'A que hora es?'

Hola mis amigos y mi familia,

It is my second day in Costa Rica. I am staying in a small town called Orosi for the remainder of the week, taking part in a one week intensive Intermediate Spanish class. I found an amazing group of people that run a Hostel, a restaurant, and a language school, and was able to book a room and take classes for under $200. They are called Montana Linda, so if you ever find yourself in these parts, I highly recommend it. Es muy bonita, pero modesto!

The biggest challenge so far, as I assume it probably is for most of our Interns this summer, has been becoming comfortable with language. In my one-on-one-classes, my instructor and I are able to (just barely) communicate with each other the meaning of words. In the stores, I have been able to ask clerks to weigh my fruit, and count out eggs for me, and even ask people to tell me the time (one of the first things I learned to ask in Spanish, but somehow here, it just isn't understood!). It makes me feel even more grateful to have the opportunity to be immersed, and forced to be outside of my comfort  zone. Here, I can be exposed to dialect, where "a que hora es" flows like one word, rather than chopped up enunciated sounds that lose all meaning.

Soon, I will show you the world I see with photos and more description, but for now I must go and abril mi libre.  Es mas importante estudiar el espanol, porque hablar con los Ticos!

Pura Vida

With two and a half weeks to go until I leave for Costa Rica for the summer, I am finding myself grasping every opportunity to see friends... close friends that are part of my everyday; new friends I have made through the York community; and old friends I have known for years, yet somehow have let my daily life get in the way of seeing them as much as I wish. I have also found myself clearing out the piles of junk that I have accumulated over the years (a five cd disk changer anyone?), and looking towards another fresh start.
Preparing for this trip has brought upon some serious reflections about life and what is important. My mind keeps coming back to the same conclusions... that simplicity is key. I say this am I am writing a blog, utilizing amazing technology to share my thoughts and stay connected with my Canadian family and friends. I am thoroughly looking forward to leaving my laptop, cell phone, and dare I say it, the many demands of Facebook behind (ummm for the most part...). I am looking forward to reconnecting with a simple life again, where the sounds of birds are not drowned out by passing traffic.

In Costa Rica, there is a common sentiment among people: Pura Vida. It's a greeting, an exclamation of satisfaction, a way to say farewell, and way to say thank you. It is a way of life, grasping what is important.  The Pure Life.

Thank you YIIP for giving me this opportunity.