Los cambios se producen cuando vamos en contra de todo lo que estamos acostumbrados a hacer

Ever so slowly, my new room is coming together. When Emily and I first arrived to 25 metros sur de Super Sabanilla (our legitimate physical address that you cannot actually send mail to) we were supremely impressed by our (then) temporary abode. It sits in the hills of San Antonio de Escazú in a gated community. There are a total of five houses in our community, three of which are occupied. Ours, in particular, is special because of the little plot of land consumed with vegetation and a small creek beside it. The house is only one level with four rooms- kitchen, bathroom, living room/bedroom (Emily’s room), and a large storage room.

The storage room was absolutely disgusting. It contained a large chair that our former roommate’s cats had pissed on, boxes of random things, ropes crisscrossed from either sides of the room to hang laundry from, and quite possibly had never been cleaned or occupied. It smelled like musty basement mixed with rainforest. The smell is still there since some of the floor is dirt, but it has improved dramatically. 

After Erin, the person who invited us to stay with her until we found somewhere to live, but, incidentally we ended up taking over her place, left to go to Honduras, the serious casita makeover had begun. I cleaned out the entire room; getting ride of everything that was left there that had been forgotten about or no longer cared for. It took a lot of courage to use the broomstick to ride the crevices and ceilings of the massive spider webs, more often than not, with large alive spiders still attached. I also cleaned the windows which had spider cadavers and webs that were worked on so well they were almost like fabric. I also painted the walls with a mente (mint) green purchased from Wal-mart for about 3,300 colones per gallon (about $6-7). And, yes, most of the grocery stores are owned by Wal-mart and Wal-mart itself is new and glorious to the Ticos. In addition, I had to spackle the spider holes and paint over them. One corner of the room requires a bit more effort. It appears that perhaps a sink was once desired to be placed there, but never completed. In this area the cement is messy and a favorite place for spiders. So, with all my creative efforts I have decided to mosaic it with random pieces of tiles I have been collecting from the neighborhood. I have used caulking glue, but spackle seems to be less messy. This will be my ever long in-progress task. 

Earlier last week we had a “foam” guy recommended to me by a new friend in Costa Rica come to take a look at our project room. His job would be to seal all the areas in the room that are exposed to the outside world. Also, he could seal the cracks on the sides of the cement and fill the area of the floor that is open to the elements as well. He hasn’t been exactly easy to get a hold of. I had been trying to contact him for a couple of weeks before he came. He is an American from Texas, I believe. He said that he wouldn’t be the cheapest route because he would probably charge $100, but could do the entire job. After sleeping in the same bed and in the same room with Emily for a few months now, I don’t mind. But, once the room is sealed it will become livable. I would like to get this done so I can have my own room. There would also be no need to get any more materials to seal the floor and do things ourselves, so I think he would be worth it. In true Tico fashion he said he would come back to measure and give us an exact price, but is away in Tamarindo for the next ten days. That’s fine because we are going away Thursday of this week to Playa Flamingo on the Pacific side for a little vacation and to celebrate my 27^th birthday (on Saturday). 

Things happen when there are meant to happen here. Many times things even in your control surprisingly only happen when they are ready to. I am learning patience and acceptance here which I am reminded of everyday. We will be approaching a month of living here and everything is coming together slowly. The less you have the more you appreciate the little you do. It’s wonderful to have a great cheap (we pay $150/month each, including utilities and internet) rustic little casita that we really like. Progress is happening!

Chica trabajadora

It is officially my second week as a teacher. Currently, I am only teaching two classes. One of my classes is for a private company ironically (and not so surprising for this country) called Acme. Acme is located at Forum, which is business complex that is very beautiful in Santa Ana. I really enjoy teaching there because I like my students, most seem motivated and already have a pretty decent vocabulary, but just may need some more help with sentence structure and grammar. However, they are all very busy with work, graduate degrees, and personal lives. I think they want to succeed in English for their company and also for the betterment of themselves. I have much admiration for the students who are personally encouraged.

My second class is a public class located at inlingua in San Pedro. This was the first class I shadowed and had I known that I would be taking over this class I would have probably paid more attention (and taken many more notes). They don’t seem as motivated as my Acme class though they are on a much higher level conversationally. We learn more about business rather than the everyday of English which has something to do with the nature of their jobs. 

As a native speaker of English teaching the language I know so well isn’t very hard because I know it. However, my students will always find a way to challenge me and question me on the perpetually oddities of the rules. For instance, last week in Acme we were learning much versus many. I taught what I knew- many is used for countable numbers (How many dogs are there in the park?) versus much which is used for uncountable numbers (Is there much coffee left?). A favorite student of mine asked, “Why do you ask how much money do you have? Don’t you count money? Shouldn’t it be How many money do you have?”. He was right. We do count money (and we also count time). Exceptions to rules exist as expected. We only know this because we grew up speaking this intricate language which I am now appreciating more than ever.  Attempting to explain this to non-native English speakers is somewhat of a challenge when all you really want to say is that is just the way it is (which is correct on many levels).

I never realized (or valued) that English has so many descriptors and ways of saying things, which as a writer I am grateful for. I also didn’t realize how much I like grammar. I think it goes back to when I was in sixth grade and had Sister Roberta for English class (many of my long-term friends could certainly defend me on this). She had us memorize the eight parts of speech in elaborate detail (including all the prepositions, etc. much of which I still can remember today). I am indebted to her now that I am a much more qualified teacher and I like explaining and knowing language rules. I have much more to learn which the process of life is, but due to my vast background I know it will only help me.

Every week here is something new and unexpected. Teaching is something I never really thought I would do though I have been told numerous times that I should consider it. I am glad to have this amazing opportunity from a plethora of upsetting unforeseen circumstances and time will only tell what is next.

Sólo algunas reflexiones

I just had some thoughts occur to me while perpetually on a bus heading somewhere besides Escazú. As we sat on the bus from San Antonio de Escazú to Escazú Centro I noticed that all the people sitting on the bus were quite, even when speaking to one another. There were no loud stereos, no obnoxious loud people talking to themselves or asking you for money. Everyone was orderly despite the usual crazy bus ride that pretty much always guarantees a head jerk due to the bus driver pulling out in front of traffic then realizing he can’t make it and slamming on the breaks.  Even before this while the gardner, Miguel was just doing the usual upkeep within the time gated community (5 houses, 3 of which are occupied) in which we live. Even though it's technically not in his job, he offered to put up a hammock in our adjacent yard area. We were ecstatic! We also have a hammock chair that Erin had left here. We asked him to put up this hammock chair as well. He was very eager and willing and seemed to easily attach it to the trees with wire. Miguel and the other gardeners even gave us a new door with keys. It’s amazing how nice some people are here. This makes me consider the United States. It reminds me of basically what I’ve been taught in MBA (to be an ethical person in business). I think Miguel will never be rewarded (monetarily) because he has helped the very limited speaking Gringas with some things around the house because we will not be able to tell the Spanish speaking land lady how kind he was. He simply did these kind acts because he is like most of these people. Hopefully, we will learn more Spanish to eventually sincerely thank him (and maybe ask for some more household help). The Ticos are polite and benevolent people who sometimes do very considerate actions for you that mean so much. Another instance is a friend we met in Puerto Viejo. He not only gave us a 4 hour ride home from Puerto Viejo, but also, let us do our laundry at his home less than a week later. 

I compare my experiences much to the States because it’s all I’ve really ever known (and a 6 month stay in Australia which is very similar to the U.S.).  I do not think I will experience such caring people like this anywhere else. And I also think how ironic it is to go to MBA classes to learn something which you already should know and not have to learn how to become- if that is even possible. Though things are not always organized and efficient, this place is a nice refreshment of how amazing occurrences can come from nothing at all.

P.S. ¡Feliz Cumpleaños a mi madre! ¡Besitos y abrazos!

clase obrera

I finally became (not so gainfully) employed! This is my first job since January. Why is it easier to get a job in another country than in the United States right now? Don’t get me wrong, this wasn’t exactly a piece of cake. But, I know that if I was back in the states now I would be under some underpaid desk job hating my life and sporadically sneaking on Facebook. I do have some friends back home in crummy jobs that don’t have the opportunity of advancement or higher pay, but they need a job. I have other friends who don’t have a job at all and are struggling with a college education just to get a retail job whilst still trying to paying their student loans. On the contrary, I have a few very lucky friends who have jobs they like and are making a decent pay and actually enjoying what they do. I am so happy for those people. I hope that even if I don’t get paid a ridiculous salary I hope to find something I really like doing. It’s definitely a factor in why I tried this. 

So, after a month long TESOL training and two separate job interviews I have been officially (word of mouth) hired. Inlingua has made us attend 4 days of 4 hour (or so) interview/training. On the first day there were seven of us present. We watched videos about Inlingua’s methodology and learned what they expected as well as about Inlingua itself. On the second day we had to make a 2 minute teaching demonstration using five vocabulary words. Two kids from North Carolina who took TESOL training on Nosara beach were first up. Regretfully, each didn’t do so well and I am pretty sure it’s due to the poor training. I followed them and had the most difficult vocabulary with words like “democracy “ and “saber-rattling”. I sucked. But, in comparison to the North Carolina kids I was better. So I thought that’s good, at least. The very next day we were told we would have to do the same presentation. But, we had to actually do a teaching demo. It was from real Inlingua books. The North Carolina kids simultaneously wrote Corey, our boss, an email stating that they weren’t good candidates. And Corey, from the start was right. In the beginning of the training he said that he had too many people and that it would work itself out. That day Corey also told us that the remaining of us was hired.  Such a relief! We had the last of our training today, Saturday. We shadowed current teachers of Inlingua. I followed Byran from Kansas City. He has been here for a year now and is returning home on Monday. Bryan just graduated from College last year and knew he wasn’t going to be able to get a job (he thought) so decided to take a year off and do this. He also studied abroad in Fortuna here in college. So, he is now fluent in the language. When he gets home to Kansas he is planning on going back to school (typical of our economy). It was good to shadow a teacher, but it was the wrong day for it. As class began there was a test given. It was probably almost 2 hours long. After the test a new lesson was begun. They were level 3A, an advanced class, so they had vocabulary like “upgrade” and “modernization” and had grammar like first and second conditionals. The teaching felt more natural like conversation rather than teaching. I think is probably going to be highly effective, but still no good until in actual use.  I begin teaching on Monday and yes, I am a bit nervous. However, I feel more comfortable after witnessing a class and seeing how easy and effortless it can be. I hope I can be a good teacher. More importantly, I hope my students do learn from me.

In the Costa Rican culture there is a phrase said multiple times daily that is the brand to their country, “Pura Vida”. Literally translated it means “Pure Life”. I can’t exactly translate what it means because it has several definitions and is used in a plethora of situations. For example in Puerto Viejo it is used as you’re welcome which they used at the end of every sentence. Young guys will pass you in the night with flyers for bars and as you say no gracias they automatically respond “Pura Vida”. So, in this case it seems more nonchalant and so habitual. It is also used as a greeting and farewell. So, if you travel to Puerto Viejo this word will definitely penetrate to your memory. In more city areas like San Pedro and Escazú it is used infrequently and more often than not randomly  thrown into conversation when talking about Costa Rican lifestyle. Or it is used to express satisfaction. For example, if you are talking about something positive a friend might add “Pura Vida” which here I think can mean “cool” or “this is living!”. In my own life I think of Pura Vida every day. It is how I feel now as I type with the sun indicating its about to go down, water flowing in a stream beside me, sounds of birds and dogs in the air, and the green lushness swallowing me .Here in the origin of Pura Vida I am internalizing the true meaning of this word.

Puerto Viejo!

Happy Independence Day!  We celebrate here too. Well, I didn’t but, with all the Americans (supposedly) living in Escazú and with the fireworks I just heard I would say that someone here from America is celebrating this day.

Celebration is not on the agenda for me. I just came back from visiting Puerto Viejo last night. We heard so much about how this place is so amazing. So we departed from San José at 11:00 AM. We had a pit stop in Limón around 3:00 PM which gave us just enough time to go to the bathroom, grab a refreshment (aloe vera beverage), and snack (chocolate covered strawberry ice cream bar). After re-grouping we headed back o the now scorching bus with no a/c. I didn’t expect  any more for about $8.

When we arrived in Puerto Viejo with just backpacks and wandered our way to Rocking J’s to stay a few nights in our fabulous hammock accommodations. It was about an 800 meter walk from the bus stop to Rocking J’s which could be quite possibly the closet thing I have seen to hippie paradise since Bonnaroo. The “resort” is full of creative ways to spend your vacation time. You can rent a tent, hammock, cabin, or even the owner him self’s room if you so desire (and have enough cash).  The entire place is covered in vacationer’s art work- imaginative and resourceful displays of artistically arranged tiles that describe traveler’s feelings, emotions, country-pride or maybe a “trip” they had. Rocking J does have a unique thing going for him I must admit. If I were about 6 years younger this would have been my haven. But, arriving on a Wednesday after traveling so long on a bus we weren’t up too much for a party. And it seemed that neither was the rest of Puerto Viejo. We went to the beach which was actually a bit rocky and not really good for swimming and decided after a bit to go to our hammocks, shower, and get changed.  We treated ourselves to some dinner and put ourselves to bed early. Despite what you’re thinking the hammocks were quite comfy and sleeping about 50 feet from the ocean lulled us to sleep. 

The next day we were eager to lie on the beach so we walked towards town and found a good spot behind some souvenir vendors, adjacent to a stagnant pool of water, and about 10 feet from the ocean.  The water was colors of dark blues and turquoise, but it’s not the typical Caribbean you picture when you’re fortunate enough to visit the actual Caribbean. There wasn’t so much “scary stuff”- seaweed, sticks, and unidentifiable sea material/animals present, but there was still a little bit. Stray dogs of all sizes and breeds were on the beach too. They would run into the water to play or just cool off. 

On Friday our friend and housemate, Erin showed up with her friend Marcella from Santa Ana. Ironically when Emily and I were walking into town to get some cash out and get a drink we ran right into Erin and Marcella. They suggested we rent bikes and ride to better parts of the beach.  So we rented rusty cruiser bikes for about $5 for 6 hours. We rode our bikes past Rocking J’s towards Manzanilla, but without actually making it that far. This beach was purely reminiscent to me of Australia. This beach was nicer because it was less rocky, but still made it a bit difficult to swim because “tsunami” waves were present. There was about 3 miles to the beach and the safe place to swim spread about 25 feet. Emily went for a swim since she is a fish. I advised that she swim at an angel. I feel asleep on the beach for probably hours waking up only to reapply sunscreen. Emily finally woke me up and said that everyone had gone and it looked like it was going to rain so we probably should return our bikes. In a daze I threw my clothes on over sand encrusted body. We returned the bikes and then decided to have some food. We ate at a little restaurant facing the beach. I wanted to go there initially because I saw them advertise ceviche and I was craving it. But, after looking at the menu we decided to split an avocado salad and I got Sea Bass in Caribbean sauce. The salad was great. In hindsight I should have gotten the ceviche because the Sea Bass was breaded and fried and the sauce was a little too heavy and not nearly as spicy and I typically enjoy. But, it was still good.  So we people watched and doggie watched while it began to rain under our table with a large man-made umbrella. The dogs still played jumping in and out of the stagnant water and the ocean not seeming to even notice the rain. And the tourists kept walking and biking past our view, most of them appearing to be American which was relief for a second, but mostly an annoyance.  There were more people in Puerto Viejo today perhaps because it was Friday.

Saturday turned out to be the best day on vacation in al aspects. Erin and Marcella suggested we rent bikes again and ride to Manzanilla. Marcella suggested that we not leave Puerto Viejo without seeing this beach, so we reluctantly agreed. Not totally impressed by the beaches we didn’t have high expectations for this beach. Through negotiation we rented bikes by Rocking J’s for about $3 for 3 hours. Marcella said it was about a 25 minute bike ride. I am now learning to take time loosely. We biked mostly on unpaved rocky roads for about 45 minutes finally reaching our destination- Manzanilla. We left our bikes with pipa (coconut) and empanada vendors and walked through the forest and up a hill to breath-taking views of Puerto Viejo and crystal clear water with jungle scenery. We sat atop the hill and took it all in for a bit. Now, profusely sweating decided to swim in the beauty. We walked back down the hill and walked along the beach to our own private beach where we swam and collected souvenir rocks and shells. I didn’t really care when we had to go back to return our bikes it was gorgeous. But, then the afternoon rain came and we began to make our way back to our bikes. As a thank you to the vendors for watching our bikes and as a treat to ourselves to purchased the pipas and empanadas. Emily had never had a fresh pipa, so we split one. I even asked the pipa man to cut it open so we can eat the meat of the pipa. He even cut a little spoon from the side of the pipa for us to get the meat out. The meat is soggy and not sweet, not like how many of us picture pipa. Nonetheless, I think it’s delicious.  We rode our bikes back in the rain drenched from head to toe as were most of our things that we brought with us. 

That night we went to EZ times and had some cocktails that were 2 for one and some dinner. This was going to be our ladies night with Marcella, Erin, Emily, and myself. After a long day the drinks made us nothing but tired. Marcella jokingly asked the waiter if there were any beds. He said yes. And he led us upstairs to a private lounge area with cushioned couches all along the walls and tables in the middle. Emily and I were served our dinners- I got gazpacho with grilled shrimp and avocado and Emily had home-made gnocchi. It was delicious. After eating we joined Erin and Marcella in a nap. Around 9 we woke up and decided to go out as it was our last night in Puerto Viejo.  Erin went back to Rocking J’s as she was still feeling tired. We bar-hopped all over Puerto Viejo and ended back at EZ Times which was now transformed into techno dance party. We danced and partied the night away leaving Puerto Viejo on a good note. 

Our vacation is over. It is time to start working so that we can actually live here. I don't think that I will revisit Puerto Viejo, but I am a firm believer in always visiting somewhere new. I am glad we went and am also glad I have a couple days to relax before we start training. It is time to start learning the language and become more serious about what I want to obtain from my time here. Even so, I am grateful for all my experiences that have led me to exactly where I am now.