I cannot believe we have been here almost a week! The time has gone by fast, yet I feel like we have done some much while we were here. Our first day (Friday, May 11th) was extremely long, between getting up early to go to the airport, flying, changing time zones, and riding around the city, we were all exhausted by dinner. On Saturday, we got up early and went to La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This place was absolutely breathtaking! We got to feed toucans, hold butterflies, learn about the culture, and see the beautiful waterfalls. When we got back to the hotel, Mrs. Bramley decided she wanted to go Salsa dancing somewhere. Our guide, Joe, called around and found out there was a soccer (futbol) game that night in Heredia for the National Championship. Myself, and several of the girls, decided to go downtown to watch the game and experience more Costa Rican culture. Heredia won the game and the whole town was ecstatic! It was an amazing, once in a lifetime experience to be in the hometown of a team and watch the team win the Championship game, that was going on a mile down the road. I will never forget that experience! The next day, Sunday May 13th, we went to Poas Volcano. That day we were quite lucky to actually see one of the craters of the Volcano, since normally the clouds cover it up. After we visited the volcano, we came back to CPI Heredia (our school) for orientation and testing. We then got to meet our families and go home with them for the first time.
My family is made up of a mother, father, and their 29 year old daughter. The mother is a housewife, the father is a taxi driver, and the daughter is a secretary and student. I was quite nervous to meet the family, but I cannot be more happy than with the family I am with right now. They are amazing people and they have been housing students for 15 years now. I mostly spend time with the mother, my Mama Tica, and she is so patient with me as I am trying to learn Spanish. Their home is very nice too, so I am very comfortable in my home stay. I have my own separate entrance, with my own bedroom and bathroom. It is simple, yet very beautiful.
Throughout this week, we have taken Spanish classes and class with Dr. Crawford and Mrs. Bramley. On Tuesday, May 15th, we visited Ecovillas; a self-sustained community run by an American who feel in love with Costa Rica 17 years ago. This place was extremely interesting, not to mention beautiful because it is so connected to nature. Today, Thursday May 17th, I walked with my family and their church around the neighborhood as they prayed and sang songs. Although it was 5 am when we did this, I am extremely glad I got to have this experience and see the religious side to Costa Rican culture. Today we also went to a school, 2 houses down from where I live, and sang songs and taught a small lesson on the rainforest. This school was for more of the lower income families, yet it was beautiful and interesting to see. The children were very nice, and to my surprise knew a lot of English.
So far, I have had a wonderful experience in Costa Rica. With 1 week down and 2 more to go, I know I will gain many more experiences and see more of the wonderful Costa Rican culture. Pura Vida!!
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