I created this blog the day I flew out which was a couple of weeks ago. I have been slacking on following through but I am starting it. I will try to catch up to current events with several installments for those that are interested. My trip to Costa Rica was uneventful except for the 9 hour layover in Houston from 12am to 9am. I slept in the airport trying multiple different configurations with rows of chairs to create a comfortable bed. Fortunately for me it was also the same night that the fire alarm system was to be tested, from 3am to 4am. I arrived in the capitol San Jose, Costa Rica and was met by my project coordinator. Ate some ice cream and hurried off to my new house which is located in San Ramon. Population of around 70,000 located in low level hills. It is has one of the higher altitudes of cities in Costa Rica.
This is my room, the smallest of the house, only sleeping two. I split this wonderful bunk bed with a guy from Boston named Bryan. I have the top bunk and it is a pain due to the low ceiling not to mention the twin mattress is rather small.
Just a typical street in San Ramon. People are very friendly but drivers not so much. On the road drivers have the right of way but it is still common to see pedestrians walking thru traffic. The town itself is a great size for walking. I can get from one corner to the other in about 30 minutes. Not too small to be bored not too big to get lost.
Another image of the city but with the hillside in the background. The town is surrounded by hillside country. It also has great weather and yet to rain for more than 10 minutes which was nothing more than a sprinkle.
This is the San Ramon cathedral located near the center of town. I have yet to visit during a mass service but the interior and exterior architecture are very well done.
Found this guy in town while walking home from the bus my first week. It is a Cayman, basically a small crocodile had been making a small water collection its home. Oddly enough, just across the street lived a lady who let her chickens run free outside of the cage sometimes crossing the road. Make the joke if you want to.
I debated about whether I should post this or not but it was rather funny situation so here it is. The lady in the picture is Marianella the volunteer project coordinator. She had taken me and another volunteer out for the night to show us around. We happened to run into a friend of hers who had a birthday present. A kindergarten level reading book in spanish, about Spongebob.
As practice she had me read through the book. It was so painful, reading about Spongebob in Spanish. I just kept reminding myself how I was struggling with kindergarten reading level material. I eventually made it thru with help and some key translations. As you will notice I am drinking a beer, it is Imperial which is Costa Rica´s national beer. Decent but I would not choose it given a larger selection. I was taking so long that the rest of the group wanted to get a drink so they could have something to do while I butchered this childrens book.
We found our way to a club with a French name, La Chatte, owned and operated by Spanish speaking Costa Ricans, and the only music playing was old MTV films with English lyrics, from Sting to Pearl Jam. Spanish Spongebob a beer and English music in a confused club; it was an odd setting for a painful yet humorous experience.
I will try to get another post created soon detailing the progress of my volunteer project since that is the main reason for me being in Costa Rica right now. I will now conclude with my awesome Spanish skills; Hasta Luego.
