Cosas from Costa

So much has happened during the past week and a half. This post is going to be a few shorter stories of the goings on here in San Francisco de Dos Ríos. On Saturday we went white water rafting. I had originally been really scared for this, but as soon as we got through the first set of rapids, those fears were assuaged.

The adrenaline rush was incredible. At calmer parts, we were allowed to jump out of the raft and swim in the river. I felt so gross afterwards, but it was so worth it.

The bus ride afterward, however, was less than magical. What was supposed to be a two hour bus ride soon turned into seven. There was a major accident on the road we were originally supposed to take. After two hours of literally being parked in the same spot, we turned around. Then we stopped for a bathroom break and turned back the original direction because it had apparently cleared up. Lies. Turned around again. This perpetual turning around meant driving through the mountains about three times. For someone who gets carsick pretty easily, this was my least favorite part of being here so far. 

The traffic here in general could be three blog posts by itself. A good measuring standard for the norm is rush hour in Columbus. Rush hour, though, could be compared to rush hour in NYC. I can barely ride passenger in it without feeling sick and anxious; I can't imagine having to actually be the driver. In this past week alone, the news has reported three major, fatal, multi-vehicle accidents. 

We also experienced the apparently very important tradition of celebrating birthdays. For just one of my classmates we've celebrated three times this week, along with twice for another classmate. Two fiestas, in class and in his casatico. His tico family went all out throwing a fiesta for all of their family and our entire group. Balloons, streamers, and confetti. Singing and dancing. The whole nine yards. There were banners with his name, as well as stickers that matched the banners on every styrofoam cup. 

Needless to say, I'm not terribly upset that I'll be spending my birthday here as well. My tica mom is a retired baker. Last night she made us pie (the first actual baked good since we got here). Phenomenal. We also have ice cream after dinner at least once a week. Olivia and I have serous trouble saying no to it. Ice cream here is probably the best I've ever had. I've been told that it's because nothing contains preservatives. 

With all the things going on, my favorite part of the semester so far is honestly the classes. I am learning so much. I look forward to both two hour classes every day. Our teachers encourage us to speak and practice actually using the language, which makes it hard not to learn. Our classes consist of both laughing till we cry and getting down to business. 

Tomorrow we'll be on a paseo to Monteverde to experience a "canopy tour." If I don't die from the 90 meter bungee jump, I'll have details afterward! 

Pura Vida