Hello friends and family! I'm excited to share with everyone that I am moving to LA next week...Los Angeles de Pital, that is. About two weeks ago I found out my official site location! Peace Corps set up games and clues for us to find out sites! My clues included: Hollywood, celebrities, and reLAX. At first I was really confused because there is no way I would be working in a super touristy, ritzy area with Peace Corps. Then, after some games and clues, we were brought into a room with the names of all of our sites on the board. I saw Los Angeles and everything clicked! Los Angeles is located in the province of Alajuela in San Carlos county. I will live in the northern part of Costa Rica, known for agriculture and dairy products. In my group of 19, there are six of us going to the northern part of Costa Rica. Once we found out our site, we celebrated with some coconuts and delicious cheese from our region. |
This past weekend, our group split up to travel to our different sites. I saw my home for the next two years for the first time! I was so excited and nervous! From the capital (San Jose), Los Angeles is about 3.5-4 hours away. The drive is beautiful going through miles of rolling farm land and reaching the top of mountains in the cloud forests, where all you can see is pure white fluffiness. Lots of cows, sugar cane, yuca plants, and pineapples. The transition from the hustle and bustle of the capital city to the calm, relaxed open farm land is quite drastic. And then, there's the climate... Talk about a transition! The San Jose region ranges from warm to cool, with rain and clouds. I need to pack my rain jacket every day and dress in layers. It may be cool in the morning and very warm in the afternoon, followed by rain or strong thunderstorms. Los Angeles, however, is hot. HOT HOT HOT!! Temperatures are usually in the 90s everyday with plenty of humidity to share. Eventually my body will adjust, but until then, I'll be living in sweat and drinking a million bottles of water every day. Instead of an afternoon siesta, an afternoon nap taken by many Spanish speaking countries, Costa Ricans take a "cafecito" in the afternoon. Cafecitos typically include a little pastry or something to eat, and of course, fresh coffee. Cafecitos in the afternoon will be essential for an energy re-boost after spending all day in the heat and sun.
Los Angeles is a very small, rural community. The town has an elementary school, high school, community gathering room, soccer field, Catholic church, small restaurant, bar, supermarket, convenience store, and a little book store on someone's front porch. It doesn't have a post office, bank, any specific type of stores for clothing or agriculture supplies. No police or fire department. It's very small. Luckily, I have all of those "extra" things in the town next-door, about a twenty minute drive, or a 40 minute bus ride. My town consists of one gravel road filled with pot holes, and the kindest, more welcoming people I have ever met. My family is incredibly welcoming and helpful, and the elementary and high schools are excited to collaborate with projects. On my very first day, I was greeted with a lunch with some community leaders. The director of both the high school and elementary school were there, my new family, several teachers, the water purifying plant workers, and some other important community members. The community was very proud to share with me that their water is safe to drink, and they are very grateful for the work of the water purifying workers. They share a very important role in the community. After we ate lunch, arroz con pollo (rice and chicken), I was surprised with some high school girls performing a traditional dance. I was overwhelmed with excitement and kindness from the community. I'm so thankful for their openness and their warm hearts to make my first day extra special.
After a warm welcoming lunch, I went with my new family to community bingo! I learned that bingo is a big deal in my community because all the proceeds go to the elementary school. It took place in the salon communal, a large gathering/banquet hall. The director of the elementary school introduced me to the ENTIRE community before bingo started. As the director was introducing me, there were side conversations taking place and people moving around. Normal, like any large gathering. But, as soon as I started to speak in the microphone to say a few words, the room was completely silent. Nobody moved. You could hear a pin drop! I quickly had all eyes on me, waiting to hear my Spanish level, what I had to say, and who in the world is this blonde girl? After I said some thank yous and expressed my excitement, I gave the microphone back to the director. Chatter started up again, and he wrapped up my mini introduction. It was an interesting moment that I'll never forget. Although my bingo card didn't bring me any luck for prizes, I enjoyed sharing the game with my new community, as well as support the community collaboration and fundraiser for the school.
The second day of my site visit was Sunday. I mostly spent time with my family. We visited the grandmother, and we spent some time outside around a nearby pond. On Monday, I went to the elementary school and received a tour. I was introduced to the whole school, and I observed/helped with a few English classes. Finally, early Tuesday morning, I made my way back to my training community to finish one more week of classes. I really enjoyed visiting my community. I am so excited to continue meeting community members, students, and leaders. I'm excited to learn the strengths and desires of the community as a whole, and to start sustainable projects that fit the needs and wishes of the youth and youth supporters. I have a full two years ahead of me to integrate and become a part of the community in my new home.
Below are some pictures of my new house!
1. My house form the outside 2. Eatery area 3. Living room 4. My bedroom 5. Chalkboard with my name, so my family wouldn't forget! So cute! 6. Pineapple field right outside my bedroom window
Below are some pictures of my new house!
1. My house form the outside 2. Eatery area 3. Living room 4. My bedroom 5. Chalkboard with my name, so my family wouldn't forget! So cute! 6. Pineapple field right outside my bedroom window
In addition to my site visit, some other fun, recent happenings have included going to the beach, meeting other current volunteers, project fairs, visiting my Spanish professor's bakery for a unique Spanish lesson, and Costa Rica Independence Day! Below are some pictures of some more exciting events!
And a beautiful Costa Rican sunset to complete this post!
Hope all is well in the U.S.! Sending love!
Pura Vida,
Emily
Hope all is well in the U.S.! Sending love!
Pura Vida,
Emily