Wednesday 31 January 2007
Me and my teacher, Karla
Unfortunately this is my last week with Karla. Every two weeks students are moved to a new teacher so they can become familiar with different accents. This is obviously important, but I will miss the chats I have with Karla.
Next week I will again be the only student in class. This works out fine for me as I learn more and talk to other students at breaktime.
My weekend
I decided to visit the World´s third most active volcano at the weekend, as you do. I was concerned I might not be able to get a place to stay in La Fortuna, as it´s very busy at the weekend and it´s the dry season at the moment, aka Costa Rican summer holidays.
La Fortuna sits at the foot of the Arenal volcano. In 1968 (the last time she blew) the town was destroyed. The eruption came as a complete shock to locals, at that point they thought Arenal was just another mountain that people enjoyed climbing.
Well thanks to Marta (the woman I´m staying with), I found a hotel. Marta was really sweet phoning around for me, explaining about Arenal etc.
So I set off early Saturday morning for the 4 hours bus ride to La Fortuna. The distance between San Jose and La Fortuna isn´t that great, but the journey is mountainous! The bus climbed so high at points we were above clouds. It made for a spectacular journey.
Seeing the volcano spew lava (as it does each day) relies heavily on the weather. As you can see from my photo, there was quite a bit of cloud coverage. I took a guided tour that included waiting until nightfall to get a better look at some lava. I did spot some lava but unfortunately I was too slow to get my camera out my bag, the problem of always padlocking my bag.
After the tour, our group (about 12 of us) were driven to a huge resort with 14 hotsrings fed by the volcano. The resort kind of made me feel like I was on a James Bond spot but it was very enjoyable. I actually bumped into one of the women I shared a dorm with in San Jose.
It would have been nice to have an extra day in La Fortuna, but I had to return for class at 8 on Monday morning.
This weekend I plan to visit a beach resort and kick back a little. The time is really flying by here.
Saturday 27 January 2007
One for Emily
Finally Emily I´ve moved, you can move me on the map to La Fortuna/ Arenal. But just for the weekend.
Adios xxx
Adios xxx
Another Great Day
As soon as my class finished at 11 I headed to my (temporary) home. At breakfast Marta had invited me to spend the day with her and her family. I knew I needed to return straight from class and needed a swimming costume. But I had no idea where we were headed. This even though I´d spent an hour (yes one whole hour) talking to my teacher in Spanish, about the Royal Family, politics, football, immingration and poverty. Now and again I´d be stuck, but generally the conversation flowed. But it´s different when I get back to the house, I only understand about 70% of what´s said, but in this case I missed the important part!
So at 11.30 we all packed into Luiz´s car (info for Harry -its an old red Hyundai) with drinks and food. We began driving away from the city. At one point I thought we were going to visit an oil refinery, as every building we passed was industrial. Eventually the road opened out to reveal more mountains and towns.
Forty minutes later we pulled into a private club, specifically for Spanish people. I suddenly realised why Luiz had his Spanish top on today. Even though Marta is 100% Tica she obviously embraces her husband´s culture. I think Luiz moved from Madrid about 30 years ago.
The club was really quite swanky, three swimming pools, a jacuzzi, saunas, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, to name but a few of the activites on offer.
Unlike private British clubs where you´d never be allowed to enter with your own food, here it was positively encouraged. We staked a claim at one of the many open Kitchen/bbq/patio areas and Marta set up lunch thanks to a portable oven. We sat down to eat seafood linguine, but not until Luiz had said grace. They are a delightful family always smiling and joking. I don´t know if this is typical, but from what I´ve seen so far I think it is. I think in the UK you´d be hard pushed to find two 20 year old girls who´d gladly spend the day with their parents on a regular basis, like Analia and Lorna do.
After dinner we headed to the jacuzzi, I know not the best idea. It was very relaxing and once again I felt lucky. Later on we took a sauna and then relaxed by the pool. It´s a tough life.
So at 11.30 we all packed into Luiz´s car (info for Harry -its an old red Hyundai) with drinks and food. We began driving away from the city. At one point I thought we were going to visit an oil refinery, as every building we passed was industrial. Eventually the road opened out to reveal more mountains and towns.
Forty minutes later we pulled into a private club, specifically for Spanish people. I suddenly realised why Luiz had his Spanish top on today. Even though Marta is 100% Tica she obviously embraces her husband´s culture. I think Luiz moved from Madrid about 30 years ago.
The club was really quite swanky, three swimming pools, a jacuzzi, saunas, basketball, tennis and volleyball courts, to name but a few of the activites on offer.
Unlike private British clubs where you´d never be allowed to enter with your own food, here it was positively encouraged. We staked a claim at one of the many open Kitchen/bbq/patio areas and Marta set up lunch thanks to a portable oven. We sat down to eat seafood linguine, but not until Luiz had said grace. They are a delightful family always smiling and joking. I don´t know if this is typical, but from what I´ve seen so far I think it is. I think in the UK you´d be hard pushed to find two 20 year old girls who´d gladly spend the day with their parents on a regular basis, like Analia and Lorna do.
After dinner we headed to the jacuzzi, I know not the best idea. It was very relaxing and once again I felt lucky. Later on we took a sauna and then relaxed by the pool. It´s a tough life.
Wednesday 24 January 2007
Number One Student
Yes the Swiss lady learns faster than I, I won´t reveal the fact she is 60, but rather emphasise the fact she speaks 4 other languages. So now I´m getting private lessons, for 3 hours each morning. It´s great because my teacher Carla, stops to chat and asks me about England, all in Spanish of course. That is how the school works, even a beginner will only ever hear Spanigh from their teacher. But I guess it works as we´ve had some interesting conversations.
I got a taxi this afternoon out to one of the local Malls, to possibly buy a few t-shirts as they are so cheap here. The driver complimented my Spanigh (he was just being nice, its really not that good), he´s been learning English for the past 2 months. But generally speaking no one speaks English.
Anyway I think this is all great`preparation for South America. Carla is going to taylor my classes so I can learn what will be important for my travels. So far so good.
I believe some people are having trouble reading the blog, or maybe logging in to comment? I will change the settings so you can comment without a google id. But right now I can´t figure out how, as blogger has converted to Spanish. But as soon as I can I will do that.
I got a taxi this afternoon out to one of the local Malls, to possibly buy a few t-shirts as they are so cheap here. The driver complimented my Spanigh (he was just being nice, its really not that good), he´s been learning English for the past 2 months. But generally speaking no one speaks English.
Anyway I think this is all great`preparation for South America. Carla is going to taylor my classes so I can learn what will be important for my travels. So far so good.
I believe some people are having trouble reading the blog, or maybe logging in to comment? I will change the settings so you can comment without a google id. But right now I can´t figure out how, as blogger has converted to Spanish. But as soon as I can I will do that.
Monday 22 January 2007
Wow!
Did I luck out or what? I´m staying with the nicest family. I called them on Saturday to let them know what time I would be arriving Sunday. I had it all written out phonetically, but I was kind of thrown when I was asked questions in Spanish and yes I got flustered. But I really had nothing to worry about.
As soon as I arrived I was given a warm Tico welcome by Marta, who promptly showed me around her home. What could have been an awkward situation, due to the language barrier was anything but. Marta has a huge smile and truly welcomed me to the Dominguez home. Straight away she wanted to know if I had any laundry - it felt like I was home Mum! I was given a glass of cola and Luiz (Marta´s husband) tried to converse in English. Unfortunately he knows little, but I think this is a good thing as I really have to learn Spanish fast. Luiz and Marta grab props to communicate. At one point I was shown a piece of cheese to see if I´m vegan or not.
They wrote a shopping list as they were asking me what I like to eat. I was then asked if I wanted to join them on a trip to the supermarket. I stayed behind to unpack and learn some phrases, like this is a gift from my home etc.
It´s great to be in what I assume is a typical Costa Rican home, they are very house proud, well actually Marta is she told Luiz off before for not cleaning up after himself. Really Mum it´s just like being at home.
I have a lovely doule bedroom and it feels great to be settling in for 3 weeks. I had my first lessons this morning. Marta walked me the twenty minutes to the school, it´s just one straight road, Gaz you´d be so lost.
The school is extremely well organised. We had an orientation first thing to tell us about the area. Each break we are provided with a different fruit juice and there is plenty of fruit and bread to eat.
I´m in a class with one other, a 60 year old Swiss woman. What is it with all the 60 year olds I´m meeting? Of course she speaks 4 other language so is learning a lot faster than me, but in a class of 2 you really can´t hide. My teacher Carla, can´t believe I don´t drink tea and yet I am English. After class we were all invited to a local restuarant with the school director and a teacher, to practice what we had just learned. They really throw you in at the deep end, but it is obviouly a good way to learn.
I´ve been given two books to study from and homework to do.
I managed to get sunburnt yesterday, but once the redness goes I´ll have a lovely brown neck and knees. I mean that´s where a tan matters right?
Right better hit the books, adios amigo´s.
As soon as I arrived I was given a warm Tico welcome by Marta, who promptly showed me around her home. What could have been an awkward situation, due to the language barrier was anything but. Marta has a huge smile and truly welcomed me to the Dominguez home. Straight away she wanted to know if I had any laundry - it felt like I was home Mum! I was given a glass of cola and Luiz (Marta´s husband) tried to converse in English. Unfortunately he knows little, but I think this is a good thing as I really have to learn Spanish fast. Luiz and Marta grab props to communicate. At one point I was shown a piece of cheese to see if I´m vegan or not.
They wrote a shopping list as they were asking me what I like to eat. I was then asked if I wanted to join them on a trip to the supermarket. I stayed behind to unpack and learn some phrases, like this is a gift from my home etc.
It´s great to be in what I assume is a typical Costa Rican home, they are very house proud, well actually Marta is she told Luiz off before for not cleaning up after himself. Really Mum it´s just like being at home.
I have a lovely doule bedroom and it feels great to be settling in for 3 weeks. I had my first lessons this morning. Marta walked me the twenty minutes to the school, it´s just one straight road, Gaz you´d be so lost.
The school is extremely well organised. We had an orientation first thing to tell us about the area. Each break we are provided with a different fruit juice and there is plenty of fruit and bread to eat.
I´m in a class with one other, a 60 year old Swiss woman. What is it with all the 60 year olds I´m meeting? Of course she speaks 4 other language so is learning a lot faster than me, but in a class of 2 you really can´t hide. My teacher Carla, can´t believe I don´t drink tea and yet I am English. After class we were all invited to a local restuarant with the school director and a teacher, to practice what we had just learned. They really throw you in at the deep end, but it is obviouly a good way to learn.
I´ve been given two books to study from and homework to do.
I managed to get sunburnt yesterday, but once the redness goes I´ll have a lovely brown neck and knees. I mean that´s where a tan matters right?
Right better hit the books, adios amigo´s.
Saturday 20 January 2007
Pre-Columbian Museum
I visited the Pre-Columbian Museum this morning. I keep expecting the museums and parks here to be the size of those in London, obviously they aren't.
The Pre-Columbian was kind of interesting if you are into rocks and ceramics...
Some Photo's
All the streets reveal amazing views of mountains. Thats the Costa Rican flag on the left. Tico's, as the locals call themselves are very proud of their national identity.
Friday 19 January 2007
Huh? You're here for what?
The sun is out and San Jose looks even more beautiful than yesterday, or is it that I'm more relaxed? I wandered around town yesterday and managed to get lost. Only two streets in the whole city have street signs, so the way to get around is to count blocks, but yesterday I was struggling to take everything in and I kept forgetting to count blocks. Anyway I got lost. San Jose's downtown area is pretty small so I soon found my way again. It also gave me a good sense of where everything is.
I've gotten to know my dorm-mates a little better. Vicky and I both having arrived this week are still on UK time. We had a good laugh last night about the fact our 60 year old American dorm-mate was out later than us, well I did crash about 9 o'clock. I think I'll have to take a nap today so I can stay up a little later!
Yesterday afternoon I took a tour of the National Museum. Although the exhibits are interesting and I learned a little about the history of Costa Rica, it was a small butterfly garden that I found most enchanting. It was wonderful to leave the busy streets and wander through tiny pathways with giant colourful butterflies flying close to me. A very calming effect indeed.
I've spoken to a few fellow travellers in the hostel, most are American or Canadian and are using San Jose as a springboard to the rest of Central America. However I did get chatting to a guy from Vancouver this morning. I asked the usual question, "Here for a holiday?" His response? "No, dental work". He went on to describe in great detail the difference in dental prices in Canada to Costa Rica, the type of work he's having done, two crowns, a filling and a polish. I've never found it so difficult to keep a straight face.
I've gotten to know my dorm-mates a little better. Vicky and I both having arrived this week are still on UK time. We had a good laugh last night about the fact our 60 year old American dorm-mate was out later than us, well I did crash about 9 o'clock. I think I'll have to take a nap today so I can stay up a little later!
Yesterday afternoon I took a tour of the National Museum. Although the exhibits are interesting and I learned a little about the history of Costa Rica, it was a small butterfly garden that I found most enchanting. It was wonderful to leave the busy streets and wander through tiny pathways with giant colourful butterflies flying close to me. A very calming effect indeed.
I've spoken to a few fellow travellers in the hostel, most are American or Canadian and are using San Jose as a springboard to the rest of Central America. However I did get chatting to a guy from Vancouver this morning. I asked the usual question, "Here for a holiday?" His response? "No, dental work". He went on to describe in great detail the difference in dental prices in Canada to Costa Rica, the type of work he's having done, two crowns, a filling and a polish. I've never found it so difficult to keep a straight face.
Wednesday 17 January 2007
First Impressions through the fog of sleep deprivation
Well I made it, I'm writing this from a hostel in San Jose. The journey was long (about 20 hours in total) with little sleep the night before, so if I loose the plot you know why.
I was met at San Jose airport by a driver from the hostel, he was very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately my arrival coincided with rush hour, so by the time we made it to the hostel it was dark, but all the lights of San Jose look really pretty.
Okay so I wrote that last night and gave up because I was so tired. I felt very tired and a little skittish. A cat past me in the social area of the hostel and I jumped out of my skin. So I decided it was best to go to bed and stop trying to fight it. Although it take an unreasonably long time to climb into my top bunk.
I'm sharing an 8 bed dorm with an English and American girl, I have no idea why I decided to take a top bunk.
I'm going to spend today getting my bearings. I would like to do a day trip around San Jose before I move in with the local family on Sunday.
Right now it still hasn't sunk in, that I'm in Central America, I think it's time to explore.
p.s thanks for all the comments and emails.
I was met at San Jose airport by a driver from the hostel, he was very friendly and helpful. Unfortunately my arrival coincided with rush hour, so by the time we made it to the hostel it was dark, but all the lights of San Jose look really pretty.
Okay so I wrote that last night and gave up because I was so tired. I felt very tired and a little skittish. A cat past me in the social area of the hostel and I jumped out of my skin. So I decided it was best to go to bed and stop trying to fight it. Although it take an unreasonably long time to climb into my top bunk.
I'm sharing an 8 bed dorm with an English and American girl, I have no idea why I decided to take a top bunk.
I'm going to spend today getting my bearings. I would like to do a day trip around San Jose before I move in with the local family on Sunday.
Right now it still hasn't sunk in, that I'm in Central America, I think it's time to explore.
p.s thanks for all the comments and emails.
Sunday 14 January 2007
The countdown
I depart Heathrow at 7.30am on Wednesday 17th and should arrive in San Jose, around 11.30pm GMT, 4.30pm local time. I will be spending the first four nights at this hostel , until I can move in with my host family (the Dominguez') on Sunday.
Spanish lessons will begin on Monday (22/01) and last for three weeks. Right now I feel pretty excited and not too nervous. I've been planning this trip for quite sometime and I'm ready to get going.
It's hard to imagine in a few days I will be doing the things I've been planning and
dreaming of for a long time. As the time here in the UK draws to a close, I find it really difficult to imagine my life over the next 18 months or so. I think it's good to enter a certain amount of spontaneity into life, but it is also frightening.
All I can do now is wait...
Spanish lessons will begin on Monday (22/01) and last for three weeks. Right now I feel pretty excited and not too nervous. I've been planning this trip for quite sometime and I'm ready to get going.
It's hard to imagine in a few days I will be doing the things I've been planning and
dreaming of for a long time. As the time here in the UK draws to a close, I find it really difficult to imagine my life over the next 18 months or so. I think it's good to enter a certain amount of spontaneity into life, but it is also frightening.
All I can do now is wait...
Tuesday 9 January 2007
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