Hola a todos!
This last week has been crazy busy and eventful. Last Sunday, My and Derek's families went to to El Castillo Country Club where we went swimming, went through a haunted house, and generally just spent the entire day relaxing. Super fun day/weekend before the grind of the week. The weeks here are super busy with having to go to San Jose twice a week for training, Spanish the other 3 days and quite of bit of homework on top of trying to improve at Spanish.
This past Saturday, fellow trainee Theo and I went to visit 2 (a married couple) seasoned volunteer's site in Zarcero in order to experience life in an actual PC site. After I told my family where I would be going, they told me more than a few time to take pictures and that I'm so lucky because it's so beautiful and they weren't lying. Zarcero is a decent sized mountain town with a super comfortable climate, and a ton of natural beauty. The couple we stayed with are really awesome PCVs (Peace Corps Volunteers) who will be closing their service in a few months. They cooked really rico food for us - quesadillas one night and some good ole American cheeseburgers the other. They also helped Theo and I get a better idea of what we might want out of our future sites when the time comes and future projects we may want to pursue. I hope I can accomplish half of these guys have done in their service in Zarcero.
Sunday, they took us on a 10(ish) mile hike outside of the town and to a waterfall with one of their local friends here. I've never really hiked much, but this is something I could definitely get in to. Not to mention the waterfall was just unbelievable.
Costa Rican View
Sunday, March 30, 2014
Saturday, March 22, 2014
Musico Electronico y Estoy lleno
Hello everyone-
So I figured since I had a little time- I'd update you all on the last week or so.
Last Sunday, I went to a Electronic Music Festival (called Pazland) in San Jose with my amigo Derek (and fellow volunteer), brother Jesus, and Derek's host sisters Kathy and Daya. What a day. Being in the big city and taking the buses for the first time was such a culture shock. San Jose is a very busy metropolis with a lot of culture and so much to do and see. At the music festival - a couple of ladies approached Derek and I and assumed we were Argentinian for some reason. They were super surprised when I told them we're from the States and said my Spanish is very good. The music was really good and it was interesting to see the type of people that a free concert in the biggest city in Costa Rica attracts. Later- not really knowing exactly what was going on - we were pretty late for Mass that night and rushed to change clothes and basically ran to the church still sweaty and disgusting from being in the sun all day at the festival. I've never been to a Catholic church before, but it was pretty interesting having to sit and stand every 2 minutes and trying to understand the sermon.
All week I've been super busy with Spanish class in my town (San Rafael) and technical training with the rest of the volunteers (about 1.5 hour bus ride to San Jose). I am usually super exhausted by the end of each day from having to think in Spanish for about 6 or 7 hours and also when I get home for dinner. I think (and hope) my Spanish is steadily improving but we shall see.
If you're wondering what my living situation is like, I think I've got it pretty good. I have my own (pretty spacious) bedroom, and share a bathroom with the rest of the family. My mom cooks 3 (muy rico) meals a day for me and the rest of the family. The foods been great, but I really hope I don't get tired of gallo pinto (rice and beans) any time soon because we eat it with almost every meal. The best parts are that our house has hot water AND wifi. I think I may be a bit spoiled and am dreading the day when I move to site and probably no longer have these luxurys.
Tonight my and Derek's families (we're related. My mom is his mom's daughter) got together for a big meal of a type of spaghetti with sausage, salad, and wine to celebrate my and Derek's first week here in San Rafael with them. I love this family. They are so close and have already accepted Derek and I as one of their own even though we don't understand what they're saying sometimes. Tomorrow we are going to some type of club that has pools and other things to do (not sure exactly what it is, but I've gotten used to not really knowing what we're doing).
(From left to right: My abuelo, my dad Adrian, my mom Adriana, Aunt Kathy, Me, Derek, and Aunt Daya. At the bottom is my little brother Adrian.)
Also - I have since gotten a chip for my cell phone so you can feel free to call me (best if it's in the evenings or anytime on the weekend). From the States you would dial: 506 8725 0830. If you want to send my letters or a care package, don't use the address I had up before. I've since learned that this PO box address is better and the items are less likely to end up in customs:
So I figured since I had a little time- I'd update you all on the last week or so.
Last Sunday, I went to a Electronic Music Festival (called Pazland) in San Jose with my amigo Derek (and fellow volunteer), brother Jesus, and Derek's host sisters Kathy and Daya. What a day. Being in the big city and taking the buses for the first time was such a culture shock. San Jose is a very busy metropolis with a lot of culture and so much to do and see. At the music festival - a couple of ladies approached Derek and I and assumed we were Argentinian for some reason. They were super surprised when I told them we're from the States and said my Spanish is very good. The music was really good and it was interesting to see the type of people that a free concert in the biggest city in Costa Rica attracts. Later- not really knowing exactly what was going on - we were pretty late for Mass that night and rushed to change clothes and basically ran to the church still sweaty and disgusting from being in the sun all day at the festival. I've never been to a Catholic church before, but it was pretty interesting having to sit and stand every 2 minutes and trying to understand the sermon.
(From Left to Right) Jesus, Me, and Derek stopping by El Estadio Nacional on the way to the festival.
If you're wondering what my living situation is like, I think I've got it pretty good. I have my own (pretty spacious) bedroom, and share a bathroom with the rest of the family. My mom cooks 3 (muy rico) meals a day for me and the rest of the family. The foods been great, but I really hope I don't get tired of gallo pinto (rice and beans) any time soon because we eat it with almost every meal. The best parts are that our house has hot water AND wifi. I think I may be a bit spoiled and am dreading the day when I move to site and probably no longer have these luxurys.
Tonight my and Derek's families (we're related. My mom is his mom's daughter) got together for a big meal of a type of spaghetti with sausage, salad, and wine to celebrate my and Derek's first week here in San Rafael with them. I love this family. They are so close and have already accepted Derek and I as one of their own even though we don't understand what they're saying sometimes. Tomorrow we are going to some type of club that has pools and other things to do (not sure exactly what it is, but I've gotten used to not really knowing what we're doing).
(From left to right: My abuelo, my dad Adrian, my mom Adriana, Aunt Kathy, Me, Derek, and Aunt Daya. At the bottom is my little brother Adrian.)
Also - I have since gotten a chip for my cell phone so you can feel free to call me (best if it's in the evenings or anytime on the weekend). From the States you would dial: 506 8725 0830. If you want to send my letters or a care package, don't use the address I had up before. I've since learned that this PO box address is better and the items are less likely to end up in customs:
Tyler Dickerson
Cuerpo de Paz
PO Box 1266-1000
San Jose, Costa Rica
Pura Vida!
Saturday, March 15, 2014
Retreat y San Rafael
Hola a Todos!
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, and this one may not make total sense because I am completely drained from our Tico 27 retreat in San Jose this past week, and meeting my family today (and half of their extended family,which was still around 25 people, at a birthday party as soon as I arrived at their house).
Starting at staging in Dallas, TX, (and into the retreat) I met and have gotten to know 41 of the most awesome people on Earth. I am really not sure how lucky I am to have other volunteers in my group that are some of the most genuine, friendly, and open people I've ever met. The past week has been a blur of icebreakers and endless information about safety, espanol, etc. Although it was extremely exhausting, I was sad to leave the entire group when we moved into our training areas today.
Tico 27 (Me and my giant sunglasses are on the right)
As soon as I arrived into San Rafael (the town where my small group is), mi familia met me at the bus stop, took me to their home and we proceeded to go to one of their niece's birthday party in which I was overwhelmed with smiling faces and (unfimilar) spanish words and phrases. Although tiring, it was a great time and good to meet some of my family.
A bit more about my host family - my father, Adrian, is very nice and amable, and thank goodness he is patient with my Spanish. My mother, Adriana (yep Adrian and Adriana) is super sweet and really wants me to understand everything she is trying to convey, so I am thankful for that as well. Also they have two sons - (Jesus - 14, and Adrian - 10) who are really really nice and hilarious. I really lucked out with my family.
I am definitely feeling a bit of culture shock, but I'm sure that will wear off eventually. I will try to post more often as more things happen, but until then, Pura Vida!
(The view from the retreat site in San Jose, CR)
PS- If you want to mail me a letter or a care package with delicious american snacks, here is my address for the next 3 months.
Tyler Dickerson
Cuerpo de Paz
PO Box 1266-1000
San Jose, Costa Rica
Sorry I haven't posted in awhile, and this one may not make total sense because I am completely drained from our Tico 27 retreat in San Jose this past week, and meeting my family today (and half of their extended family,which was still around 25 people, at a birthday party as soon as I arrived at their house).
Starting at staging in Dallas, TX, (and into the retreat) I met and have gotten to know 41 of the most awesome people on Earth. I am really not sure how lucky I am to have other volunteers in my group that are some of the most genuine, friendly, and open people I've ever met. The past week has been a blur of icebreakers and endless information about safety, espanol, etc. Although it was extremely exhausting, I was sad to leave the entire group when we moved into our training areas today.
Tico 27 (Me and my giant sunglasses are on the right)
As soon as I arrived into San Rafael (the town where my small group is), mi familia met me at the bus stop, took me to their home and we proceeded to go to one of their niece's birthday party in which I was overwhelmed with smiling faces and (unfimilar) spanish words and phrases. Although tiring, it was a great time and good to meet some of my family.
A bit more about my host family - my father, Adrian, is very nice and amable, and thank goodness he is patient with my Spanish. My mother, Adriana (yep Adrian and Adriana) is super sweet and really wants me to understand everything she is trying to convey, so I am thankful for that as well. Also they have two sons - (Jesus - 14, and Adrian - 10) who are really really nice and hilarious. I really lucked out with my family.
I am definitely feeling a bit of culture shock, but I'm sure that will wear off eventually. I will try to post more often as more things happen, but until then, Pura Vida!
PS- If you want to mail me a letter or a care package with delicious american snacks, here is my address for the next 3 months.
Tyler Dickerson
Cuerpo de Paz
PO Box 1266-1000
San Jose, Costa Rica
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