to try something different. Julian and Jesus ended up with the girliest (and best tasting drinks) and Nanou and I with the man drinks. Jesus got the award for best pick of the night: Saltamontes.
All right, it's after hours at the office. You know what that means...everyone is giddy. We're all going out to dinner tonight (Arelys, Jonle, and all of the chaperones). I can't wait!!!
Amor y amor,
Jessica
Thursday, June 23, 2011
For the Record
Some have questioned the nature of these stories that I post and if I have really done/seen all of these things. Trust me; you can not make these things up. Am I really stoked that I saw a man skirting around my group with nearly see-through undies? Nope. Not even for a second. Did I mention that he also started digging in the sand to make a giant sea turtle? This process involved a lot of squatting, bending and otherwise odd movements that only tiny boxer briefs could make look awkward.But I digress… Life down here is a break from the ordinary back in the states. If you count the high school students I teach throughout the year and the experiences I get down here, I live a pretty fulfilling and exciting life. There is never a dull moment. Perhaps, that is why I adore being a teacher as well as traveling so much. So many experiences and people have come into my life and impacted me for the better solely because I seize every opportunity before me. Purely, simply, life is good.
Today was a mañana libre, and if you’ll recall another post about free mornings, you’ll understand why we chaperones covet them. I spent an easy morning at the hotel and then later at the CPI apartments with Nanou and Jesús. From there, our driver took us around the greater Flamingo area so I could show Nanou and Jesús every place we stay, eat, and visit while here with West Coast groups. It was a nice way to spend the morning even if we didn’t make it to the beach…
**************
Once a summer I like to give a general recap as to what exactly I do down here. I am optimistic enough to think that someone is new to this blog this year and might be confused as to the nature of my work. I work for a Spanish language immersion school called CPI (Centro Panamericano de Idiomas). I work the Groups division of the school, and do not teach any classes while I am here (which is the general thought when I tell people I work for a language school). I serve as a chaperone for high/college age groups that come down and study at any one of our three campuses within Costa Rica. I am the essentially the answer to all of the questions from the group members, such as “Where are we going?” “What’s for dinner?” “What are we doing tomorrow and what should we bring?” I see that the group’s home-stays are adequate, classes are the right level, and that food is plentiful. I also get the privilege of traveling to a lot of great places and seeing a lot of neat things. I whitewater raft, waterfall rappel, surf, hike, zipline, dance, swim, run, and cook my way through the summer. I am on the move constantly, usually changing locations about every five days. For this reason, I am very nomadic in the summer and choose to travel with a hiking backpack and smaller daypack as my only luggage. I am essentially the liaison between the group and CPI for the group’s entire stay here in Costa Rica.
So what’s in it for me? Everything. I get to meet new people and make new friendships as well as come back and be with those that I have grown extremely attached to. I speak Spanish all summer, which I happen to love. : ) Each year gives me a new experience to draw upon and grow from. I have grown immensely fond of my ‘summer home.’
All right, “Noche de Baile” awaits me back at the hotel with the group. I’d better see what’s in my dancing repertoire before getting there. : )
Hasta pronto,
Jessica Lynn
So what’s in it for me? Everything. I get to meet new people and make new friendships as well as come back and be with those that I have grown extremely attached to. I speak Spanish all summer, which I happen to love. : ) Each year gives me a new experience to draw upon and grow from. I have grown immensely fond of my ‘summer home.’
All right, “Noche de Baile” awaits me back at the hotel with the group. I’d better see what’s in my dancing repertoire before getting there. : )
Hasta pronto,
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
There’s Appropriate Beach Wear, And Then There is…
There are some lines that should never be crossed and some fashion rules that should never be broken.
That being said, my chofer today at the beach stripped down to his underwear to swim with the group—first rule broken. The kicker? His skivvies were tighty-whities. Second rule broken. Hey, swing for the fences, right?
I arrived on the scene just in time to hear the group of girls squealing, “Jessica! Look at our chauffeur!” I had been out showing Nanou and Jesús around Tamarindo and the group decided to teach our chauffeur how to swim. They assumed he would leave his shorts on. At this point, I’m just thrilled he left something on. Squinting, I spotted our driver out in the ocean bouncing around with a boogie board and itty bitty white boxer briefs. Leaving little to the imagination, he strutted around the beach for the next hour until he dried off enough to put his clothes back on. Heaven help me…
That being said, my chofer today at the beach stripped down to his underwear to swim with the group—first rule broken. The kicker? His skivvies were tighty-whities. Second rule broken. Hey, swing for the fences, right?
I arrived on the scene just in time to hear the group of girls squealing, “Jessica! Look at our chauffeur!” I had been out showing Nanou and Jesús around Tamarindo and the group decided to teach our chauffeur how to swim. They assumed he would leave his shorts on. At this point, I’m just thrilled he left something on. Squinting, I spotted our driver out in the ocean bouncing around with a boogie board and itty bitty white boxer briefs. Leaving little to the imagination, he strutted around the beach for the next hour until he dried off enough to put his clothes back on. Heaven help me…
So...I took a picture.
And on that note…there really isn’t much else to report. Must be a slow day if that’s all I have for you. We did some volunteer work yesterday at a local clínica and painted an exterior wall. Monday, I saw my first causality on the beach when a wave got the best of a student. He got knocked around pretty good by the waves and end up going to the hospital for x-rays. I’m happy to report that he is fine and doing well.
Nanou, Jesús and I hung out on the beach today which was fantastic. Love these mornings… I also learned a new phrase to describe my white body: yuca peleada (a peeled yucca plant, which is apparently super white) : )
Playa Tamarindo
Time to get a little done and move toward more productive things. I’ll write more later!
Tighty-Whities are hardly appropriate as under garments these days, let alone on the beach,
Jessica Lynn
Monday, June 20, 2011
Cerro Amigos Ascent
From: 18 de junio
Today, I woke up around 6:00 a.m. and saw my group off to Arenal for the weekend. The group went with a guide and I stayed back here in Monteverde. I will meet up with them in Flamingo on Sunday. Last night, Jesús, Julian and I went to Bar Amigos to play some pool and dance. It was a lot of fun, but it was a late, late night.
Early in the day on Friday, Jesús and I made plans to climb to the top of the mountain Cerro Amigos on Saturday, which is the tallest point in Monteverde with the best views. It is always where the local T.V. towers are located. I was under strict instructions NOT to wake up Jesús before 9:30 a.m., so after seeing the group off, I came back to my apartment, ran, and made a cup of coffee. Around 9:00 a.m., Dad called on Skype and we talked for about 40 minutes. Lucky for Jesús…
Around 9:45 I went and got Jesús up so we could start our hike. Earlier in the morning, the sun was out and it was gorgeous outside. Around 10 a.m. when we started out, the clouds had already set in. We set out anyway!
Let me go ahead and explain what this so called ‘hike’ was like. First of all, it’s not a trail hike or anything of the sort. It’s a climb straight up a mud covered road. It’s not like you wind your way through the trees before reaching the summit. No, literally every time you turned a corner, the road went straight up. Between fighting to stay afoot in all of the mud, and general humidity that comes with Costa Rica, it was quite the endurance work out. Not to mention, I had already run 6 miles earlier that morning straight up the mountain. Jesús was bouncing along, full of energy, and my legs were shot. There were exactly three ‘breaks’ in the steep climb.
The final total (see the picture) was 6072 feet above sea level. We hiked probably a total of 3.5 km to get up there and it took around 50-55 minutes. I can not even explain my ecstasy at reaching the summit—and I like to think I’m in pretty good physical condition. Julian is in a lot of trouble for not elaborating just what exactly we were getting ourselves into.
Anyway, we climbed all the way to the top only to be greeted by a lot of clouds and no views to speak of. It was pretty cool to be standing in a cloud though at one point and as Jesús put it, “Bueno, lo hicimos.” Well, we did it. Yes, yes we did.
We stayed around the top for a while before beginning the descent. The descent was also more challenging than the climb because we were slipping and sliding every where in the mud. Gracias a Dios, it didn’t rain! Want to know something crazy, people actually live up there! We met one man along the trail who descends about every eight days to buy food and supplies and then hikes all of the way back up with a huge backpack full of food. No puedo imaginar…
Almost immediately when we reached the bottom, we headed to a local supermercado to get some supplies to make lunch. Upon arriving at the bottom, it also started to pour. What luck that it waited until we were at the bottom! : )
In keep in tradition with Jesús’s Spanish culture, after lunch it was siesta time for me. I woke up just in time to order Chinese delivery and talk to Muni for a while.
I think it’s about time to go back to bed. Tomorrow, I leave for Flamingo! More to come when I get there…
Buenas noches a todos,
Jessica Lynn
Today, I woke up around 6:00 a.m. and saw my group off to Arenal for the weekend. The group went with a guide and I stayed back here in Monteverde. I will meet up with them in Flamingo on Sunday. Last night, Jesús, Julian and I went to Bar Amigos to play some pool and dance. It was a lot of fun, but it was a late, late night.
Early in the day on Friday, Jesús and I made plans to climb to the top of the mountain Cerro Amigos on Saturday, which is the tallest point in Monteverde with the best views. It is always where the local T.V. towers are located. I was under strict instructions NOT to wake up Jesús before 9:30 a.m., so after seeing the group off, I came back to my apartment, ran, and made a cup of coffee. Around 9:00 a.m., Dad called on Skype and we talked for about 40 minutes. Lucky for Jesús…
Around 9:45 I went and got Jesús up so we could start our hike. Earlier in the morning, the sun was out and it was gorgeous outside. Around 10 a.m. when we started out, the clouds had already set in. We set out anyway!
Let me go ahead and explain what this so called ‘hike’ was like. First of all, it’s not a trail hike or anything of the sort. It’s a climb straight up a mud covered road. It’s not like you wind your way through the trees before reaching the summit. No, literally every time you turned a corner, the road went straight up. Between fighting to stay afoot in all of the mud, and general humidity that comes with Costa Rica, it was quite the endurance work out. Not to mention, I had already run 6 miles earlier that morning straight up the mountain. Jesús was bouncing along, full of energy, and my legs were shot. There were exactly three ‘breaks’ in the steep climb.
The final total (see the picture) was 6072 feet above sea level. We hiked probably a total of 3.5 km to get up there and it took around 50-55 minutes. I can not even explain my ecstasy at reaching the summit—and I like to think I’m in pretty good physical condition. Julian is in a lot of trouble for not elaborating just what exactly we were getting ourselves into.
Anyway, we climbed all the way to the top only to be greeted by a lot of clouds and no views to speak of. It was pretty cool to be standing in a cloud though at one point and as Jesús put it, “Bueno, lo hicimos.” Well, we did it. Yes, yes we did.
We stayed around the top for a while before beginning the descent. The descent was also more challenging than the climb because we were slipping and sliding every where in the mud. Gracias a Dios, it didn’t rain! Want to know something crazy, people actually live up there! We met one man along the trail who descends about every eight days to buy food and supplies and then hikes all of the way back up with a huge backpack full of food. No puedo imaginar…
Almost immediately when we reached the bottom, we headed to a local supermercado to get some supplies to make lunch. Upon arriving at the bottom, it also started to pour. What luck that it waited until we were at the bottom! : )
In keep in tradition with Jesús’s Spanish culture, after lunch it was siesta time for me. I woke up just in time to order Chinese delivery and talk to Muni for a while.
I think it’s about time to go back to bed. Tomorrow, I leave for Flamingo! More to come when I get there…
Buenas noches a todos,
Jessica Lynn
¡Feliz Cumpleaños, Papá!
From: 17 de junio
I’ll admit it. It was difficult waking up this morning after being out at Mata e Caña last night. It’s a bar here in Monteverde. I am not used to being out so late, but it was really fun! I finally got to dance. : )
This morning the group went to the Extremo Canopy Tour. This is probably the twelfth time I’ve done the tour, and I still find it exciting. I don’t really get an adrenaline rush, but it’s still fun!
Today is my group’s last day in Monteverde, so they are finishing up classes and taking dance class tonight. Tomorrow we head out to Arenal and the hot springs that await me. Yay : )
All right, I’m trying to wrap up things in Groups Office so I can go hang out with Muni in her office.
Feliz Cumpleaños, Papá : )
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
I’ll admit it. It was difficult waking up this morning after being out at Mata e Caña last night. It’s a bar here in Monteverde. I am not used to being out so late, but it was really fun! I finally got to dance. : )
This morning the group went to the Extremo Canopy Tour. This is probably the twelfth time I’ve done the tour, and I still find it exciting. I don’t really get an adrenaline rush, but it’s still fun!
Today is my group’s last day in Monteverde, so they are finishing up classes and taking dance class tonight. Tomorrow we head out to Arenal and the hot springs that await me. Yay : )
All right, I’m trying to wrap up things in Groups Office so I can go hang out with Muni in her office.
Feliz Cumpleaños, Papá : )
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
Friday, June 17, 2011
Free Morning!
From yesterday...June 16th.
You would not believe how excited we chaperones become when we read “Free Time in the Morning” on the itinerary. It actually adds a little bounce in our step.
This morning was riquísimo. I woke up around 5:30 and set off on a 10k (6 mile) run… A rather terrible 3 miles straight up the mountain to the Biological Reserve and then a relaxing 3 back down. I came back, made myself a cup of Monteverde coffee and started my laundry.
I moseyed into work around 9:00 and called home to talk to my mom for a while and catch up on life in the States. From there, I sought out Muni to get the keys to her house to go back and get us the rest of the key lime pie. She thought they were hidden outside of her house, so I walked there in hurry, but to no avail; the keys were not there and I could not get our pie. : ( Maybe later…
Free time was followed by cooking class with the group, and they made chimichangas. They were delicious!
I think the guys and I have secure another homemade dinner tonight, so things are looking good for dinner…that’s after I attend dance class with Jesús.
Happy dancing,
Jessica Lynn
You would not believe how excited we chaperones become when we read “Free Time in the Morning” on the itinerary. It actually adds a little bounce in our step.
This morning was riquísimo. I woke up around 5:30 and set off on a 10k (6 mile) run… A rather terrible 3 miles straight up the mountain to the Biological Reserve and then a relaxing 3 back down. I came back, made myself a cup of Monteverde coffee and started my laundry.
I moseyed into work around 9:00 and called home to talk to my mom for a while and catch up on life in the States. From there, I sought out Muni to get the keys to her house to go back and get us the rest of the key lime pie. She thought they were hidden outside of her house, so I walked there in hurry, but to no avail; the keys were not there and I could not get our pie. : ( Maybe later…
Free time was followed by cooking class with the group, and they made chimichangas. They were delicious!
I think the guys and I have secure another homemade dinner tonight, so things are looking good for dinner…that’s after I attend dance class with Jesús.
Happy dancing,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Waterfalls and Cookouts : )
Today the group hiked to San Luis Waterfall here in Monteverde. Despite all of my time spent here in Costa Rica, I have never made this hike. It was awesome! The hike took about 35 minutes to complete, and at the top was a beautiful waterfall. Naturally, I swam in its waters… Yes, it was cold. Did I try to climb up the side? Yes, I did that too. Mom, are you nervous yet? I’ll say ‘yes’ to that as well. : )
The hike down wasn’t too difficult, and I really enjoyed being out there. The trail had tree bridges and narrow pathways and you really had to watch your step. It was pretty cool. I’m looking forward to hiking more this summer here in Costa Rica and later in Alaska!
Oh, and I posted this to Facebook yesterday and meant every word of it:
I'm not sure who was behind the engineering of it, but putting the timed air freshener at eye level in the bathroom was a really really bad idea.
My head came out smelling like a weird combination of orchids and lilies (according the label). I started planning my bathroom trips around when I thought it might spray--which was every 12, 18 or 36 minutes.
Tonight we also had a BBQ at Muni’s house! It was amazing. The guys barbequed marinated chicken and made guacamole while we women made key lime pie for dessert. Julian, Jesús, Arelys, Muni, Adrian and I all hung out afterward just talking and relaxing. It’s been my favorite night thus far. I’ve missed Muni and Arelys : )
All right it’s late…going to try and sleep for more than two hours at a time!
The hike down wasn’t too difficult, and I really enjoyed being out there. The trail had tree bridges and narrow pathways and you really had to watch your step. It was pretty cool. I’m looking forward to hiking more this summer here in Costa Rica and later in Alaska!
Oh, and I posted this to Facebook yesterday and meant every word of it:
I'm not sure who was behind the engineering of it, but putting the timed air freshener at eye level in the bathroom was a really really bad idea.
My head came out smelling like a weird combination of orchids and lilies (according the label). I started planning my bathroom trips around when I thought it might spray--which was every 12, 18 or 36 minutes.
Tonight we also had a BBQ at Muni’s house! It was amazing. The guys barbequed marinated chicken and made guacamole while we women made key lime pie for dessert. Julian, Jesús, Arelys, Muni, Adrian and I all hung out afterward just talking and relaxing. It’s been my favorite night thus far. I’ve missed Muni and Arelys : )
All right it’s late…going to try and sleep for more than two hours at a time!
Buenas noches,
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Tico Cooking Attempt (And Success)
Master Chefs Jesus and Julian with their masterpiece Written yesterday (June 14)...
Last night we chaperones (Jesús, Julian and I) decided to cook an authentic Tico meal at their apartment. I’ll go ahead and admit that they did most of the cooking because I arrived late after staying late at work to help Muni.
When I arrived at their place, they were in the middle of creating a salad and preparing a pineapple and mange smoothie. While the smoothie was a huge success, the salad, well…not so much. It had all of the makings of a good salad: tomatoes, lettuce (I informed them later it was cabbage), avocado and olive oil, but by missing vinegar it was missing a lot. I tried to add a little pepper and splash of limón, but to no avail. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It looked much worse. Nevertheless, it was edible and we were hungry.
The guys did a great job with the food (although Digna who works at CPI had to cook the rice and beans for them). The guys made plantains, a smoothie with pineapple and mango, tortillas and pork. It was so good! Gracias, señoritos : )
After dinner, we sat together and watched How I Met Your Mother. Just hanging out was really nice and it meant less time listening to the wind make weird noises at my apartment! : )
Ok…buenas noches!
Jessica Lynn
When I arrived at their place, they were in the middle of creating a salad and preparing a pineapple and mange smoothie. While the smoothie was a huge success, the salad, well…not so much. It had all of the makings of a good salad: tomatoes, lettuce (I informed them later it was cabbage), avocado and olive oil, but by missing vinegar it was missing a lot. I tried to add a little pepper and splash of limón, but to no avail. The picture doesn’t do it justice. It looked much worse. Nevertheless, it was edible and we were hungry.
The guys did a great job with the food (although Digna who works at CPI had to cook the rice and beans for them). The guys made plantains, a smoothie with pineapple and mango, tortillas and pork. It was so good! Gracias, señoritos : )
After dinner, we sat together and watched How I Met Your Mother. Just hanging out was really nice and it meant less time listening to the wind make weird noises at my apartment! : )
Ok…buenas noches!
Jessica Lynn
Monday, June 13, 2011
And so it begins...
Written yesterday (June 12)...finally got to internet access today! My group arrived last night! They are lindísimos. I already like them. : )
We stayed at a beautiful hotel up on a mountainside. I woke up this morning and faced a dilemma on my morning run: do I run up the mountain and then back down, or run down and climb back up? I chose a little of both and proceeded to run laps up and down the mostly flat drive leading back to our hotel. I think the guard got tired of seeing me run past…
The group went on the Café Britt coffee tour today. It was not like I remembered. : ( It’s not nearly as entertaining this year and is completely different than last year. I hope it was only a fluke…
After the tour, we stopped by a mini festival at CPI that was celebrating the 20th anniversary of CPI! Afterward, we got on the road and headed off to Monteverde. Four hours later, we arrived!
I’m staying at the CPI residencies next to CPI. I have my own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom in my own little apartment. It’s great! The only bothersome thing: apparently the boys took all of my food that Arelys bought for me to make dinner. They could have at least invited me over for food. : ) Guess it’s granola and fruit snacks tonight. It’s too late and too far to get something.
Another fun phrase: Fútbol americano es un deporte de animales jugado por caballeros; el fútbol es un deporte de caballeros jugado por animales.
American football is a sport for animals placed by gentleman; soccer is a sport for gentleman, placed by animals.
We stayed at a beautiful hotel up on a mountainside. I woke up this morning and faced a dilemma on my morning run: do I run up the mountain and then back down, or run down and climb back up? I chose a little of both and proceeded to run laps up and down the mostly flat drive leading back to our hotel. I think the guard got tired of seeing me run past…
The group went on the Café Britt coffee tour today. It was not like I remembered. : ( It’s not nearly as entertaining this year and is completely different than last year. I hope it was only a fluke…
After the tour, we stopped by a mini festival at CPI that was celebrating the 20th anniversary of CPI! Afterward, we got on the road and headed off to Monteverde. Four hours later, we arrived!
I’m staying at the CPI residencies next to CPI. I have my own kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom in my own little apartment. It’s great! The only bothersome thing: apparently the boys took all of my food that Arelys bought for me to make dinner. They could have at least invited me over for food. : ) Guess it’s granola and fruit snacks tonight. It’s too late and too far to get something.
Another fun phrase: Fútbol americano es un deporte de animales jugado por caballeros; el fútbol es un deporte de caballeros jugado por animales.
American football is a sport for animals placed by gentleman; soccer is a sport for gentleman, placed by animals.
Cafe y Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Even Costa Rica has a Wal-Mart
It's here.
Danimals!
Monteverde Brand yogurt.
In case you’re wondering, the Wal-Mart here is almost exactly like the ones we are accustomed to back home. They have the same brands (see the Danimals picture) intermixed with Costa Rican brands (see the Monteverde Brand picture). The store has it all—from food to household appliances to a vision center. All at the lowest prices of course.
And true to Wal-Mart tradition, the demographic remains about the same as the U.S.—in case you were wondering that too.
I am still making my usual adjustments down here (i.e. forgetting that the toilet paper goes in the trash can, not the toilet).
Two of the chaperones and I met up and went to Longhorns last night for fun. It was really nice to just hangout and relax. I’ll be meeting up with them again in Monteverde!
It’s time to have my last dinner with my host family. : ( I’m really sad to leave them. Mayi and her family are the best host family one could have, and I am truly going to miss staying here this summer. It’s a good thing I will still see her at work in Heredia!
Café Britt tomorrow followed by a transfer to Monteverde. Pura Vida. : )
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Learned another phrase: Pueblo pequeño, Infierno grande. (Small town, big hell.) Not necessarily true, but fun to say anyway : )
Friday, June 10, 2011
Braids and Bad Karaoke
Well, you can only check your email so much in one day, and I’ve exceeded the limit.
The morning was busy with printing things for my group and getting things ready for this morning. However, all of that ended around 10:30. I’ve gotten a montón done for grad, so I’m happy about that. I won’t speak too unkindly of being bored because I’m sure I will eat my words in a week. : )
Last night was fun at the house. Jesús (the chaperone who is staying at the same place as me) and I hung out on our second floor patio listening to really terrible karaoke being sung from about 3 blocks down. That’s right, three blocks…that should give you a good idea of how loud they must have been singing. And it still sounded bad from three blocks away. : )
After that, I started reading a book and listening to Jesús crack up laughing at youtube videos in the next room over.
Tomorrow I get my first group! I’ll pick them up in the evening and we’ll leave for Monteverde in the morning after a Café Britt tour. Pura Vida.
I learned a couple of new Costaricanismos today: Guilas= children or women; Guilerio=a lot of kids, or a lot of women
The morning was busy with printing things for my group and getting things ready for this morning. However, all of that ended around 10:30. I’ve gotten a montón done for grad, so I’m happy about that. I won’t speak too unkindly of being bored because I’m sure I will eat my words in a week. : )
Last night was fun at the house. Jesús (the chaperone who is staying at the same place as me) and I hung out on our second floor patio listening to really terrible karaoke being sung from about 3 blocks down. That’s right, three blocks…that should give you a good idea of how loud they must have been singing. And it still sounded bad from three blocks away. : )
After that, I started reading a book and listening to Jesús crack up laughing at youtube videos in the next room over.
Tomorrow I get my first group! I’ll pick them up in the evening and we’ll leave for Monteverde in the morning after a Café Britt tour. Pura Vida.
I learned a couple of new Costaricanismos today: Guilas= children or women; Guilerio=a lot of kids, or a lot of women
Meggie y yo!
Trensas! (Braids)
Mucho amor,
Jessica Lynn
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Sweated Chicken with the Pope
Days 1 and 2 are in the books.
I spent most of the day just hanging out at the school before going ‘home’ around 7:00 p.m. I am staying with Mayi and her family. Yay! I love staying there. There is another chaperone, Jesús, staying there as well, along with a woman from Kansas. It’s a full house!
I woke up this morning and went for my first run. 5 miles. It was toasty even at 5:30 a.m. I am hesitant to venture too far from my home stay (even with pepper spray) so I ended up running numerous laps around a church and soccer field. Looking forward to running in Monteverde…
I was re-trained in a couple of areas today that I needed to brush up on. This is useful considering I dive right in to my first group this weekend. We have added some new things this year like a Twitter account, Facebook page and other fun things to keep parents and the public in the knew about what all CPI is doing. It’s a great thing for the school, but it’s a lot of work for us chaperones!
I tried to be productive, but sometimes it’s a ‘hurry up and wait’ kind of thing. I did translate an entire itinerary into Spanish…so, that’s good.
Anyway, speaking of translations, Meggie tagged me today in a photo of a horribly translated menú.
What exactly is a Sweated Chicken, anyway? And do you like your Pope served with salad?
I spent most of the day just hanging out at the school before going ‘home’ around 7:00 p.m. I am staying with Mayi and her family. Yay! I love staying there. There is another chaperone, Jesús, staying there as well, along with a woman from Kansas. It’s a full house!
I woke up this morning and went for my first run. 5 miles. It was toasty even at 5:30 a.m. I am hesitant to venture too far from my home stay (even with pepper spray) so I ended up running numerous laps around a church and soccer field. Looking forward to running in Monteverde…
I was re-trained in a couple of areas today that I needed to brush up on. This is useful considering I dive right in to my first group this weekend. We have added some new things this year like a Twitter account, Facebook page and other fun things to keep parents and the public in the knew about what all CPI is doing. It’s a great thing for the school, but it’s a lot of work for us chaperones!
I tried to be productive, but sometimes it’s a ‘hurry up and wait’ kind of thing. I did translate an entire itinerary into Spanish…so, that’s good.
Anyway, speaking of translations, Meggie tagged me today in a photo of a horribly translated menú.
What exactly is a Sweated Chicken, anyway? And do you like your Pope served with salad?
This is why you hire out for these sorts of things... : )
Hopefully heading back to the homestay soon. Yo adoro a mi familia tica!
Chop of pork,
Jessica Lynn
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Back in Costa Rica!
The picture is a little dated. It's my official CPI picture from 2 years ago. Estoy aqui! I made it. The flights were easy and I flew through customs.
I somehow managed to seat myself right in the middle of two groups of high school students on the flight from Atlanta to San Jose. Mom reminded me that I am just getting ready for next summer when I might bring my own group. : )
Glad I'm in safe and sound. My Spanish is going well, so I'm muy emocionada about that.
It's sooooo good to see everyone! There are so many people here in Heredia right now. I can not believe it's been a year since I've been here.
All right, I'll post more later!
Pura vida,
Jessica Lynn
Sunday, June 5, 2011
When Pigs Fly
...I'll run a marathon.
That's what I told myself for 24 years of my life. And then, at 24 and 1 month, I thought it suddenly sounded like a good idea.
I ran my first full marathon on May 1 in Cincinnati. It was great! I had, arguably, the BEST pit crew covering great lengths and areas to ensure my success. To be completely honest, I could not have done it without them.
My mom and sister cheered from the sidewalks and cheered even louder as I came in to the finish.
My brother started the race with me and then jumped back on the course for the last 1/2 mile to run in with me. As I was immensely fatigued and ready to cross the finish, he talked me through the last grueling steps, pointing out people that I should try to catch or to beat. I apparently had enough gas left to try to hold a conversation with him until he informed me, "Let me do the talking, just run." I liked that idea the best. What an amazing thing to have him on the course with me.
And then there is my dad. I have trouble finding the words to describe my immense gratitude and love for his desire to see me through my entire journey and make sure that I had everything I needed to succeed. I covered 26.2 miles that day. My dad covered 15 miles on foot to ensure that I had dry shoes and socks if I needed them, food, gels, and support. My excitement (and relief) was evident in my running and expression when I saw him at miles 11 and 19 waiting patiently along the route with all my extra gear and food.
Of course, the food he handed me at mile 11 I promptly handed back to him at mile 19 after being tired of carrying it. Although, I think it was a good thing because he didn't have any food out with him, and if you do the calculations, he still had a 7 mile walk back to the finish line to meet up with the family. We are bringing his bike next time. : )
I had such a positive experience that I am going back for more this fall. I think I'd like to qualify for Boston seeing as though I finished 1 minute off the current qualifying standards. Next year, they become a little more difficult, but I'd like to still try. Plus, my sister and I have to run one together...although she has since sworn them off. Love you, hermanita osita. : )
Okay, I am off to Costa Rica in 3 days! Just spent a weekend at the state track meet and relaxing by the pool today! Oh the life of a teacher and coach... (P.s. I get my own room next year!!)
Ok, hasta pronto,
Jessica Lynn
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