Sunday, June 29, 2008
The Cost of Living
My aunt emailed me and asked about the cost of living. Depends of what it is...I ate at TGIFriday's last night and my fajitas and juice drink cost me $20. An order of mozerella sticks was $10 (we didn't get those!) But, if you eat at the "typical" Costa Rican food places, the prices are a little lower than what you'd pay in the States. Gas is much higher. It's by the liter but last I saw, the comprarable price by the gallon was over $5 for regular. The area where I live is one of the most Americanized and therefore most expensive places...which is good and bad. Conveniences of home, higher prices. Also depends on what you're buying in the stores. Diet Coke is almost $2 for a 2-liter...not that I care since I'm addicted!
Monday, June 23, 2008
San Jose on Saturday
I finally made it into San Jose to explore the capital city. My new friend Julia was kind enough to go with me. I should probably say she took me since I was heavily dependent on her to get around. First, we rode the bus to downtown San Jose. This was exciting for me as I've wanted to learn the bus system since it is SO much cheaper than taxis. Unfortunately, there isn't a published schedule of when and where the buses pick up and drop off.
We visited/toured several places in San Jose. The first place we stopped was El Mercado Central (The Central Market). It is a lot like the French Market in New Orleans, only bigger. Lots of merchandise booths mixed in with snack counters (or "sodas" as they are called here), a pet store, and meat and fish markets.
Our next stop was the National Theater. We were only able to walk through the front rooms without a ticket, but we saw an exhibit by one of Julia's neighbors - El Jardin de Las Rocas Dormidas - Garden of Sleeping Rocks.
On our was to the Museo del Oro - The Gold Museum - we walked across Plaza de La Cultura - Cultural Plaza. People were hanging out, visiting and feeding the pigeons. It reminded me of taking my niece and nephew to feed the ducks in Thibodaux.
At the Gold Museum we saw several exhibits. The first thing we saw was a variety of pigs - piggy banks!
This was followed by an exhibit of Adan y Eva - Adam and Eve - and the circle of life.
There was lots of gold of course, but also exhibits featuring Costa Rican life in pre-Columbian times.
We finished the day with lunch at El Patio and then walked to catch the bus back to Escazu. Unfortunately, I won't be able to find where to catch the bus on my own. So, I can make it into San Jose, but I'll probably be stuck there!
We visited/toured several places in San Jose. The first place we stopped was El Mercado Central (The Central Market). It is a lot like the French Market in New Orleans, only bigger. Lots of merchandise booths mixed in with snack counters (or "sodas" as they are called here), a pet store, and meat and fish markets.
Our next stop was the National Theater. We were only able to walk through the front rooms without a ticket, but we saw an exhibit by one of Julia's neighbors - El Jardin de Las Rocas Dormidas - Garden of Sleeping Rocks.
On our was to the Museo del Oro - The Gold Museum - we walked across Plaza de La Cultura - Cultural Plaza. People were hanging out, visiting and feeding the pigeons. It reminded me of taking my niece and nephew to feed the ducks in Thibodaux.
At the Gold Museum we saw several exhibits. The first thing we saw was a variety of pigs - piggy banks!
This was followed by an exhibit of Adan y Eva - Adam and Eve - and the circle of life.
There was lots of gold of course, but also exhibits featuring Costa Rican life in pre-Columbian times.
We finished the day with lunch at El Patio and then walked to catch the bus back to Escazu. Unfortunately, I won't be able to find where to catch the bus on my own. So, I can make it into San Jose, but I'll probably be stuck there!
Muuuuuuchas Vacas
I spent part of Saturday exploring San Jose with Julia Salibas. Those of you in Hattiesburg may know or know of her husband Brian Salibas. More on our adventures in San Jose in another post. The point of this post is to share more of the cow statues. Evidently, this is a world-wide art phenomenom, set up to raise money for charities. You can learn more at http://www.cowparade.com. I also learned that they weren't all in one place to begin with. They've been spread throughout the San Jose area since the exhibition started in March. I picked up a brochure that had pictures of 128 cows with their names, but several that I've seen here in Escazu were not in the brochure. So, there are probably 150 or more of these cows around town. Here are some of my favorites:
Cowfe Con Leche (Leche = Milk)
100% Leche de Vaca (100% Cow Milk)
Vaca Negra (Coke Float)
The Milk Machine
Vaca...tubo...tubo (Cow...pole...pole or The Stripper Cow)
This one isn't in the brochure so I don't know it's official name. I call it "Ronald McDonald Cow" because it's right outside a McDonald's near one of the town plazas.
Here are pictures of some of the others we saw around town:
Cowfe Con Leche (Leche = Milk)
100% Leche de Vaca (100% Cow Milk)
Vaca Negra (Coke Float)
The Milk Machine
Vaca...tubo...tubo (Cow...pole...pole or The Stripper Cow)
This one isn't in the brochure so I don't know it's official name. I call it "Ronald McDonald Cow" because it's right outside a McDonald's near one of the town plazas.
Here are pictures of some of the others we saw around town:
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Food for Thought - Dos
More thoughts, observations and general information:
- Costa Ricans eat A LOT of tuna. In the grocery stores, there are rows and rows of canned tuna fish. Tuna is one of the country's most produced foods. Evidently, it tastes different than what we have in the States. I haven't try it yet...
- There are several channels on the cable line-up that show programs from the States. The CSI series are evidently very popular, as well as Ghost Whisperer, ER, and Desperate Housewives. Sitcoms such as Two and A Half Men, Friends, and Everybody Loves Raymond are also popular. There are a couple of movie channels as well. Most of the time, the programs are in English with Spanish subtitles. What is interesting is that they do not censor the cuss words in the programs. I've heard words on TV that would result in a "R" rating at the movies! And of course, the translation into Spanish isn't literal, but a close approximation.
- Evidently, the Unites States is one of the few places that refrigerates eggs. Here, you buy them off the shelf and leave them on the counter. Supposedly, they last longer that way.
- Books are very expensive here; especially books in English. I bought two paperback books last week. Neither were new publications. The price on the back in the U.S. was $7.99, which means I'd have paid $4.97 at Walmart. Here, I paid $13 for one and $9 for the other. Those of you who know me well know that I can't live without something to read. Hopefully I can find a cheaper bookstore but I may have to have some shipped in!
- Almost everyday, the ice cream man passes in front of the house. Instead of driving a truck, he is pushing a cart with a bell on the handle, much like what you'd find on a child's bike. He has several varieties of ice cream though and so far, what I've tasted has been delicious!
- Costa Ricans eat A LOT of tuna. In the grocery stores, there are rows and rows of canned tuna fish. Tuna is one of the country's most produced foods. Evidently, it tastes different than what we have in the States. I haven't try it yet...
- There are several channels on the cable line-up that show programs from the States. The CSI series are evidently very popular, as well as Ghost Whisperer, ER, and Desperate Housewives. Sitcoms such as Two and A Half Men, Friends, and Everybody Loves Raymond are also popular. There are a couple of movie channels as well. Most of the time, the programs are in English with Spanish subtitles. What is interesting is that they do not censor the cuss words in the programs. I've heard words on TV that would result in a "R" rating at the movies! And of course, the translation into Spanish isn't literal, but a close approximation.
- Evidently, the Unites States is one of the few places that refrigerates eggs. Here, you buy them off the shelf and leave them on the counter. Supposedly, they last longer that way.
- Books are very expensive here; especially books in English. I bought two paperback books last week. Neither were new publications. The price on the back in the U.S. was $7.99, which means I'd have paid $4.97 at Walmart. Here, I paid $13 for one and $9 for the other. Those of you who know me well know that I can't live without something to read. Hopefully I can find a cheaper bookstore but I may have to have some shipped in!
- Almost everyday, the ice cream man passes in front of the house. Instead of driving a truck, he is pushing a cart with a bell on the handle, much like what you'd find on a child's bike. He has several varieties of ice cream though and so far, what I've tasted has been delicious!
Friday, June 20, 2008
The Cow Parade
When I was here in April, I passed by Central Park in San Jose and saw a "parade of cows," each painted differently with beautiful designs. Unfortunately, I didn't get the opportunity to walk through the park and see all the cows. However, the "parade" has ended and the painted cows are spread throughout the area for people to see. The Multiplaza in Escazu had several on display. Those of you in Hattiesburg will find this similar to the swans in front of the businesses around town. For those of you in New Orleans, it is comparable ot the Fleur de Lis statues downtown. The exhibit was for a local children's charity. People can purchase the cows and the money is donated.
Sunday, June 15, 2008
Corn Pancakes and Coconut Juice
Yesterday, on our way to her parents' weekend home, Karina and I stopped near her house in San Ramon for lunch. All around Costa Rica, you will find small restaurants and convenience stores (or pulperias) in the space between two houses. The place where we ate is called "La Merienda." We had chorreadas, which are basically corn pancakes...smashed corn skillet cooked like a pancake or tortilla. We also watched as the owner cooked platanos on the wood burning stove.
From there, we went on to her parent's house between San Ramon and La Fortuna. They have a house in a small community named Poder. It is a gated community with about 50homes, most of which open to the common courtyard which includes a huge pool with a swim up bar, hot tub, volleyball court, two soccer field, snack bar and dance pavillion. Unfortunately, they are re-tiling the pool so we weren't able to cool off with a swim. Usually on Saturday nights, there is a dance in the pavillion but since this was Father's Day weekend, there weren't many people at Poder so the dance was cancelled. I'll have to visit again with the pool is ready and the dance is a sure thing so I can put all those salsa lessons to use!
Last night, several of the neighbors visited a the Salas' house. Naturally, all of the conversation was in Spanish. Although a lot of what was said I didn't understand, I was able to catch the gist of several of the stories and/or conversations. Since I speak better than I understand, I was pleased with this. Later, Karina and I played Dominos with her parents, finally calling it quits around 2 a.m.
Right outside the door of the Salas' house is a huge mango tree. Don Omar has rigged a mango-picking device and this morning he must have picked 30 or more mangos from the tree. I brought back 10 with me to Escazu for sweet treats throughout the week.
Miguel, a friend of Karina's family, gave me a tour of his house this afternoon. It is a very rustic home and looks like something you'd find in a special issue of Home and Garden or Architectural Digest. Nearly everything is made of natural materials and most of the furniture is made from tree roots or cross-sections.
Miguel also whacked a couple of coconuts so I could try coconut water. I was amazed at how little is in a coconut...only a small glassful. I didn't really care for it which surprised me since I love fruit juices. But, it was interesting and I'm glad I got the opportunity.
From there, we went on to her parent's house between San Ramon and La Fortuna. They have a house in a small community named Poder. It is a gated community with about 50homes, most of which open to the common courtyard which includes a huge pool with a swim up bar, hot tub, volleyball court, two soccer field, snack bar and dance pavillion. Unfortunately, they are re-tiling the pool so we weren't able to cool off with a swim. Usually on Saturday nights, there is a dance in the pavillion but since this was Father's Day weekend, there weren't many people at Poder so the dance was cancelled. I'll have to visit again with the pool is ready and the dance is a sure thing so I can put all those salsa lessons to use!
Last night, several of the neighbors visited a the Salas' house. Naturally, all of the conversation was in Spanish. Although a lot of what was said I didn't understand, I was able to catch the gist of several of the stories and/or conversations. Since I speak better than I understand, I was pleased with this. Later, Karina and I played Dominos with her parents, finally calling it quits around 2 a.m.
Right outside the door of the Salas' house is a huge mango tree. Don Omar has rigged a mango-picking device and this morning he must have picked 30 or more mangos from the tree. I brought back 10 with me to Escazu for sweet treats throughout the week.
Miguel, a friend of Karina's family, gave me a tour of his house this afternoon. It is a very rustic home and looks like something you'd find in a special issue of Home and Garden or Architectural Digest. Nearly everything is made of natural materials and most of the furniture is made from tree roots or cross-sections.
Miguel also whacked a couple of coconuts so I could try coconut water. I was amazed at how little is in a coconut...only a small glassful. I didn't really care for it which surprised me since I love fruit juices. But, it was interesting and I'm glad I got the opportunity.
Wednesday, June 11, 2008
Food for Thought
Some thoughts, observations and general information:
- Costan Ricans do not know the meaning of "defensive driving." 99% of the drivers on the road drive like a bat out of hell. Motorcyles swerve in and out of the lanes, often zipping up the road between the lanes. Costa Rica has the 2nd highest road deaths per capita in the world...it's not hard to see why.
- In the restaurants, it is not acceptable to ask for separate checks. I received a dirty look when I asked for a separate check when I was here in April. Additionally, the check includes a 10% tip that is divided by the entire staff, so you are expected to leave another 10% for your server.
- A large portion of the population knows some English, especially in the cities. While not fluent, they are able to understand and be understood by tourists and other English speakers. I'm amazed by the ratio of people who know some English as compared to in the U.S. where very few people are able to communicate in another language. Additionally, most are very willing to help you, especially if you are trying to learn the language.
- The other night, I saw something that reminded me of the days after Hurricane Katrina. Evidently, word had gotten around that gas was going to increase 40 colones or 8 cents per liter the following day. Lines at the pumps were into the street at several of the gas stations we passed.
- Walmart is taking over the world. I've mentioned Hipermas before, but yesterday we went to PriceSmart, which is basically Sam's Club although it didn't have as many choices as we find in the States.
- Last but not least, here is a picture of the house where I'm living...
- Costan Ricans do not know the meaning of "defensive driving." 99% of the drivers on the road drive like a bat out of hell. Motorcyles swerve in and out of the lanes, often zipping up the road between the lanes. Costa Rica has the 2nd highest road deaths per capita in the world...it's not hard to see why.
- In the restaurants, it is not acceptable to ask for separate checks. I received a dirty look when I asked for a separate check when I was here in April. Additionally, the check includes a 10% tip that is divided by the entire staff, so you are expected to leave another 10% for your server.
- A large portion of the population knows some English, especially in the cities. While not fluent, they are able to understand and be understood by tourists and other English speakers. I'm amazed by the ratio of people who know some English as compared to in the U.S. where very few people are able to communicate in another language. Additionally, most are very willing to help you, especially if you are trying to learn the language.
- The other night, I saw something that reminded me of the days after Hurricane Katrina. Evidently, word had gotten around that gas was going to increase 40 colones or 8 cents per liter the following day. Lines at the pumps were into the street at several of the gas stations we passed.
- Walmart is taking over the world. I've mentioned Hipermas before, but yesterday we went to PriceSmart, which is basically Sam's Club although it didn't have as many choices as we find in the States.
- Last but not least, here is a picture of the house where I'm living...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
A Fun Filled Weekend
Last night, I went to a Gemini Birthday Party a Vicki's house. Vicki runs the guest house where I stayed on my scouting trip. I met several new people, spoke lots of Spanish, and ate good food. I also made a couple of contacts for additional teaching opportunities. All in all...a good time was had by all!
Today (Sunday), I went to an amusement park with Karina and Ronald. I'm not sure what to compare it to. It's not as big as a Six Flags theme park, but it is close. Lots of rides, a huge arcade, waterslides and large food court. I'm not usually one to ride rides that spin around or go upside down...and now I remember why. We rode the Disk and the Octopus. After that, I thought I was going to throw up. Needless to say, all rides after that were ones that stayed on the ground! The decorations throughout the park were very cool though.
There was also a fish pond and from the way the fish attacked the small pellets of food we threw in, you'd think the fish hadn't been fed in weeks!
There were also some street performers who put on a show in the afternoon. Very cool costumes and cute antics!
Today (Sunday), I went to an amusement park with Karina and Ronald. I'm not sure what to compare it to. It's not as big as a Six Flags theme park, but it is close. Lots of rides, a huge arcade, waterslides and large food court. I'm not usually one to ride rides that spin around or go upside down...and now I remember why. We rode the Disk and the Octopus. After that, I thought I was going to throw up. Needless to say, all rides after that were ones that stayed on the ground! The decorations throughout the park were very cool though.
There was also a fish pond and from the way the fish attacked the small pellets of food we threw in, you'd think the fish hadn't been fed in weeks!
There were also some street performers who put on a show in the afternoon. Very cool costumes and cute antics!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Exploring Escazu
We're finally moved into the new house. I'm settled in my room. Robin is working on the rest of the house. Not sure who my housemates are going to end up being...Robin and her daughter Kasey, or Karina and Ronald. We'll see what happens in the next couple of weeks.
I trekked to Hipermas this morning. I say "trekked" because it's about a mile away, mostly up the hill and through a major intersection. (I know, when you went to Hipermas, it was uphill both ways and in snow and you were barefoot!) Hipermas is owned by Walmart. The one is Escazu (where I live) is only about a year old and it is the first to be modeled like the U.S. stores. It's a surreal experience to see the signs...they look exactly like the ones in the U.S., but are in Spanish.
I've told several people that we don't have addresses in Costa Rica. The directions to my house are as follows: 200 meters south of Kinder-Koala, then 75 meters west, 2nd to last house on the end or Billete Caracas, Numero 16. The distance between two streets is given as 100 m, no matter what the actually distance is. So, 200 meters means go to the second street from Kinder-Koala. Turn west and go 3/4 of the way (or 75 meters) to the end of the street. Very weird.
I trekked to Hipermas this morning. I say "trekked" because it's about a mile away, mostly up the hill and through a major intersection. (I know, when you went to Hipermas, it was uphill both ways and in snow and you were barefoot!) Hipermas is owned by Walmart. The one is Escazu (where I live) is only about a year old and it is the first to be modeled like the U.S. stores. It's a surreal experience to see the signs...they look exactly like the ones in the U.S., but are in Spanish.
I've told several people that we don't have addresses in Costa Rica. The directions to my house are as follows: 200 meters south of Kinder-Koala, then 75 meters west, 2nd to last house on the end or Billete Caracas, Numero 16. The distance between two streets is given as 100 m, no matter what the actually distance is. So, 200 meters means go to the second street from Kinder-Koala. Turn west and go 3/4 of the way (or 75 meters) to the end of the street. Very weird.
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Getting Settled
I'm finally settled in...sorta. I'm still living out of suitcases for the most part, but I reorganized so everything I need is in one bag. I think we are moving to the new house today, so I'll be able to unpack my bags and set up my room.
Yesterday, I had my first "class" to teach English. I put class in quotes because it's only one student. He is the CFO for Central America for a global eyecare company. He is pretty fluent in English and want to refresh and target some problem areas. He especially wants to learn about idioms and phrases in English. We don't think about some of the phrases we say most of the time, we just use them as part of our everyday language. For instance, "at arm's length". How do you explain that concept to a non-native speaker????
I meet with this student after work and last night after class, I went to the movies with Karina and Ronald. A little sidetracking here...Karina is a realtor who helped Robin find the houses (the old and new ones) she is leasing. Karina is bilingual so she helps me with my Spanish alot. She and her close friend, Ronald, will be living in the house with me. Ronald only speaks Spanish so I can't cheat and use English when I talk to him. Both are very patient with me, thanks goodness! So anyway, last night we met after my class and saw Indiana Jones 4. We watched the English version with Spanish subtitles this time, but I'm hoping that in about 3 months I can watch the translated version of a movie and not need subtitles.
Later this week, Karina is going to help me find a part-time job, probably with one of the sports betting organizations in the area. I'm going to spend the next week or so getting settled, learning how to get to the house where I live (very important), and establishing some routine in my life (also very important for me!). I've bought a book on Costa Rica and have already marked several places I want to visit and/or things I want to do, so I'll have plenty of blog material in the next few weeks.
Yesterday, I had my first "class" to teach English. I put class in quotes because it's only one student. He is the CFO for Central America for a global eyecare company. He is pretty fluent in English and want to refresh and target some problem areas. He especially wants to learn about idioms and phrases in English. We don't think about some of the phrases we say most of the time, we just use them as part of our everyday language. For instance, "at arm's length". How do you explain that concept to a non-native speaker????
I meet with this student after work and last night after class, I went to the movies with Karina and Ronald. A little sidetracking here...Karina is a realtor who helped Robin find the houses (the old and new ones) she is leasing. Karina is bilingual so she helps me with my Spanish alot. She and her close friend, Ronald, will be living in the house with me. Ronald only speaks Spanish so I can't cheat and use English when I talk to him. Both are very patient with me, thanks goodness! So anyway, last night we met after my class and saw Indiana Jones 4. We watched the English version with Spanish subtitles this time, but I'm hoping that in about 3 months I can watch the translated version of a movie and not need subtitles.
Later this week, Karina is going to help me find a part-time job, probably with one of the sports betting organizations in the area. I'm going to spend the next week or so getting settled, learning how to get to the house where I live (very important), and establishing some routine in my life (also very important for me!). I've bought a book on Costa Rica and have already marked several places I want to visit and/or things I want to do, so I'll have plenty of blog material in the next few weeks.
Sunday, June 1, 2008
The Adventure Begins
Well, I started my new adventure today. However, if the rest of this experience is anything like this morning, I’m going back to bed and pulling the covers over my head. So far today I’ve ripped the duffel bag that was part of my new set of luggage and had to repack my carry on; I’ve broken the strap on one of my new pairs of shoes; lost an arm on a pair of sunglasses; and splattered salad dressing on me when I opened the little container on the plane. I guess if those are the only things that go wrong I should be thankful :D
I’m writing the first part of this entry on the plane somewhere over Central America. We are having a little turbulence from the tropical depression in this area. So much for thinking I’m leaving hurricane season behind! Thank goodness I packed the anti-nausea medicine in my carry on. It’s been an interesting plane ride from Houston to San Jose. The two people behind me have talked loudly for the whole trip. Fortunately, some of it is interesting!
My plan for the rest of the day is to get unpacked and settled in my new space. I’m ready to be settled…the last few weeks have been non-stop getting ready to leave. Getting there and getting established will be a huge relief. I’m hoping to go to the school tomorrow and get set up there. I’ll also spend this first week looking for a job at one of the sports betting organizations. Five years of higher education to be a bookie in Costa Rica!
LATER THAT DAY...
The flight from Houston to Costa Rica sucked. It was hot on the plane. And,the flight was full so even though I had an aisle seat in an exit row, I was cramped because there was someone sitting next to me. Also, did anyone know that you can't recline when you're in the exit row? Great leg room but you have to sit straight up...hard to be comfortable and/or sleep like that for 3 1/2 hours.
I'm finally where I'm going to sleep tonight, but I'm not anywhere near settled. The house where I was going to rent a room has had a flooding problem so the woman I'm renting from is in the process of moving to another house. For tonight, I'm sleeping in the original house, but hopefully tomorrow we'll get settled in the new house. So, I haven't unpacked my bags or anything like that yet...I'm trying not to let that stress me out.
I'll post some pics over the next few days.
I’m writing the first part of this entry on the plane somewhere over Central America. We are having a little turbulence from the tropical depression in this area. So much for thinking I’m leaving hurricane season behind! Thank goodness I packed the anti-nausea medicine in my carry on. It’s been an interesting plane ride from Houston to San Jose. The two people behind me have talked loudly for the whole trip. Fortunately, some of it is interesting!
My plan for the rest of the day is to get unpacked and settled in my new space. I’m ready to be settled…the last few weeks have been non-stop getting ready to leave. Getting there and getting established will be a huge relief. I’m hoping to go to the school tomorrow and get set up there. I’ll also spend this first week looking for a job at one of the sports betting organizations. Five years of higher education to be a bookie in Costa Rica!
LATER THAT DAY...
The flight from Houston to Costa Rica sucked. It was hot on the plane. And,the flight was full so even though I had an aisle seat in an exit row, I was cramped because there was someone sitting next to me. Also, did anyone know that you can't recline when you're in the exit row? Great leg room but you have to sit straight up...hard to be comfortable and/or sleep like that for 3 1/2 hours.
I'm finally where I'm going to sleep tonight, but I'm not anywhere near settled. The house where I was going to rent a room has had a flooding problem so the woman I'm renting from is in the process of moving to another house. For tonight, I'm sleeping in the original house, but hopefully tomorrow we'll get settled in the new house. So, I haven't unpacked my bags or anything like that yet...I'm trying not to let that stress me out.
I'll post some pics over the next few days.
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