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Published: December 17th 2008
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Hola everyone!!
I have officially moved to the most beautiful, quiet and peaceful community you could possibly imagine!!
I flew into San Jose (the capital city, always a bit crazy) and caught a cab to a small hotel owned by Greg and Brian (the same people who own Jinetes, where I am working (but they don't really work here, they both live in the city and come visit once in a while to check in). It was a very nice room, although I was only there for a short time because first thing Sunday morning, I caught a TINY plane out to the Osa Peninsula, where I am staying. It was only about a 35 minute flight, but gave me a great view of the entire country. When we landed (on this tiny little dirt strip they called a runway), a local with a van picked up all the passengers and drove us down a small dirt road to town. We saw all of these cement spheres along the way, just sitting in random places, that are thousands of years old. Random, but pretty cool. When I got to town, the hotel sent two local boys to meet me
and help me get my baggage to the hotel, as no road actually goes there and you have to walk along the beach. I was taken to my room, and told to just relax for a few days and get settled…so that is EXACTLY what I’ve been doing!
Yesterday, I went on a hike and found a remote beach where I sunbathed and read for hours (yes dad, I wore sunscreen, I promise ☺). I came back in time for lunch, and then read in a hammock for a couple of hours. In the afternoon, Lisa, one of the managers here (the other is her fiancé Jack, and another girl Jessica, but they are all in their 20's and seem really friendly) took me for a tour of the town. It took about five minutes…if that tells you anything. (Lace, you are officially living in the big city to me!). I even saw two scarlet macaw parrots! She introduced me to an older (like, mom and dad type older) couple who live in town and are from Idaho, and we all went to La Jungle, the local bar, for happy hour. It was a great time, and I made
it back just in time for dinner. Oh, yeah, I forgot to mention, I eat with the staff, rather than the guests, which I absolutely love because it forces me to work on my espanol.
Now, on to today. I woke up early this morning and headed out with two other divers to La Isla Cana, which is supposed to have amazing diving and snorkeling. I was the only snorkeler (hehe) and was a little intimidated at first, but it was a blast. The divers came back with some incredible pictures too (lots of sharks!! And close up!) Lisa, the manager I mentioned, has offered to help get my divers certification, so I think I’m going to go for it. Anyways, after the first dive/snorkel session, we headed out for one more. I decided to stay on the boat and make conversation with the captain to work on my Spanish. We had a nice chat, and I got a nice tan!! Then we stopped on the island for lunch before heading back to the hotel. On our way back, we saw a pod of spotted dolphins!! They were amazing, and swimming all around and under our tiny little boat.
I don’t think I’ve ever been so mesmerized and excited and…well, everything all at once. I tried to get a good picture, but they were just too quick for me. So, now I’m back at the hotel, looking over my railing at the ocean while I write to all my loved ones. There are white faced monkeys running all over the roof and railing. In other words, don’t worry about me, I’ve got it all. Except Chaddy. Miss you baby.
I’ll keep you all posted as things progress, and let you know how work is...when I start. :-)
Again, this town is VERY safe. The ticos (locals) are very protective of and polite to the turists, considering the livelihood of their town depends on them. It's also great being "staff" and "living here" because people have been all the more accepting, helpful and friendly. Love and miss you all!!!
Xoxo
Carrie
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Diana
non-member comment
EXCITING!
Hey Care! Sounds like you're having a BLAST! Everything looks like a complete paradise and I am sooo jealous as I sit in a city with the craziest snow I've ever seen and sub zero temperatures! Enjoy that sun for me, and I'll make you a snowman, deal? ;) I miss you a ton and I'm so glad that you can keep in touch and post pictures via this blog - which is totally awesome. I read up on a lot of your summer too! I'm so jealous! haha Well, say hello to the dolphins and the monkeys for me - and dude, you should totally go for that diving certificate!! What an experience for you - I am super excited to hear all the stories. Wish I could be there with ya! Love you so much!! <3 - Diana