Viva Costa Rica!!!

Hello hello hello! I have made it safe and sound to my 4-month home here in Costa Rica. My flights in were great and my new friends Mike and Erin were at the curb waiting for me as I exited the airport. Since my arrival on wednesday I have done more than you would think possible. Mike and Erin have taken me around to different places (convenience stores, imitation Wal-Mart, the mall, a local sandwich joint etc.). In addition, I have had two full days of orientation at the institute. I took my placement test, both oral and written, had some courses in culture, and have gotten to know some of the students.
I'm happy that the weekend is here so I can catch up on a little rest and get to know more people. I have some single gals my age that all live within 5 minutes of walking, so that's exciting for me. I have found a running buddy so that is awesome as well.
Other than that, I have been settling into my new home and getting to know my Tico (Costa Rican) family. Cecilia, Rafael, and their daughter Jessica live in a spacious home, love the Lord, and love to do two main things: feed me and help me with my Spanish. They are such warm people and I'm enjoying our meal-time conversations.
I can't write my first Costa Rican entry without mentioning the weather. How does 75 degrees and partly cloudy sound? Oh yes, it is ideal. There's a breeze that doesn't chill you but keeps you cool enough to not notice the beaming sun. Its perfect running and walking weather. There's no rain at all this time of year so I don't have to worry about getting drenched on my walk to school. Well, that's all for now but please enjoy the following pictures and 50 second video clip of my room tour. As they say in Costa Rica...Chao queridas!

To watch my 50-second video click HERE.

The View from my street


More of the view


The garbage by the toilet. This is funny because NO toilet paper can go down the actual toilet. Try remembering that little rule every time nature calls at 2 in the morning when you are practically sleep walking! heehee just a minor adjustment!


The sun room behind my bedroom window as is seen in the video.