The first week and a half in Costa Rica has been wonderful. When Megan, Lauren and I first arrived at the Liberia airport we were quite overwhelmed, but we have since managed to make our way all around Costa Rica. Before arriving in Nicoya for some actual work we vacationed for a week in various places. We´ve visited the hot springs, ziplined through the rainforest twice, ridden horses, and, my personal favorite, repelled down five waterfalls while in Monteverde. We have been in several different climates from a chilly cloud forest to the beautiful ¨mucho colour¨ beach of Malpais.
I also thought I would lose some weight while in the heat of Costa Rica-wrong! The food is the best I´ve ever had. Arroz con camarones, rice with shrimp is awesome! After such a great vacation with my five new friends, we arrived in Nicoya not without a few adventures along the way. Let´s just say all five of us are well known in Nicoya after riding in a police truck to Karla´s house. Not to worry, we were not in trouble!
Monday was our first day at San Ambrosia School. I´m working with 7th, 8th and 9th graders teaching English three days a week, and I work the two other days teaching science. There will also be times when I spend the day working with the National Forestry Service. I´m really excited about working with them.
The students are great at San Ambrosia and my ninth graders speak English very well. The school itself is open air; its great being outside all day. I work with an English teacher named Harold, who is currently working to teach me Spanish.It's coming along well. I´m working with Diego on an environmental project for my students. Diego doesn´t speak any English so much of my time with him is spent in the English-Spanish dictionary. The kids are so helpful in translating things for us!
Marley and I are living with Karla. We are enjoying are experience with her. Once again we´ve had great food and we even have a mango tree in the back yard. I´m looking forward to everything the next four and a half weeks have in store! Pura Vida!
Comments (1)
Kendall,
What an adventure and learning experience all in one! Glad to hear everything is working out and the students aren't cursing you in Spanish. The climate and region sound so different from the mountains of NC. Spring is finally here! Can't believe grad. is in 3 wks. Tom and I facilitated a Bio teacher workshop. You would have been proud. Very busy time of year in this last 6 wk period. Enjoy the rest of your teaching! See ya soon!
Leigh
Posted by leigh howle | April 17, 2008 12:28 PM
Posted on April 17, 2008 12:28