Live - Costa Rica - Weekend fun

So my 'c', 'd', and 'e' keys have been working on and off lately so if words start to have an x where any of those letters should be then you why! And my enter key isn't working. Too bad there are no Apple stores here. 

This past week has been more of the same on our project. We have just been painting... completely backwards. Let me explain... the upper half of the walls are white, and the lower half is dark blue. When we got there we were instructed to paint a four inch border around the bottom in red. So yes we made a Costa Rican (or American) flag. So we taped everything off an tried to make a nice neat border around the bottom. I suppose this is in place of baseboards. I have to admit it did look a lot more polished when were finished. However, after we were done with the red we were told that we would now be putting a fresh coat on the blue. Which meant all of our nice straight red line were now going to be dripped on and ruined with the blue, no matter how hard we tried to keep our brushed straight. It did keep us busy though. I think that the current project should be completed tomorrow, unless they ask us to do the white! We would have been done on Friday but it seems like volunteer attendance is a bit lower on Mondays and Fridays. This is a little bit frustrating for me because at orientation they told us specifically that they don't like for us to take days off. However, they are aware that sometimes people get sick, and if you are here for months it is not the end of the world to take a long weekend to travel. Despite the warning there are no repercussions, so it is meaningless to mention it in the first place. That ends my rant.

I took a picture of my dinner the other night, and this is pretty much the usual...

The mashed potatoes on the left were a surprise but the rice and beans are a staple and I have yet to identify the thing between the potatoes and the beans. (UPDATE! It is called Chayote) It tastes less starchy than a potato, more watery. It is always nice when we have avocado because they are always perfectly ripe! 

Breakfast is by far my favourite meal here; we usually have bread, an egg, and some kind of fruit. The fruit here is yummy! I mostly receive mandarins, watermelon, and mango. Mango day is always my favourite! 

I also tried manzana de agua ''water apple'' yesterday. It is a very odd fruit that has a pit in the middle, has red skin and white flesh, and tastes like nothing. Apparently it grows in Costa Rica. 

Yesterday a group of volunteers and a few people that teach English at the centre went on a hike. It was hard on the way up but I enjoyed and the view from the top was incredible!

That is San Jose

On the opposite side of the mountain from San Jose

On the way up there was an actual path, but on the way down...

It was a bit more treacherous. We were walking thorough tall bushes with thorns and uneven ground that you couldn't see. I fully fell twice and I just got so overwhelmed from everything, frustrated that I didn't know where we were going, and upset that they thought it would be okay for us to go that way, that I just started bawling. I was and still am pretty embarrassed but that is typically when I cry; I wasn't hurt I just wanted out. I was glad I went because the view was priceless but because of the descent I wouldn't go again. 

However, on Saturday I took a tour of the National Theatre and it was spectacular and the guide was very informative. Did you know that San Jose was the third city in the world behind New York and Paris to have electricity? I can't seem to find any sources to back it up though. The Italian artist Aleardo Villa painted the Allegory of Coffee and Bananas. However he wasn't familiar with  the  Costa Rican culture so he painted the women in European style clothes, and apparently the guy holding  the bananas, in the middle, has them upside down. 

This is the president's box

Apparently the president is super accessible in Costa Rica. She travels on regular planes, and lives in her own house and people can knock on her door, no problem. I guess when you are the president of a country with no army, your security isn't really a big concern. 

The inside of the president's box. I have no idea why that one chair is facing the opposite way.

This statue was originally on the roof but they replaced it with a replica because is was being ruined but environmental factors. This the the lounge area outside of the most expensive boxes in the theatre. They are the most expensive because they are at eye level with the stage. 

Travel - Costa Rica - Mal Pais

Hey All!

This past weekend I took my first trip to one of the many beaches that Costa Rica has to offer. The town was called Mal Pais, which translated, literally means 'bad country'. It was quite pretty but I wasn't blown away. I think my expectations are always way too high when I got to a beach that is thought to be one of the most beautiful in the country.
However, before I got there I had to endure the 6.5 hour commute, which included a 1.5 hour ferry ride across the Gulf of Nicoya. I took a video on the ferry on my way back and I will include it at the bottom because the sunset was quite lovely. Riding the ferry also explains why when there is an emergency on a boat more people get hurt than necessary. Just getting off the ferry people were being so pushy! If everyone just waited their turn we all would have gotten off so much faster.
This is a surfer's paradise so everyone was quite laid back and moving pretty slow. The people were all VERY nice. Like people would introduce themselves to me at the hotel and start to chat with me. Unfortunately I didn't get to practice my Spanish much because everyone spoke English.
On Saturday I woke up at 6 and went out in search of food but NOTHING was open. I eventually found a really cute bakery/coffee shop and had an order of muesli and yogurt with fruit, AND another order of fruit because I don't get a big variety with my host mom. The person who took my order seemed a bit confused and had to confirm with me that I wanted both. It was expensive but SO worth it! The whole weekend was expensive, and I eventually stopped counting and just decided to enjoy myself.
I was so excited to go to this beach because I really wanted to learn how to surf. So I got an hour lesson, and the instructor was the son of the owner of the place I was staying. His family was from Florida and his dad decided to move them down here and start a resort. Although he was nice, he seemed a little uninterested. This is always how I feel when I get any sort of the lesson; that I am inconveniencing the person. Oh well, I was able to get up, but in the end I decided I really didn't like it. I have never liked salt water but I was hoping I might has grown out of that phase... nope. I don't know how you get used to the burning eyes. So no more surfing for me, but I had to try it or else I would never have known.
Sunday it was windy so I just stayed by the pool and got the bus at 2:00. The trek back to San Jose lasted 7 hours. Good times. That is the thing I don't like about travelling... the travelling.
So while I was on the bus back I freaked out because I realized I wasn't going to make it back to go to church. When I asked around about the church in Mal Pais people knew where it was but no on seemed to be sure about what time it was at. The majority of people seemed to think it was 6pm on Sunday. I went to find the church, but it was closed and there was no schedule posted anywhere. So I went online to find a last mass in San Jose, and I found one at 8pm, but I didn't get back until 9. I should have left on the 6am bus so I could have gotten back. The first Sunday of Lent and I missed. I felt so guilty. So now I have to find a church that had a priest that speaks English so I can go to confession. I can feel my faith slipping again. I'm not quite sure why me going to mass and understand what is going on is so important though. I feel like it should be more of an internal thing. On the bright side I got some good book recommendations so I hope that will help!

Pura Vida (Everyone says this here... all the time. It literally means pure life, but it is more like all good),

Marina

It always amazes me what beautiful things happen in nature

Live - Costa Rica - Ash Wednesday

Today we went to our new project and we painted like champions! Our supervisor was so impressed with how quickly we worked. To be fair though, there were 8 of us! Tomorrow we'll do a second coat and all the little areas that got missed and then on to the next project. Although it is a slum, the kids who go there for day care, all seem quite happy. I was wondering if they knew that they live in a terrible area, and that there are far better places to live.

So since today is Ash Wednesday I thought I'd tell you all what I'm doing for lent. I know if I tell people then you will all keep me on track and honest.

1. I will only eat 3 square meals a day. I know that people might have a problem with this, but for me it is an act of temperance, and something I feel will be helpful for understand that food is fuel, not life.
2. No sweets... at all! More temperance, and restriction is always a good lesson.
3. Wake up 15 minutes earlier and do a reflection. I have a book of devotions that I will be using.
4. No computer after 9pm. I have found that technology is ridiculous and so completely unnecessary at all hours of the day. Cutting myself off a bit early will be good for a multitude of reasons.
5. Stretch! Muscles, mind, and spirit all have to work together, so tending to all of them is important!
6. Reflect on failures and successes each day, and write them down. 


I also wanted to read a book with a theme surrounding God's purpose or plan, and how to listen and understand Him better, but I can't seem to find and e-book that fits the bill. If anyone has a suggestion please let me know!
All in all, I believe that all of these things will help me discover what is truly important, and how improve my spiritual life but cutting out some of the materialism that has us all by the throat! That was a little dramatic, but I hope you understand what I mean. I am worried that I will start losing and doubting my faith like I did when I was in Spain; an effect of not being able to understand the mass and homily, completely, in Spanish. So I will do my best to stay away from that place, but I can always use support... that means you!
Hasta Luego (Until later),
Marina
P.S. I love that people smile so big when I smile at them on the street and they say good morning or good afternoon! Not like Toronto when they think you are crazy and look down. I try and look up as much as I can but the sidewalks here are ridiculous. Sometimes I feel that I am missing so much while I am making sure I don't fall into a hole. 

Live - Costa Rica - Project Information!

Hey Everyone!

So my mom requested some more information about what I am doing day to day here. Ask and you shall receive...
I try to walk to volunteer headquarters everyday, which takes about 35 minutes because I am a slow walker. I stole my dad's GPS watch and I keep meaning to put it on to see how many miles it is but I always forget. Maybe tomorrow! And then we go as a group to our project, which up until today was two bus rides away, and took around 45 minutes. However, today was our last day at this particular project because everything is done! Apparently volunteers have been working at this project for around 4 months so they gave a nice send off and all the ladies that live there seemed quite grateful for all of the changes that have been made. Tomorrow we are heading to a new project in one of the worst areas in San Jose to do some painting!
Today I got oil based paint all over my hands and I was going to cry because it is so hard to get off! I spent an hour cleaning up the brush, paint tray, and my hands. Luckily we had paint thinner or I would have been stuck with black hands! So let's hope it is all water based paint tomorrow.
When we were leaving the project it started raining and I said that the sky was crying because were leaving and a few of the ladies thought that was a good sentiment. It was strange that it was raining because it is the dry season here.
After we left, we went back to headquarters, as always, and I wolfed down my lunch because we got there a lot later than usual and I have Spanish class from 2-4. Then I walk "home", have a shower, eat dinner, and then just hang out. Luckily my roommate is usually as tired as I am at the end of the day and we go to sleep pretty early. So those are my days! Last weekend I stuck around San Jose but this weekend I am going to the beach! I am so excited!

Hasta Luego,

Marina

P.S. Sorry about the randomness of the photos, I will try and put them in the post they pertain to from now on.

A building at UCR (University of Costa Rica)

A beautiful church across the street from our project

The Central Market in San Jose (Kind of St. Lawrence Market in Toronto)

The gorgeous interior of a church I stumbled upon in San Jose

Our project

The National Theatre in San Jose

The lobby of the National Theatre

Live - Costa Rica - Round 2

So even though I never wanted to go out again I knew that I had to, because being a hermit can only get you so far in life. So my roommate, her friend, and I set out for some fun!
We went to a bar that they usually just have a drink at before heading to another location (across/down the street) for some dancing. They had the most ridiculous beers there. They were ridiculous for two reasons: 1. they were gigantic! 2. you could get different combinations. For example: beer with a shot of whiskey in it, or perhaps a beer flavoured like a caesar. Ew. It was there that we met two Ticos (Costa Ricans) that had perfect American accents. They told us they learned to speak English from the disney channel. I was very skeptical, as their English was impeccable, and their accents were flawless. But they maintained they had never taken a lesson nor had they ever lived in an English speaking country.
Then we went across the street to dance. To me, the inexperienced go-er out-er, it was fine, but the other girls were unhappy with the music and the lack of good looking people. However, that didn't stop a very cute guy (the only one in there apparently) form asking my roommate to dance. She refused, but proceeded to have a conversation with him. He was quite nice and had a few friends with him. One of them was from Canada! They all knew each other from rugby and I found out that the Canadian was studying at UCR (University of Costa Rica). They were all very nice, unlike some Ticos who are very pushy. Alas, we had to leave as the music was unsatisfactory and the boys had rugby practice in the morning. Needless to say, they did not come with us on our mission to find a better spot. My roommate is now regretting that she didn't get his information. She is one of those people that doesn't understanding that she is really pretty and everyone wants a piece of her, and sometimes there are good guys out there. Oblivious.
So the next bar we went to had satisfactory music so we stayed there for the rest of our night out. There were some very interesting characters there: one guy kept pushing to dance with our group and his go to dance move was a slow spin around, then there were the two girls that got into a fight, which was promptly stopped by security, a guy who seemed like he was on drugs because he seemed very wired, and finally the girl with the dress that didn't cover her bum, at all (and the worst part... there were stairs in this place). The strange spinning guy did have a really nice friend who was not pushy, and quite cute. When we left, I told him was really nice but his friend needed help. Too direct? What can I say, the kid was obnoxious, he didn't understand the meaning of no!
All in all I'd say it was an okay night out. It was fine that everyone was asking my roommate to dance but it hurts your self esteem a little. This is NOT a pity party, I am just saying.
Therefore, I have complied a list of thing that I don't like about going out:
1. You can't actually have a conversation with anyone because the music is so loud.
2. Being overlooked
3. Trying to please everyone involved (although the other girls were happier in the end, I didn't think it was all that fun because their was no actual dance floor, and everywhere we went I seemed to be in the way)
The first one is the worst for me. That's also the reason I don't like going anywhere with live music because it tends to be so loud.
Anyway, maybe the third time will be the charm!

Un abrazo fuerte (a bug hug),

Marina

Live - Costa Rica - Woo Hoo!

Nothing of consequence has happened in the last 24 hours except... my sunburn from yesterday has now turned into a lovely tan!!! So pumped about that! Also, I have a stupid shin splint in one of my legs and for whatever reason I still decided to walk home. Poor life decision. Also, I am really missing fibre. All the carbs I eat are white and it worries me a little bit so I bought some all-bran-esque type cookies today... just in case.

Besos (Kisses),

Marina

Live - Costa Rica - This is my life

For those of you who wonder why I don't like to out, this story is for you.
So today there is a soccer game that I was told many people would be meeting up to go and watch together. I went back and forth all day about going and I finally decided that I should go because it would be a good opportunity to meet people and just do something; Mistake number 1. So I was told that some people were meeting at out volunteer organization's headquarters at 8:00. My roommate had to go to someone else's place before but was planning to meet there as well. Okay so I get my self ready with one outfit change and even some makeup and I get a taxi and go to Maximo (volunteer organization's name). Since I am a very punctual person I got there right around 8. What do I find when I get there? Nothing! There is no one there who is waiting to go out. With the exception of one person who was planning to go to a different bar. So I wait for half and hour because I figure people are just taking their time. Nope, no one shows up, so the staff tells me where this bar is and I head out on my own. With my hand-drawn map in hand, I walk the 5 minutes to this bar. I get there, and as I walk in I get a tap on the shoulder. It was the bouncer; I had unknowingly attempted to bypass him. Oops. Mistake number 2. Then he proceeds to ask me for ID. To which I respond, I have no ID; mistake number 3. Despite my sad face, he said that he couldn't let me in. So I had to turn around, very upset with myself and so disappointed that I had made the effort only to be rejected, and go home. These kind of little things always seem to happen to me. I am actually really disappointed. What a waste. On the bright side I get to go to bed early! Again.

Travel/Live - Costa Rica - The first few days

I wanted to outline EVERYTHING because when I was looking for information like this I couldn't find it. Feel free to stop reading anytime, I won't get offended unless you tell me and then I might be a little sad. So let's just decide you will keep reading!

My bags were overweight... duh. I had no idea what I would need so I brought a lot of stuff! The kid that checked me in (he looked so young) said one of my pieces was 29kg and that it could only be 23kg, but if I could move things around and get it to 25kg I would be fine. Well, I got it to 26kg and he just let me go. I LOVE TACA for that.

I have a track record for being a target for security checks. When I was going back and forth to school I would get checked all the time. I even got a full pat down once in Toronto. They gave me the option of getting in the bosy scanner, but that thing is so strange and the thought of the government, or whoever,  having that picture didn't sit well with me. This trip was a new record for me though. Twice in one line! First I got my hands and clothes checked while I was standing in line, and then my laptop was tested once it went through the scanner. At least I didn't get a pat down this time! 

In the area I was waiting there was a place that sold almond milk yogurt and it was so good! I need to find that when I get home. Also, the line for Tim Horton's was a joke! I really don't think it is worth waiting forever to get, but that is just me and maybe Chris too because we all know how much he adores McDonald's coffee and the engineering masterpiece that is their cup!

My flight was only 5 hours I think and I have been on much longer flights before, but this one seemed to last FOREVER. I guess it was because I was so anxious and unsure of what to expect. The layover in San Salvador was less than an hour and I was so worried I would miss my connection and I was sitting in the middle seat so I was paranoid about falling asleep and ending up on someone's shoulder drooling. So I stayed awake even though I was so tires. The food was dumb... there was no vegetarian option so I just got what everyone else got for side dishes: potato salad (Mom you would not have approved), a white bun, and a kit kat. This was my lunch. Luckily one of the lady's next to me took pity on me an gave me her bread!!! That was so nice of her, but I still felt ripped off. This whole white food overload is beginning to be a trend on my trip already. My anxiety about my connection was alleviated when I realized that the airport in San Salvador is tiny. I'm pretty sure I walked 500m from where I got off and I was at my new gate. Flights done!

Then when I arrived in Costa Rica I was terrified about immigration because I wasn't sure what to do if they asked my what I was planning to do here for three months. As most of you know, I really dislike lying and I am also terrible at it so the prospect of having to fabricate a story to get into the country had me incredibly worried. However, all my worries were so unnecessary, as my immigration officer was so nice and spoke veeerrryyyy slowly so I could understand him. He was a little confused when I said I would be here for around 85 days (I said it in Spanish so I think he thought I didn't know what number I was really saying) but he let me through, so that was fine. 

My next task was customs. Can I say customs was a joke? No offense Costa Rica, but it was pretty silly. All you had to do was put your completed form into a pile (no one checked it) and then put your bags through the machine to check for shady items. Done. 

As I walked outside there were a ton of people with signs so I'm sure I looked like such a loser walking so slowly in order to read every sign. Finally I found my name and  I got into the mini bus with another volunteer, Anna from the States. We were at different host families so Anna got dropped off first and then I did. My host mother was nice and her boyfriend (I think) helped me with my bags. My room is tiny and I have a roommate but she is so nice and very helpful. She has been here for a while already so she knows quite a bit about everything. I am incredibly grateful that I got such a wonderful  roommate. Living in close quarter with someone you dislike would be a nightmare!

On Monday we had orientation which consisted of a presentation with some information about the organization, culture, and certain expectations for the volunteers. Then there was a placement test for those people who wanted to take Spanish lessons. After a day I knew I was so rusty and needed some help so I took the test. My conversational skills have always been weak so I need to practice as much a possible. Fortunately, I was place in a class based largely around conversational skills. There are only 2 other students, so it is fantastic and my teacher is an absolutely wonderful person. After the placement test we had a walking tour of the area around the organization's head office in San Pedro. There is everything around there, which is so convenient. I had some time before class so I went for a walk along the main strip to just look around and I really needed to buy a watch. I also ended up walking far enough that I found a McDonalds, and I had a craving for soft serve so it was perfect! Then I went back for Spanish class which was great, and then my roommate showed me how to get back home! After dinner my roommate said she was still hungry and I fully agreed, so she showed me a place with really yummy quesadillas! Then it was back home for so much needed sleep. By the way we had pasta and some avocado for dinner. That might seem like enough but when you are only eating three meals a day with no snacks, you need more! Especially more vegetables!

Today was my first real day. I had to be at the headquarters at 7:30 so I left at 7:00, but then I got really worried because the bus wasn't coming! I waited 15 minutes before it came which is apparently normal because the buses don't have a schedule like at home. Anyway, I did get there on time only to wait for half an hour for another volunteer who didn't show up. Oh well.  Then we walked with our project coordinator to the bus stop and were on our way. There are 6 of us doing this particular project right now and everyone seems super friendly and were very welcoming. 

We worked at a women's rehab facility, which I know sounds kind of scary but this place is not like the rehab you see in the movies. They all have their little kids there and they work together to cook, clean, and take care of the kids. We were painting a few areas in the house which I was pumped about because I have always wanted to paint a room! I was told they have been working there for a while doing a ton of painting so I just caught the tail end of everything. It was a bit tedious and I fully felt like I was in the old Karate Kid movie painting the never ending fence, but when I was done I really felt as though I had accomplished something. They also gave us juice and cookies! Then we headed back to headquarters for lunch and Spanish class. After Spanish class I finally got around to changing my money to Colones. The exchange rate is about 1 dollar to 500 colones, so I really felt rich when I left the bank! Then I went to buy a pillow because the one I have is not good and the guy was really nice, but they only had one firmness which I think is odd but it's fine because it's a definite improvement on the one I had before. It is also nice to know it is new and clean. I know that sounds kind of snobby but it is true. I have to put my face on that thing and breathe near it for 8 or 9 hours a day! Then I decided to walk home which was okay, except I started to worry I was lost after I had been walking for 15 minutes. In the end I hadn't lost my way at all and it was plenty early so it was completely safe. Then I had a much needed shower and we had a cilantro filled dinner. I have decided I don't love cilantro but my host mother uses it a lot so I hope I just become immune to it soon. After dinner Paige and I went across the street to a bakery so get some dessert and now I am writing this very long post that may not have made sense or required quite so much detail. 

Let me know if you have any questions!

Hasta Luego,

Marina