There are no words to describe this past week. I love this country and I have already learned so much from in the short time I have been here. Kendall, Megan, and I arrived in Liberia, CR on Saturday, March 22nd without knowing how truly incredible our next week of traveling would be.
From the time we stepped off the time to the time we arrived in Nicoya we experienced adventure. We were lucky enough to visit the Arenal Volcano, the rain forest in Monte Verde and relax on the beach in the beautiful Mal Pais. The language barrier never seemed to be much of problem because the people in CR are more than helpful and are always willing to endure some pretty butchered Spanish.
We met Marley and Torrey in Monte Verde and might I add that we are quite a crew. We were able to explore the rain forest above the trees on a zip line and repel down six waterfalls all in one day. I knew that our adventures had only just begun because we still have five more weeks to be in this beautiful country.
After leaving Mal Pais on Saturday we arrived in Nicoya with our packs and a familiar name. After riding in a Costa Rican police car and exchanging a few names we made it to Carla's house. I was the first to get picked up by my family and I knew I was in for a treat. They have been feeding me the best food, and because they do not speak any English my Spanish skills have been improving daily. Meeting my family made me a little nervous but after the first two nights they have made me feel at home. I live with Anna a former teacher at San Ambrosio, her parents and her two nephews. My family knows how to cook and have a good time and I honestly already feel at home here. They have been so helpful and speak to me very slowly so I can always feel a part of their conversations.
I am teaching English at San Ambrosio to pre-K through 3rd students. I am finding that it is a lot harder than I once thought to teach English but I am enjoying every moment. The children at this school are the most loving kids and not a moment goes by that one is not holding my hand or calling me teacher. I am looking forward to watching these kids grow in the English speaking skills. I have a feeling that I will be learning just as much from them as they are from me.
Here are some other important notes that describe why Costa Rica is so amazing.
-Rice and beans or arroz con pollo
-Milkshakes
-Beautiful people
-Spanish
-The soda or cafeteria at school
-Chikis the most amazing cookies in the world!
-Air Conditioned Internet Cafe´s