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.