It's hard to believe I have been here for a whole week already! This past week was filled with a bunch of new adventures for me; some were planned and others not so much, but hey, we've only been here for a week right?
During the week, Lindsay and I spent our time at one of the local librerias in Guacimo. We worked each day helping out students and teachers as they prepare for the upcoming school year. We have learned a lot of new words that will sure help us out while in the classroom as well as how to work a bunch of different machines (copiers, laminators, etc.). It was also a great opportunity for Lindsay and I to practice our Spanish speaking because 95% of our conversations with people are completely in Spanish. I'm really proud of myself, I have become a lot more confident with holding a conversation and it's always so comical to me when people figure out I can speak their language; they're instantly excited, a bit surprised, and ready to engage in conversations with me.
Everyone we work with at the Libreria is amazing and have been so hospitable this past week. They have really welcomed Lindsay and I into Guacimo and made us feel like we're locals, not just visitors! They have even shared a lot of local snacks with us too...I don't think I have ever tried this much new food in my life, no joke.
Everyone we work with at the Libreria is amazing and have been so hospitable this past week. They have really welcomed Lindsay and I into Guacimo and made us feel like we're locals, not just visitors! They have even shared a lot of local snacks with us too...I don't think I have ever tried this much new food in my life, no joke.
On Saturday, Lindsay and I went on our first solo adventure to Puerto Viejo, a beautiful beach about four hours away from Guacimo. We started our day bright and early, getting on the bus around 8:00 am (I have become really accustomed to starting my days early here, I can even talk to people at breakfast now!). When Lindsay and I got on the bus, it was our first time using the currency here so we did hold the line up just a little bit, but afterwards we did a little victory dance because we did it!During our ride to Puerto Viejo, we had to switch busses half way through and walk to another terminal to catch the next bus, which we weren't expecting. We asked the nice lady at the ticket booth and we actually understood her directions and caught the next bus right on time. *cue another victory dance*
We finally made it to Puerto Viejo around 12:00 and soaked up every minute of sun we could! The water was the most beautiful blue and there was a beautiful view that went on for miles. We enjoyed some ice cream, pipas, and each others company all day as we walked through the different shops. It was so great to hear "Pura Vida" every where we turned too, it's just the way of life here!
Once we were ready to head back home, we jumped on a bus to Limon around 4:00 pm. We arrived on time (6:00), but unfortunately there were no tickets left for the bus we needed to catch in order to get home. *cue instant faces of terror* So instead of freaking out completely, we called Mami and she suggested we buy a ticket to San Jose and tell the bus driver we needed to be dropped off in Guacimo...it worked! Next thing we knew, we were on a bus home. About an hour and a half later we were greeted by Papi with open arms at the bus stop. Mami was so happy to see we made it home too, she couldn't stop hugging us! I am beyond thankful to have such a loving host family during my time here.
We finally made it to Puerto Viejo around 12:00 and soaked up every minute of sun we could! The water was the most beautiful blue and there was a beautiful view that went on for miles. We enjoyed some ice cream, pipas, and each others company all day as we walked through the different shops. It was so great to hear "Pura Vida" every where we turned too, it's just the way of life here!
Once we were ready to head back home, we jumped on a bus to Limon around 4:00 pm. We arrived on time (6:00), but unfortunately there were no tickets left for the bus we needed to catch in order to get home. *cue instant faces of terror* So instead of freaking out completely, we called Mami and she suggested we buy a ticket to San Jose and tell the bus driver we needed to be dropped off in Guacimo...it worked! Next thing we knew, we were on a bus home. About an hour and a half later we were greeted by Papi with open arms at the bus stop. Mami was so happy to see we made it home too, she couldn't stop hugging us! I am beyond thankful to have such a loving host family during my time here.
Sunday we explored Guacimo some more and really got to know our town. We went for a walk down all sorts of roads, looking at the different buildings and stores surrounding us. We really do know our way around pretty well and we have managed to understand how to cross the roads without getting hit by cars, which makes me feel very accomplished.
We also got to try a popular dish, rice and beans, today! Mami and Papi brought back loads of it for not only us, but many others in the community. The meal itself consisted of a lot of food: meat, rice, beans, a vegetable mix similar to coleslaw, and another type of vegetable. Again, I'm super surprised by my courage to jump out of my comfort zone and try it, but when in Costa Rica...I must!
We also got to try a popular dish, rice and beans, today! Mami and Papi brought back loads of it for not only us, but many others in the community. The meal itself consisted of a lot of food: meat, rice, beans, a vegetable mix similar to coleslaw, and another type of vegetable. Again, I'm super surprised by my courage to jump out of my comfort zone and try it, but when in Costa Rica...I must!
It's still hard for me to wrap my mind around the fact this is my home for the next seven weeks, but it's getting easier day by day. I miss my family and friends at home (hey guys, I know you're reading this), but this is exactly what I'm supposed to be doing. I find myself constantly smiling because I'm just in awe of this whole experience thus far.
Next week marks the beginning of my time at the school with my teachers, I'm can't wait! Pura Vida, mis amigos! :)
Next week marks the beginning of my time at the school with my teachers, I'm can't wait! Pura Vida, mis amigos! :)
"Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire."