I have been super busy. My "Christmas vacation" ended up being busier than my normal time here, but it was super worth it. Here's the run down.
From the river, we went straight to the really neat beach town of Puerto Viejo (on the Carribean Coast). It is very laid back, and this part of Costa Rica has a disntincly different culture from the other parts. We stayed in a pretty hotel outside of town, on a really gorgeous beach (with some really aweful riptides- Caty almost had to save a guy while we were sitting watching the waves). We had soem time to just chill out, lay on the beach, and walk around Puerto Viejo. We rented bicycles, and got to see much more, faster, this way.
We also went ziplining, which is pretty much the coolest way ever to see the rainforest canopy. You go pretty fast, pretty high up, and see weirdo bugs and cool trees. Oh, and there was a sloth at our hotel. No big deal.
Christmas Eve
Christmas is a HUGE deal here in Costa Rica. They started decorating in, like, October, adn it has felt pretty festive ever since. It is even cold here on the mountain, so I didn't feel nearly as homesick for Christmas as I might have expected. On Christmas Eve, the entire family got together at Silvana's house (my "host niece",
but she has a 14 year old). Beforehand, I went to Christmas Eve mass, and it was really pretty. We had a great time eating, drinking, dancing (you know the drill). The only big surprise was that when it turned midnight (so NOW, its officially Christmas) everyone started crying and hugging eachother and wishing everyone a Feliz Navidad. Apparently, they always cry on Christmas: out of happiness and gratitude, but also about the tought stuff from the year before. We then said a prayer. I never cry for Christmas! I try and be happy. However, it was nice to be included in the family's intimate traditions. Another difference: the kids don't wait until the morning to open their presents; EL niño (Jesus)brings the presents and they find them under their beds at midnight. I think my favorite part of the night was when Irina (age 4ish) got a broom and mop and dustpan from el niño, and was trying to help clean up when the party was over at like 1am.
but she has a 14 year old). Beforehand, I went to Christmas Eve mass, and it was really pretty. We had a great time eating, drinking, dancing (you know the drill). The only big surprise was that when it turned midnight (so NOW, its officially Christmas) everyone started crying and hugging eachother and wishing everyone a Feliz Navidad. Apparently, they always cry on Christmas: out of happiness and gratitude, but also about the tought stuff from the year before. We then said a prayer. I never cry for Christmas! I try and be happy. However, it was nice to be included in the family's intimate traditions. Another difference: the kids don't wait until the morning to open their presents; EL niño (Jesus)brings the presents and they find them under their beds at midnight. I think my favorite part of the night was when Irina (age 4ish) got a broom and mop and dustpan from el niño, and was trying to help clean up when the party was over at like 1am.Christmas Day
On the 25th, I vowed that I was only going to eat Tamales- all day. And, I succeeded. however, I am now all Tamaled out for a while. It was a nice, kicked back day.
Caty and Nancy come to visit me!
On December 26th, my sister Caty and our friend/surrogate mother figure came to visit me. I met them at the airport on Friday night, and we just had a week straight of fun. Each day could be a whole page of blog, but since I don't have the time, nor the typing capacity to write that much, I will include as much as I can.
On Saturday, we woke up super early and went white water river rafting on the Pacuare River. It was just beautiful. The weather was great, and we had a super fun boat crew. No one fell out (because we are such skilled oarsmen and women) and we got to see some disgustingly gorgeous nature.
From the river, we went straight to the really neat beach town of Puerto Viejo (on the Carribean Coast). It is very laid back, and this part of Costa Rica has a disntincly different culture from the other parts. We stayed in a pretty hotel outside of town, on a really gorgeous beach (with some really aweful riptides- Caty almost had to save a guy while we were sitting watching the waves). We had soem time to just chill out, lay on the beach, and walk around Puerto Viejo. We rented bicycles, and got to see much more, faster, this way.
We also went ziplining, which is pretty much the coolest way ever to see the rainforest canopy. You go pretty fast, pretty high up, and see weirdo bugs and cool trees. Oh, and there was a sloth at our hotel. No big deal.
On our last full day, we rode our Bike's to another small 
town, called Manzanillo. It was absolutely gorgeous! The bike ride was half of the fun. We swang on some branches tarzan style (Brent, if you are reading this- I finally found some swingable branches!), and just had a really neat time.
town, called Manzanillo. It was absolutely gorgeous! The bike ride was half of the fun. We swang on some branches tarzan style (Brent, if you are reading this- I finally found some swingable branches!), and just had a really neat time. 
1 comment:
A sloth! You have all the luck. :)
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