An update, long over due.

How fast time flies...

Things are still cooking right along in good 'ole Bagaces. We are in Holy week which translates to a lot of beach going, beer drinking, hammock swinging with a good book in the shade. Well, something like that.

I find myself thinking how fast life can change. Approaching my year and a half anniversary, to think a desire to make a difference could change my life and offer new opportunities for my future is sometimes difficult to grasp. But with each approaching day I realize how happy I am and lucky to have had this experience. I have continued to learn what is important in life and am taking in the culture here with an open mind and heart.

I recently had my year anniversary with Cristian and am very hopeful for our future together. Happily, we've decided to walk not run and enjoy the process. I also received an amazing opportunity to teach 5th and 6th grade Science (picture shown). It has been a very challenging but rewarding opportunity and offers yet another option to consider for the future. I look forward to the day I feel like I've made a difference. Not to mention, I am finally able to use my Spanish and feel it is getting better with every conversation. My English, on the other hand, seems to be suffering but I know it will all come together in the end!

It is funny to think as I approach my 28th birthday, this time last year the most important thing to me was to climb a volcano and now there is so much more to consider. I guess not much has changed technically, but I do feel like I am a different person. So, go see that family member you've been meaning to connect with or take a trip to the mountains to breath in that fresh air because that is what I'd do if I were there. In return, I'll make sure to appreciate every day I spend here, meeting new people and learning new things.

Pura Vida.

K

Ohhh Lay, Oh-lay, Oh-lay, Liga, Liga!

Well, I know it has been a while since my last posting but as you can see (picture shown), I've been very busy. After a three-year losing streak, La Liga finally beat Saprissa in the 2008 Classico Fútbol match. Oh, how the winds are a changing.

Ok, so maybe I am not a professional fútbol player, but I have been up to a lot. I've survived my first rainy season and luckily did not have too many "hairy" situations. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same for the rest of the county.

My family finally made the big trek to see this ammazing country and meet my special someone (going on 9 months) just after the worst of the rain. Seriously, the week earlier the road to their hotel was closed due to flooding. But we all enjoyed the company in some of the most beautiful surroundings Costa Rica has to offer.

I attended my second Costa Rican wedding (my bosses) which was less Catholic (at a swimming pool) and much more fun! I also attended my first first communion last weekend which was long and difficult to understand. None-the-less, a very good experience.

My Spanish has improved, or so the locals tell me, and feel less isolated as I begin to understand what people are saying to me! I've also discovered "Super Banco" which is the Costa Rican equivalent of Monopoly and also has helped improve my vocabulary.

November 9th was my one year anniversary and it is looking like I'll be here for a while. Although I have struggled with home-sickness and miss my friends and family like crazy, life here is good. Can't explain it so I am just riding the wave!

Up next: My first Costa Rican Christmas equipped with Tamales, Dancing and new-found family.

Feliz Navidad!

Kate

Spezzano's Visit

What is a vacation without a little tampon poker (picture shown)? I guess that is what you do when it is raining cats and dogs and you just can't find that canopy tour...


After several days in Bagaces, observing 'real life' we were off to Volcan Arenal. Little did we know it was waiting for us to erupt and send a thick cloud of smoke out the top...several times (picture shown). We had a front row view seeing our hotel offered a huge picture window looking out to the Volcano all night long. I am not sure if it was the wine or nerves but the whole experience brings new meaning to ignorance is bliss. The next morning we headed out to climb to the lookout point and were caught in the heaviest rain I've experienced yet. Seriously, I might as well have showered with my clothes on. After a mildly inappropriate display of nudity in the parking lot we were back to Bagaces.


The next day we headed off to Playa Conchal. Just enough time for a quick dip and then we high-tailed it out of there as the rain moved in but not before loosing my love bracelet. That night we were happily surprised to learn there were fiestas in Playa Brazillito (picture shown). Excited for my friends to partake in a traditional bull riding fiesta, I did not account or the drunken foreigner that would enter the ring and get tossed around by a bull. After settling our nerves and convincing ourselves he was ok we called it a night. The next day we headed back to Playa Conchal and I got the luxury of taking Cristian on his first snorkeling adventure. Priceless.


The next day me, Lisa and Pete were off to Playa Grande (picture shown). We scored a $45 room (that slept 10) and we were so pleased to learn their was a pool and the beach was a short walk from the hotel. Red and Green lights lit the grounds as night drew closer to protect the turtles that come ashore to lay eggs. Unfortunately, it was the wrong time of year but after Pete vowed to "bring his kids back some day" I knew we'd see it another time. After some beers, a few games of Rummy and the most amazing Ahi tuna the trip was coming to an end.

A relaxing, yet eventful 8 days with three of my favorite people. I couldn't have planned a better vacation. I am so lucky to have such neat people in my life. Thanks, Spezzano's for your generosity. I hope you saw enough to plan a second trip. Me, Buey and the Gallo Pinto will be waiting for you!

k

I'm moving in with my tico boyfriend...

...who apparently has more in common with my father than I knew (picture shown). Life in Bagaces is cooking right along. The rainy season is here (although, it has not been that rainy), I've had one friend visit and another set coming next week and I've been enjoying getting to know my new special someone and all that entails.

The morning cries of monkey's, roosters and the occasional bird has subsided or i've learned to sleep through them. Every day I wake up expecting to see a gray cloud and the sound of rain beating down on the roof, but all I see is sunshine. Lots, and lots of sunshine. After eight months I have started to adapt to my surroundings...I seem to prefer rice over pasta, I find it hard to carry on an English conversation (without throwing in at least one Spanish word) and firmly believe a bicycle or bus can take you anywhere you need to go.

I won't deny a feeling of isolation comes and goes living here and learning how to do everything over again - the way it is done here. At times I miss my friends and family terribly. But honestly, I can say I wouldn't trade this experience (and all its challenges) for the comfort of home. The people I have met, from all over the world, continue to open my mind. Even the casual bike ride will force me to remember and appreciate my surroundings. Some people may see my decision as putting my future on hold. But I can honestly say I have furthered myself and my career more here in the last eight months than I have since college. I love my job and the opportunities it provides. I enjoy living in this small, yet oh-so-eventful town. I respect the average Costa Rican who works hard, makes little money but is genuinely happy. Maybe it is the simplicity of life, maybe it is the overall appreciation for the little things - but I am really enjoying getting to know myself in Costa Rica.

Pura Vida.

We put over 1,000 miles on the rental car!

Last week I had my first opportunity to play tour guide. After celebrating my 27th birthday (picture shown), my friend Ben and I traveled to Volcan Arenal, Cuidad Quesada, Manuel Antonio and Mal Pais. But not before a must-needed karaoke stop at a local watering hole (picture shown) and a day trip to a local beach (which ended with a flat tire...on a Sunday)!

We started the adventure by heading to Rio Celeste. Our car was stopped at a police check where they asked my friend's name. After spelling B-E-N we were on our way. I'd hate to think what would have happened if he had a different name... A few wrong turns and an interesting gas experience we realized a 4WD was necessary to reach the rio. On to our next adventure.

Rounding the stunning Lake Arenal, we arrived in La Castillo just in time for the park to be closing. After settling into our hotel with a breath-taking view (picture shown) we stumbled across a tour guide who offered to take us on a night tour of the volcano...via ATV. A full moon and clear view of the lava from top to bottom, I couldn't had hoped for better conditions.

A quick stop in Quesada (where I volunteered) to visit my Tia and we were off to Manuel Antonio. Eight hours later we finally arrived in what the Lonely Planet refers to as "The Six Flags of Costa Rica." A somewhat disappointing display of tourism and outrageous prices - thankfully the pristine white-sand beaches and crystal clear water made up for it (picture shown). Not to mention all the different animal species we were lucky enough to spot.

Bright and early we were back on the road. A quick ferry ride (great timing on our part) and we were on the Nicoya Peninsula, headed towards Mal Pais. This booming beach town offers a more tranquil setting and killer waves, although the locals say it is only a matter of years before it is built up and as expensive as some of the other tourist spots. Here's hoping the extreme downpours keep the visitors at bay for a little while longer. A short morning of surfing (picture shown) our adventure had come full circle.

A jam-packed, adventurous vacation that went by way too fast. I couldn't have asked for a better travel partner (thanks, Ben). Hopefully this entry motivated some of you to hop on a plane and come visit this amazing country. I'll keep the light on...

K

The rain is coming...

With the rainy season quickly approaching, I've been scurrying to get that one last trek accomplished before the roads transform to mud and the days involve a good hour of heavy rainfall. Okay, so it's not that much different than now and an afternoon rainfall makes for a nice nap!

This past weekend's adventure entailed a short bike ride to a local river, Rio Piedras. A local hang out where two rivers meet (one cold and one warm). Small sardiens swam against the current. Sun, a juicy watermelon and a machete made for a relaxing Sunday afternoon (picture shown).

Next up: Second trek to the Colonial Nicaraguan town, Granada. I turn 27. I get to play tour guide for a week when my friend, Ben arrives (let's hope my Spanish gets us by).

I hope Spring is in full swing and you are all getting outside to enjoy it. Happy early Mother's Day to those that are celebrating (and especially to my family).

Pura Vida.

K

I climbed a volcano....barely.

6:00AM the alarm sounds. Still half asleep we stagger to breakfast. Two pancakes and a quick cup of coffee - we're off. Two hours by horse and we arrive at our starting point. After the ranger gave a sarcastic "good luck" we began our 8 kilometer trek up Rincón de la Vieja. Within the first 1.5 kilometers I started to worry. My friends sensed my doubt and informed me that quiting was not an option. A few kilometers later (and flatter turf) I found my stride. That was until we reached the last 1.8 kilometers of the hike. Having exited the forest we were climbing make-shift mud stairs (two at a time) in the blistering sun. Looking ahead was murder as the path seemed to keep growing. Luckily my 60+-year-old, cigarette-smoking guide was there to hoist my butt up over the tough spots. A few personal pep-talks and I made it to the top (picture shown).

As we reached the top the massive crater exposed itself. Swirling colors of red and black. As we (carefully) continued along the craters edge the sulfuric pepto-bismol-like blue lagoon widened our eyes. The toxic fumes danced on the surface reminding us that underneath lie a volcano that erupted a mere 13 years earlier.
With the day moving quickly, we packed up and started our decent. After conquering the mud maze we approached a 8ft. drop where the aid of a rope was necessary to jump to the next landing. My jello-like legs failed me and as I attempted to reach the other side. A strong thrust backward almost sent me (as well as our guide) to the dark shadows below. Thankfully, we were able to hold on for the ride. Finally, we made it to the entrance of the forest where a pristine river offered relief (picture shown).

The steadily two hour trek downward (compared to the four hours up) proved we were ready to go home. After reaching the ranger station we had an additional two hour horse-ride. As the sun set over the forest we caught a glimpse of Tucans (picture shown) and white-faced capuchin monkeys. As night fell, we finally returned from our 10.5 hour journey.

The most physically difficult task I have ever completed but one of the most amazing things I have ever done.
Pura Vida.
K