Arrival and First Day

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It was a very long day, but the group arrived safely and in good spirits. Everyone was absolutely starved, since our connection in Charlotte consisted of hurrying to the gate, catching our breath, and getting on the next plane -- no time to get anything to eat. The CPI personnel quickly took action, though, and used a cell phone to call ahead to have pizza delivered to the school so that the group would have enough energy for the placement test and orientation session. The pizza was delivered via motorcycle, but the important thing was that no one passed out during the placement test. Everyone took a quick written test and then had to go individually to speak in Spanish with Cecilia, the academic coordinator at CPI. Some emerged from Cecilia's office with a glazed-over, "deer in the headlights" expression on their faces, but all were placed in classes according to Cecilia's knowledge of the CPI system and her considerable experience with students learning Spanish. The orientation started with a quick tour of the school, and the locations of the restrooms and water cooler were of special interest to most everyone. Next, CPI staff members Mayi, Jennifer and Muni discussed everything from where and how to exchange money to cultural differences and what to expect from a "Tico" (Costa Rican) host family. At around 4:30, the host families arrived to take the students to their host homes.

Evidently, everyone crashed very early because there were numerous reports of waking up at ungodly hours (1:00 AM, 3:30 AM, etc.) on the first morning and feeling like it was time to get up. Of course, the extremely early sunrise and frequent crowing of roosters are not really conducive to sleeping in. Good thing, because class started at 8:00. The students were all smiles by 10:00 -- but that probably had more to do with the snack break (fresh pineapple, watermelon, and mango with little tuna sandwiches and coffee or juice or water) than with the classes themselves. By noon, it was time for lunch in town, and everyone had survived the first day at CPI.

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Photos

First Group Photo
The ASU group relaxes on the steps just inside the CPI gate

First Thing's First
Our first experience with Costa Rican food wasn't quite what we expected. Here we are inhaling a few pieces of pizza just outside the room where orientation took place.

Placement Test
This wasn't the fun part, but at least it was quick. No one complained too much about taking a test after several hours on a plane with very little sleep.

Ready For the Tour
Here are Ashton, Bailey, Lauren, Katie and Elroy near the main entrance of the CPI building waiting for a quick tour of the school.

Orientation
Jennifer, Muni and Mayi conducted a very informative orientation session.

On the Pacific Coast
Mayi pointed out the locations of some of the group's excursions. Here she is explaining that Manuel Antonio is in southern Costa Rica, on the Pacific Coast.

Host Father
As the host families begin to arrive, Anne Marie meets her host father

Host Family
Pete and his host family leave CPI for their home

Host Mother
Reid talks to his host mother as they head toward home.

First Day of Classes
Crystal and Bailey seem happy that they are in the same class on the first day of classes at CPI

This is the life!
Pete and Reid try out the CPI hammocks before class. Ashton agrees to keep talking so that they won't fall asleep and miss class.

Snack Time
Everyone is wondering why ASU doesn't have a nice 20-minute break at 10:00 AM for snacks! Here are Katie and Reid enjoying their snack on the first day.

Pleasant Surroundings
Bailey and Lauren and Crystal enjoy their fresh fruit in the garden area of CPI.

Comments

[William]

Bravo!
That's quite a first two days and night. Sounds as though you are off to a great start. Take in every minute! The sounds, smells, tastes, smiles, whatever...chance of a lifetime. Enjoy!

[Susan Cason]

First Day
Sounds like you all crammed in quite a lot into your first day! Glad you made it safely and seem to be getting acquainted quickly. Anxious to hear more. Anne Marie's emails have been great! Have fun and take lots of pictures!