Studying, Waterfalls, and Goodbyes

This week has come with the slow realization that it is already the third week of my second half and the end is quickly approaching. However, that feels completely surreal at the same time. Friends are leaving this weekend and our directors have begun talking about the what to do to get ready to leave for us.

In reality, the third week has still more homework and projects, things to buy, and places to go.

On Monday, Nia and I went to Mall San Pedro after class for a couple things and some groceries. Later in my elective, I gave my first presentation for that class. I suppose it went well. On Tuesday, I had my individual conference with my spanish teacher to go over my grades. So far I have an A. I got low A's on my quiz and midterm and full credit on my presentation. She is happy with my work and participation. I'm satisfied with that.

Later we had an ISA meeting and dance class. It was once again a very fun and sweaty class. She went over a lot of dances this time when it is usually two or three. It was pretty exciting. She has talked to me a few times and recognized that I know how to dance but she forgets sometimes. Last week she asked me if I was a tica in a joking manner because I could move so well. She's a hoot. I enjoyed the compliment though.

Wednesday, we had another quiz in spanish. I was frustrated afterward because I knew a silly mistake I made on one section but already turned it in. I hate when that happens. After class I came home to get ready for my phone interview. I applied for the General Sustainability Internship position at BG through the Office of Sustainability. It is a paid internship for this year. I would be doing a range of different things and working on various projects. While trying to prepare a little for the interview, I kept thinking in spanish and got so nervous that I would start speaking in spanish to Dr. Nick and he would have no idea what was going on. Luckily, I didn't slip up at all. It was a quick interview since it was an international call but I think it was decent. We will see next week if I get it or not.

Later in my elective, we learned about the field trip we will be going on this weekend to Durika. It is a fully sustainable community. And Amanda, the first teacher we had, returned to give us a presentation on organic agriculture. Afterward, Jenny and I went out for a little bit with some of our new tico friends because Thursday was a Costa Rican holiday. No classes!

Thursday, I got to have a lazy morning and relax for a bit. Jenny and I went with our tico friends to a waterfall an hour or so away called Los Chorros. It took us a bit to find it once we got out there, but we made it. We parked at the top and had to hike down to the river. The parking attendant looked like a human version of Rafiki. He was an interesting fellow. The hike and the falls were beautiful. It was kind of mystical looking there. It was not a well developed park but it still had an entrance fee and had some picnic areas. We went over the hanging bridge and went to one side of the falls. We hiked through the water and got as close as we could to the falls without going into the pool. This side wasn't safe enough to go in. We soaked from the mist. The wind was much stronger than I expected. Then we went to the other side and had to cross through the river to put our stuff up on the hill. That was an adventure but we survived. It really wasn't that hard. We went in the pool under the waterfall for a little bit. It was cold but it felt good. We didn't really know what to do with ourselves after a little bit though so we got out and hiked up and changed. By this time, we were starving. We found a little spot on the way back for lunch. I ordered a typical casado but a vegetarian version, obviously. Their substitute, was scrambled eggs and a big hunk of cheese. That was a surprise. I have never had a restaurant serve that as their veggie casado. Oh well.

Los Chorros Waterfall

Jenny and I climbing on the other side. 

Looking across from the hill on one side to the connecting creek. 

That night, my goal was to get lots of work done on my research paper and presentation for class in the morning. I'm never as successful as I hope to be. Friday, I had to return to class when it felt like it was already the weekend. But it was a fun class. We did individual presentations. For mine, I talked about when my dad and I went to Mile High and I went on stage with Train. When we finished our presentations, we went on a little field trip to this lady's house. All of the professors are good friends with her. Her name is Rosa. She has an organic jewelry business. It is so cool. She has been doing this since 2000 and started with oranges. She uses several kind of fruit to create necklaces, rings, bracelets, and more. She uses the shell, seeds, peels, and pieces of banana. She has developed all of these things after tons of experimenting. She even uses natural pigments from other fruits and veggies. She sells her things at farmers markets and at a few shops at different touristy areas in Costa Rica and out of her house. I purchased a few things including a new bracelet for myself made of slices of banana dyed different colors strung together.

https://www.facebook.com/decrochetarte?fref=ts

I had a nice lunch with some of my friends that would be leaving on Saturday and some staying. It was great to spend some more time with them. We had lunch and then Pops, the famous ice cream chain here. I ran some other errands with them and finally came home to do my work. Later that night, I went to a little bar to see some of them again and say goodbye. We had piña coladas and hung out for a little while. It was sad to say goodbye but luckily, Libby lives in Ohio so I know I will see her. and The others I hope to see on a reunion or something. I was exhausted so I went home to pack for my field trip.

<3

Taylor