Every New Beginning Comes From Some Other Beginning's End

You'll be happy to know I arrived in San Jose, Costa Rica in one piece, and other than possibly contracting the avian bird flu from the patchouli smelling gentleman sitting next to me on the plane, who not once, but twice, turned away from his wife to sneeze directly on me, it was an uneventful flight. 

Upon arrival I was greeted by a very nice man who despite several reminders, kept referring to me as Sophia, but who was more than eager to give me a tour of the surrounding area, en Español of course.  No traffic on Sunday meant it was a short 15 minute drive to my roommates old apartment to pick up her, and her 18 suitcases before heading over to our new digs. 

Casa 20-C, home for the next 365 days!

Walking in I remembered why I had liked this place so much... all the walls are pink, including but not limited to my entire bathroom, shower, toilet, sink, floor and all! Aaaahhhhh this feels like home!

The next thing I knew it was 6:30 a.m., my alarm had been going off for 30 minutes and I was more than a little confused as to where I was.  No worries, a few smacks across the face and I remembered... holy shit, I live in Costa Rica!!!

Once in the office I was greeted by many familiar faces and I finally started to feel settled. And how could I complain with a view like this... 

The day flew by and I was back in the office shuttle bus home.  But little did I know my roommate had bigger plans for us that night, it was to be my first trip to The Walmart! Yes, folks, Walmart is the place to go down here. But had I known we'd be walking on the side of the road, across dirt and rock filled conditions, I may have chosen different footwear.  Let's just say, my heels have seen better days.  Armed with a very generous gift certificate from my family, I entered The Walmart and I could have sworn I heard chimes and harps welcoming me in! I was pretty proud of myself for navigating the store with my limited Spanish, but I did learn that atún means tuna fish! When I felt that my cart was adequately filled, I went off in search of my roommate, who, after living in Firm housing for 1 year, had filled her cart with all kinds of furniture for her new room.  The problem was, we now had to take a taxi the 2 kilometers home, but first we had to fit everything in, including ourselves.  Since the taxi driver was determined to make it work, we got in first and after he filled the trunk with bags, crammed some junk in the front passenger seat, he then piled the remaining furniture on our laps, all windows open for more room.  I tried my best to get a picture, but it was just too dark, but the look on Kanika's face as we pulled up to the house, where she was waiting out front to help us unload, was priceless.  

I was a little exhausted this week from being the IT genius that I am <<insert laughs here>>. Not only did I figure out how to set up our wireless router sans a manual and a disk drive for the instructional setup, I figured out how to video chat with my parents via gmail, I had a google hangout with Lauren, I FaceTimed with Scott and iMessaged Jamie! It was a long week to say the least.  None the less I was ready for the weekend.  First up, my Welcome to Costa Rica party!!!

No car meant I had to bum a ride from a co-worker, and after a brief 1:45 minute car ride, which included a stop at The Walmart for some libations, and another grocery store for keg cups, we arrived at the party, armed with the ingredients for a fun night.  Since I was determined to bring some US flavor to the party, I figured what better way to do that, than to introduce my new friends to a typical college party favorite.. the peppermint patty shot! Yes, that is right, I was able to find some sort of minty liquor and chocolate syrup and it was no time at all before heads were leaning back for a taste of the good stuff! 

As for Saturday, Clayton (our NAKC intern who moved down here 4 months ago as a permanent hire, and who is my new best friend!) and I made plans to check out Heredia center and the infamous produce market I've heard so much about.  Decked out in a matching pink and black spandex outfit, my brand new pink sneakers and some shades, I was ready for the walk into town to meet Clay.  Thankfully it wasn't as bad as I thought and 20 minutes later we were touring around the town.  Slightly lost, but still having fun, we stumbled through the streets of downtown Heredia, checking out banks, department stores, parks and more.  We stumbled upon the produce market in no time, and boy was it a sight to see.

Here's Clay drinking coconut milk... from a coconut!

I vowed to buy one of those granny carts, so I could come every Saturday to the market.  Not really sure of what I needed, I settled for a bag of lettuce. Now when I say "a bag", I mean your standard plastic grocery bag filled to capacity with lettuce. More lettuce than I think I can eat in one week, and I love me some salad.  And how much did this ginormous bag of lettuce cost me you ask? 500 colones.. or for those back home $1.  What?! I know! $1. I turned to Clay and said "you are kidding right?" and his response, "Syl , you are in the 3rd world!". Silly me, I laughed for a while after that one. 

This picture doesn't do it justice

I finished up my weekend relaxing by the pool in my condo complex,  reading and just enjoying the peace and quite. I figured, I have 51 more weekends to explore the country, might as well start slow. 

Pura Vida!*


Love,
Sylvia

*Pura vida means pure life down here, something I think I can get used to!!!