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Published: September 27th 2011
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It has been a busy, yet fun filled weekend. Besides adventuring down the Pacuare River and exploring some of San Jose with friends, I got to see my first volcano on Sunday with my familia tica. Lorena, her daughter Irina, and Irina's husband Moasir, and I ventured to Volcan Irazú. This volcano is the tallest in Costa Rica, and last erupted in the sixties. In the base of the main crater was a bright emerald green liquid that continued to change colors from green to brown and back to green, due to the chemicals in the volcano. I'm not going to lie... I pictured red hot lava and what not, but I will be seeing other volcanoes while here, and I've been told Arenal indeed has red lava and is still active. It was very cold on top of the volcano and I was thankful to have gotten a glimpse of Irazú in the sun because shortly after we arrived the fog rolled in heavily. We walked around the top of the basin and Lorena told me about the different plants that were now thriving there. (Lorena used to teach biology and is extremely intelligent). After exploring the volcano we came
back down the mountain where we purchased queso, papas, y cebollas (cheese, potatoes, and onions) from various mountain venders. We then enjoyed a late lunch, where I devoured grilled chicken covered in melted cheese, pico de gallo, beans, and guacamole, YUM! After that we drove into Cartago which used to be the capital of Costa Rica. Cartago was a really cool little town and Irina knew of this tiny ice cream shop called Helados Granados. The shop was part of a man's home where he makes all of his ice cream by hand and from scratch. The ice cream comes frozen in squares on sticks, much like a popsicle, and there were maybe ten flavors to choose from. I had maní, peanut flavor and not only was it full of chopped peanuts, but I think it may have been the best ice cream I've ever had. Que rico!!! Also it was the cheapest ice cream I've ever encountered as it only cost 390 colones (less than a dollar). After our phenomenal helados, Lorena and family showed me Cartago's Basilica. It was stunning. I don't know that I've seen a church that size and that beautiful before in my life. What
a great Sunday!
Today after school I went into San Jose with our whole group to have a little tour of city. First we went to one of the markets for lunch and shopping. I had a dish called "casado" which translates as married. A casado is a plate that's got a little bit of everything, salad, rice, beans, veggies, platanos, and meat. Freaking delicious. After lunch we attempted to check out the National Museum but it was closed. We got to witness a large protest in the streets which was cool. From what I understood from one of the workers is that there is an electrical company here called Ice, which is a monopoly and supplies electricity to the entirety of Costa Rica and all of the money coming in and out of the company is used solely for Costa Rica'a benefit. Apparently the government is attempting to disrupt their system somehow... I don't know if they are trying to bring in an outside electrical company, or take money from this current company and use it else where but the workers of Ice were protesting. Then we went back to the market where we shopped and bargained and I
bought a few more gifts for you loved ones at home. Because the museum we wanted to see was closed, we went to the Nacional Theater which was absolutely beautiful. I really hope I have the opportunity to see a show in such a historic building. We then ventured to another market where we all got an ice cream. My Spanish teacher had recommended the place called Lolo Mora, unfortunately they only had one flavor haha which was vanilla with cinnamon. It was good but different, sometimes it reminded me of a gingerbread cookie. After exploring San Jose we went to Niños Sin Fronteras (Children Without Borders) to meet with a woman and discuss volunteering with the organization. I cannot wait to volunteer with Children's Without Borders. There are opportunities for me to shadow the doctors and work with them in impoverished areas. There are opportunities for me to translate between patient and doctor, to keep record of the different medical cases, to request donations from other hospitals and doctors to donate time and resources to children in need, to head lice campaigns in local schools and both check for lice and distribute medicine. The opportunities with this organization are
diverse and seemingly endless.
Overall the last two days have been great. Tomorrow after class I get to have another intercambio and practice my Spanish with a local student, as well as help them with English. Wednesday after class I will be volunteering in the preschool again, and Thursday will be my first day of actually painting in my painting class.
Pura Vida :D
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Tio Pablo
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Hey Laura, I\'m enjoying your blog. Thanks for my pic, buen culo. Sorry you\'ll miss PaPa\'s birthday party, I\'ll be BBQ\'ing chicken and Tri Tip...yum. Let me know if you find any voluntarios for my favorite organization \"Tios Sin Novias\"