Tortugero

Time is flying by! I can't believe I have been here for almost two weeks. This past weekend I visited Tortuguero, “the Venice of Central America”. It was a surreal experience. A quaint little town that can only be reached by boat or plane, the people have a laid back, Caribbean lifestyle. It reminds me in some ways of the New Orleans bayou. We spent the weekend cruising the canals in search of wildlife. I had my first Costa Riccan monkey sighting! It was a nice break from life here in Heredia. I especially enjoyed being able to watch the Sun’s win game 3!

Earthquakes...

So I guess we had an earthquake down here? This is news to me since I did not feel anything! However thats probably due to the fact I was on a very bumpy bus ride returning from San Jose when it happened. The capital of Costa Rica is anything but glamourous. Consisting of numerous shops and street vendors, al centro is just plain grungy. I did not have time to visit the museum and national cathedral so I have yet to fully experience the capital. It has been wonderfully cool and rainy. On Wednesday I got to experience my first Costa Riccan mall and movie. The mall was really nice and compares to anything in the U.S. (except fashion square because nothing compares to that!) My favorite part had to be watching Robin Hood with spanish subtitles. It made the movie so much funnier! Tonight we are heading to a discoteca were the cambia, meranga, and salsa are danced. Even though I took the dance class on Wednesday I am sure my dancing tonight will be very entertaining.
Hasta Luego!

Thunderstorms & Yoga

I apologize That somehow my blog ended up Being in Spanish .... Probably this is due to the fact-I am updating it on the computers at my school here in Heredia. I will try to find someone more computer savvy myself Than to fix this.

Yesterday was the first of many days of heavy rain. It is winter here in Costa Rica which means rain and tons of it. We were trapped at school all afternoon underneath the outdoor pavilion and ended up doing yoga. It was easily one of the silliest and best things I've done while in Heredia. I've loved not only connecting with my family tica but the students here at CPI. My family and I are becoming more and more comfortable with one another. It is truly amazing how universal humanity is! I am now at the point were I feel completely at home here. Those feelings of fear and isolation have long passed.

Queridas!

PS. As Promised I have a FEW pictures from the Volcano Poas & Heredia ..

The Gardens of the National Church in Heredia

The volcano arenal spewing ash at six in the morning....

The peace waterfall

The volcano Poas..it was very foggy and almost impossible to see!

Hola de Heredia!
So I have decided..much to my own dismay.. to create a blog. I know, I am NOT a blog person but this is the easiest way to keep everyone updated on my Costa Riccan adventures! My first few days here have been eventful. My host family was incredibly warm and welcoming. My mama tica (house mom) is an amazing cook. I have yet to go hungry and am on the verge of becoming a "gordito". My room is nice and I have a bathroom to myself. However it is still uncomfortable compared to my life in Scottsdale. Sunday my host family took me to see the volcano poas and the peace waterfall. It was so beautiful! It has been alot easier to communicate than I thought it would be. Everyone is so understanding. So far classes have been great. I´ve met alot of students which has helped me feel less isolated. It is nice to know people understand the difficulties you are going through. I am still facing issues of fear. I am not yet familiar with Heredia and its customs which makes it difficult to know what is and is not ok. However I know God is protecting me. Already he has placed people in my life that I know I can trust. Right before I left my mom gave me a piece of paper with Psalm 91 written on it. I´ve been reading it each night and it is just greater reassurance that God has control of my life and is using me for a purpose in this beautiful country! I will try to update this as often as I can..I´ll post pictures soon!
Quierdas!