Blogs from San José, San José, Costa Rica, Central America Caribbean - page 27

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Another silly day in class. Then I went to visit where I'm going to be volunteering at an elementary school nearby. The kids there are CRAZY and out of control. It's not like schooling in the U.S. at all. They were just runing around screaming and roughhousing. It's like a train wreck in the middle of a war zone. It should be interesting when I do go to volunteer. We went to the National Museum, which was in a new part of town for me. It's an old fort and it was pretty cool to see what it would have been like to live in it a long long time ago when there were battles going on outside it. It really intrigued me, once again proving how much of a nerd I really am. Whatever. Old ... read more
The Museum
A Museum Piece
Strong attraction

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 30th 2008

Alright, made a big decision today...tired of walking 17 blocks looking for a language institute only to have them tell me that they only hire teachers with permits (something they could have told me two days before when I stopped by). So, I became a backpacker today, if something comes up along the way-down the road, maybe I'll hunker down and teach for a bit, but as for now, I need to get out of the city. So, my first order as a backpacker, do something ridiculous...like bungee jumping. It all started lastnight, a Canadian, Carolyn, checked into my room last night, we started talking, she said something about bungee jumping, I quickly dismissed the idea, thinking back toa conversation Phil and I had about it right before I left, Phil not a fan of the ... read more

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 29th 2008

Started a new class today "Business Spanish." All we did was read from a packet for 2 hours. You know those classes where you would rather be almost anywhere else than sitting there doing whatever you are doing? I just can't seem to understand what makes professors think that we enjoy, or even learn from, just reading a packet the whole time. Now, syllabus day is different. I do enjoy when on the 1st day teachers just give you a syllabus, scan over it, and then let you leave an hour and a half early. I'm ok with that. It's like being rewarded for dragging your tired self to class the first day. But if theres the kid that raises their hand and asks if we have homework at the end of that class..... oh man... ... read more
Money-makin
Dancin'
Hopper

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 29th 2008

No, Paulo. Hit ON you. Hitting is like (insert bitch-slap hand gesture here). Hitting ON is like "Hey baby." Nothing breaks the ice like the language barrier? Our director, Paulo, was trying to give us advice on how to deal with men, but it didn't cover the basics of how to box. Bummer. So, first things first, my family and roommate are awesome! My "Tico Mom" is named Maritza and she is a fabulous cook AND speaks enough English that we can usually understand each other. Her husband, Jorge, their niece Sofia, and a son named Gustavo live in the house. I also have a roommate named Kate who is from Ohio, and who has been here for a month already but who didn't speak any Spanish when she arrived and is still having a great ... read more
Paris Hilton!
Wi-Fi in the Jungle
I'm sorry, Mom and Dad.

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 29th 2008

Hello all! Sorry I have not written anything lately, I know, I have really been slacking! I was sick for 2 weeks, I finally went to the doctor and got some antibiotics and the next day I felt like a whole new person. Thankfully the healthcare here isn't that different from the States. Except that I have no insurance, and I paid about the same amount of money as I would have at home with insurance. But the doctor was nice, the only thing that was different was that she took my temp with a mercury thermometer. Yes, that's right, apparently they haven't invented digital in Costa Rica. Anyway, I did go to the beach, Puerto Viejo, that's when I started to get sick. I promise to post my pictures as soon as I get internet ... read more

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 27th 2008

Hello everyone! I got here! I'm new to the blogosphere, so if you have any suggestions about how I can improve, let me know! But here goes... I started meeting people from my program while waiting in the Atlanta airport, and everything has been good from there. Orientation at Universidad Veritas is tomorrow, and then I guess I have to get into the swing of things around here. It still hasn't really sunk in that I'm here, but I am, so WOOHOO! And I'm going to a party with my host family tonight - it's somebody's birthday! I know this entry is brief, but I felt I should right SOMETHING upon my arrival. 12 weeks left. ... read more
The Little Courtyard behind my House
Bananas? Plantains? We're growin 'em.
Pretty Flower from the Yard

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 25th 2008

So, early morning. Thought I'd tackle the town, I left the hostel with a few destinations in mind and some road names scribbled on paper. Feeling feisty I hit the road, however my I quickley realized that the roads aren't clearly marked and I had no idea where I was in a matter of minutes. But when in doubt...just keep walking! So I just weaved up and down streets looking around, found lots of parks and interesting shops. I kept my headphones in my ears so I could easily ignore the screeches from shop owners. Somewhere along the way in my journey I took a wrong turn and before I knew it I was heading down a not so savory road. People were laying all over the sidewalks and I had to walk in the road. ... read more
Scientology is everywhwere!!!
In front of Children's Museum
At hostel with kitty...and now I have fleas.

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 25th 2008

Day 22 - Thanx Prof Instead of having class in our classroom, our Professor, Senor Mendoza, had us meet at the market downtown. He wanted to take us around the market, which is incredibly similar to Pike Place Market with Costa Rica twists, to show us things and explain about Costa Rican culture. He also bought us all (8 of us) ice cream at a famous heladeria, or ice cream stand/store, as well as candies and sweets - really nice guy and a cool, creative alternative to regular class. Went for another run in the rain today, joined by Kaitlin. I don’t know if I like running alone or with other people. I can’t make up my mind. Help. ... read more
Hahaha.

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 24th 2008

Apparently day one in costa is going to be very anti-climatic. I slept in way too much but I'm trying to fight off a fierce cold, so I feel partly justifed. Plan was to explore the city a little today, but the clouds look menacing and I don't want to be trapped in a downpour. But i'll get moving earlier tomorrow and make it happen...wish there was more exciting Costa Rican adventures to report on, but I'm trying to pace myself...stay tuned.... read more

Central America Caribbean » Costa Rica » San José » San José September 23rd 2008

Day 20 - Chocolate and Gold We watched “Like Water for Chocolate” in Spanish in class today. Really good movie. Also worth renting. After class, the ISA group went to the Museo de Oro, or Gold Museum. There was a lot of cool gold stuff. Also, I really enjoy miniature figurines / miniature models of things. Yea, I’m really nerdy. There’s even pictures of this. Another guy from ISA, Nick from Texas, switched into my class where I was the only gringo. It’s a little better now. Phew. Lastly, I think umbrellas are funny objects. Why? How? I don’t know. They just make me chuckle inside. Day 21 Normal class stuff. Couple people went out to a bar near University of Costa Rica (UCR) called Bufalos for the birthday of a Tico named Oscar, who is ... read more
Miniature Figurines
Miniature Figurines
Miniature Figurines




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