I will survive until June. :)
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Guanábana en Ohio!
My guanabana cravings have been satisfied. I found guanabana pulp in Ohio today at Jungle Jim's!! Incredible.
I will survive until June. :)
I will survive until June. :)
Thursday, April 12, 2012
Mercado Mexicano
Here is the video from the Mercado Mexicano that my students created in class. One of my students requested that the video be put on my blog, and I thought it was a great idea!
My students are fantastic, and I'll miss them dearly next year when they are in Español IV. They will love la Srta. Hayes though! : )
Track and teaching are moving along! I'm having a great year and can't believe we are going to be out in 1.5 months. Where has the year gone?! This year has been yet another great year of growth and learning as a teacher and coach. I am starting to come into my own as an educator. :)
Okay, students are here and I'm preparing to teach. More to come on my year later...It's been a full (and fulfilling) one!
Con cariño,
Jessica Lynn
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Official 5
It's official as of 3 weeks ago. I am returning to Costa Rica for the 5th consecutive summer! I couldn't be more thrilled. :) The last two days in my Spanish III classes we've had a "Mexican Market" simulation and the students could only speak in Spanish. It got me REALLY excited to travel again. It must be in my blood...
Anyway, June 8th I'll return to my Pura Vida and my blog will pick back up to it's normal pace and updates. Look for more to come soon! I've had an amazing 8 months back in the States!
This was taken in Talkeetna, Alaska last summer, but the vibrance reminded me of Costa Rica.
Anyway, June 8th I'll return to my Pura Vida and my blog will pick back up to it's normal pace and updates. Look for more to come soon! I've had an amazing 8 months back in the States!
This was taken in Talkeetna, Alaska last summer, but the vibrance reminded me of Costa Rica.
Amor,
Jessica Lynn
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
La Machita Returns Home
I think I will always be a world traveler. It’s addiction as much as a passion. I love living in a culture, learning about the people and learning from them. Students, parents, and friends alike wonder why we should bother learning other languages. How else can you truly know a culture if you don’t speak the language? You can’t. It’s truly that simple. You can’t fully understand and know a people unless you can communicate with them.
I have tried very hard, and my parents did a wonderful job of raising me to have a global vision and worldliness about myself. I remember telling, not asking, my parents before college even started that I was going to study abroad. Everyone should step out outside of the U.S. at least once in their life. Sure it takes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s how we grow as individuals right? We gain acceptance, vision, tolerance, friendships and experiences that can only come through travel and seeing the world in its natural state. Take a friend, travel alone, backpack it, hike it, go for a week, go for a year, but go. You’ll never regret taking that leap.
On that note, I am unofficially signing off once again for the summer. Small updates always follow throughout the year, but the Costa Rica end of things will cease for a few months.
Pura vida a todos,
Jessica Lynn
I have tried very hard, and my parents did a wonderful job of raising me to have a global vision and worldliness about myself. I remember telling, not asking, my parents before college even started that I was going to study abroad. Everyone should step out outside of the U.S. at least once in their life. Sure it takes you out of your comfort zone, but that’s how we grow as individuals right? We gain acceptance, vision, tolerance, friendships and experiences that can only come through travel and seeing the world in its natural state. Take a friend, travel alone, backpack it, hike it, go for a week, go for a year, but go. You’ll never regret taking that leap.
On that note, I am unofficially signing off once again for the summer. Small updates always follow throughout the year, but the Costa Rica end of things will cease for a few months.
Pura vida a todos,
Jessica Lynn
There's One in Every Crowd
…That decides to tell the customs officer all about her new dentures she acquired in Costa Rica. Holy Moses, not the venue…
I am probably low on sleep so my fuse is a little short. At some point last night I decided I would just pull an all nighter since I had to be up so early any way. I am a creature of sleep, so this was a bad idea to begin with. Then, I nearly fell off the chair I was sitting on while waiting to leave Gate 2 in the Juan Santamaria airport because I dozed off and didn’t realize it. I boarded the plane at 6:45 a.m. and barely woke up enough to even feel the take off. I didn’t get a window seat so I couldn’t watch one of my favorite parts of flying anyway. We hit some turbulence at one point, but it’s all very vague. I did wake up for the in-flight snack which was a bonus.
In the ATL, we waited for over an hour to get our luggage and then proceeded through customs and the re-checking of the bags. I’m not entirely sure my bag with the DAY tag on it will make it home with me tonight. It was chaos where we dumped our bags, and when I asked if there was any rhyme or reason to where my bag should go, I was told “Nope, just leave it over there.” Yep, I’ll be lucky to see that thing arrive on time in Dayton.
I’m hanging out in the airport now waiting to board my flight for Dayton. I already feel lost not being able to use my Spanish all the time, and I find myself slipping into its usage without really noticing until the cashier looks at me funny. I am already shocked at the hustle and bustle here in the States and its stark contrast to the pura vida I’ve been living in. I already feel the weight of pending obligations that are calling my name. I need to continue to live the pura vida more in my daily life in the States. Not that I should shirk on my responsibilities, but that I should breathe in and do things for myself.
Still can’t bring myself to automatically put the toilet paper in the toilet as opposed to the trash can next to it… This is common problem every year.
I have barely touched my phone. I don’t really want to turn it on. It’s not that I think I’m popular enough to have my voicemail and text messages flooded, but I like the freedom of not being attached to it and always checking it. One of the most liberating moments every summer for me is shutting my phone down in Atlanta and tucking it away for the entire summer. My students are shocked and claim they ‘couldn’t survive.’ They would be surprised at the freedom it brings not to be able to be contacted all the time. I haven't died yet from shutting my phone off. : )
Time to board the plane to Dayton…
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. If you're wondering, my bags miraculously made it back on my flight!
I am probably low on sleep so my fuse is a little short. At some point last night I decided I would just pull an all nighter since I had to be up so early any way. I am a creature of sleep, so this was a bad idea to begin with. Then, I nearly fell off the chair I was sitting on while waiting to leave Gate 2 in the Juan Santamaria airport because I dozed off and didn’t realize it. I boarded the plane at 6:45 a.m. and barely woke up enough to even feel the take off. I didn’t get a window seat so I couldn’t watch one of my favorite parts of flying anyway. We hit some turbulence at one point, but it’s all very vague. I did wake up for the in-flight snack which was a bonus.
In the ATL, we waited for over an hour to get our luggage and then proceeded through customs and the re-checking of the bags. I’m not entirely sure my bag with the DAY tag on it will make it home with me tonight. It was chaos where we dumped our bags, and when I asked if there was any rhyme or reason to where my bag should go, I was told “Nope, just leave it over there.” Yep, I’ll be lucky to see that thing arrive on time in Dayton.
I’m hanging out in the airport now waiting to board my flight for Dayton. I already feel lost not being able to use my Spanish all the time, and I find myself slipping into its usage without really noticing until the cashier looks at me funny. I am already shocked at the hustle and bustle here in the States and its stark contrast to the pura vida I’ve been living in. I already feel the weight of pending obligations that are calling my name. I need to continue to live the pura vida more in my daily life in the States. Not that I should shirk on my responsibilities, but that I should breathe in and do things for myself.
Still can’t bring myself to automatically put the toilet paper in the toilet as opposed to the trash can next to it… This is common problem every year.
I have barely touched my phone. I don’t really want to turn it on. It’s not that I think I’m popular enough to have my voicemail and text messages flooded, but I like the freedom of not being attached to it and always checking it. One of the most liberating moments every summer for me is shutting my phone down in Atlanta and tucking it away for the entire summer. My students are shocked and claim they ‘couldn’t survive.’ They would be surprised at the freedom it brings not to be able to be contacted all the time. I haven't died yet from shutting my phone off. : )
Time to board the plane to Dayton…
Chao pescado,
Jessica Lynn
P.S. If you're wondering, my bags miraculously made it back on my flight!
Saturday, July 30, 2011
The Cereza (Cherry) On Top
I just came off some of my most favorite days in Costa Rica this summer. I spent 3 days with the guys from Georgia Southern, laughing at their antics and trying my best to fit in. I really don’t mind being just one of the guys sometimes…
We stayed in two different hostels and although I know it’s not for everybody, I woke up smiling the very first morning after staying the first hostel. Why? Because it was exactly how I would imagine my Costa Rica experience to be if I weren’t working all summer. The plan was not to have a plan the whole three days and just go with whatever came our way. I am surely considered odd for getting excited about hostel living, but I like the culture, the day to day living, the simplicity, and the fun that comes with it. So they may not be the cleanest places to stay, but it’s never really bothered me.
Anyway, we did some exploring at the nearby beaches; we drank Coco Frios in the morning, and had a local hangout at night where we could relax. Thankfully, I’m not too burnt from it all.
On Thursday, we switched up hostels and headed to La Oveja Negra and moved into a shared room with just the four of us. I’ll be lucky if all of my stuff made it home because it took roughly 7 minutes for the guys’ backpacks to explode around the room. Even though I kept my stuff neatly together, I still have a feeling something got lost in their disastre. Truthfully though, they make awesome roommates.
This morning, I hopped on Interbus and made my way back to the Central Valley before meeting up with my good friend Kelli Finch in Heredia. Kelli and I went to college together, lived in Spain together and survived “The Iz” together. I love seeing her when I’m down here. We decided to grab some food at a street fair that I noticed on my bus ride into town. The food was incredible. I had a tamale for dinner and churros for dessert. I couldn’t imagine a better way to cap off my already amazing summer.
All right, I’m chillin’ at the Holiday Inn right now, and contemplating getting some sleep before rolling out at 4:00 a.m. to catch my flight.
Still struggling with the concept that my summer is ending down here…
Love you all,
Jessica Lynn
We stayed in two different hostels and although I know it’s not for everybody, I woke up smiling the very first morning after staying the first hostel. Why? Because it was exactly how I would imagine my Costa Rica experience to be if I weren’t working all summer. The plan was not to have a plan the whole three days and just go with whatever came our way. I am surely considered odd for getting excited about hostel living, but I like the culture, the day to day living, the simplicity, and the fun that comes with it. So they may not be the cleanest places to stay, but it’s never really bothered me.
Anyway, we did some exploring at the nearby beaches; we drank Coco Frios in the morning, and had a local hangout at night where we could relax. Thankfully, I’m not too burnt from it all.
On Thursday, we switched up hostels and headed to La Oveja Negra and moved into a shared room with just the four of us. I’ll be lucky if all of my stuff made it home because it took roughly 7 minutes for the guys’ backpacks to explode around the room. Even though I kept my stuff neatly together, I still have a feeling something got lost in their disastre. Truthfully though, they make awesome roommates.
This morning, I hopped on Interbus and made my way back to the Central Valley before meeting up with my good friend Kelli Finch in Heredia. Kelli and I went to college together, lived in Spain together and survived “The Iz” together. I love seeing her when I’m down here. We decided to grab some food at a street fair that I noticed on my bus ride into town. The food was incredible. I had a tamale for dinner and churros for dessert. I couldn’t imagine a better way to cap off my already amazing summer.
All right, I’m chillin’ at the Holiday Inn right now, and contemplating getting some sleep before rolling out at 4:00 a.m. to catch my flight.
Still struggling with the concept that my summer is ending down here…
Love you all,
Jessica Lynn
Beach Bummin' 101
Waiting for the bus to Tamarindo....
From Wednesday July 27
Heading to Tamarindo for a few days to be a bum and accomplish my goal of becoming a bronzed beauty by the end of the week. I’d settle for just the bronzed part.
After work the guys from Georgia Southern are traveling with me from Flamingo to Tamarindo via bus público. They came to CPI Flamingo for the day to check it out and have decided to hang around until I get off work. They were also nice enough to reserve a bunk for me at the same hostel where they are staying. They are a good group of men.
Oddly enough, I am really looking forward to staying in a hostel again. The last time I stayed in one was in Spain during weekend trips out from Segovia. It was a fun experience just backpacking out for the weekends, and because I am a much more experienced traveler these days, I have a feeling I’ll be more adept to the hostel experience. Hostel stays have a feeling of adventure and companionship that isn’t found in regular hotels. There is a simplistic feel that suits the beach and Costa Rica.
The guys I’m traveling with also have the same mentality so it will make for a comfortable and relaxing few days.
I’ll be back in the Central Valley before my flight leaves on Sunday, but until then… Que Dios le cuide y que le vaya bien : )
Knee deep in the water some where
Got the blue sky breeze blowing wind through my hair
Only worry in the world
Is the tide gonna reach my chair?
My own kind of paradise,
Jessica Lynn
After work the guys from Georgia Southern are traveling with me from Flamingo to Tamarindo via bus público. They came to CPI Flamingo for the day to check it out and have decided to hang around until I get off work. They were also nice enough to reserve a bunk for me at the same hostel where they are staying. They are a good group of men.
Oddly enough, I am really looking forward to staying in a hostel again. The last time I stayed in one was in Spain during weekend trips out from Segovia. It was a fun experience just backpacking out for the weekends, and because I am a much more experienced traveler these days, I have a feeling I’ll be more adept to the hostel experience. Hostel stays have a feeling of adventure and companionship that isn’t found in regular hotels. There is a simplistic feel that suits the beach and Costa Rica.
The guys I’m traveling with also have the same mentality so it will make for a comfortable and relaxing few days.
I’ll be back in the Central Valley before my flight leaves on Sunday, but until then… Que Dios le cuide y que le vaya bien : )
Knee deep in the water some where
Got the blue sky breeze blowing wind through my hair
Only worry in the world
Is the tide gonna reach my chair?
My own kind of paradise,
Jessica Lynn
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)