Forgot to mention earlier the soap opera (telenovela) that I watched part of last night. It was actually a Disney channel show here. It was designed for teenagers, but it was quite silly. Some of the people acting as teenagers were probably in their late 30s; they were obviously not teenagers, but then you’d have one of those guys dating a girl that was actually in her teens. It had the typical soap opera type plot, at least from the little bit I’ve seen of them in the US. Several couples, jealousy, someone getting married to another guy while still being married to someone else, etc. Since Maripas is 13 we watch a lot of the tween shows from the US dubbed into Spanish, stuff like Zoey 101.
Well for lunch today I had KFC. A taste of home! lol I’ve had rice and beans for every meal since I’ve been here, so I decided to get something not rice and beans for lunch since I can chose. I got “Justo 2” – popcorn chicken, a small drink, and French fries. Yes, French fries, not potato wedges. I actually thought they were better, but I’ve never really liked the potato wedges in the States.
After lunch and using the choppy wifi for a bit, Ashley and I went looking for a supermercado that we thought was in this mall, but there wasn’t one. But she did find a umbrella (Una nota: Aquí es una sombrilla por las mujeres y es un paraguas por los caballeros.) Anyways, our host mom has been fussing at Ashley for the past few days to buy one. She always makes sure her children and I have one each morning before leaving for school and work.
I actually had to use my umbrella today. First time since I’ve been here. I might have to get a larger one if I find myself using it a lot. (I’m inside so much studying and attending classes that I haven’t have much use for one) The rain here is torrential! Even people with larger umbrellas still get wet, so obviously I got a bit wet waiting for the Sabanilla bus this afternoon. Since so many people were waiting for the buses I was only partially underneath the covered bus stop. Anyways, speaking of the bus, Ashley and I had an interesting ride home. Since it was raining and “rush hour” time TONS of people were getting on the buses. The Sabanilla one was already full when we got on, so we had to stand up. We had the hardest time remaining standing. Since it was rush hour and people drive like maniacs here, even the bus drivers we were being jerked all over the place and stopping and going suddenly. lol Also our hands were wet from the rain and the bar is metal. And it got VERY hot in there because the bus driver kept letting people on, so we were quite literally sardines. People sitting and standing from the back of the bus all the way to the front steps. Got uncomfortable after a while, but our ride isn’t that long.
I finished my homework when I got home, well, re-did it. I had misunderstood some of the accent rules, but figured it out and corrected my mistakes from the exercise we were assigned. Currently I’m listening to some good ol’ fiddle music. We just finished dinner, which, naturally was an all rice meal! (with a few veggies and pieces of chicken mixed in.) lol
This morning I got my University ID. It’s a piece of paper with my passport picture glued to it lol Also was given the text book I needed for Composition (if I haven’t mentioned that already) So I don’t have to buy any books here. Also got a folder from the University for my papers. One thing that amuses me here is the mixture of English. You know how in Greenville you’ll find a fair amout of signs in Spanish, well it’s like that with English here. Also you hear English about as often as you hear Spanish in Greenville. I’ve heard people on the bus, in the mall, at the school speaking English they’re “ticos” or natives. A lot of times you’ll see Spanglish on signs.
Tomorrow we get to go to Cartigo or Cartago…can’t remember how it’s pronounced. From what I understand it’s the old capital and is the home of the cathedral of Costa Rica’s patron saint. It’s supposed to be a beautiful building. We’re being bussed over there after classes and lunch. Gabriel (host brother) said that Cartago was only 20 minutes away…but for some reason I think it’s Cartigo…oh well, I’m going. There shall be pictures!
Gonna relax a bit, read, and then turn in for the night. Early to bed, early to rise here. Which is kinda nice since it matches closely to my schedule that I had at home. Go to bed at midnight eastern time (10pm local) and then get up at 8pm eastern time (6am local). So not too much need for adjustment—No jet lag either. Anyways, buenas noches! Or as they say here “Buena noche”
:-) Rek
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