Sunday Evening -

Hola all! A lot has happened since my last email. The most exciting news is that I have a job. After I did my evaluation teaching on Thursday, Pro Language offered me a position when I return! First mission accomplished! And, I'm closing in on a place to live. I can choose where I live and the school will assign business clients to me in my area. I will probably work with a volunteer organization that coordinates homestays. They are looking for a volunteer to teach English. It's a great way to meet people and I am able to determine how much time I volunteer. They do ask that I contribute clothes, shoes, school supplies, etc., so I'm asking all to see what you have that you can give to me to bring back.

Yesterday, I went on a 4 in 1 tour. First stop was a coffee plantation where we were served a Tico breakfast.

COFFEE PLANTATION

After the tour of the plantation, it was on to see a crater of one of the 6 active volcanos in the country.

VOLCANO CRATER

Then it was on to Las Pas Waterfalls. We walked through an aviary with beautiful birds, a butterfly garden and a hummingbird sanctuary. I briefly glanced in the snake area...it held no appeal for me!

AVIARY, BUTTERFLY GARDEN, HUMMINGBIRD SANCTUARY

After a great Tico lunch, we walked through the rainforest to see the waterfalls. It was 2722 steps, although 75% was walking down. Not that it mattered...my legs were still like noodles by the time we were done. :D

LA PAZ WATERFALLS

The last stop was a boat tour on the Sarapiqui River. Coming from south Louisiana, I could have skipped this. It was basically like taking a swamp tour. We saw a crocodile, sloth, and a handful of birds. We don't have the howler monkeys in south L.A., but I've seen those at the zoo!

Needless to say, I was exhausted after this 13 hour trip!

I don't think I've mentioned Mario in my previous emails. Mario is the world's greatest taxi driver. Vicki, the owner of Fountains Guest House where I'm staying, has made a point of finding reliable people who speak decent English to help her with various services. Mario is one of those. He picked me up at the airport, drove me to and from my interviews and this morning, drove me around the area for about an hour, giving me helpful information in my search for housing.

Mario...the world's greatest taxi driver











I'm pretty sure I've decided to live in the Escazu area (southwest of San Jose), which is where I'm at now. My second option is in the area north of San Jose, called Heredia.

I guess that's all for now...I'll be back Tuesday evening and will try to send some pictures in the next few days.

Day 3 -
I am having so much fun! Yesterday, I went to my first "interview" and I go back this afternoon to teach a short session to one student. If I do well, they´ll offer me a position :D I had another meeting set for this morning...or at least I thought I did. The person I had emailed with wasn´t there. I was very early because I wasn´t sure how long it would take to get there from the guest house. I allowed an hour...it took 20 mintues...lol. Anyway, we were supposed to meet at 10. I waited (and waited) and finally left at 10:45. I guess that´s what they mean when they say "Tico Time". While I was waiting, I filled out some information and I had to answer several English language grammar questions. Does anyone know the difference between the first and second conditionals? I guessed, but I probably got it wrong.

Anyway, from there I walked a couple of blocks (up a very steep hill) and caught a taxi to Mall San Pedro. I managed to get a typical meal at the food court, bypassing the McDonald´s, Burger King, Wendy´s, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell. It is hilarious to me to see all those chain restaurants. I´ve also seen a Tony Romo´s and TGI Fridays. Most of the restaurants around here deliver, including McDonalds´s and Burger King...or you can go through the "auto-mac" or "auto-king". Too funny!

So now I´m in an internet cafe in the mall. I´m going to look around some and then go teach at 2 p.m. From there I´m going to HyperMas...basically it´s Walmart. It will be very interesting I´m sure.

By the way, I am using my Spanish ALOT. I´m having to finagle some words, but it´s amazing how much is coming back to me in such a short period of time.

I spent some time in a hammock yesterday...really enjoyed that.

Hello all!
I'm here! So far, so good! I only have a few minutes online so let me give you the highlights:

I'm staying in a really cool place (although not literally...there's no A/C which is common here. How is a girl who keeps her house at 69 degrees going to survive???)

FOUNTAINS GUEST HOUSE

The woman who owns the place is really nice and very helpful. All the guests went to dinner tonight to celebrate my arrival.

I have two interviews with schools and I got a tip on another possible job from a guy I met on the plane. He's offered to play tour guide for me and get info for me on a better paying and easier job...more on that later.

I only get 10 minutes online a day and it varies on when that may be so it may be sporadic emails but I'll try to keep you posted.