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Published: December 11th 2008
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Hola amigos!
First of all this is my LAST blog from Costa Rica! All I can say is WOW, I can’t believe 3.5 months later I’m still writing and at that, my final entry! And I just finished my 5 page final report in Spanish - and yes and I proud of that! Needless to say I have many hopes of traveling elsewhere in the world, so hopefully this will just be my last blog from CR!
My internship at my school has continued to be amazing. I have met some incredible teachers who are committed to education and others who are truly the epitome of care givers. I have made some great friendships with the teachers. I thank them for taking the time to get to know me as well as have patience in helping me learn Spanish, even though it isn’t perfect and at times I really confuse words or sentences. Last Friday, I was invited to go to the end of the year party for the teachers and administrators at my school. It was at the house of the sub-director of the school. We had all kinds of appetizers, food, cake, coffee and then a pinata
too! They also exchanged secret santa gifts. They call it “amigos secretos” or “secret friends.” Even though I didn’t participate in this, my boss even gave me a really beautiful calendar for 2009. Every month has a Beaches in CR! So when its freezing cold and snowy outside all winter, I can look at the beautiful beaches and wish I was back in CR enjoying summer. Which by the way it is summer right now here and we are headed towards the nicest three months for weather. Great timing that I am coming home to experience the Midwest at its best during winter!
Anothing thing I have learned is the importance of friendships and really enjoying one another’s company through talking. It really is the best way to get to know another person and it truly shows that you care about them. And another thing very important thing I have learned is at fiestas; is once the pinata breaks run for the candy! It doesn’t matter how old or young you are, everyone makes a mad dash to the pinata to try to gather as much candy as possible. That night I went to a really great Thai food
restaurant in San Jose with some friends. It had great food!
On Saturday, I tried to sleep in, but of course by 7:30am I was wide awake. After breakfast and a morning run with 2 of the other girls, we headed to the pool. It was at least 85 degrees and super hot! A perfect relaxing day at the pool. I have attached a picture of the view from the pool. It is a gorgeous view of the mountains, one thing I will really miss. Later that night, I left with my family to head to Poas, the near by town for the Festival of the Luz, aka Light Parade! It was a great way to get into the Christmas spirit. All of the nearby schools made huge floats with tons of Christmas lights and most had a nativity scene on it. And most of the schools had their students march in the band and the girls twirled batons! The whole town was decorated with Christmas lights and everyone was so festive. It was even kind of chilly and a breeze, so it definitely felt like Christmas!
Sunday was another gorgeous day too! Although, I headed to Sarachi
Poas National Park
once again, I went here but I didnt take this picture to finish my souvenir shopping. I really just relaxed and watched a little “futbol” aka “Soccer” in the plaza. And the team my host dad played on won the championship! Go Dad! He actually used to be a professional soccer player in his younger days. I also played with my younger bro and spent some time with my host family.
I was thinking the other day, how interesting it is to think about how long ago I decided to come to CR. It was a year before I actually came this past August that I decided I wanted to come. And then it seemed so far away and yet here I am almost towards the end of it. I am SO very glad that I decided to come. This experience has really been so memorable and unforgettable. As I think back to the day I came, August 29, I remember a very nervous, very American and barely Spanish speaking girl not knowing what I was getting myself into. I remember the car ride home where I was sitting in silence with my host uncle, host mom and host brother, while he was super excited to meet me and all
Manuel Antonio National Park
No unfortunately I didnt take this picture but I did see it! he wanted to do was talk yet I could barely speak. Yet now almost 107 days later, I can speak Spanish much better and consider myself a little more Tica. I am so thankful that I had this opportunity because many people never get the chance to leave the US in their lifetime. I feel like now my eyes are open to a whole new world of things including appreciation for a different culture.
This week has flew by as well. I have had work each day and today I have my final class at ICLC - my school. And each day I have done a little packing because to everyone who wasn’t there the day before I came, packing was little more than the worst nightmare. I have also been fully enjoying my last few days of “summer.” Also a BIG thank you also so much to everyone who sent me messages, emails, cards, notes, and packages - mom! It really meant a lot to me to have familiar messages even though I am so far away. Thanks a million!
And finally, for the last time, Adios from Costa Rica! I can’t wait to COME HOME &
Abangares Waterfalls in Guanacaste
Unfortunately I didnt take this picture see you all very soon and
Love,
Courtney 😊
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mom
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I can't wait for you to come home too! I'm glad you went to Costa Rica, but it will be nice to talk to you and text you when ever I want to chat..... I mailed you another package but this time it is in Naperville with a WINTER Coat...put the swim suit away girl, see you on Monday...Love ya... Momma