A Not-So-Brief Summary

Arg... Summarizing this is much harder than I would have thought. That's why I wrote so much as I went. But, if you're only interested in the CliffsNotes version - I hope this is good enough (even though it's still really long). I've tried to keep it relatively brief (follow the links to my original posts if you wish to read more), but it does seem to go on, and on...

Many of you probably want little more than,

I had a great time and I'm glad I went. And yes, I can speak some Spanish now.

So - for all of you: I had a great time and I'm glad I went. And yes, I can speak some Spanish now.

For everyone else, the option is yours: to read, or not to read. Enough people have expressed interest that I'm putting this out there for them! Oh, and check out the photos and videos.

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Back in February, after finishing a job with Karaeiga, I decided I needed a fresh, revitalizing pause - before diving in on another project. (Some people buy convertibles or go sky-diving. Me? I said to myself, "Self - why not travel a few months and study Spanish?")

So off I went to Guatemala, Costa Rica, and Panama (a surprise last minute addition). Several friends led the way before me, inspiring the trip and encouraging me to go "while I had the chance." True words! And although I didn't travel for the entire time - I'm closing in on 4 months of "holiday." I highly recommend it: traveling that is*, and especially extended traveling (the sort that lets you relax, ponder, regroup, and consider stuff - from an outsider's perspective... while at the same time availing opportunities to learn, have fun, meet new people, explore, and see the world).

* Taking time off work is pretty nice too - but this is about what I did do - not what I didn't do. But sadly, it's time for the break to end and for me to go back to work.

Language Schools and Learning Spanish
Initially, my interest in Central/South America was cursory at best, but recently that interest started to grow (living in LA has that effect I suppose). So, I enrolled in 2 schools: La Union (in Guatemala) and Wayra (in Costa Rica). I figured living in-country would be a more effective method than enrolling in a Saturday morning class at SMC. I decided to hit two countries so as to experience more culture and learn more versions of Spanish. I knew I'd done the right thing from day # 1 when I arrived and started classes. Wow!

I studied 4-6 hours five days a week (it varied from week to week) and I had a total of 4 teachers - 2 at each school. That was good to keep me learning new things in different ways. But, it was frustrating as well - since each time I switched teachers I felt like I got dropped back a grade to review stuff I already knew but wasn't using (no surprise: knowing ≠ using). The school in Guatemala really pushed grammar, and I learned tons... Then when I got to Costa Rica, I realized my conversational skills and vocabulary needed a push. And good thing - that's what they specialized in. So it worked out perfectly: start with a fast push for grammar and comprehension, then move on to expression and an expanded working vocabulary.

Somewhere in my head, I've stashed away the Korean I once knew. Now, when I try to speak it - out comes Spanish (or occasionally Spanish with Korean conjugation - weird, I know). The cool thing is - it means I actually learned something. As a reference point: one week of Spanish seems to equal to about a month of Korean. I remember about 10 months in Korea thinking I could finally talk to people, and that's about how I feel with my Spanish after 10 weeks.

So - Mission accomplished. I'm not fluent, nor did I think I would be. But I can speak, read, and write in Spanish. And I think that's pretty cool. What's the practical application of this? I don't know, but I don't use Korean much either (and that doesn't stop me from being glad I learned it). Just learning something new is worth it. Knowledge!

Colonial Life and Religion in Antigua
In Guatemala, I spent most of my time in Antigua. What a cool place to call home! It's a great city with plenty to see and do - and it's super cheap! Built in the 1500s and somewhat destroyed by an earthquake in the 1700s, they somehow decided to keep Antigua a representation of the colonial past. So, it makes for great walking tours, ruins, churches, music, and culture. It's really beautiful and somehow really relaxing. Oh and my fellow students were great people (especially the Triumvirate of Wandering).

Catholicism is a big deal there - at least at Easter time. I really didn't realize what I was getting into. Sure, I'd read about the processions and all, but nothing fully prepared me for what I saw when I got there. And, repeatedly seeing these communal-struggles effected me and I took the opportunity to contemplate my own faith and why I do what I do. The spirit in Antigua and my background also led to many discussions about religion (the good, the bad, and the ugly). The long lasting effect of early Catholic "domination" doesn't sit too well with many of the locals, and all us foreigners were just trying to grasp the whole procession thing.

Panama
Bocas del Toro was a wonderful last minute addition to my trip. Panama is a undiscovered gem in Central America. I really can't say enough about it, but the border crossing, the canals, the dolphins, white sands, everything... Go - I highly recommend it. Aside from simply living in Antigua, this weekend was probably the highlight of my trip (sorry Cath).

Tamarindo
And then, if I had to pick a non-highlight for the trip? I guess it would be the city of Tamarindo.http://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gif It may have been the culturally void (mostly) contrast with Antigua or just the over commercialization and touristy feel of Costa Rica, but whatever it was... Tamarindo isn't on my list of places to re-visit. Even so, I had fun surfing, riding scooters, and hanging out with the students. But Tamarindo itself? Nothing special (in my book), and yet there are condos for sale for $680,000 if you decide you're interested. Weird.

Traveling in Costa Rica
But, making up for Tamarindo is the rest of the country. Weekends in Monteverde and La Fortuna were totally unforgettable! Costa Rica has some amazing natural wonders and a booming Eco-Tourism industry. Bugs, zip-lines, off-roading, etc... Really cool stuff.

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Wow, that pretty much covers it... At least summarily. Enjoy!

Movies and Virtual Reality

I love QuickTime VR. It allows me to do this!

Clickn-n-drag the image...
Try pressing shift, alt, or command.
Hopefully it works on your computer.

I shot a whole bunch of these while I was traveling and they'll soon be available here for your pleasure.

I also shot a bunch of movies, but I don't know how many of them are worth watching. Many are just 15 second clips that spark a memory. Anyhow, they're also available here.

A word of warning though: the web server isn't the fastest (i.e. It's really slow), but you're welcome to watch whatever suits your fancy.

Photos are more readily available here.

Photos

I shot about 2,500 photos/videos (rough estimate) during the trip. That works out to about one roll of film a day (in the days before digital) so it's not that much. Since I had over 18 GB* of space to store images, I kinda went picture-happy as I plowed my way through shot... after shot... after shot... after shot...

My guess is that few will have the time (or interest) to look at them all, but I've posted as many as I could for anyone who does (have the time or interest - mainly my fellow traveling companions so they can find images from our times together for their own collections).

I've broken the collection up into 9 albums by location... So, feel free to browse through whichever or whatever suits your fancy!

Although I've been a long supporter of Ofoto - their system wasn't ready to handle this sort of volume. So, I've posted them at snapfish. You'll probably have to log-in to see the images; I hope that works for you!

See the end-note for info about alternative download options.

Before and After - 19 photos
Los Angeles moments before and moments after...

Antigua - 1169 photos (home base in Guatemala)
Colonial City
Religious Processionals
Spanish School - "La Union"
A Triumvirate of Wandering
Churches, Cathedrals, Ruins

Lake Atitlan and Chichicastenango - 95 photos
Remote Pueblos
Central American Market
Reggaeton
Road Trip

Tikal and Rio Dulce - 174 photos
Ancient Ruins
The Freezing Bus Ride
Castle to Fend off Pirates!

San Jose - 67 photos (passing through 3 times)
Tico Train
Children's Museum
Over Commercialized Central American City

Panama - 139 photos (and the trip there and back)
Wild border crossing
Snorkeling and Dolphins
Water Taxi

Tamarindo - 203 photos (home base in Costa Rica)
Beaches
Surfing
Language School: Wayra

Monteverde - 188 photos (and the cloud forest)
Zip Lines
Bugs
Cloud Forrest

La Fortuna - 91 photos (and the volcano - Arenal)
Hiking
Volcanoes
Vistas
Hot Springs

Panoramas - 31 photos
Wide-screen panoramas from various times and places throughout the trip.

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For those who want access to these files in full, high-res splendor - something snapfish wont give you for free - I've posted them all here on my web site. Be forewarned: this is a pretty slow server (but if you want access to the original files, this is where they are). The names match the names listed on snapfish and all the images include the date-shot. You should be able to find any file you need...

If you just want to browse the lo-res images, but can't/won't log into snapfish, the entire collection is here. (It will load much slower than snapfish - but it's an option).

Finally - the movies and Virtual-Reality files are here.

15 Pounds

It's official, the clothes confirm (and the scale agrees) that I lost some weight in Central America. And as far as I'm concerned they can keep it. As a freshman in college, I boasted 3% body fat (I was a growing boy). Trust me, I'm not that lean - but I will say that a few months in Guatemala will do wonders for those "unwanted" pounds.

Anyhow, I know: This is where you all chime in saying, "Um Dave - you're a tiny little stick." Well, so-be-it, but I'm glad to be back to the stick I was 2 year ago (I like that weight). Now I don't have to worry about buying a new Sunday suit!

How's My Spanish

All day, people have been asking how my trip was, and especially how my Spanish is. Well, my roommate Kevin (who speaks Spanish) seems to think I speak pretty well. I figure he's a better (and more realistic) judge than I am. Overall, I'm pleased with what I learned, but also acknowledge that there's plenty I don't understand. No surprise.

Anyhow, I speak easily on many subjects, but have huge gaps in my vocabulary. Even so, hand symbols and patience go a long way. As long as the person I'm talking to actually wants to talk to me - I'm good to go!

In any case, I hope I'm doing better than this...

Showers

I think I detailed the electric showers of Guatemala, but I may not have mentioned that in Costa Rica there was no hot water (heated by a water heater, that is). This really wasn't a problem though, since the days were 90-ish degrees and the unheated water was about actually nearly 80 degrees (and the last thing anyone really wanted, in the heat of Costa Rica ,was a hot shower - or anything else to make them hotter than they already were).

Even so, one of the things I was looking forward to upon my return (by the way, I'm back) was a nice leisurely hot shower (this is America after all). Well - this was not to be. You see - if you want hot water for your hot shower, you have to pay the gas company. And well...

It seems that Friday... The gas company finally decided it would teach my roommate a lesson about not paying bills. Perfect timing! So - I guess those "cold" showers in Costa Rica were good practice for the one I just took. Granted, I think the water was closer to 60 degrees this time around and the apartment is a balmy 72 degrees right now...

So yeah... It was cold. In theory we'll have hot water again on Monday. However, if I stink a bit on Monday - you'll know why. One cold shower was enough.

My lucky day

You know how I thought I'd have a long, boring, arduous travel day on Saturday? Not so.

While riding into town, I realized we were driving right by the airport. No need to go into the city, just to go through the hassle of transferring onto another bus to go back out of the city. So, I jumped off the bus (at 12:02 pm thank you), walked into the airport, checked my bags, and had a full afternoon to enjoy a bit more of San Jose without all my stuff (and without 2 extra bus rides and a taxi).

It turned out that I had about 4 hours, so I went and got another look at San Jose - though the eyes of a child. I went the the Children's Museum. I'm just a big kid, so I really like children's museums. Ages ago, our family would visit the Science Center in Toronto, and I just could get enough. So, in LA, Washington, Rochester, New York, Long Island, even Munich... I'm a sucker for the kids museums.

Cool thing about this one (sorry no pictures yet) was that it's inside a renovated prison. Yup, about 15 years ago an old, run down, falling apart, unusued prison needed something to do with itself. And someone figured out a way to get the money to renovate and open it as a museum! Super cool. Nothing like learning about the pyramids of Egypt from a prison cell.

Anyhow, in the end - I think San Jose grew on me. I don't know if I need to go back, but I found enough to like that I retract my initial assessment.

More Goodbye

Well, much like for Marisa and Sara - this week, we had ourselves a couple "goodbye" dinners here in Costa Rica as well. Francis cooked up a another feast on Wednesday then we got together on Thursday for a lot of pasta (with 3+ options for sauce, thank you). Fun times both nights and yummy vittles to be had.

And yes, Grasshoppers both night.

Why don't you Swiss people like mint with chocolate???

And the winners are...

I'd like to thank the academy for this oportunity.

I'd also like to thank Maret, Mike, Emily, and Scott. Certainly, others have made comparable contributions to the page-counter, but my amature sluething abilities lead me to believe that these 4 are my top readers.

I just like to name drop, so there you go - you're on my blog! Thanks for your comments as well as your encouragement. (Thanks also to all you annonymous browsers of my ramblings: Kathryn, Wendy, my parents and sisters... and more).

This has been a fun trip and I'm not done blogging yet, but I wanted to get you (named and un-named) on here before I forgot.

A Long Day Ahead

For those wondering, "When does all this crazy Vagabondary finally end?" I have an answer... Saturday. But, let me describe the plan to finish this adventure with a bang (or at least a long drawn out rumble).

Tomorrw morning, I catch a bus at 5:45 am Costa Rica time (4:45 Los Angeles time) for the 6 hour ride to San Jose. When I arrive in San Jose, I take a short taxi (not a long one, we already went over that) from one bus station to another bus station. Then, I take a bus from downtown San Jose to the airport. I expect to arrive at the San Jose airport around 1:15 pm.

Then, I wait for about 5 hours. My flight leaves San Jose at 6:15 pm. But, since my bus options were the 5:45 or a noon bus (too late), I'll be arriving plenty early for my pending flight.

At 6:15 pm I leave Costa Rica for antoher 6 hour journey - arriving in LA at 11:30 (12:30 Costa Rica time).

Check my math, but I think it's about 19 hours of travel. I hope I can find a plug in airport for my iPod!

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Now, why am I not flying out of Liberia? A good question. And I don't have an answer. Rookie mistake, I suppose.

How do we sleep while our beds are burning

Walking to the bus this morning, I was reminded of a Midnight Oil song... Maybe you don't know the song, it doesn't really matter.

Anyhow, point is - there's nothing like burning foam to give the morning a fresh scent!

This is a pretty standard method for getting rid of trash (usually paper and dirt, but I guess plastics as well).

Unfortunately I don't have access to the photo right now, but a few weeks ago - at the bus stop - a women was using matches and lighter fluid to ignite her trash. Imagine your grandmother playing with fire: I was amused!

Food

Breakfast in Costa Rica is always a surprise. Some days, I eat the same food the family eats (Gallo Pinto). Some days I get my own 'special' feast. It's been odd for me getting my own menu. It makes it feel like there's an awkward imbalance in the house. I asked my house mom about it, and I guess past students have complained about "Gallo Pinto every day."

When I first arrived, she asked me what food I liked or didn't like. Trying to be easy (I'm like that), I told her pretty much everything works. Sure, I don't drink coffee or tea in the morning, but otherwise - anything goes. Then, I noticed that I was rarely served what everyone else was eating. Strange.

I often eat alone in the mornings. Apparently, no one likes eating as early as me. So, I wake up to my own privtate morning meal. Sometimes I've wished I could just eat the "normal" local food, but I never found a polite way to (without offending them) tell them that their efforts at "American" food were somewhat wasted on me. The few times I've had Gallo Pinto, I've really liked it. However, I've decided that the cheese and pancakes of Costa Rica leave something to be desired.

Unlike Antigua, I have to find my own lunch daily. In an effort to keep things cheap... I often survive on a slice of pizza from the local supermarket. That's $2, but the restaurants around here are ready to charge $8 for lunch. Needless to say, I haven't really gotten to know the restaurants. I'm suffering from memories of insanely cheap food in Guatemala, and I can't bring myself to endulge the "crazy" prices of this overpriced tourist town.

For dinner, I usually eat at my host home. Sometimes I eat alone, sometimes with one or two others. Often, then don't eat dinner (not hungry after a long hot day - I guess), but I know they rarely (if ever) all sit down together...

Small

I went surfing today for the second time. It was relatively uneventful (mainly because I had to get to class before the "good" waves arrived). But, anyhow - I went.

Then, afterwards - I was getting cleaned up (using the showers at the school to wash off the sand and salt, etc... As I was getting dressed, I looked down at my sandals (which I had taken and rinced while I washed - and this is what I saw. Look really close - maybe click on the image for the bigger view!

Um, hello - he was sharing the shower with me!!!!!

Online, it says that that their stings are relatively harmless to humans; stings produce only local effects (such as pain, numbness or swelling). Funny thing, that's not what I thought. Nor did I feel like testing the theory that "if you read it online it must be true."



So, I let the maintenance guy take care of it - which he did by picking it up with his hands and taking it away.

Yowsers!!

Arenal

The main attraction (The Volcano - Arenal) almost eluded us this weekend. It's been active, to one degree or another, for several decades... And we wanted a good look. You can't really tell, but there's a volcano hiding in those clouds. The rain for the night before left La Fortuna with a pretty heavy cloud cover the next morning.

This is what that same scene looked like the day before (before we shot off to the other hike and the waterfall). We had actually planned on doing both volcanos the first day, but we changed our plans when the first one took so long, and tired us out, and then the rain came. Our hope was to do Arenal Sunday morning before returning to Tamarindo.

But, well - clouds make looking at lava on a volcano difficult. So, what to do? Window shop of course: kill time! And what do you know - it worked.... An hour later, things cleared up - some. And we decided it was worth a try.

This volcano is a lot more active (and larger) than the volcano in Guatemala, but not nearly as exciting, since you can't see the lava from the base! On the other hand, what Arenal has is massive lava flows and an impressive history. Although we didn't get to see "frash" lava, we could hear it "breathing" and we saw numberous boulders roll down the side bouncing as they went. Amazing!

We hiked a path that (15 years ago) was destroyed by lava. And well - they make it very clear that there's always a dangerous unpredictablity about volcanos!

Really?

Surfing the Tides

Well, I took a surf lesson last Monday. I was able to get-up and yet when it was all over, I was sicker-than-a-dog (I'm out of shape and surfing takes work). I included Tamarindo in my trip because I wanted to "learn to surf." Well, I learned.

Unfortunately, the good tides (high tide) for surfing here coincide with my classes (ie my classes at Wayra are at the same time as the good tides). So, that means I haven't been out on the water surfing a second time. I tried to go yesterday, but poor planning on my part meant I couldn't rent a board (I left my credit card at home, and imagine this: they wanted a deposit for the board - and they wouldn't take my iPod and camera).

Today, I thought about going. It's likely my last chance for good waves, but having been inside for some time (in air conditioning) at this internet cafe - I'm so not interested in

going outside
changing clothes
lathering up the sunscreen
surfing for less than an hour
likely feeling sick
cleaning up in time for class
and fitting lunch in as well

I have just over 2 hours before I start class (1 pm daily, this week).

I think I've figured out why I never learned to surf in LA. Sports that offer such a low ROI on time usually don't interest me. The prep/cleanup time for surfing is about the same as (if not more than) the actual activity. In UT, my sport of choice was skiing. The pay off (8+ hours of skiing) was worth the investment (1.5 hours to get there and back and clean up). I guess I'm "lazy" when it comes to sports.

Outside at Arenal

There are so many options of things to do near La Fortuna. Unfortunately, most of them cost an arm and a leg.

Canyoning
Rafting
Hot Springs
Zip Lines
Waterfalls
Bridges
ATV Tours
Horse Back Riding
and more

We opted for the (relatively speaking) cheaper options of hiking, waterfalls, and a trip to the Baldi Hot Springs. Our first hike was up a volcano (an inactive volcano) near Arenal (an active volcano). I'm pretty sure none of us knew what we were getting into. This "three hour tour" took us up up up up up. My legs are still sore (three days later). I guess it's good though, since it helps prepare me for the annual Broadbent summer hike in the Adirondacks!

Anyhow, as we reached the "sumit" (the lake near the top of the dormant volcano) the seasonal clouds rolled it. Honestly, had we gotten there 10 minutes later, I think the entire hike would have been wasted. Luckily, we got to see what was there - and see it dissapear. These images span about 3 minutes. It was really cool.

I stank really bad when it was over - and I ran out of water about half way through the hike (even though I think I was still carrying several gallons in my clothes!).

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After that, we headed down (instead of up) to a big swimming hole at the base of this waterfall! As luck would have it (it is the rainy season) it started pouring only moments after we reached the bottom. But, hey - at least I was able to rinse the stench out of my shirt!

That evening, we warmed up (waterfalls are not warm, nor is rain) at the Baldi Hot Springs. I know a few people that would call this place heaven. 25 pools of varrying temperature (I'm a fan of 104 degrees, but if you want it they've got much "warmer" and also much cooler.

And yes, in honor of my by-gone days in Korea - I did a few rapid transistions from the hot to the cold and back to the hot... "It's good for you," or so they say! I just think it's a fun "tradition" - but don't get me talking about how I feel about what asians say is "good" for the body.

Wow - This is good!

Finally I made it to the weekly dinner party at the student house. Last week, I wandered the streets looking for the famed house (to no avail) and went home unfed, and unhappy.

This week, I had a guide and I was able to join in Francis' weekly feast. Aside from Easter Dinner (dang, I just realized I didn't write about East Dinner!!!) this was one of the best meals I've had during my trip. He made us pasta AND curry. Oh, how I miss good curry!

Anyhow,k we hung out for a few hours and I dug through Francis' iPod of really great music (or rather, he showcased some great music). I stopped collecting, buying, and picking music several years ago. I guess I've saved money and dedicated my time in other persuits, but I miss knowing great music.

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Easter: I met a family (a couple) at church and they invited me to join them, the missionaries, and a two other families visiten Guatemala from the states. 15+ joined for a feast of true Easter proportions. I had kinda forgotten about mashed potatoes, gravey, roast, and all that. I loved the food I was getting from Casa Juanita, but it (gratefully) avoided that American bloated "I've eaten too much feeling." I didn't really miss that feeling, but maybe it helps paint the picture of what a feast we had.

Cops and Robbers

I live with a family out in the country. One of their daughters (and her family) live in a house out in the back yard. Her daughter is 7. And well... she thinks I understand everything she says. It's kinda funny, since everyone else int he family gives me time to think and question things I might not fully comprehend.

Kembly, however, has taken a liking to the newest house guest and last night she invited me into a rousing game of cops and robbers. She accused me of stealing "something from someone" and insisted that I tell her all about it and confess my crime. She even went into the bad cop routine of banging a brush on the couch and yelling "Tell me!" I was almost expecting a bright light and them a little german "We have ways to make you talk."

Two of her aunts (my house "sisters") had a good laugh at the whole thing. I decidedn to confess that I'd stolen a TV and a radio, but only after bargaining for a reduced sentence. Originally, I was facing 30 days in the slammer, but I agreed to confess only after I got to to lower it to 9 days.

Then, in a strange turn of events, she was facing time - and I was the cop. Busted!

Anyhow, I find talking with kids to be the easiest way to practice Spanish. I'm less self concious and they don't seem to care if I'm talking gibberish. I did the same thing ages ago at Lake Atitlan with all the street vendors. 11 year old girls were trying to sell me gifts for my "girlfriends." I had fun asking them (among other things) if they knew where/who my girlfriend was (since I currently am in the dark on this matter).

A Swiss Trip to Arenal

Does this image look familiar? This weekend, I headed back up into the mountains (this time to La Fortuna to see Arenal and enjoy more of the mountains). It's around the lake from Monteverde. 4 swiss students invited me to join them. They all speak German, English and some Spanish. Being the only American, I'm glad I brought my iPod for the quiet times (or the German times, depending on how you look at it). Oh sure, they spoke English well enough and often enough.

It's been interesting spending so much time with non-Americans. In Antigua, it was mostly Sweeds and French Canadians. Here it's Germans and Swiss. It's good for me really. It's funny (for lack of a better word) how their opinions differ from any american "norm." Of the non-Americans I've met, few would likely understand or associate themselves with either political party in the US. We (Americans) are a strange breed. Most non-Americans like Americans - but often have problems with our government. I guess (on one hand) I'm greatful for that (since it means they don't international politics against me).

Granted, I think it's an odd way to look at the world: considering governments and peoples in separate categories (especially concerning Americans who should believe in govermentment of the people, by the people, for the people).

Animals at School

I've been waiting for weeks to see monkeys. I'm told there are monkeys at Tikal (but I didn't see any). Then, I was told that there were monkeys here in Costa Rica, but again - I hadn't seen any.



And yes, this iguana is eating the dog food.

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The school also has 1 cat, and several dogs. For some reason I don't have any picutres of them. Imagine that?! I guess cats don't interest me (except that I do what I can to stay far far away from them). One joined our class my first week and Josh fed it a cracker. Note to all: don't feed cats - especially during class.

They Call This Culture

I'm not convinced that Costa Rica has maintained any of it's original culture (or at least, it's all been wiped out along this touristy coast). But, the school hosted a little "Culture Night" last week. It ended up being a 20 minute dance recital followed by wanna-be-dancing with the entire school, but I guess that counts.

In addition to watching this couple dance (to a CD that continually skipped), we had a competition to see who could "scream" the best. I guess the guys in the country have a farmers scream. Or maybe not, but that's the impression I got. Each dance started with a cry out from the guy. Granted, maybe it's the equivalent of a contrustion worker whistling at a girl (they didn't really explain it). They did however get all the men up front and we had one chance to show how "tico" (Costa Rican) we were.

I didn't win.

Zippity Do Da

OK, so here's the deal...

Length: 1476 ft.
Height: 426 ft.

It's really easy. All you have to do is

show up
pay $32
don't scream too loud
fly

Catherine was a bit worried about the heights (so it's probably a good thing we didn't tell her she'd get to do it 12 times! Yup, 12 zip lines throughout the cloud forrest near Monteverde. The first few runs are "practice" runs to get you ready for the real ones. What a rush (oh, wait - I mean view). The view of the forrest is fantastic, but I'll be honest - I was a bit distracted by the fact that I was flying by at 45 mph! I highly recommend it.



On the other hand, if you just don't trust your life to a small metal pulley and a stap of nylon webbing, there's always the other option: bridges. We did both. The bridges may not be as "adventurous" but we got yet another close look at the forrest, but this time from the air.

Lions and Tigers and Bear... and more...

OK, so there are no lions, ligers, or bears up here. But, that doesn't change the fact that there should be. Everything else seems to live in these forrests (7+ millions ants, beatles, spiders, fireflies, Two-Toed Sloths, Tucans, etc...). We went on two hikes through the "backwoods,"and saw a collection of unexpected and amazing stuff. One of the hikes was at night, and might I say, "Night is the time to visit the forrest."

Granted - without a guide, we probably wouldn't have seen a thing (and this forrest would have felt like any number of other random places I've hiked at night). However, Carlos (Ws that his name? Sure. Why Not?) seemed to have x-ray/night-vision eyes. He turned this way and that way and kept finding bugs, birds, mamals, and more. So worth it!



Sunday morning, we went back in for another peak (in the daylight). We didn't see the monkeys Cath was hoping to see, or nearly as many animals/bugs as the night before, but it was still a great way to see the forest and spend the morning together.

Click on the photo, then look at the base of the tree to see Grant scrambling up it - and get a picture of the truely amazing size of these trees!

And yes, it's "rainy season" here too (like everywhere else I've been lately).

The Road to Monteverde

The hot spot to visit in Costa Rica seems to be Monteverde, and for good reason. The place is amazing, but it's also in the middle of nowhere. In fact, the people that live there have requested that it remain thusly isolated. Getting there seems like a pretty easy task, until you reach the final 35 km (intentionally unpaved, rocky, dirt roads). Oh sure, there are 4 (maybe even 5) different roads into town, but they're all a bit bumpy.



The views along the way are amazing though. We drove into town (and away) during sutsets (on Friday and Sunday respectively*) and we got to see the clouds come in and the colors change. It's really quite beautiful. It's super thick rain forest up there. Technically, it's a cloud forest because it's pretty much enveloped in the clouds most days.

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* for those tracking my movements on the Broadbent--Travels-Commomorative-Calendar

Catherine and Grant

OK, we NY Broadbents know who to plan vacations. Or rather, we get really lucky. Catherine (my sister) and Grant planned a trip to Costa Rica that perfectly coincided with my trip. And yet, we didn't even have to coordinate it. In fact, I think it was a bit of a surprise to us that it happened. Whatever the case, they were my salvation from Tamarindo this weekend.

More about this photo, and many more in future entries, but alas - I have to get to my äfterschool" activity. Suffice it to say, we have a blast in Monteverde. Now, back to the weekly grind on the beach. Rough life.

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Oh, and Cath gave me AA-batteries and pens for my birthday. Very important!

It Looks So Easy

In my college days, I had a nickname. 18 years ago, my friends called me "Mouse." It's a long story. Well, not really - but I don't feel like telling it.

Suffice it to say, these mice have me beat on the waves.Today, I had my first surf lesson (finally), and I pretty much wanted to hurl when it was over. I am SOO out of shape. For those of you who surf, you already know this. For the rest of you - surfing is NOT just about "catching the wave" or "getting up on your first try" (which I did, thank you). It's also about pulling yourself through the water with only your hands, while balancing precariously on a board and being repeatedly attacked by mountains of water. I really need to work my upper body.

My teacher says 10 pushups in the monring and 10 at night every day will make a difference. He might be right, but perhaps I ought to just start swimming again. Whatever the case, my teacher (I think his name was George) got me going and I now understand what I need to practice.

Some people scoff at Tamarindo's waves, but I was completely satisfied. They were as big as I could have wanted and plentiful. It was a bit "crouded"but I don't really have anything to compare it to. However, it was nice to have various instructors yelling to their respective students, "Now, now, pladle!" It helps with the whole, "When do I go?" question of starting to surf.

We'll see about getting back out in the water. Unfortunately, my school schedule an the local tide charts seem to be in disagreement over where and what I ought to be doing.

A Week in Review

Well, this week seems to have flown by (new family, scotter tours, swimming, school, electricity difficulties, new friends, etc... Here are a few photos from a variety of locations and events. I won't bore you (or me) with any more specifics, but enjoy these photos noneetheless.

It seems as if there was something new and exciting everyday! I've been pretty busy. And leaving the house at 7:30 am and returning at 8:00 pm daily has worn me out.

Vroom

Josh (my classmate) suggested we rent a scooter and explore our surroundings. So, off we went. After class Tuesday, we rented a moped and had it for 24 hours. Wednesday before class we left bright and early and spent 6 hours cruising town (and surroundings). Don't I look goofy?

We found a few cool beaches, met some crabs living on volcanic rock, and cruised through a few neighborhoods of various states of development (this area is pretty much one big construction zone - it's really kindof amazing). Fun times!

I'm not sure what else to say, but really - this week has been "something new ever day."

Wayra

Wayra is my new school in Costa Rica. They picked me up (in a minivan) from my host family bright and early Monday morning (not a problem though, since I was already up quite early without a problem). Anyhow, I had a quick interview and then I was told I'd start class in the afternoon. Huh? Oh, ok - so I guess I had the morning to explore town (something I enjoy). So off I went...

That afternoon, I started class. I'm in a "group" class, but that ends up being totally fine, since it's a "group" of 2 students. I was a bit worried that I'd end up in a class with 5 people (which I was prepared for, but not particularly looking forward to). Instead, it's Josh and me with Sylvia as our teacher - for week one anyhow (since Josh is leaving at the end of the week), and I'll change teachers next week. Every week - a new teacher. That's how it is.

And (as with La Union) there was an afterschool activity... We learned how to make (i.e. we helped cook) something of a local treat. I can't remember what it was called or how to make it, but it was fun nonetheless hanging out with the other students and trying some local food.

Rendevous

Luckily, on Sunday I was able to catch the last bus to Tamarindo at 3:30. Thing is, it's a 6+ hour ride and I didn't want to show up on my family's door step at some crazy late hour. Luckily, the bus ran a little ahead of schedule.. But, here's the trick. I was told to get off at one stop - and my family was waiting for me (something I didn't know to expect) at a different stop.

So, I grabbed a taxi (like I had been instructed in an email from the school) and made my way to the house (at about 9:30 - pushing it in my mind for "late arrival"). I even had a phone number so the cab driver gave them a call to be sure things were good (and to help us find the house - since the address was "150 Meters East of the Plaza). No one answered. Wooops.

Nothing like being out at night in a new city with nothing but dirt roads in all directions and a cab driver who can't figure out where to take you. Anyhow, the "mom" wandered up the street about the time I was starting to worry and said she had been at the "other" bus stop waiting for me.

Oh well - long story with a boring ending.

Things worked out. I was exhausted. I moved in, showered (first time in 3+ days, thanks) and went to bed...

I met the animals the next morning.

Tico Tren

Tico is Spanish for "Costa Rican."

Tren is "train"

This is the Tico Tren.

It's a bit hokey (for lack of a better word), but I'm glad I rode it. I got a nice overview of the city without having to kill hours walking. Also, the driver's son gave a nice little "this is this and that is that" speach (bilingually, I might add).

Granted, the book said it would be $2 and it was really $4, but who's couting? We saw a tree that John F. Kenedy planted. We saw the supreme court. We saw a house that's now a restaurante (don't ask me why it's on the tour). And more. Fun times.

Oh sure, the "train" broke down at one point and we had a 10 minute "wait while we clean out the carborator" moment and I ended up missing the 1 pm bus to Tamarindo, but again: who's counting.