Hey everyone,
It's been a little while since my last post and that's because next week is finals! Therefore, we have been super swamped with work, papers, quizzes, etc. Ugh! This past week has been pretty good so far - on Tuesday my friend Grace and I went to eat dinner with my first homestay family (whom she lived with the second go round). Then last night my friend Marshall and I went to eat at my new homestay family's house, and guess what?! We got to watch Harry Potter Part II (in Spanish) at there house! Thankfully I've read the book so many times that I could understand what was going on even if there was no sound. But don't fret! I still definitely want to go see it when I get back to America. It's so surreal that it's coming to an end. I remember looking at the itinerary at our very first meeting and thinking that this was going to be the longest trip ever. But in reality, this has been the fastest summer of my life and I wish I could stop time. There aren't words to describe how rewarding this trip has been - good times and bad. I still miss you all back home, but I'm definitely going to have an empty space in my heart for this place. So who wants to join me in coming back lol? Once we leave campus, I probably won't have much contact while we're in Samara because my lap top isn't functioning, but mom - I'll call before we leave so that we can work out details for when I return, when my flight gets in, etc. See you all soon :)
Friday, July 22, 2011
Sunday, July 17, 2011
7/17 Naked Zip lining and Bailar!
Hello all!
We are deep into the rainy season now, and it rains pretty much all day everyday, and it's cold - foreign concept to all of you dying of heat exhaustion in GA, eh? Yesterday we went zip lining which was honestly like an outer body experience. We were literally hanging above the forest canopy in a harness on a cable. It's really the best way to travel. It was so much fun, and honestly amazing. Howeverrr, it was pouring on us. I'm surprised none of us have the flu after that. Everyone was completely soaked, despite rain jackets, etc. So I guess you're wondering why this post is called "Zip lining naked". Well that is because I wore these khaki capri pants that became completely see through once they got soaked. Well, not anticipating all the rain or the fact that my pants would be see through, I wore these dark blue underwear that said PINK on the back...everyone could see them. Que averguenza! Yet despite the rain and see through pants, it was such a fun trip and great experience. Well after that we all came back and napped then go ready for the community wide fiesta that was held at the local school to benefit the kids. There was pizza and bingo and the best part....dancing! Pretty much everyone from UGA CR was there and all of our homestay families/friends. I didn't drink at all - but I've never felt so dehydrated after a night out! I danced with my previous homestay dad and the current one, my homestay brothers, and friends. I think I'm getting pretty proficient at meringue (well for gringo standards). I'm going to try to upload some pictures today, but my computer keeps crashing on me! It's soo frustrating - so if anyone knows a good computer guy back home, let me know! Only a couple weeks left; miss yall!
We are deep into the rainy season now, and it rains pretty much all day everyday, and it's cold - foreign concept to all of you dying of heat exhaustion in GA, eh? Yesterday we went zip lining which was honestly like an outer body experience. We were literally hanging above the forest canopy in a harness on a cable. It's really the best way to travel. It was so much fun, and honestly amazing. Howeverrr, it was pouring on us. I'm surprised none of us have the flu after that. Everyone was completely soaked, despite rain jackets, etc. So I guess you're wondering why this post is called "Zip lining naked". Well that is because I wore these khaki capri pants that became completely see through once they got soaked. Well, not anticipating all the rain or the fact that my pants would be see through, I wore these dark blue underwear that said PINK on the back...everyone could see them. Que averguenza! Yet despite the rain and see through pants, it was such a fun trip and great experience. Well after that we all came back and napped then go ready for the community wide fiesta that was held at the local school to benefit the kids. There was pizza and bingo and the best part....dancing! Pretty much everyone from UGA CR was there and all of our homestay families/friends. I didn't drink at all - but I've never felt so dehydrated after a night out! I danced with my previous homestay dad and the current one, my homestay brothers, and friends. I think I'm getting pretty proficient at meringue (well for gringo standards). I'm going to try to upload some pictures today, but my computer keeps crashing on me! It's soo frustrating - so if anyone knows a good computer guy back home, let me know! Only a couple weeks left; miss yall!
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
7/12 Homestay II y Mas
Hey guys,
So I know I haven't posted in a while, so here ya go: I moved into my second homestay this past Friday, and immediately felt so welcomed. It's really nice to be in a family that is so happy and loving because it reminds me of home (aw). Their youngest son is 16, the middle son is 20 and works here on campus, and their daughter is 23, I think, and lives near by. Oh and their youngest son (Kaylor) loves Harry Potter - #winning! Anyone who goes to see Part II of the 7th movie - please think of me! I'll be there in spirit. Nothing too exciting happened over the weekend. We had a coffee tour on Saturday which unfortunately was a bit boring. However, next Saturday we're going zip lining and there is going to be a fiesta (dancing, pizza, etc) in the community Saturday night, so I'm thoroughly looking forward to that. Second piece of business - class. All of the sudden it has become like finals week! I was so stressed yesterday because we all suddenly realized how much shit we have to do in the next two weeks. And to make things worse, the new INTL professor is horrid! Admittedly he is very intelligent; however, our international relations class has turned into American history, but only over the Monroe Doctrine. I mean how many days can you talk about the same thing? Oh it is so dry and boring. Today, though, we are having a former presidential candidate speak, and he's also an economist! I'm looking forward to that for sure, especially since I've gotten so interested in international political economy (nerd alert) :). Pray for us that school doesn't kill us! Last thing - I want to express my condolences to all of you who are suffering in the Georgia heat. It's a cool 72 degrees here.
Adios!
So I know I haven't posted in a while, so here ya go: I moved into my second homestay this past Friday, and immediately felt so welcomed. It's really nice to be in a family that is so happy and loving because it reminds me of home (aw). Their youngest son is 16, the middle son is 20 and works here on campus, and their daughter is 23, I think, and lives near by. Oh and their youngest son (Kaylor) loves Harry Potter - #winning! Anyone who goes to see Part II of the 7th movie - please think of me! I'll be there in spirit. Nothing too exciting happened over the weekend. We had a coffee tour on Saturday which unfortunately was a bit boring. However, next Saturday we're going zip lining and there is going to be a fiesta (dancing, pizza, etc) in the community Saturday night, so I'm thoroughly looking forward to that. Second piece of business - class. All of the sudden it has become like finals week! I was so stressed yesterday because we all suddenly realized how much shit we have to do in the next two weeks. And to make things worse, the new INTL professor is horrid! Admittedly he is very intelligent; however, our international relations class has turned into American history, but only over the Monroe Doctrine. I mean how many days can you talk about the same thing? Oh it is so dry and boring. Today, though, we are having a former presidential candidate speak, and he's also an economist! I'm looking forward to that for sure, especially since I've gotten so interested in international political economy (nerd alert) :). Pray for us that school doesn't kill us! Last thing - I want to express my condolences to all of you who are suffering in the Georgia heat. It's a cool 72 degrees here.
Adios!
Thursday, July 7, 2011
7/7 Back to San Luis
Soo Arenal was amazzzzing! So beautiful and very touristy. We stayed at this nice hotel that had pools and hot springs. We also visited Bali Hot Springs (google it) which were the most beautiful and luxurious pools of hot ass water anyone has seen. There was also a ridiculously fun (yet unsafe) waterslide there too that we went down many times. The day after Baldi, we went horseback riding up the volcano and saw some really spectacular views. We even got to gallop a little bit which was so much fun, but again - no regulations here. We had beginner riders cantering and galloping lol. One of the best things about going to the city and Arenal was the delicious food. We're actually glad to be back on campus so we'll stop eating so much! We definitely gorged this past week. I found a lot of cool souvenirs in Arenal too :)! It's kind of nice to be back here on campus. We really missed everyone, and I'm suuure they missed us lol. Our group is the largest and definitely the life of the party (or the loud obnoxious group according to one of the lesser fun groups here). I uploaded pictures to facebook - so go check them out! Time here is going by sooo fast, and I don't want it to end. Classes start back tomorrow and we're getting our new teachers, so wish us luck! (Oh I guess I need to explain - 2 of our teachers got dismissed. No one knows really why - they won't say. But anywhooo...). So the new professors are from the University of San Jose and in July we're going to have a guest speaker who was a presidential candidate here, so this should be really cool. Well I need to go unpack, so talk to you cats later!
Monday, July 4, 2011
7/4 Fourth of Julyyyy! Only Cool People Day Drink.
Hello all!
So to give you a run down of the past few days events... 2 days ago we took a tour of San Jose. It's almost amazing how different Central American cities are from those in Europe. San Jose is pretty dirty and crowded, but there are a few pretty buildings, and some really cool murals. So Friday and today we went to this open market which was really cool. We got to haggle the prices and I got some cool gifts - so get pumped. Stuff here is way more expensive than you would think though :(. So yesterday we went RAFTING down the Pacuare River which is one of the top 5 rivers to kayak in the world. It was amazingly fun! We hit several class 4 rapids. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of rafting, so you'll just have to take my word for it. So obviously today is July 4th (Amuuuuurica)! After shopping some more at the market, we all went to the hole in the wall bar that is full of ex-pats and has obviously been visited by Mel Gibson in the past (his picture/signature is on the wall). Well since it's the most American friendly bar in town, they were having a special on hotdogs and Old Milwaukee beer. It was a blast. We all went around and said why we love America and naturally made a pyramid of beer cans. We definitely feel more patriotic being in another country. Tonight we're going to a restaurant call "W'Happin". Stay tuned for details lol. Tomorrow we leave for Arenal! Happy 4th of July!!!
So to give you a run down of the past few days events... 2 days ago we took a tour of San Jose. It's almost amazing how different Central American cities are from those in Europe. San Jose is pretty dirty and crowded, but there are a few pretty buildings, and some really cool murals. So Friday and today we went to this open market which was really cool. We got to haggle the prices and I got some cool gifts - so get pumped. Stuff here is way more expensive than you would think though :(. So yesterday we went RAFTING down the Pacuare River which is one of the top 5 rivers to kayak in the world. It was amazingly fun! We hit several class 4 rapids. Unfortunately I don't have any pics of rafting, so you'll just have to take my word for it. So obviously today is July 4th (Amuuuuurica)! After shopping some more at the market, we all went to the hole in the wall bar that is full of ex-pats and has obviously been visited by Mel Gibson in the past (his picture/signature is on the wall). Well since it's the most American friendly bar in town, they were having a special on hotdogs and Old Milwaukee beer. It was a blast. We all went around and said why we love America and naturally made a pyramid of beer cans. We definitely feel more patriotic being in another country. Tonight we're going to a restaurant call "W'Happin". Stay tuned for details lol. Tomorrow we leave for Arenal! Happy 4th of July!!!
Friday, July 1, 2011
7/1 San Jose
Hello all!
We arrived today in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. I can't say much except we ate in the hotel restaurant and it rained all day. I had some chicken lasagna and it was sooo delicious. It's been so long since we've had something other than rice and beans and veggies. After lunch many of us just napped becauseee...we went out last night in Santa Elena again. We had a really great time - no one got wasted and we had a really great dinner of just students at a local pizza place. We did some damage on that pizza! But to back track a little more, the end of my homestay went really well. I really started to click with my family, and they even invited me to stay with them again if I return some day. So back to the present - after that nap, we all went out to this nice dinner, and to be honest, I don't even know the name of the restaurant. We all ate waaaay too much, but it was delicious. A lot of people went out tonight, but me and a few others decided to stay behind and chill. I think tomorrow we have a museum tour planned and I think on Sunday we're going rafting! I definitely can't wait for that! Check my facebook - I uploaded some new photos :). I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!! Miss you.
Nos Vemos
We arrived today in San Jose, the capital of Costa Rica. I can't say much except we ate in the hotel restaurant and it rained all day. I had some chicken lasagna and it was sooo delicious. It's been so long since we've had something other than rice and beans and veggies. After lunch many of us just napped becauseee...we went out last night in Santa Elena again. We had a really great time - no one got wasted and we had a really great dinner of just students at a local pizza place. We did some damage on that pizza! But to back track a little more, the end of my homestay went really well. I really started to click with my family, and they even invited me to stay with them again if I return some day. So back to the present - after that nap, we all went out to this nice dinner, and to be honest, I don't even know the name of the restaurant. We all ate waaaay too much, but it was delicious. A lot of people went out tonight, but me and a few others decided to stay behind and chill. I think tomorrow we have a museum tour planned and I think on Sunday we're going rafting! I definitely can't wait for that! Check my facebook - I uploaded some new photos :). I hope everyone has a great 4th of July weekend!! Miss you.
Nos Vemos
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
6/28 Hey-o!
Hey Gringos!
Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I've been at my homestay! This weekend I worked in the garden, played with their super cute dogs, learned alll kinds of info about the family and kids lol. My "family's" kids are about my age, so that's been pretty cool to talk with them and all. They love my music. I also cleaned and learned to wash my clothes by hand. It's been such a different experience, but really rewarding. Oh! I also learned how to fry plantains (which is my new favorite food group). I'll have to make them when I get back. They're "muy rico" which means really sweet or rich. I'll be in my homestay til Thursday, then on Friday we're leaving for San Jose and Arenal. Arenal is the volcano, and we'll be there to celebrate the 4th! I'm looking forward to San Jose for a change of scenery. We're in a very small town here! Side note - Costa Rica has turned me into a certified coffee drinker. I've progressed to just coffee and some sugar now; don't think I can drink it black yet. I feel so mature lol - just kidding. Well that's about all for now. I'll be sure to post some pictures soon!
Nos Vemos!
Sorry that I haven't posted in a while. I've been at my homestay! This weekend I worked in the garden, played with their super cute dogs, learned alll kinds of info about the family and kids lol. My "family's" kids are about my age, so that's been pretty cool to talk with them and all. They love my music. I also cleaned and learned to wash my clothes by hand. It's been such a different experience, but really rewarding. Oh! I also learned how to fry plantains (which is my new favorite food group). I'll have to make them when I get back. They're "muy rico" which means really sweet or rich. I'll be in my homestay til Thursday, then on Friday we're leaving for San Jose and Arenal. Arenal is the volcano, and we'll be there to celebrate the 4th! I'm looking forward to San Jose for a change of scenery. We're in a very small town here! Side note - Costa Rica has turned me into a certified coffee drinker. I've progressed to just coffee and some sugar now; don't think I can drink it black yet. I feel so mature lol - just kidding. Well that's about all for now. I'll be sure to post some pictures soon!
Nos Vemos!
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