Ahhh, where do I begin??? Friday, I was up at 4am getting ready to leave for La Fortuna, Costa Rica. There was five of us going, and we met outside UNA at six. After walking around the city of Heredia for about 30 minutes, we finally found the right bus stop in order to get to San Jose. We got to San Jose, and CLEARLY took the wrong street to find the next bus stop. It was a bunch of old men yelling and whistling at us five American girls. I was not a happy camper and honestly was about to punch every single one of them. SO ANNOYING-its not cute or attractive. They need lives. Anyways, got on the bus to La Fortuna and arrived about five hours later. It was a lonnnng bus ride. Two boys from our hotel was at the stop waiting for us, which came to a surprise. Normally after arriving to the right town, we walk around aimlessly looking for our hostel/hotel. After dropping our stuff off in our room, we walked around the town-looking for souvenirs. Kelsie just HAD to pet a homeless dog and it ended up following us everywhere that night. It was Kaitlyn’s birthday so we went out to dinner, and attempted to look for the Discoteca’s. We found one, but it was lame so we went home after dinner. Kelsi, Kaleigh and I just sat around talking in our room. I have no idea what I am going to do without them once they leave Costa Rica….gah.
Saturday was probably the best day I have had since I have been in Costa Rica. We woke up around 915, then went to the Hot Springs. It was like a resort. It was so so nice! For those of you who don’t know, these hot springs were like hot tubs-but with no chemicals or a heater. The volcano naturally heats them. Who wouldn’t complain about watching USA play soccer in a hot spring in Costa Rica? There were wet bar’s that you could just swim up to and order whatever drink you wanted. Five hours later, we went on a tour/hike near the Arenal volcano. We hiked to a Waterfall-which was beautiful! And I also learned that people can eat termites…they taste like carrots in case anyone was wondering. Then we sat and waited for the sun to set so that we were able to see red lava come out of the volcano. IT WAS AWESOME!!
Sunday, we packed our things and got on a five hour bus ride back to San Jose.
Monday-I had class till noon then studied the rest of the night
Today-I had class till noon-I ate noodles with butter for lunch…it wasn’t too good. In class today, we were assigned a ten page research paper along with a twenty minute presentation due Monday. On top of that, we have a huge test Thursday. Looks like I will be having a wonderful birthday-full of studying and writing a research paper.
BUT this weekend, the plan is go to Monteverde to zip line through the forest and hopefully white water rafting!!
Also, I am teaching my two year old host sister how to high five. I love her.
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
"Donde esta mi pollo?" "In the microwave"
So, Thursday I left for the beach. We got lunch really quick then hopped on a bus hoping it would take us to the Coca Cola station in San Jose, but…it didn’t. So we got off the bus and walked about 8 blocks to the Coca Cola station so that we could buy tickets to Manuel Antonio. We had about an hour to kill so we went to a local bar…my first time drinking here! I only had a beer, I will probably never drink another anytime soon. It is not good! An hour went by, we got on the bus, went on a four hour bus ride to Manuel Antonio. From there, we took a taxi to our hostile. Where do I start with the hostile? It was a room with five bunk beds and had its own bathroom. Sounds nice, right?! But the first thing I saw when I walked in was two lizards right above a bed, and then a momma lizard by another bed. Disgusting! I guess I would rather have it be that then cockroaches or something nasty like that. Friday came, we ate a piece of bread for breakfast and were on our way to the beach. The beach was SOOO pretty. So pretty my pictures look fake. It was well worth the four hour bus ride. Ticos would always come up to us and want us to take surf lessons from them or by a chair to sit on the beach with or would ask if we wanted a margarita. Kaleigh and I took up the margarita offer and they delivered it right to us on the beach! I felt spoiled. At night, we ate dinner then just hung out in the hostile. Saturday, we woke up, ate a piece of bread, and were on our way. We went to the Manuel National park first. Lets just say “we basically played with monkeys on the beach” as said by Kaleigh. They were so funny! They would climb down the trees and get into people’s things and steal things-like food, sunglasses, and towels. They were too cute! We couldn’t wear our sunglasses on our heads because they would have swung down and taken them! We saw sloths in the park also-first time ever seeing one of those and man they were freaky looking. After the park, we went back to the beach until it started to rain! I swear it rains everyday right after lunch until I go to bed.
I just realized I have yet to inform you guys about the weird things in Costa Rica. I can’t believe I have yet to mention this. In Costa Rica, they do not flush toilet paper down the toilets. IS THAT NOT WEIRD???? You throw it away in the trash can. Also, most places don’t have toilet paper or soap, so bring your own if you ever plan on visiting. Anyways, Saturday night we went to dinner then slept because we had to be up early to catch our bus back to San Jose. We got back to Heredia about 5 then I went to Applebee’s with my host father and my host sister, Javier and Fabi, for Father’s day. I only got to talk to my real dad for 50 seconds on Father’s day which was somewhat frustrating. Anyways, monday, I had class from 8-12 then Kaleigh, Kelsi and I stayed at school until 6pm working on our five page paper and 20 minute presentation due the next day. I came home, ate dinner, studied, then went to sleep.
Today, I was up at 5:40am to practice my presentation and I was on the bus by 7:15. My host mom made me pan con queso, I love seeing that on my plate when I walk down the stairs because I know what it is. The presentation went good, for not preparing as much as we should have. The rest of the day for me=napping, doing homework, uploading more pictures, dinner, then more homework.
I can’t believe I have been here for 10 days already. 1 week down, only 25 more to go!!!
I just realized I have yet to inform you guys about the weird things in Costa Rica. I can’t believe I have yet to mention this. In Costa Rica, they do not flush toilet paper down the toilets. IS THAT NOT WEIRD???? You throw it away in the trash can. Also, most places don’t have toilet paper or soap, so bring your own if you ever plan on visiting. Anyways, Saturday night we went to dinner then slept because we had to be up early to catch our bus back to San Jose. We got back to Heredia about 5 then I went to Applebee’s with my host father and my host sister, Javier and Fabi, for Father’s day. I only got to talk to my real dad for 50 seconds on Father’s day which was somewhat frustrating. Anyways, monday, I had class from 8-12 then Kaleigh, Kelsi and I stayed at school until 6pm working on our five page paper and 20 minute presentation due the next day. I came home, ate dinner, studied, then went to sleep.
Today, I was up at 5:40am to practice my presentation and I was on the bus by 7:15. My host mom made me pan con queso, I love seeing that on my plate when I walk down the stairs because I know what it is. The presentation went good, for not preparing as much as we should have. The rest of the day for me=napping, doing homework, uploading more pictures, dinner, then more homework.
I can’t believe I have been here for 10 days already. 1 week down, only 25 more to go!!!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
day 3 = done
I survived day 3 of Costa Rica! I woke up at 6 in the morning and got ready. I walked downstairs and my mom had toast waiting for me at the kitchen table! She walked with me to school for the last time today. I strongly dislike using the bus and the thought of me having to take it for the next 171 days makes me angry! I will get over it. We went on a tour of the city of Heredia. I don’t really know how to explain the tour or what I thought of the city. I saw multiple churches, fountains, parks, birds, the post office, some palm trees, and lots of shoe stores. There are tons and tons of shoe stores here. I learned that every main door to a church is located on the East side of the building-random fact of the day. I saw Burger King, McDonalds, Taco Bell (which was two stories…weird), and some ice cream store. After seeing these, I felt somewhat comforted. After the tour, we had a break. I bought an orange fanta and it DOES NOT taste the same as an orange fanta would taste back en los Estados Unidos.
We then split up into our classes. Today, we talked more about Costa Rica and the city of Heredia. Also, we introduced ourselves and talked about what we saw earlier in the day. We were dismissed. I went to the mall after class with about 20 other ISEP students. As I was typing this, I found four, what I think are ants but I am not completely sure, IN MY BED. The thought of my sleeping with ants just freaks me out, not to sound like a prissy girl. Lord, please help me survive these next months. Please please please please. I don’t know where they are coming from!!! Anyways, we all walked to the mall, which was about a 20 min walk. Once we got there, we all went to go get lunch in the food court. They had McDonalds, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. But don’t be fooled. Me and two girls from my class went to pizza hut. I asked for cheese pizza, and they don’t have it. So, I asked for pepperoni because you can take those off the pizza easily-and they don’t have it. So, I said nevermind then went onto the next place which was Taco Bell. I ordered a cheese quesadilla with only cheese and nachos and a water. They handed me a cup full of water, but it was warm! Who drinks warm water?? The two girls and I got our food and we were trying to find a place to sit. We walked passed this table and as soon as we walked passed, three guys got up and it scared me and Kelsi. We thought they were following us. Anyways, we sat down. Did you know they put sour cream or mayo or something in a cheese quesadilla? DISGUSTING. And then, I asked for nachos like I do when I am back at home. But here, it is like gourmet nachos with beef, sour cream, tomatoes, and guacamole. Second lunch attempt-FAIL. So, I decided to go to the McDonalds and figured you couldn’t go wrong with French fries. Healthy lunch, huh?!
We walked around the mall for a little bit then took the bus back to the university. We used the internet there for 20 min then Kelsi and I took the bus back to our neighborhood by ourselves! Woohoo. We didn’t get lost, thank goodness. (just found another ant...siickk) But now I am going to shower then hopefully pass out and try to forget that I am sleeping with ants tonight. I wonder how many bugs I eat at night while sleeping. Oh, and I made the mistake of taking my computer with me to class today. I carried it around all day long, and now my back hurts. Hopefully I will add pictures soon. I am awful at remembering!!!
Daniella
We then split up into our classes. Today, we talked more about Costa Rica and the city of Heredia. Also, we introduced ourselves and talked about what we saw earlier in the day. We were dismissed. I went to the mall after class with about 20 other ISEP students. As I was typing this, I found four, what I think are ants but I am not completely sure, IN MY BED. The thought of my sleeping with ants just freaks me out, not to sound like a prissy girl. Lord, please help me survive these next months. Please please please please. I don’t know where they are coming from!!! Anyways, we all walked to the mall, which was about a 20 min walk. Once we got there, we all went to go get lunch in the food court. They had McDonalds, Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and Burger King. But don’t be fooled. Me and two girls from my class went to pizza hut. I asked for cheese pizza, and they don’t have it. So, I asked for pepperoni because you can take those off the pizza easily-and they don’t have it. So, I said nevermind then went onto the next place which was Taco Bell. I ordered a cheese quesadilla with only cheese and nachos and a water. They handed me a cup full of water, but it was warm! Who drinks warm water?? The two girls and I got our food and we were trying to find a place to sit. We walked passed this table and as soon as we walked passed, three guys got up and it scared me and Kelsi. We thought they were following us. Anyways, we sat down. Did you know they put sour cream or mayo or something in a cheese quesadilla? DISGUSTING. And then, I asked for nachos like I do when I am back at home. But here, it is like gourmet nachos with beef, sour cream, tomatoes, and guacamole. Second lunch attempt-FAIL. So, I decided to go to the McDonalds and figured you couldn’t go wrong with French fries. Healthy lunch, huh?!
We walked around the mall for a little bit then took the bus back to the university. We used the internet there for 20 min then Kelsi and I took the bus back to our neighborhood by ourselves! Woohoo. We didn’t get lost, thank goodness. (just found another ant...siickk) But now I am going to shower then hopefully pass out and try to forget that I am sleeping with ants tonight. I wonder how many bugs I eat at night while sleeping. Oh, and I made the mistake of taking my computer with me to class today. I carried it around all day long, and now my back hurts. Hopefully I will add pictures soon. I am awful at remembering!!!
Daniella
Monday, June 14, 2010
68 days later....
I made it to Costa Rica. I don’t even know where to begin. First, after I said goodbye to my family in the Omaha airport, I cried to myself while waiting to board the plane. Pretty sure everyone was staring at me the whole time-I guess you could say I was their entertainment at 5 in the morning. I got on the plane, sat next to some guy, I think but not completely sure, and we talked for a little bit. Did I mention my suitcase weighed 67 pounds? That’s 17 pounds over the limit, so my lovely mother paid the extra fee. Then I got off the plane in Houston, and was scared. The airport was so big! No one informed me I was going to have to take a subway in order to get to the correct terminal! On this plane, I met a girl who had been to Costa Rica before. She was returning for an internship for her Masters program. We talked most of the three hour flight. Once the plane had touched Costa Rica land, I think that is when it hit me that I was in Costa Rica and going to be here for six months. Yikes!
When I first got off, I started freaking out because I assumed my family was going to be right outside the gate when I got off. But no, I went through immigration and customs first-which I had no idea where they were. I got onto an elevator-there was NO buttons in the elevator except for two. I pushed one and thank goodness that one opened the doors so I walked right back out of the elevator and asked someone where immigration was. But wait, there was a sign right above the elevator that said immigration with an arrow pointing up-I wonder how many Americans go on this elevator and come right back off it on a daily basis. When I was in line going through immigration, a worker from the airport walked up to me and asked if my eyes were real or if they were fake contacts. I told him they were real and he tried starting a conversation with me. I didn’t really respond and finally he went away. Creeeepper! After customs, I walked outside to find my name written on a yellow piece of paper with a smiley face on it-how did she know I love smiley faces!? My mom and dad were both there to pick me up. The dad offered to carry my carry on, not my 67 pound bag, OF COURSE!
My family is so nice! I have a 16 year old host sister, Fabiola and a two year old host sister, Maria Pabla. My host parents are divorced. The dad is an English teacher at the high school and at a private university in Costa Rica-he lives in an apartment 3 minutes away which I have yet to see. The mom is a stay at home mom, taking care of Maria Pabla, I think? Maria Pabla loves me and reminds me of my nephews, niece, and kaelyn. She wouldn’t stop staring at my shoe and my anklet bracelet. She also loves to play with my gift from Amanda-which was a bracelet made out of Costa Rica colors with a Nebraska charm on it. The mom knows little English, but the 16 year old daughter knows a lot and is always helping me translate what I want to say in Spanish. My house is somewhat new and has no cockroaches-yet! There is a lot of bugs though, my first night I killed two spiders in the bathroom and three insects in my room. If houses would invest in screens on their windows and doors, there would be no bug problems I think. The first night, Sunday night, my host sister and I went to a internet café so I could tell my mom that I made it to Costa Rica safely. It was a very interesting process. I have never been to one before. When we were walking home, some jeep almost ran into my host sister, he apologized and she said “tranquilo”. I was so confused why she said that because back at home, if you were to say tranquilo, it is usually said to someone freaking out or to tell someone call down. I guess they say tranquilo to mean no worries. Muy interesante. Oh, and my house has no television or the internet. Right now, I am stealing someones internet. Skype is super slow when I am on at home, so I will probably only Skype when I am on campus using the schools wifi.
The food. The first hour of being in Costa Rica, I had already eaten rice, beans, steak, salad, cucumbers, and some peach juice. For those of you who know me well, I would never eat ANY OF THIS en los Estados Unidos. I was very impressed with myself! Today (Monday), my mom made me a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast. Weird…. For lunch, we went to a “soda” at school. Keep in mind; this is the first time I had ordered food. I looked at the menu and only recognized tortilla con queso. So I asked the lady if I could get that, she seemed somewhat annoyed and was like no no no nina, it’s the lunch hour. Sooo, she slapped a whole bunch of things that I had no idea what they were on my plate and handed me some type of juice. I sat down, and ate rice for lunch. I skipped everything else on my plate. It didn’t look too appetizing.
First day of school went well. My mom took me there-we walked 4 blocks to the bus stop, then rode the bus for about 10 minutes, then walked about another 6 blocks to the university. Once we arrived, I was first introduced to Kelsi, who happens to live in the house across the street from me. It was kind of like an orientation day. I took a placement exam and had an interview with one of the teachers from the university. I placed in the intermediate advanced level. The students in the same program as me are very nice! I have met 4 girls who all came together from Indiana. I guess you could call that my “click”. We are already making plans to go to the beach this weekend, don’t be too jealous!
On that note, the weather. It hasn’t been perfect. It’s always raining, but It’s suppose to since Costa Rica is in their winter season. It’s humid, and I am starting to wonder why I brought my hair straightner along. I have only seen one “tico (Costa Rican)” wearing shorts-good thing I only packed shorts!!! People here are crazy drivers. To call them crazy drivers is actually an understatement. Pedestrians never have the right away and there are very few lights and stop signs. On my way to school today, I saw an accident in the middle of an intersection.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), I have class from 8-12 then a group of ISEP students are going to the mall. I will be buying a local telephone. It is suppose to only cost one penny to send/receive a text and only 32 cents per minute phone call. Not too bad!
One thing I need to work on is taking pictures. I always like to say that I just live in the moment. But I feel like I am going to regret not taking pictures once I leave here. I have four pictures so far, so I will post them up as soon as I get a hand full to put up!
That is all I have for now! I would just like to say thank you to all my friends back at home who helped with my surprise going away party! I am one lucky girl to have such a supportive family and friends. I don’t think I could do this without you all! and Mom, thanks for all the surprise letters in my suitcase! It for sure made my first night here sooo much better. Its getting late and I have to be up at 6 in the morning. Adios!
Daniella Cole.
When I first got off, I started freaking out because I assumed my family was going to be right outside the gate when I got off. But no, I went through immigration and customs first-which I had no idea where they were. I got onto an elevator-there was NO buttons in the elevator except for two. I pushed one and thank goodness that one opened the doors so I walked right back out of the elevator and asked someone where immigration was. But wait, there was a sign right above the elevator that said immigration with an arrow pointing up-I wonder how many Americans go on this elevator and come right back off it on a daily basis. When I was in line going through immigration, a worker from the airport walked up to me and asked if my eyes were real or if they were fake contacts. I told him they were real and he tried starting a conversation with me. I didn’t really respond and finally he went away. Creeeepper! After customs, I walked outside to find my name written on a yellow piece of paper with a smiley face on it-how did she know I love smiley faces!? My mom and dad were both there to pick me up. The dad offered to carry my carry on, not my 67 pound bag, OF COURSE!
My family is so nice! I have a 16 year old host sister, Fabiola and a two year old host sister, Maria Pabla. My host parents are divorced. The dad is an English teacher at the high school and at a private university in Costa Rica-he lives in an apartment 3 minutes away which I have yet to see. The mom is a stay at home mom, taking care of Maria Pabla, I think? Maria Pabla loves me and reminds me of my nephews, niece, and kaelyn. She wouldn’t stop staring at my shoe and my anklet bracelet. She also loves to play with my gift from Amanda-which was a bracelet made out of Costa Rica colors with a Nebraska charm on it. The mom knows little English, but the 16 year old daughter knows a lot and is always helping me translate what I want to say in Spanish. My house is somewhat new and has no cockroaches-yet! There is a lot of bugs though, my first night I killed two spiders in the bathroom and three insects in my room. If houses would invest in screens on their windows and doors, there would be no bug problems I think. The first night, Sunday night, my host sister and I went to a internet café so I could tell my mom that I made it to Costa Rica safely. It was a very interesting process. I have never been to one before. When we were walking home, some jeep almost ran into my host sister, he apologized and she said “tranquilo”. I was so confused why she said that because back at home, if you were to say tranquilo, it is usually said to someone freaking out or to tell someone call down. I guess they say tranquilo to mean no worries. Muy interesante. Oh, and my house has no television or the internet. Right now, I am stealing someones internet. Skype is super slow when I am on at home, so I will probably only Skype when I am on campus using the schools wifi.
The food. The first hour of being in Costa Rica, I had already eaten rice, beans, steak, salad, cucumbers, and some peach juice. For those of you who know me well, I would never eat ANY OF THIS en los Estados Unidos. I was very impressed with myself! Today (Monday), my mom made me a grilled cheese sandwich for breakfast. Weird…. For lunch, we went to a “soda” at school. Keep in mind; this is the first time I had ordered food. I looked at the menu and only recognized tortilla con queso. So I asked the lady if I could get that, she seemed somewhat annoyed and was like no no no nina, it’s the lunch hour. Sooo, she slapped a whole bunch of things that I had no idea what they were on my plate and handed me some type of juice. I sat down, and ate rice for lunch. I skipped everything else on my plate. It didn’t look too appetizing.
First day of school went well. My mom took me there-we walked 4 blocks to the bus stop, then rode the bus for about 10 minutes, then walked about another 6 blocks to the university. Once we arrived, I was first introduced to Kelsi, who happens to live in the house across the street from me. It was kind of like an orientation day. I took a placement exam and had an interview with one of the teachers from the university. I placed in the intermediate advanced level. The students in the same program as me are very nice! I have met 4 girls who all came together from Indiana. I guess you could call that my “click”. We are already making plans to go to the beach this weekend, don’t be too jealous!
On that note, the weather. It hasn’t been perfect. It’s always raining, but It’s suppose to since Costa Rica is in their winter season. It’s humid, and I am starting to wonder why I brought my hair straightner along. I have only seen one “tico (Costa Rican)” wearing shorts-good thing I only packed shorts!!! People here are crazy drivers. To call them crazy drivers is actually an understatement. Pedestrians never have the right away and there are very few lights and stop signs. On my way to school today, I saw an accident in the middle of an intersection.
Tomorrow (Tuesday), I have class from 8-12 then a group of ISEP students are going to the mall. I will be buying a local telephone. It is suppose to only cost one penny to send/receive a text and only 32 cents per minute phone call. Not too bad!
One thing I need to work on is taking pictures. I always like to say that I just live in the moment. But I feel like I am going to regret not taking pictures once I leave here. I have four pictures so far, so I will post them up as soon as I get a hand full to put up!
That is all I have for now! I would just like to say thank you to all my friends back at home who helped with my surprise going away party! I am one lucky girl to have such a supportive family and friends. I don’t think I could do this without you all! and Mom, thanks for all the surprise letters in my suitcase! It for sure made my first night here sooo much better. Its getting late and I have to be up at 6 in the morning. Adios!
Daniella Cole.
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