7-8-11
So far I think the most frustrating thing about studying abroad is that everyone has ideas about the things they want to do, but they can’t seem to actually decide on a plan. Part of the problem is that in general there is an air of chance and spontaneity that frustrates plans in Latin American countries, which is exacerbated by the lack of cell phones for communication. For example, on Fridays we only have half days of class, when you watch movies, to accommodate the excursions. Some friends and I were planning on getting lunch when we got out of class, but our movie began 30 min late. Since I got out late, and I didn’t have a way to contact Randdie (who was at the house, neither of us have cell phones) she didn’t know when to meet for lunch. The other girls who were going on their weekend excursion were leaving at one(ish) and we didn’t have a way to communicate when and where to meet up for lunch. In the end only Randdie and I ate lunch together. The lesson that I took from this was to be proactive in planning, so for our trip into San Jose on Monday I am going to make a Facebook group with a specific time.
The rest of the day was pretty typical, although Randdie and I explored are neighborhood more and took a taxi to the bigger supermercado to buy snacks for class. In general, food is cheap (and excellent!) in Costa Rica, but packaged food that is not grown here is pretty expensive, a box of Wheat Thins costs 6-7 dollars. Sunscreen is also very expensive; a bottle is about 17 dollars here, and of course I need more. The sun is just so strong that you need to put it on just to walk the 6 blocks to school. This evening Sophie (my host sister) and I are going to see Piratas del Caribe! To add to the theme of globalization.. as I write this, the kids out on the street are listening to Lady Gaga!
Tomorrow is my first scheduled adventure! My group is going on a day trip to Braulio Carrillo National Park which is near the Volcano Irazu. We’re going on a river hike!
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