I can't believe it has been almost 7 months. It feels like just yesterday I was checking into the hostel and trying to find a job here. I am a little sad, but also very excited to go to Nicaragua for a week and little nostalgic to return to the States.
It was a great final weekend though. On Friday, I took my last Spanish lesson. It was a fun lesson and I learned some interesting expresiones idiomaticas that will be useful in the future. (andar por las ramas beat around the bush) (un pie aqui y otro alla Want to stay in one place, but also be somewhere else) y cosas asi. We also had our Christmas party for IESA on Friday night. It was at an amazing restaurant that served so many plates of chips, guacamole, fondue for appetizers. Then for the main dish was the best chicken, steak and fries that I've had since I've been here. IESA paid for the whole thing which also included many beers, margaritas and whiskey and cokes.
We finally had a sunny day on Saturday, so the roommates and I had a picnic with our tico friends. They are a very funny and nice married couple around our age. One of my roommates gave her classes, so they have been over a couple times to the house. The husband, whose name is also Michael, is pretty awesome and reminds me of myself. He loves sports, playstation, and drinking a few cervezas.
I have been relaxing mostly today (Sunday). I went to San Jose to watch some baseball. I talked to a Nicaraguan lady whose brother was playing 1st base for one of the teams. I told her about myself and Amanda and she thought it was really cool what we are doing.
I want to thank everyone who has been reading the blog. At first I thought it might seem a little superficial to do, but I am glad for all the great responses and interest people have shown. Thank you.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Monday, November 24, 2008
Update
I have been semi-busy the last two weeks so I will cram all the latest happenings into one post.
I started a new class two weeks ago and they are pretty awesome. Amanda would love this class. The first day of an advanced class I basically ask the students to do a few fluency drills and talk about some of their interests to see what level they are at, what grammar they need to work on, and what type of vocabulary they are working with. Anyway most of my students talk about their hobbies, sports, family or pets.
Not this class.
The female student talked about how she hates close-mindedness and told a story about how she tried to rescue a dying dog who was laying on the highway. My male student talked about how the United States has gotten way to involved in the affairs of other countries, especially in Latin America, and how he is excited about the new President in US. Both of these reponses were unprovoked, so I was amazed at the creativity and fluency they were able to speak with. I was not expecting these types of responses at all, but they are very good speakers and could express themselves very well in English despite not taking classes for 11 months.
I don't want to sound like a whiner, but it sucks I have to work on Thanksgiving. I have three classes on Thursday from 7-8:30, 12-2, and 5:30-8, so no football or turkey for me. But we did have a nice Thanksgiving get together at the office last week. We had a pot luck lunch (I think that is the term) and it was very good. There was chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, salad, vegetables, cake and sangria. I brought soda, but since there was alcohol and a room full of teachers mostly in our 20's, I was able to bring most of the soda back home unopened. The staff and IESA is great about organizing events like this and I will definitely miss them when I leave in December. We have one more get together on December 5th, an early Christmas celebration, and I hope it will be as fun and as crazy as the Thanksgiving celebration.
I started going back into the city on weekends to watch baseball again. Between all of the McDonald's, Taco Bell's, US tv shows, teaching English, and watching baseball, it hasn't been that much of a culture shock the past 6 months. It has been dissapointing that I haven't experienced as much of the culture as I would have liked to, but I am still trying. I try and make conversation with the locals at the baseball games and this week I had a pretty interesting time. The guy sitting next to me was pretty hilarious. He was an alcoholic and drinking casique straight from the bottle, but at least he was a happy drunk. He was yelling at the pitchers what pitch to throw, telling the hitters to take the ball to right field against the soft throwing left handed pitcher, and telling everyone to listen to him because he had played baseball for 14 years in the Nicaraguan pro leagues. We had a good laugh together making fun of one of the first baseman because he could not pick a ball to save his life. I was able to understand about 60 % of what he said, although he spoke a very drunken accented Spanish.
I am excited to see everyone for Christmas. Dissapointed that I am leaving CR when the good weather is about to begin, but excited to see the family. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and I will see you soon.
I started a new class two weeks ago and they are pretty awesome. Amanda would love this class. The first day of an advanced class I basically ask the students to do a few fluency drills and talk about some of their interests to see what level they are at, what grammar they need to work on, and what type of vocabulary they are working with. Anyway most of my students talk about their hobbies, sports, family or pets.
Not this class.
The female student talked about how she hates close-mindedness and told a story about how she tried to rescue a dying dog who was laying on the highway. My male student talked about how the United States has gotten way to involved in the affairs of other countries, especially in Latin America, and how he is excited about the new President in US. Both of these reponses were unprovoked, so I was amazed at the creativity and fluency they were able to speak with. I was not expecting these types of responses at all, but they are very good speakers and could express themselves very well in English despite not taking classes for 11 months.
I don't want to sound like a whiner, but it sucks I have to work on Thanksgiving. I have three classes on Thursday from 7-8:30, 12-2, and 5:30-8, so no football or turkey for me. But we did have a nice Thanksgiving get together at the office last week. We had a pot luck lunch (I think that is the term) and it was very good. There was chicken, mashed potatoes, stuffing, gravy, salad, vegetables, cake and sangria. I brought soda, but since there was alcohol and a room full of teachers mostly in our 20's, I was able to bring most of the soda back home unopened. The staff and IESA is great about organizing events like this and I will definitely miss them when I leave in December. We have one more get together on December 5th, an early Christmas celebration, and I hope it will be as fun and as crazy as the Thanksgiving celebration.
I started going back into the city on weekends to watch baseball again. Between all of the McDonald's, Taco Bell's, US tv shows, teaching English, and watching baseball, it hasn't been that much of a culture shock the past 6 months. It has been dissapointing that I haven't experienced as much of the culture as I would have liked to, but I am still trying. I try and make conversation with the locals at the baseball games and this week I had a pretty interesting time. The guy sitting next to me was pretty hilarious. He was an alcoholic and drinking casique straight from the bottle, but at least he was a happy drunk. He was yelling at the pitchers what pitch to throw, telling the hitters to take the ball to right field against the soft throwing left handed pitcher, and telling everyone to listen to him because he had played baseball for 14 years in the Nicaraguan pro leagues. We had a good laugh together making fun of one of the first baseman because he could not pick a ball to save his life. I was able to understand about 60 % of what he said, although he spoke a very drunken accented Spanish.
I am excited to see everyone for Christmas. Dissapointed that I am leaving CR when the good weather is about to begin, but excited to see the family. I hope everyone has a great Thanksgiving and I will see you soon.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Useful Costa Rica Information
If someone happens to find my blog through google or searching the internet I figure I should have at least one post with useful information on traveling or living in Costa Rica. And if any of my relatives or someone reading the blog want some travel information: here you go.
Beaches
If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches I would recommend Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste. I have not been to the beaches in Guanacaste, but I have heard they are amazing. I should really get out there before I leave. Manuel Antonio has beautiful beaches, the most visited national park in Costa Rica, and good restaurants and nightlife. It is about a 4 hour ride from San Jose. There are public buses that go there for very cheap around $6. You can hitch a ride with some other tourists in a small minivan for about $10 a person. The vans usually fit 9 or 10 people. Or you can arrange your own private taxi (I have never done this, but I assume it would be pretty expensive, unless you could get a travel package online).
If you are a partier, you can try Jaco Beach. It has a lot of cheap hostels on the beach and some crazy nightlife, although you will be asked if you want drugs by just about every person walking on the street. The water is also very contaminated so if you go swimming you will get very sick. The beach is also kind of crummy, but it is still a popular destination for surfing and clubbing. If you want an upscale family vacation you can head to the Marriot Los Suenos in Jaco. It has a huge pool where you don't have to worry about contaminated water, a golf course, casino, 2 restaurants, gym and a spa. The public bus to Jaco is about $3 and takes a little over two hours.
There are many other great beaches that I have not got the chance to visit, but I have heard good things about Playa Limon (near Panama) as well.
Other tourist destinations
Arenal- Arenal is popular for it's volcano and national park. There are also hot springs and many zip lines or canopy tours.
Pacific coast- Many people come to Costa Rica for the deep sea fishing on the Pacific Coast near Panama.
Cruises, tours, rafting and scuba diving are also very popular throughout the country.
Living in CR
A few tips if you plan on retiring or want to work in Costa Rica.
Learn some Spanish- It is nice to be able to have a conversation and human interaction, even if communication is difficult. The Ticos really appreciate that you are learning their language and most will try and help you out.
Yes, that price is correct- Apartments in Costa Rica are normally about 1/3 the price of what a similar apartment in the US would run. i.e. (i.e. $900 studio in the US will probably be around 300 here in the Central Valley Area). However, food, gas, and electronics are much more expensive in Costa Rica. All electronics are imported so they are outragously priced. If you can get a tv from the states here than do it, because the smallest tvs here are at least $150. Food is also a little more expensive and gas prices are around $6 a gallon. Most Americans living here take the buses though. Buses go everywhere and are reasonably priced as well, which is why most Ticos take buses also.
Cost of living- So if you rent a 300 dollar a month apartment, spend about 50 bucks a month on transportation, (about average) 70 dollars on food, 80 on entertainment and other expenses, you can live pretty comfortably on $500 a month.
Teaching
I have been teaching English for 6 months here so I will try and impart a little knowledge.
Everyone wants to live in the beautiful part of the country and teach English, but it is almost impossible to do. Almost all the teaching jobs are in the Central Valley, San Jose area. Most of the jobs are teaching English to groups in big companies. The good news is that it is pretty easy to find a teaching job without any previous experience. I was hired by the company one day after I interviewed because I was a native speaker of English. Most jobs pay between 5 and 8 dollars per hour. The company I work for pays 7.50 an hour. There are only a few companies that will pay up to 10 or more an hour, but those require a CELTA or TEFL certificate and 2 years of experience. Most companies will not get you a work visa, so you are technically working illegally, although I have never heard of anyone who has gotten in trouble for this. You will have to leave the country every 3 months because of the tourist visa. One of my fellow employees has done 5 border runs, but said there is never any questioning at the borders, because in the end they really want the tourists money.
I know that was a pretty brief look, but if you have any questions or comments, leave me a message.
Beaches
If you are looking for the most beautiful beaches I would recommend Manuel Antonio or Guanacaste. I have not been to the beaches in Guanacaste, but I have heard they are amazing. I should really get out there before I leave. Manuel Antonio has beautiful beaches, the most visited national park in Costa Rica, and good restaurants and nightlife. It is about a 4 hour ride from San Jose. There are public buses that go there for very cheap around $6. You can hitch a ride with some other tourists in a small minivan for about $10 a person. The vans usually fit 9 or 10 people. Or you can arrange your own private taxi (I have never done this, but I assume it would be pretty expensive, unless you could get a travel package online).
If you are a partier, you can try Jaco Beach. It has a lot of cheap hostels on the beach and some crazy nightlife, although you will be asked if you want drugs by just about every person walking on the street. The water is also very contaminated so if you go swimming you will get very sick. The beach is also kind of crummy, but it is still a popular destination for surfing and clubbing. If you want an upscale family vacation you can head to the Marriot Los Suenos in Jaco. It has a huge pool where you don't have to worry about contaminated water, a golf course, casino, 2 restaurants, gym and a spa. The public bus to Jaco is about $3 and takes a little over two hours.
There are many other great beaches that I have not got the chance to visit, but I have heard good things about Playa Limon (near Panama) as well.
Other tourist destinations
Arenal- Arenal is popular for it's volcano and national park. There are also hot springs and many zip lines or canopy tours.
Pacific coast- Many people come to Costa Rica for the deep sea fishing on the Pacific Coast near Panama.
Cruises, tours, rafting and scuba diving are also very popular throughout the country.
Living in CR
A few tips if you plan on retiring or want to work in Costa Rica.
Learn some Spanish- It is nice to be able to have a conversation and human interaction, even if communication is difficult. The Ticos really appreciate that you are learning their language and most will try and help you out.
Yes, that price is correct- Apartments in Costa Rica are normally about 1/3 the price of what a similar apartment in the US would run. i.e. (i.e. $900 studio in the US will probably be around 300 here in the Central Valley Area). However, food, gas, and electronics are much more expensive in Costa Rica. All electronics are imported so they are outragously priced. If you can get a tv from the states here than do it, because the smallest tvs here are at least $150. Food is also a little more expensive and gas prices are around $6 a gallon. Most Americans living here take the buses though. Buses go everywhere and are reasonably priced as well, which is why most Ticos take buses also.
Cost of living- So if you rent a 300 dollar a month apartment, spend about 50 bucks a month on transportation, (about average) 70 dollars on food, 80 on entertainment and other expenses, you can live pretty comfortably on $500 a month.
Teaching
I have been teaching English for 6 months here so I will try and impart a little knowledge.
Everyone wants to live in the beautiful part of the country and teach English, but it is almost impossible to do. Almost all the teaching jobs are in the Central Valley, San Jose area. Most of the jobs are teaching English to groups in big companies. The good news is that it is pretty easy to find a teaching job without any previous experience. I was hired by the company one day after I interviewed because I was a native speaker of English. Most jobs pay between 5 and 8 dollars per hour. The company I work for pays 7.50 an hour. There are only a few companies that will pay up to 10 or more an hour, but those require a CELTA or TEFL certificate and 2 years of experience. Most companies will not get you a work visa, so you are technically working illegally, although I have never heard of anyone who has gotten in trouble for this. You will have to leave the country every 3 months because of the tourist visa. One of my fellow employees has done 5 border runs, but said there is never any questioning at the borders, because in the end they really want the tourists money.
I know that was a pretty brief look, but if you have any questions or comments, leave me a message.
Monday, November 3, 2008
Panama
My roommates and I had to do our three month border run this past weekend so we headed to Bocas Del Toro in Panama. It was very pretty, although it rained just as much as it does in Costa Rica. We did manage to get in a scenic bike rike in the jungle during a dry period. The nightlife and the hostel were pretty cool. It was split pretty evenly between locals, Europeans, Americans and other Latinos. It is always nice to get out of the city, eat good food and drink good beer. I am debating going to Nicaragua for a weekend before I leave for the States, but we'll see how things go.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
COSI: A true melting pot
The company I work for- Ingles Empresarial- shares the building with a Spanish school named COSI (Costa Rica Spanish Institute). So there are often new students coming in and out who are taking Spanish lessons. Anyway there was a new batch of students today that were there while I was lesson planning and I couldn't help but laugh out loud just a little bit. Most of the students are college kids from the United States, but this time there was a Japanese student and a girl from Switzerland trying to communicate and it was pretty funny because the Japanese guy didn't speak any English. So the Japanese guy is trying to ask this girl in his beginner Spanish why his internet isn't working and why hers is, and why his keyboard is screwed up. The girl is trying to explain back to him in Spanish, and her Spanish is even worse, so she has no idea how to say things like keybord or your computer is frozen and she is flayling her arms and trying to speak with arm actions and I am just dying. It was the guy's first day and he is so frustrated because he was trying to send this long letter in Japanese, but the internet is messed up like it always is at COSI. Anyone I felt a little bad laughing, but it was hilarious. And the best part was the guy was trying to teach her some words in Japanese when they were talking like "en Japones decimos blah blah" and the look on the girl's face was priceless because of course she had no idea what he was saying and wasn't trying to learn Japanese.
I picked up another class today. It is with a group of advanced student's in La Uruca, 15 minutes from downtown San Jose. I was getting a little bored with only two classes for about a month, but now I will have three again, so I am looking forward to it.
One hour until game one. GO RAYS.
I picked up another class today. It is with a group of advanced student's in La Uruca, 15 minutes from downtown San Jose. I was getting a little bored with only two classes for about a month, but now I will have three again, so I am looking forward to it.
One hour until game one. GO RAYS.
Friday, October 10, 2008
Latin Idol Madness
I know Costa Rica is a very small country, similar in size to West Virginia. But I never really gave it much thought until every single person in the Country was glued to the TV to watch the Tica singer compete in the finals a few nights ago. I am a softee and one of my students really wanted to watch the finals, so even though we had a half an hour of class left, I let them turn on the tv during class. It was pretty amazing at the bus stop on the way home to see everyone huddled around a small tv on a street corner to watch. The Tica lost, but I'm sure she will get to sign a record contract somewhere. I think someone even said Oscar Arias, the president of Costa Rica, bought her a car. Pretty crazy, but you gotta love it.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Mejorando
I am not even close to fluent, but I feel like my Spanish has improved a lot since I moved. One of the teachers I am living with is dating a Tico and one of my roommates is from Costa Rica, so when we are all together we only speak in Spanish even though it is four gringos and two costariccenses. Finally some practice! I have also stopped being lazy and started reading the newspaper in Spanish every day to try and pick up some new vocabulary. Although half of the words in the articles are circled, (because I don't know them) I think there is still some hope. Since my Tuesday-Thursday morning one-on-one student often has to reschedule for Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning classes, my teaching schedule is pretty sporadic so I don't really have time to take a Spanish class. I think after a month Christmas break I am going to take a month off of teaching and travel to another country to take Spanish lessons and live with a host family. I have heard pretty good things about Guatemala schools and also a school in Grenada, Nicaragua. Let me know what you all think.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Faith
It was sad to see on the news the other day that the heavy rainfall and winds completely destroyed some of the houses just outside the Central Valley. Although the houses were not too far away from the San Jose area, they belonged to some of the poorer families and could not withstand much resistance. Many of the people said they would have to try and rebuild because they had no other place to go or stay. But the message that each person continued to give was gracias a dios, because their families were safe and no one was injured. Although most of the people lost everything they owned, it was uplifting to see they still kept their faith during hard times.
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Arenal/Pital
I have to give a big shoutout to my parents for the last two weekends. It was nice to get out of the city and see the real beautiful part of Costa Rica. It was also nice to sip drinks poolside and eat great food for the past two weekends.
We also got a chance to go out to Pital again and see some old friends at the church we work with. All in all, it was a great experience and I my parents got to see where and what me and Amanda are doing.
We also got a chance to go out to Pital again and see some old friends at the church we work with. All in all, it was a great experience and I my parents got to see where and what me and Amanda are doing.
Monday, September 22, 2008
Jaco round 3
I went to Jaco for the third time this weekend, but it had a little different feel this time around. The family and I roughed it for two nights at the Los Suenos Hotel Resort(The top resort in Costa Rica). It was pretty amazing and a little different from the Hostel Amanda and I stayed at last month(Although the Hostel was a lot of fun as well). Dad and I got two rounds of golf in at one of the most beautiful courses (located right next to the hotel) I have ever played at, although we didn't get to see the famous wildlife that was advertised. Amanda and mom even joined us for the first round, although Amandacita just putted.
I even got to practice a little Spanish which I didn't think was going to happen. Although I should be much better after four months all the employees at the hotel thought I was pretty good mainly because all the other gringo tourists didn't speak a word of Spanish. I bugged Amanda with question after question as well because she never corrects me when I make mistakes :).
I got back today and moved into the apartment in Curridabat. It feels good to be a little closer to the city. Amanda, mom and dad flew to Nicaragua and will be staying there for the week. Next weekend should be a good one as well when mom, dad and I head to Pital.
I even got to practice a little Spanish which I didn't think was going to happen. Although I should be much better after four months all the employees at the hotel thought I was pretty good mainly because all the other gringo tourists didn't speak a word of Spanish. I bugged Amanda with question after question as well because she never corrects me when I make mistakes :).
I got back today and moved into the apartment in Curridabat. It feels good to be a little closer to the city. Amanda, mom and dad flew to Nicaragua and will be staying there for the week. Next weekend should be a good one as well when mom, dad and I head to Pital.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
I'm moving... again
I am moving once again. It will be my third apartment in four months, but this one is pretty baller, so don't hate. Four Bedrooms, three bathrooms, laundry, high speed internet and cable. I didn't think it would be possible here, but it is pretty sweet. And for only 250 dollars it month it was a steal. I will be living with three English teachers and a Costa Rican social worker. They are all really nice and graduated from college in 07, so I think it will go well.
Ciudad Colon was great for a few months, but it was just insanely far from the city and all my classes. I will definately miss living out in the cow pastures of Ciudad Colon, but the location of the new apartment is great. It is far enough outside the city where you don't get that nasty and dirty feeling when you are walking, but close enough (15 minutes) where you don't have to plan your whole day according to bus rides.
On a side note, Costa Rica celebrated it's Independence Day a few days. I thought it would be a crazy all day long party since the people here are very patriotic and proud, but suprisingly it was pretty short and consisted of kids banging on drums and dancing for a few hours. Maybe it wasn't so crazy because they spread out the parades in a bunch of different cities, but I was expecting a lot more.
We are having another family reunion this weekend, so I can't wait for that. My mom, dad and sister are coming. Can't wait to see you guys.
Ciudad Colon was great for a few months, but it was just insanely far from the city and all my classes. I will definately miss living out in the cow pastures of Ciudad Colon, but the location of the new apartment is great. It is far enough outside the city where you don't get that nasty and dirty feeling when you are walking, but close enough (15 minutes) where you don't have to plan your whole day according to bus rides.
On a side note, Costa Rica celebrated it's Independence Day a few days. I thought it would be a crazy all day long party since the people here are very patriotic and proud, but suprisingly it was pretty short and consisted of kids banging on drums and dancing for a few hours. Maybe it wasn't so crazy because they spread out the parades in a bunch of different cities, but I was expecting a lot more.
We are having another family reunion this weekend, so I can't wait for that. My mom, dad and sister are coming. Can't wait to see you guys.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Graduations
I graduated my first two classes on Wednesday and Thursday last week so I am pretty excited. We met twice a week for two and a half hours, so we got to know each other pretty well and I was glad to see all the improvement they made. Although they were already both advanced classes, I saw improvement in all areas: writing, speaking, comprehension, grammar and vocabulary. It was also an experience for me doing something that I had never done before. I got a lot of valuable experience that you can not get by reading any books and I think I am very prepared for future classes.
At first I didn't think I was ready to teach three classes at a time, but I think I will pick up even more classes over the following months.
At first I didn't think I was ready to teach three classes at a time, but I think I will pick up even more classes over the following months.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Sabor Nicaraguense
I think nicaraguense is spelled wrong and I don't know if sabor nicaraguense directly translates into a taste of Nicaragua, but nevertheless I had a successful border run last weekend. I got to go to the beach, see where Amanda works, meet some of her friends, and learn some useful slang and phrases that probably shouldn't be repeated.
I really liked Amanda's host family. They were very nice and accomadating as well. I also had a good time in Leon with two of Amanda's friends-Memo and his sister Reyna. They were very fun and helped me immensely with my horrible Spanish. We spoke in Spanish for the majority of the trip and it was good to finally get some practice. It had to be annoying hearing the phrase como se dice over and over again, but they were very patient.
The night before I headed back we had a few drinks with Ana, Elena and Julieta. It was nice to see Ana again. She is pretty funny and hopefully will be able to come for our next trip to Panama.
It was good to see Amanda and the great things she is doing. She is a real inspiration. If you are reading this, keep up the good work sis.
Hasta la proxima
I really liked Amanda's host family. They were very nice and accomadating as well. I also had a good time in Leon with two of Amanda's friends-Memo and his sister Reyna. They were very fun and helped me immensely with my horrible Spanish. We spoke in Spanish for the majority of the trip and it was good to finally get some practice. It had to be annoying hearing the phrase como se dice over and over again, but they were very patient.
The night before I headed back we had a few drinks with Ana, Elena and Julieta. It was nice to see Ana again. She is pretty funny and hopefully will be able to come for our next trip to Panama.
It was good to see Amanda and the great things she is doing. She is a real inspiration. If you are reading this, keep up the good work sis.
Hasta la proxima
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Haircuts and horrible English
I was lucky enough to find a permanent barber at UT that I could go to every month or two without worrying about a bad haircut. I am happy to say I think I found one in Ciudad Colon as well. I went to her for the second time today and she did another good job.
She is very nice and likes to small talk so I also get a Spanish lesson, which is nice. She also likes to show off her English which consists of the words hello, goodbye, is it okay and ready. So we talked a little bit and she tells me I was a little quieter today than I was last time. Then she tries to learn a new word. "Como se dice callada (quiet) en ingles". "The word is quiet". I then tried to prounounce it for her slowly a few times K Y I T. She tried so hard, but her pronunciation was at least 10 times worse than my Spanish prounciation. She said cueits, cuit, and a couple others, before I finally said perfecto so she would stop. But she is very fun, does a good job, and only charges five bucks so her pronunciation can be as bad as she wants it to be.
I am headed to Nicaragua this Friday for my first border run, so wish me luck. The first three months here have flown by.
She is very nice and likes to small talk so I also get a Spanish lesson, which is nice. She also likes to show off her English which consists of the words hello, goodbye, is it okay and ready. So we talked a little bit and she tells me I was a little quieter today than I was last time. Then she tries to learn a new word. "Como se dice callada (quiet) en ingles". "The word is quiet". I then tried to prounounce it for her slowly a few times K Y I T. She tried so hard, but her pronunciation was at least 10 times worse than my Spanish prounciation. She said cueits, cuit, and a couple others, before I finally said perfecto so she would stop. But she is very fun, does a good job, and only charges five bucks so her pronunciation can be as bad as she wants it to be.
I am headed to Nicaragua this Friday for my first border run, so wish me luck. The first three months here have flown by.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Boliche y cerveza
Yesterday was by far the best monthly meeting we have had yet. The others were fun, but they didn't quite measure up. We had a guest speaker come for the May meeting to give us some tips about teaching beginners and we also ate home made lasagna. Last month, we watched Office Space and had some tacos. This month, we went bowling, drank some beers and ate pizza. I think it really opened people up and the teachers got to know each other a little better all on Ingles Empresarial's dime.
A couple of us talked and I think we are going back tonight a little later to do it again. It is pretty cheap when you have a lot of people on one lane and it was a lot of fun.
We just hired a new teacher who will be starting class on Monday. It was pretty funny when someone asked her what was the biggest culture shock since she got her. She said she didn't know because she lives in San Pedro (a city very much like the United States) and spent her first weekend bowling, drinking beer and eating pizza.
Hopefully next month will be even better. I think we are going to go paintballing.
A couple of us talked and I think we are going back tonight a little later to do it again. It is pretty cheap when you have a lot of people on one lane and it was a lot of fun.
We just hired a new teacher who will be starting class on Monday. It was pretty funny when someone asked her what was the biggest culture shock since she got her. She said she didn't know because she lives in San Pedro (a city very much like the United States) and spent her first weekend bowling, drinking beer and eating pizza.
Hopefully next month will be even better. I think we are going to go paintballing.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
Birthday Fun
Quiero dar mis gracias a Amanda y Ana for coming to Costa Rica for my birthday. We had a great time and it was good for Ana to get her first real vacation without her kids. Although there was a little miscommunication (mom) in finding my apartment, everything worked out and we had a fun time in both Ciudad Colon and at Jaco Beach.
I have to do my border run in a few weeks, so I will be headed to Nicaragua to see them soon. Hope everyone is doing well and I will try and update more often in the following weeks.
I have to do my border run in a few weeks, so I will be headed to Nicaragua to see them soon. Hope everyone is doing well and I will try and update more often in the following weeks.
Saturday, July 26, 2008
Update
Hope everyone is doing well in the states. Things have been going pretty well here. It's been kind of quiet the past week or two. I'm looking forward to Amanda's visit. I think she is coming for my birthday. I did get to see Batman the other day and it lived up to the hype. I definitely recommend it.
Before you read the next comment don't judge me. But I have began watching the food network channel. I like a lot of the shows especially the next food network star. It is pretty interesting and I have actually tried to make a couple of the dishes. Plus it is one of the five or six english language channels so that has a lot to do with it as well. Maybe the reason my Spanish is not progressing is because I watch mostly english tv. But the Latin America sportscenter is pretty horrible because it is all soccer and tennis.
I think I am going to try my second go-round at the Catholic Church tomorrow. It is a little weird because of the language barrier and people looking at me weird because I don't know all the rituals, but I can't find any other Church in the neighborhood. I would like to be able to comprehend about 75 percent of the sermon before I leave Costa Rica and I think that is a realistic goal. I think I picked up about 40 or 50 percent of what the padre said a few weeks ago, but when he got going pretty quick it was a little difficult. Listening is the easy part though. Speaking is easily my biggest challenge. Poco a poco.
Before you read the next comment don't judge me. But I have began watching the food network channel. I like a lot of the shows especially the next food network star. It is pretty interesting and I have actually tried to make a couple of the dishes. Plus it is one of the five or six english language channels so that has a lot to do with it as well. Maybe the reason my Spanish is not progressing is because I watch mostly english tv. But the Latin America sportscenter is pretty horrible because it is all soccer and tennis.
I think I am going to try my second go-round at the Catholic Church tomorrow. It is a little weird because of the language barrier and people looking at me weird because I don't know all the rituals, but I can't find any other Church in the neighborhood. I would like to be able to comprehend about 75 percent of the sermon before I leave Costa Rica and I think that is a realistic goal. I think I picked up about 40 or 50 percent of what the padre said a few weeks ago, but when he got going pretty quick it was a little difficult. Listening is the easy part though. Speaking is easily my biggest challenge. Poco a poco.
Saturday, July 12, 2008
I´m ok
Sorry for not posting in a while. I have been a little busy, but things have been going good. I made it back to Jaco beach last weekend and enjoyed some beautiful weather. It was one of the rare days since I have been here that it did not rain. There were some killer waves which made for a pretty interesting surfing competition. (I did not compete. Although it looks like something that would be cool to learn.)
Classes have been going well. It is nice having a three day weekend and only having to wake up early twice a week. I think my students have really taking to my teaching style. I have seen some steady improvement in all of them.
I knew when I left the States there would be some things that I really missed and journalism has been one of those things. Luckily, I got in touch with the Zephyrhills News and I will be writing one story a week for them. There is a former ZHS player who is playing ball in a prestigous summer league so I will be writing about him for awhile. Then probably some High School sports in the fall.
I think I will be posting some flyers around Ciudad Colon about teaching some free English classes. It will be nice to give something back, although the hours that I have open might not be conducive to a lot of people who have to work or go to school. But hopefully I will get some responses.
Mom- Email me about when a good time to skype is. Look forward to hearing from you.
Classes have been going well. It is nice having a three day weekend and only having to wake up early twice a week. I think my students have really taking to my teaching style. I have seen some steady improvement in all of them.
I knew when I left the States there would be some things that I really missed and journalism has been one of those things. Luckily, I got in touch with the Zephyrhills News and I will be writing one story a week for them. There is a former ZHS player who is playing ball in a prestigous summer league so I will be writing about him for awhile. Then probably some High School sports in the fall.
I think I will be posting some flyers around Ciudad Colon about teaching some free English classes. It will be nice to give something back, although the hours that I have open might not be conducive to a lot of people who have to work or go to school. But hopefully I will get some responses.
Mom- Email me about when a good time to skype is. Look forward to hearing from you.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Don't Let Grandma Read This Post
For several reasons
1. I am working illegally in Costa Rica. I am working with a tourist visa.
2. I just got my own bank account today. The school has to write a special note to the bank for this to happen.
3. I am not paying taxes.
P.S. I am pretty excited to get out of San Pedro and move into Ciudad Colon. It is like two different worlds. The city is kind of dirty and dangerous. But Ciudad Colon is beautiful and it is what I expected when I moved here.
1. I am working illegally in Costa Rica. I am working with a tourist visa.
2. I just got my own bank account today. The school has to write a special note to the bank for this to happen.
3. I am not paying taxes.
P.S. I am pretty excited to get out of San Pedro and move into Ciudad Colon. It is like two different worlds. The city is kind of dirty and dangerous. But Ciudad Colon is beautiful and it is what I expected when I moved here.
Friday, June 27, 2008
Overexcited street vendors, taco bell makeout sessions and awesome spanish teachers
I haven't posted for a week so I thought I would cram some stuff from last week into one post. The first was the person selling me pizza on the street. I had never seen anyone so excited to sell a 400 colonie (.80 cent) piece of pizza. The restuarant had an inside, but I decided to get it to go. Good thing because I think if I would have gone in the waitress would have talked my ear off. I gave a couple of polite gracias and was greeted back with no no gracias a ti. Con todo mi corazon. En serio. Really you are thanking my with all your heart? You had to be there to see it. She kept going on and thanking me and it was kind of awkward. It was like I was the only person who had bought something from the restaurant. The pizza tasted fine although I was worried that with all the emocion and excitement the waiter had that there might be some type of illegal substance in the pizza that would get me kicked out of Costa Rica.
The second experience was more gross than funny. And no, I was not fortunate enough to have a make out session with a tica at taco bell. But the PDA at Taco Bell was kind of disgusting considering how long it lasted and that they probably just stuffed down a couple bean burritos with salsa picante. Que feo no.
Finally, moving on to my awesome spanish teacher. I think she is awesome basically because she basically resembles my teaching style in the classroom. She is laid back, throws in a few jokes and tries to make things interesting and talk about things I want to discuss. I also like that, even though I speak spanish like a child, she speaks at a normal to quick pace and does not slow down. I think the only way to learn a language is to hear it at a normal pace and even with beginners like myself it is good to talk at a normal speed. It is also nice having class for two hours a week now instead of one.
The second experience was more gross than funny. And no, I was not fortunate enough to have a make out session with a tica at taco bell. But the PDA at Taco Bell was kind of disgusting considering how long it lasted and that they probably just stuffed down a couple bean burritos with salsa picante. Que feo no.
Finally, moving on to my awesome spanish teacher. I think she is awesome basically because she basically resembles my teaching style in the classroom. She is laid back, throws in a few jokes and tries to make things interesting and talk about things I want to discuss. I also like that, even though I speak spanish like a child, she speaks at a normal to quick pace and does not slow down. I think the only way to learn a language is to hear it at a normal pace and even with beginners like myself it is good to talk at a normal speed. It is also nice having class for two hours a week now instead of one.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
Pretty Interesting Article
http://www.theonion.com/content/news_briefs/man_who_used_stick_to_roll?utm_source=EMTF_Onion
I thought this was pretty interesting. And it actually came from the sports department of a newspaper. Kind of puts things in prospective, although I still want to be a sports writer in the future.
The story is about Tiger Woods by the way.
I thought this was pretty interesting. And it actually came from the sports department of a newspaper. Kind of puts things in prospective, although I still want to be a sports writer in the future.
The story is about Tiger Woods by the way.
Friday, June 20, 2008
I am required to write a least one thought provoking blog a month
So here goes. This months topic: racism.
I wouldn't call it as much racism, but more a feeling of superiority.
Since I have moved here I have really enjoyed the Tico people and their culture. From the people giving up their seats on the bus for older or pregnant women. Or the people taking a real interest in helping my find some place, even though I did not buy anything from their store. It seems like a more relaxed atmosphere, although people in the city drive and walk much crazier than people in the states.
However, the general attitude toward Nicaraguans or Nicos is the only thing that is really troubling. I can understand the general ribbing or teasing one of my students gets because they say he looks like a Nico. That is all in good fun. But it goes a lot further than that. In the baseball game I went to my first week, the catcher and one of the opposing teams fan got into a yelling match and started cursing at each other. The woman, a Nica, and the catcher from Costa Rica. I could actually understand the cuss words then the woman repeatedly saying Nicaragua and don't make fun of my country.
It was not just this incident, but the feeling in general that gives me kind of a sour taste. The people looking and laughing at people buying the Nico Times. The spraypainted graffiti all over the walls.
I know both Ticos and Nicos are very proud of their heritage so maybe I am making too much of this, but it seems very prevalent everywhere I go. One of my students the other night pointed out to me it is very similar to the United States and Mexico. The Nicaraguans working in Costa Rica are generally doing labor work and living illegally. He said most Costa Ricans don't dislike Nicaraguans, but that the few Nicaraguans that do bad things and are bad people give the country a bad name.
I don't really what to think. I haven't read anything in the paper about hate crimes or malicious acts. And the only real fight I saw was at the baseball game. Feel free to send me your thoughts and if you think I am overreacting.
I wouldn't call it as much racism, but more a feeling of superiority.
Since I have moved here I have really enjoyed the Tico people and their culture. From the people giving up their seats on the bus for older or pregnant women. Or the people taking a real interest in helping my find some place, even though I did not buy anything from their store. It seems like a more relaxed atmosphere, although people in the city drive and walk much crazier than people in the states.
However, the general attitude toward Nicaraguans or Nicos is the only thing that is really troubling. I can understand the general ribbing or teasing one of my students gets because they say he looks like a Nico. That is all in good fun. But it goes a lot further than that. In the baseball game I went to my first week, the catcher and one of the opposing teams fan got into a yelling match and started cursing at each other. The woman, a Nica, and the catcher from Costa Rica. I could actually understand the cuss words then the woman repeatedly saying Nicaragua and don't make fun of my country.
It was not just this incident, but the feeling in general that gives me kind of a sour taste. The people looking and laughing at people buying the Nico Times. The spraypainted graffiti all over the walls.
I know both Ticos and Nicos are very proud of their heritage so maybe I am making too much of this, but it seems very prevalent everywhere I go. One of my students the other night pointed out to me it is very similar to the United States and Mexico. The Nicaraguans working in Costa Rica are generally doing labor work and living illegally. He said most Costa Ricans don't dislike Nicaraguans, but that the few Nicaraguans that do bad things and are bad people give the country a bad name.
I don't really what to think. I haven't read anything in the paper about hate crimes or malicious acts. And the only real fight I saw was at the baseball game. Feel free to send me your thoughts and if you think I am overreacting.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Amanda's awesome blog
I'm sure most of you reading this already know my sister Amanda has her own blog, amandaisthenewblogspot.blogspot.com. But since she plugged my blog on her site, I felt like I should return the favor.
It is very insightful and funny at the same time. So give it a look.
It is very insightful and funny at the same time. So give it a look.
Lizano salsa, jalapeno cheese and hot sauce cures all
It only took me a month, but I finally did some actual cooking rather than making turkey sandwiches, peanut butter sandwiches, eating out or enjoying one of my favorite snacks; butter cookies.
I tried my hand at rice and beans. Not too difficult right. I read the recipe online and I was all set. The only problem was I forgot an essential ingredient. The oil. I figured it wouldn't be that bad, but it was probably the stickiest rice ever made. But with the help of the juice from the beans, jalepeno cheese, hot sauce, and about a half bottle of Lizano salso I could barely taste the rice.
I tried my hand at rice and beans. Not too difficult right. I read the recipe online and I was all set. The only problem was I forgot an essential ingredient. The oil. I figured it wouldn't be that bad, but it was probably the stickiest rice ever made. But with the help of the juice from the beans, jalepeno cheese, hot sauce, and about a half bottle of Lizano salso I could barely taste the rice.
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Giving quizzes is so much easier than teaching
It really is. There is no work involved. Just looking over an answer key for correct answers. But honestly, I was glad to see my students did pretty well, so I guess I am doing something right. Or maybe it is just because they are an advanced class and already know the material. Either way I was glad to see no one was totally confused after the first weeks.
The advanced students I am teaching are pretty funny and very witty. Most of them are around my age so they have the same interests and seem to learn better because we talk about things that are interesting to them and not just material straight from the book.
Although we can't have in-depth conversations, I think after classes are over I am going to enjoy teaching the beginning level students just as much or even more than the advanced students. I think seeing them evolve from me name Pepe, to: my name is Pepe, I have 8 kids, three dogs and I like to go fishing will be very satisfying.
The advanced students I am teaching are pretty funny and very witty. Most of them are around my age so they have the same interests and seem to learn better because we talk about things that are interesting to them and not just material straight from the book.
Although we can't have in-depth conversations, I think after classes are over I am going to enjoy teaching the beginning level students just as much or even more than the advanced students. I think seeing them evolve from me name Pepe, to: my name is Pepe, I have 8 kids, three dogs and I like to go fishing will be very satisfying.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Banks in Costa Rica= The DMV in the United States
At least I know if I ever lose a check in Costa Rica it will never be cashed by someone else. I waited in line for about 40 minutes today to cash a check and when my number finally gets buzzed and I get called up to the register I hear the bad news: Solo pasaporte original. I can only cash a check with my original passport. I tried giving the women the extra copy in my wallet, my drivers liscense and my ID from Ingles Empresarial, but no luck. I know there aren't many foreigners using the bank, but I think a sign saying you need your original passport would be nice. It is ok though. Next pay check is direct deposit, so it is all good.
Happy Father's Day
Sorry I couldn't write this yesterday, my internet was down. Happy Father's Day pops. I know you all had a rough trip coming back from Michigan, but I am glad you guys are safe. And the US Open actually went into a playoff so I'm sure you can watch some of the golf while you are busy at work today :-).
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Restaurante Macchu Picchu
Yo sentia como si fuera en Peru otra vez. There is a restuarant in my neighborhood called Macchu Picchu that I went to yesterday and it was delicious. They even had the native Peruvian music playing and a nice place to sit outside. It was a nice change from the McDonalds and Taco Bell that I have been eating the past few weeks. I actually did some grocery shopping as well, so I will be eating healthier and trying to get in better shape in the near future.
I am meeting a friend tonight to go out to dinner and a bar. (No class tomorrow =) It will be my first bar experience in Costa Rica. After class Saturday I think I am going to head to the beach. All my students tell my I have to get out of San Jose to see the beauty of Costa Rica, so it will be nice to do something else besides riding the buses and teaching.
I am meeting a friend tonight to go out to dinner and a bar. (No class tomorrow =) It will be my first bar experience in Costa Rica. After class Saturday I think I am going to head to the beach. All my students tell my I have to get out of San Jose to see the beauty of Costa Rica, so it will be nice to do something else besides riding the buses and teaching.
Monday, June 9, 2008
Success
I am not in an internet cafe writing a post, but in an apartment in San Pedro with wireless internet. I moved in today and it is a beautiful complex. The owner is a very nice and speaks English. The person who runs the place was also very accomodating. She is a tica and a very fast speaker, but I got the gist of most of what she said. The only downside is there is no tv, but I think it will be good to live for a month without it. This way I can improve my lesson plans, make my classes more exciting, finish my online teaching certification course and actually look over some spanish textbooks. Next month there is an opening for a very nice apartment in Ciudad Colon, which is a little cheaper, so I think I will only be here for a month.
I just found out today that I will be teaching another course, so now I am teaching four classes. One class that meets Monday and Wednesday from 530 to 8. One class that meets early in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One class from 530 to 8 on Tuesday and Thursday and one on Saturday from 9 to 12. It is a lot of work, but getting the experience of teaching a lot of different levels will be good.
Mom, if you are reading this, I promise I will call sometime this week. Make sure you have your skype on.
I just found out today that I will be teaching another course, so now I am teaching four classes. One class that meets Monday and Wednesday from 530 to 8. One class that meets early in the mornings on Tuesdays and Thursdays. One class from 530 to 8 on Tuesday and Thursday and one on Saturday from 9 to 12. It is a lot of work, but getting the experience of teaching a lot of different levels will be good.
Mom, if you are reading this, I promise I will call sometime this week. Make sure you have your skype on.
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Classes
Classes have gone by smoothly so far until the power went out last night when I was teaching. We were almost done with the lesson so it wasn´t that disapointing. Everyone seems to really want to learn the language and is excited about learning. I am at our teaching headquarters now, writing this post. We are supposed to have a meeting today and tomorrow.
I actually had someone reply to an email about housing so hopefully I will have a permanent place by tomorrow. Friday and Sunday are the only days I have off, but tomorrow still looks to be pretty busy. I have my spanish lesson at 10 oclock tommorow, then a meeting, and after that I am going to head out to San Pedro to look at the apartment. Living in the city has been nice because the buses are very close and everything is easy to find, but it will be nice to get out. Plus everyone in my classes tells me how dangerous the city is and to take my tie off before I head back.
Although I am teaching five days a week, it is only for 2.5 to 3 hours a day, so I have had plenty of time to find some authentic places to eat and cruise the city. I hope to find a few nice beaches over the next few weekends so when people come to visit I will know the hot spots. Okay, well I am headed out to do some laundry. Until next time.
I actually had someone reply to an email about housing so hopefully I will have a permanent place by tomorrow. Friday and Sunday are the only days I have off, but tomorrow still looks to be pretty busy. I have my spanish lesson at 10 oclock tommorow, then a meeting, and after that I am going to head out to San Pedro to look at the apartment. Living in the city has been nice because the buses are very close and everything is easy to find, but it will be nice to get out. Plus everyone in my classes tells me how dangerous the city is and to take my tie off before I head back.
Although I am teaching five days a week, it is only for 2.5 to 3 hours a day, so I have had plenty of time to find some authentic places to eat and cruise the city. I hope to find a few nice beaches over the next few weekends so when people come to visit I will know the hot spots. Okay, well I am headed out to do some laundry. Until next time.
Thursday, May 29, 2008
First Post!
Wow, this is so much easier than trying to email everyone. Or writing back to Amanda in Spanish.
My first week has been pretty busy, but I am happy to say I landed a job at ingles empresarial, and I will begin teaching English on Monday. The people there are great. The owner Gordon is very helpful and went though things very slowly since I am very much a newbie. They have so many clients that even he teaches some classes while managing the company. Debbie is the academic coordinator and she teaches classes as well. We went over some technical things and what to expect today for about two hours today. She is pretty crazy, but in an awesome kind of way. She is off the wall and loud, but very knowledgable after having taught for 12 years.
I am in an internet cafe right now writing this. I hope to find permanent housing in the next few days. The school is great with helping its employees and told me they would help me find housing. They also offer free spanish classes on fridays, set their teachers up with a costan rican bank account and give you a cell phone.
The people here have been very nice helping me with my horrible Spanish. I have been able to take the bus effectively and order my meals without much problem. Although the other day I ordered a number two at Burger King, which was supposed to be an egg and cheese sandwich meal. But I guess she misunderstood my numero dos for doce and I got a whopper instead at 9 oclock in the morning.
I even got to see a baseball game on Sunday. They have a nice athletic area with baseball fields, softball fields and basketball courts a few minutes outside the center of San Jose. Everyone seems to be out playing sports or jogging on the weekends.
Okay rant over. Until next time.
My first week has been pretty busy, but I am happy to say I landed a job at ingles empresarial, and I will begin teaching English on Monday. The people there are great. The owner Gordon is very helpful and went though things very slowly since I am very much a newbie. They have so many clients that even he teaches some classes while managing the company. Debbie is the academic coordinator and she teaches classes as well. We went over some technical things and what to expect today for about two hours today. She is pretty crazy, but in an awesome kind of way. She is off the wall and loud, but very knowledgable after having taught for 12 years.
I am in an internet cafe right now writing this. I hope to find permanent housing in the next few days. The school is great with helping its employees and told me they would help me find housing. They also offer free spanish classes on fridays, set their teachers up with a costan rican bank account and give you a cell phone.
The people here have been very nice helping me with my horrible Spanish. I have been able to take the bus effectively and order my meals without much problem. Although the other day I ordered a number two at Burger King, which was supposed to be an egg and cheese sandwich meal. But I guess she misunderstood my numero dos for doce and I got a whopper instead at 9 oclock in the morning.
I even got to see a baseball game on Sunday. They have a nice athletic area with baseball fields, softball fields and basketball courts a few minutes outside the center of San Jose. Everyone seems to be out playing sports or jogging on the weekends.
Okay rant over. Until next time.
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