First Week

This first week has been nothing but Hammer Time.  We touched down sat afternoon.  Sunday Morning I had to be at the CEA office at like 8 am (the plus side being that I'm going from eastern to central, so really its 9 am) for orientation and a walking city tour.  We got to walk around San Jose and learn about the different areas and how to get there.  (btw, in costa rica addresses=directions.  as in, right at the KFC, 50 mts south of tealand. thats an address. yay.)  If anyone wants to send me mail it has to be a letter, otherwise it's not worth it. I'll find out the address and post it later.

Monday we had orientation at Veritas University where they talked to us a little more about the Costa Rican culture like how different concepts of personal space are and the Pura Vida lifestyle and Tico Time.  It lasted until about noon and was just really funny and informative and I won't recount every detail.  After a pizza lunch at CEA offices (which are really nice btw I need to get a picture) we went on a tour of the Teatro Nacional which was an extremely gorgeous and elaborate building which was even more antique than the ones I've seen in Charleston, and just chalked full of history and apparently 24k gold paint.  As soon as I figure out how to get pictures off my camera I will share with you!

View from the Western Part of Universidad Veritas

Tuesday was the first day of classes, and like all first days it was long and confusing.  I have Spanish for 4 hours every day for the month of January and night classes until 8 mon-thurs but at least for February and March I will have Fridays free!

My Spring Schedule!

At least my Spanish profesor is guapo y tranquilo and all of my other classes are interesting.  The dance and art classes listed are optional, and the dance one is free which I am very excited about.  I am loving the laid-back pace of this life and how very unstressed I am.  I have been so busy all week, but this is nothing like last semester.  I'm actually ENJOYING every second of my life instead of worrying from one moment to the next about all of the things I need to get done or what meals I need to prepare for the next three days or what seven books I need to read for my World Religions class or WHATEVER.  I am just living moment to moment in peace and it is truly pure joy.

The rest of the week was really just going to classes and went by really quickly.  Guys, the food here is delicious.  Black beans are a regular staple in my diet, as well as cilantro and avocado.  Add all the fruit and the plantains and you just know this junk is delicious.  I can't wait to learn how to cook gallopinto, it is SUCH a good complement to eggs and fresh bread and fruit in the morning. Hello, wholesome breakfast!

PS they didnt lie, the coffee here really is delicious.

Next stop: Manual Antonio y Bahia Ballena for the weekend.