Homework, Choir, and San Jose

---

Wow,
Sorry it has been so long since the last entry. So since the last time I did an entry, I reduced my credits I'm taking to only 13 credits while in Costa Rica. I wanted to have time to really experience the country and not have to worry about homework when I dont get credits towards my major with most classes. It's pretty amazing because even though I have 13 credits it's still a lot of homework (seems like 16 credits).

Also I rehearsed with the choir again (three times in 3 weeks we usually rehearse twice a week but they were protesting last week). The rehearsals are upwards of 3-4 hours a day. Friday I rehearsed from 5pm-9pm and Saturday I rehearsed from 8:30 am to 11:45pm. It doesnt seem like it is that long though because there are two separate choirs and tons of music to learn still.

Also it's so much fun because through the choir I've made 3 good friends already and more people I'm getting to know a little more too! In two weeks I'm headed to Monteverde with the choir for a concert and I cant wait to bond more with my fellow students and also experience more of the country. We have a concert that I really need to prep for. On the downside I have to purchase all new concert clothes (black pants, black socks, black shirt, black shoes) because I didnt bring any of that with me. Sorry mom and dad!

So the next day after rehearsal 2 friends and I went to San Jose, the capital, to explore and enjoy the city. It was a lot of fun and I ended up purchasing one piece of clothing because I didnt have a light jacket to wear that was a little dressy. I brought a nice sweatshirt but not something in between tshirts and sweatshirts. It was a lot of fun to see the buildings and we ate traditional food and saw so many soccer jerseys due to the game that was going on.

That night it was the ending of the 2 week long festival of saints. The final event was the performance of one of the most popular groups in CR and it was amazing. I met up with a guy from choir and together we hung out and watched the group with a few of his friends. The place was packed solid and people were actually standing in the streets while it was raining. A giant mosh pit with salsa dancing and craziness! How cool.

Hope you like the pics

---

Photos

DSCF5169
all the taxis in the main part of san jose

DSCF5170
us doing the typical tourist thing

DSCF5174
so many freaking pigeons thought I would get pooped upon

DSCF5176
classic architecture

DSCF5177
sweet buildings

DSCF5179
traditional garb of costa rica indigenous people

DSCF5180
who knew that they had clowns too?

DSCF5184
a band playing in the central park...we think it was a childrens festival

DSCF5185
yard sale!

DSCF5186
eating traditional food and watching the soccer game

DSCF5189
me with a police officer (he was so confused why I wanted a pic with him)

DSCF5194
Literally body to body at the last night of the festival (most popular group in CR was performing)

DSCF5195
It felt like a giant mosh pit with salsa dancing