So last week began the second half of my adventures in Costa Rica. No longer a volunteer, but a student. But I think it is true to say that I am always/have always been a student. The only difference is now I am actually taking classes.
So Monday came and we had orientation at Universidad Veritas with all of the new ISA students and new students from other programs. There are A LOT of people here now. The orientation was fun but boring since, ya know, we are pros and know everything by now.
Jenny and I quickly became, or felt like, the weird kids. We missed our friends that we already made. We didn't have as much drive to meet knew people. We hadn't already made acquaintances like most of them had, etc. Luckily, some of our friends that have also been here as long as us, are still taking class so we do get to see them during the day. We have also met a great group of new friends.
After the orientation, we attempted to go to the contemporary art museum only to find that it was closed to set up a new exhibit. So we just hung out downtown. Later that night, some other friends and I checked out one of the clubs with live music on Mondays. I spent most of the night with Elyse since it was her last week. It was a great time and the band was a lot of fun.
Tuesday morning started my first day of classes. Yikes! I went to my spanish class that I have everyday 8 am to 12 pm to find a lively and enthusiastic teacher. She is a fantastic teacher. I was frustrated because the class was below what I have learned before and wanted to review more difficult material but eventually decided to stay since I enjoyed my teacher and was still learning new things.
My elective, "Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development" was scheduled for 6 pm to 8pm every night. This made my stomach sad since I would have to eat dinner late and potentially alone every night and also couldn't take two electives (I wanted to take the Theory of Latin Dance class) because they are scheduled at the same time. I went to class and my classmates and I found that we had no teacher. We waited and waited and no one came. We later found out that the teacher was given a different schedule than the students. The class was actually to be 4 pm to 8 pm on Mondays and Wednesdays but for our first class we would come in at 5.
When we arrived on Wednesday and found our room, we discovered that we had a substitute. Our actual teacher was out of town. Strange. But she was great and is good friends with our teacher.
I enjoyed my classes and quickly realized that I need to switch back to normal Taylor stressed student mode. These classes have a lot of work. But they aren't bad.
On Thursday, I had Spanish and later the university hosted a big party for all the international students. It was a lot of fun. We met some Ticos and ended up going to a club with them...or atrempting to. We never actually got in. They were part of the International Club at the school. It was a fun night and interesting to be out with locals. I think they laughed at me a lot and thought I was dumb when I didn't understand them. Oh well. One lesson I learned though...never drink chiliguaro. Ever. Guaro is a type of alcohol made from sugarcane that is poplar here. But chiliguaro is that mixed with chili pepper and tomato juice. First, it's disgusting. Second, at some bars it is insanely hot. (Not what I had.) Third, Ticos love it. Finally, it will make you feel like death. I was not a happy camper the next day despite having little to drink. Never again.
After class on Friday, we loaded up and headed to Volcán Arenal. For Jenny and I , this was our first excursion with ISA. Included in our program fees were two semi-inclusive excursions. We didn't go during the frat half because we were ELAP then and all of our friends went. Now our friends that are left are traveling on our own and we are with all of the new kids. But we have a good group d friends here too. Arenal is one of the many volcanos in Costa Rica and is still active but it's last actual eruption was in 2000. We were told that it was unlikely we would see the whole thin to the too because it is the rainy season. There are lots of clouds, especially at higher elevations. However, upon arrival and checking in at he resort, we found a clear view of the volcano. It was so beautiful. That was the only time we saw the whole thing but it was great to be able to see that from the balcony of my room.
We stayed at Magic Mountain Hotel but went to Los Lagos Hotel for dinner. We were also able to hang out in their natural hot springs. They felt great.
On Saturday morning I went horseback riding!!! I was so excited for this and it was awesome. About 40 people went in our group. We had great guides. They separated is into experienced or not. I went with experienced. This was scary because it essentially just means they will give you the difficult horses. It turned out fine.
When I was chosen, the guide told me my horse was a little nervous. That was a little discomforting. She was a beautiful paint named Morella (I think). I later found out that she was not 3 years old and the granddaughter of the crazy horse the other guide was riding. They also told me twice that it was her first time actually taking a customer on the ride. I thought they were just messing with me but I'm not really sure. Either way, she was great. She was antsy at times but behaved well.
The view was great and the terrain was surprising rough at times. I disnt expext that on a trail ride that anyone can go on. We went through deep mud, up and down steep hills, over concrete and difficult round stones, over creeks, and through areas with boulders and mud. I thought it was fun. Truly and amazing 2 hours.
After lunch in town we relaxed at Los Lagos. Lunch was frustrating when out waitor accused me if trying to cheat him when he gave me the wrong change. But it worked out. We checked out their trails, butterfly garden, and croc farm. Then we hung out at the pool and in the springs.
Both nights we enjoyed our super comfy beds and air conditioned rooms. On Sunday we went into town for lunch again as headed back.
It wasa great weekend. It was a nice change from hostels but interesting to see and interact with all of the new students. Someday I would like to hike up Arenal.
Adventurer at heart,
Taylor
Ps. Photos will follow :/
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