We've Arrived!

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3am came incredibly early this morning. It was one of those mornings where you feel like you only just closed your eyes and suddenly the alarm clock is going off. For a second you think you must have set it wrong. Personally, I know it’s way too early when even I don’t want a cup of morning java. I could hardly form sentences when Mike’s mom asked me if I’d like some coffee and toast. I think all she got out of me was a very weak head nod.

I had spent the previous night in the hospital with my Aunt Pat who is struggling in her battle with cancer and my lack of sleep over these past few days did not make the 5am flight any more appealing, regardless of the destination.

We’ve packed light for this trip however decided it best to take items that cannot be replaced with us on the plane. We figured we’d have to pay extra for the 2 large taped, corrugated boxes but it would be worth it considering lots can go wrong with overseas shipments. The only two things that needed to come with us on the plane was the computer because it has all my music on it and a box of all my photos. Upon arrival at the airport, we were informed that the two boxes would have to go stand-by. Apparently, if we had packed them in actual suitcases instead of boxes, they would most likely go as normal luggage for an extra fee. Good news was that there would be no extra fee. Bad news was that they may not make the flight and could arrive up to 3 days later. Considering we’ll be near the airport for the next 10 days, it really wasn’t a big deal if they didn’t show up right away. My only concern is that they may not show up at all. Too late, we were already at the front of the line and a little late for our plane so we decided rather than miss our flight, we’d let the boxes fly stand-by and off they went.

Another interesting thing to note about the Dulles airport - our flight was due to leave at 5:20am. We made it through check-in by 4:30 and knew we’d still have to get through security and make it to the gate fairly quickly to avoid running through the airport. Funny thing is that apparently security doesn’t even open until 5am! So basically, regardless of what time you get through check-in, you’ll still wait for the security lines to open. Luckily we were at the head of the line and made it through quickly but it was still a very fast walk/jog to make it to the gate before departure. Why on Earth security doesn’t open until 20 minutes before a flight is due to leave is beyond me. The only thing Mike and I can figure is that the airlines are private and airport security doesn’t exactly have to change their schedules to accommodate the airlines departure times.

Another note was about our airline - Taca. I have to say, I was completely impressed. We’ve recently flown both US Air and American Airlines, both of which we had to pay for lunches and headphones. Both of which were a bit pricey. Not only did the Taca flight provide us with a newspaper and snack but the headphones were free and the ticket price couldn’t be beat. Considering Mike and I are now technically unemployed, my new favorite word is “gratis” (Free). Anything free, I’m taking! It’s pretty bad when, for a second, I thought to ask the guy next to me if he was going to eat his snack when I saw him shove it into the pouch of the seat in front of him. Hey, when there is no more pay check, you have to be resourceful and put your pride somewhere else. Needless to say, I’m still working on this and opted not to embarrass Mike too badly. Another plus for Taca was that they served Costa Rican coffee on the flight provided by Café Britt. Along with your coffee, you get a pouch with cream, sugar, and 2 sample packs of Café Britt’s chocolate covered coffee beans. While reading the packaging, Mike noticed that it stated if we brought the empty packages to the Café Britt store in the airport in San Jose, we would get a FREE package of chocolate covered coffee beans. Ah, free - to us, this meant lunch wouldn’t cost a cent. HAHA. I definitely recommend flying Taca if you get a chance.

Our flight took us through El Salvador which seems to have a beautiful countryside and a surprisingly modern airport. We found it interesting that we didn’t have to pick up our bags here and recheck them to Costa Rica. This would all be done for us and we would simply pick up our bags in San Jose upon arrival.

We arrived in Costa Rica right on time and I couldn’t wait to get to the Café Britt store to pick up our free gifts. The best part about Café Britt stores here is that there is always a ton of free samples out ~ everything from chocolate covered Macadamia nuts, to chocolate covered cashews, of course coffee and even coffee liquor. I managed to snag a few freebies on my way out the door to catch Mike who appeared to be seriously rushing off to Immigration. I didn’t realize until later that he was trying to beat the normal crowds that usually await us in Immigration and Customs. To our surprise however, the place was empty. We walked right up to the Immigration officer and 2 minutes later were on our way to retrieve our bags. How nice…

While awaiting the arrival of our luggage, I managed to find an ATM machine and was pleasantly surprised that my ATM card worked. I had problems with that before and had been doing extensive research before leaving the States as to what types of ATM cards work best over here. It was nice to be able to access our account and not worry about searching the city for other machines. Scotia Bank is now receiving my praises for catering to internationally produced ATM cards. If your ATM card has a PLUS sign on the back of it, you shouldn’t need to change money at the airport or at the banks. Simply access your cash from the ATM machine for the easiest transaction and the best exchange rate. Another thing worth noting is that the highest amount that is dispensed through ATMs here is about $25 per shot unless you choose the “Other Amounts” option. My American nature thought immediately to go this route and take out more than I really needed but instead I opted for the $25 - curious to see how far I’d really get on what I perceived to be such little cash. To date, I have not spent a single cent.

Needless to say, our boxes never arrived. Our luggage made it no problem, but there was no corrugated box in sight with our name on it. No sweat though. I had just had a free lunch on Café Britt which included Costa Rican coffee. Nothing could really put me in a bad mood. Besides, having a bad attitude about it wasn’t going to change the fact that the boxes simply weren’t there. The fact that they may never show up and all my pictures and music could be gone, while very hard to swallow, simply means to me that I’m not meant to have them at this stage of my life. What else can you do but be flexible and adapt.

Matthew, Mike’s brother, was waiting for us at the door. Considering we had waited so long for the boxes to show up, he thought we had gotten held up in Customs. We got to see his “new” truck. It’s a burnt orange, 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser, fully equipped with headlights rigged via wire directly from the battery and a handmade welded roof rack. Its simplicity is something to be admired. No CD player, locks all over everything to prevent theft, the coolest bench seats in the back that do NOT face forward but rather face each other and not a spec of computerization. I love it. It’s perfect for this environment and I could see me and Mike purchasing a similar vehicle. Matthew wasn’t biting on my offer to buy his.

We arrived at Matthew’s apartment shortly after, got to meet his neighbors Ana, Juan Carlos, their daughter Gaby, son Carlos and dog Sombra (Shadow) who is a tiny, black Chihuahua mix and the immersion in Spanish began. I understood more than I really thought I would but I have so much to learn and my lack of confidence doesn’t help although I’ve been told that is normal. All will come with time and seeing how fluent and comfortable Matthew appears (even though he says he’s not), really makes me excited about where my own Spanish will be months and years from now.

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Comments

[Michael]

ATM machines
are there any Wachovia's down there?

[NancyLynne]

The pictures are just wonderful, its nice to see and imagine life in that part of the world! Sounds as though such beauty and freedom makes all the tiny, insignificant stresses we focus on, melt away...and one can appreciate more in a purely natural sense. Gotta have music though and I sincerely hope your Aunt will be okay. I've got to try that coffee, if you can bring back any extra :-) !