once upon a time, I think so

Bocas was fun, but we cut the trip a day short because we were just ready to be back in San Jose taking it easy. So water taxi, van thing to the border, the sketchiest border crossing ever, and then finally a lovely 6 hour bus ride, BUT Casey randomly ended up on our bus so that was a lot of fun.


So we're back in Costa Rica. We got here late Tuesday night, the bus ride was a little rough but our shortest so far so it wasn't terrible. Ran picked us up and we went back to his house, met the family and pretty much just went to bed. Wednesday we went to Jaco with Ran and some of his friends on a day surf trip (which meant the Desiree and I walked up and down the beach collecting shells, sea-glass and a paddle?) I am coming home with ridiculously obnoxious things. I have two pieces of wood from the beach in Puntarenas (Ran keeps making fun of me for this), another piece from yesterday and then Desiree and I collected things for hours yesterday. I'm definitely going to go into major craft mode when I'm in a sling. Countdown to surgery is officially T-minus 12 days. Anywayssss, after Jaco we went about 15 minutes down the road to Hermosa Beach, so beautiful! There Desiree and I just got a little bit ridiculous and my face hurt from laughing so hard by the time we left. We left there about 3pm, got lunch and headed back into San Jose. It was raining like crazy.


Then last night we decided to go Ran's friends house up on the mountain to have a little BBQ. We stopped by the grocery store on the way where of course Des and I got ice cream and the sugar definitely kicked in. The house was so much fun and on our way back we stopped at a view point thing and looked out over the entire city! Everything has been working out great. I got home tomorrow, I'm so excited to be home with family (and of course Sarah, but she counts as family). It'll be good to finally be home for a substantial amount of time but I'm already trying to plan to come back. Alright, off to start my day!

let the Bocas adventures begin.

We're officially in Bocas del Toro. This bus ride was shorter, but definitely didn't go as smoothly. With about 3 hours to go I decided that it was acceptable to try to sleep on the floor in front of our seats and then Des had two seats to spread out a little. It worked out but the Panamanian sitting across from us thought we were crazy, oh well. Bus, taxi, water taxi, short walk and we are staying at the Gran Kahuna Hostel. It's currently early in the morning so we're just taking it easy and updating things before we head to the beach in a few hours.

Redhead in Panama City.

So Panama has definitely been an interesting trip so far. We got off the bus at 3pm yesterday and got in a cab with two others into Casco Viejo. We attempted o stay at Luna’s Castle but they only had 1 bed, and well we are two people and they wouldn’t let us share, soooo moving on we ended up a couple blocks away at another hostel that we loved so it worked out. We got to the dorm room, hung out for a bit and then decided to wander. We ran into a lovely couple from California who was on our bus so we went to dinner and wandered with them a little bit. Wandering was about as wild as we decided to get before calling it a night.


Sunday we woke up, went down for breakfast which consisted of PB&J and bananas (I honestly could not have been more thrilled, seriously). Then we embarked on the “we need to buy tickets to get to Bocas early because the bus sells out," we obviously weren’t very creative in creating a title for our mission. So after asking about 8 people we found the bus to take us to the terminal, got the tickets…now that was the easy part. Then we were told to get on a particular bus to get back to Plaza Cinco de Mayo, well apparently we missed the stop to get off so we just stayed on the bus and got a wonderful city tour. It was actually perfect, we got to see all around Panama City and even went though part of the ruins of the first city in Panama that was ramshacked by Captain Morgan or someone like that? Eventually we actually needed to figure out where we were so about 30 minutes in we were assisted on which other bus to get onto to take us back. Well, he didn’t stop at the Plaza so once we reached the original place we bought our tickets from he decided that he would give us a personal ride back to the plaza. Yep, an entire bus for me, Des and the bus driver who kept asking us if we were married and telling us to call him when we came back to Panama. (yeah, ok) FINALLY, Plaza Cinco de Mayo…..Where we were then relentlessly harassed by some guy who insisted upon following us and trying to give us his number, then we walked into a shop and the owner told the guy he was calling the police. Thanks random shop owner! So we wandered around a little more, got back to the hostel, packed our bags and headed to the Canal. Of course to get there we had to take another bus and then opted for a taxi the last half of the way, it wasn’t too far.

The Panama Canal was really neat. It’s crazy to think how important that one waterway is. We got there at the perfect time to get up to the observation deck and we were able to watch 2 different HUGE ships make their way through. At about 5 we decided to head back to the terminal and we took a taxi with the most wonderful lady in a bright pink 70’s dress.


We needed to be at the Albrook Terminal, but got dropped off at the Albrook Mall…no problem really, the terminal was just on the other side of the mall but we were quite the scene walking through the mall with our ridiculously huge packs on. (I mean really, imagine someone walking through South Coast Plaza with a backpacking backpack on, you would be a little confused to). Oh and the fact that at one point Desiree and I decided to play bumper cars with each other and pose with the giant animal statues. It was a good time. Now we are sitting in the terminal waiting for our bus. Panama City, it’s been fun.


Oh side note: being a red head in Panama is not advised. Today alone I’ve had my hair physically touched 3 times, been cat called, lightly hit on the arm by a man trying to say hi to me and the best was when 3 old men started to literally howl (yes, like wolves). Meanwhile Desiree can barely breathe she is just laughing so hard at me, thanks, you’re a great friend. Anyone got some scissors and hair dye?

update.

We are officially about 13 hours into our bus ride to Panama. It’s gone by surprisingly quick and relatively painless. The border crossing took a couple hours between the exit line, walking across the border, the entry line and bag check we were finally loaded back on the bus and on our way. We’re both getting some much needed sleep and someone just left so we both just acquired 2 seats a piece. We are definitely two happy campers.

San Jose for a day

We’ve officially said our goodbye to our family; I’ll miss them and my daily charades games. Adriana and Elizabeth, thanks for everything! We taxied to the bus station…because of course we were running late and I didn’t want to walk carrying my wood. (so far operation TWH is going great). Two or so hours later we were in San Jose being picked up by the wonderful Ran. He made our day so much easier. We went to his house to unpack some of our stuff, had lunch and took much needed showers. He then won us over by taking us to ice cream (and once we all finished our first scoop, he got us a second…little does he know that Desiree and mine one true love = ice cream). We then went out and met up with Fernando and Rodrigo. Ran decided that he needed to bring things up to my level and slammed a Red Bull, definitely a good time. Then we got dinner at this adorable restaurant where I got and amazing quesadilla and finally some tea!!! After we went out again and the boys had us to the bus station by 10:30 and saw us safely off.

I’ve learned that: my Spanish is still suffering greatly, ok I actually already knew that but this reaffirmed it (luckily I had Ran as a wonderful translator), Desiree looks adorable in yellow, I use my hands A LOT when speaking and describing something & apparently my tone of voice changes greatly from when I’m speaking English to attempting Spanish. Huntington get ready because there are a few handsome Ticos planning a visit, oh and I have a fabulous paparazzi that likes to take randomly adorable pictures all night. I’m so excited for Panama but Des and I were both a little sad to get on the bus and leave this day. Loving this country more every day.

rowdy

Summer Session has finally come to a close. The last week was good, nothing too crazy just studying for finals. I got A’s in my classes, yahoo! My exam was on Wednesday so I had Thursday to just hang out and pack. I went into Centro with a few people….the sole purpose of my mission was marshmallows. (it had started raining and I figured our bonfire plans were cancelled but dang it, I still wanted smores, Will has a toaster oven and I was stubborn…surprised?) Mission was a success and that afternoon Desiree and I were just hanging out in my room, packing, when I realized I was running late for my cooking activity of the night….when I encountered the dilemma of having packed all my pants. I was packing in bathing suit bottoms and a tank, because it was ridiculously hot in the house….and I had all my pants packed. Decided I’d borrow a pair of Des’s…haha that was a funny joke I couldn’t even get her pants over my right thigh, so I threw on my skirt for the night and literally ran out the door. I’m including this little story solely for my entertainment,it was a funny little interaction, one of those you had to be there sort of things. Got there, got fed really good food, hung out, went back home to get ready for the night. At about 8:30 pm after Des & I had scattered the rest of our unpacked things around my room took off for Wills house.


Drinking games in the front room, and of course Amanda in the kitchen. Needless to say, smores were a major success…I’m a huge fan of the original bonfire style, but the toaster oven put up surprisingly steep competition. At some point we decided to take off and head to the infamous Mystical. We were there for a bit and then scattered a little, some to the beach, some back to Will’s. That’s when the night got messy. I ended up trekking back to Mystical to meet up with Sasha and whoever, found them halfway there…that’s all I’m going to say about that. Then while walking Heather home I almost got my bag swiped off my arm by a guy on a bike who thought he was only dealing with a little 5’3”, red-headed Gringo….well I’m a little spitfire, held onto my bag, gave his bike a pretty good kick and a few choice words at a really loud level. He got the point. I then decided it was a good idea to drop my stuff off at home before going back to meet Sasha. We had a nice little talk on a bench, met up with Joe, banged on Will’s door until the little passed out one woke up so we could get her keys, then walked Sasha home, discovered Joe lost his keys and yeah….like I said the night got messy but it ended up being a good one all the same. And in the morning I got to play secret escape mission, so that was entertaining. Puntarenas just wouldn’t let us leave without a little bit of a scene.

Joe, Austin, Des and I aren’t going on the group trip but wanted to wake up and say goodbye to everyone. Man, I never thought that I could get as close to some people in 5 weeks as I did to the people I studied with for 5 months, but I did, and goodbyes are still a bummer but the nice thing about this is we’re all stateside so hopefully we’ll plan something before long. Hugs, hugs, hugs and then Joe, Austin, Des and I gave them a special goodbye as they drove past us…I’ll add a picture if someone got it.

Our goodbye to our house mama y hermana.

Now off to San Jose for the day until our 11pm bus to Panama!!!

-Annemarie attached herself to the gate - Marcella hiding from Austin I think? - My professor and I - Us and the lovely aerobics teacher - Gabriella the other red head in Puntarenas-

Everyone else has their finals today, but I’m a champ and finished mine yesterday so I had the day to fill. This morning I woke up, should have gone for a run, didn’t want to, so I didn’t. I figure that’s how it should go when you’re not in season. Ate breakfast with Des, headed to school, wished everyone good luck on their finals and then walked across the street to enjoy the morning beach (yep, while everyone else slaved away on exams. Tough life, but someone’s got to live it). The beach is so peaceful in the mornings and late at nights, I love it. This morning I decided to lay out my towel, write a couple letters, (meanwhile ignoring the Tico man who decided to come lay next to me, I just told him as gringo as possible that I didn’t speak Spanish….which is still partially true). I also played tag with the waves and watched the water fill up my footprints. The beach, well maybe just large bodies of water in general because I feel similarly about the lake, but they are just the best early in the morning or late at night. It is so peaceful to wake up to the sound of waves or the serenity of seeing absolutely glasslike water.

Finals are now done and it’s time to pack up and get a little rowdy.

I got featured!

I got a piece featured on the Chico State Blog. Check it out!
Perks of a Passport!

Father's Day

I might be a little biased, but I'm going to go ahead and argue that I have the best dad.

Dad, thanks for always being there for me. You've been such an amazing support in my life, be it dance recitals, homework, track meets or anything else you've been such an amazing sport about it all. As I'm getting older I can see more of the sacrifices you have made for us, you have always made us kids a priority in your life and I'm so grateful. I know you'll pick up the phone and talk me though my best and worst days, you're always my level head when mine starts to spin a little too quickly. You are unconditionally loving and encouraging. You've helped to raise all of us with an appreciation for life and taught us the value of hard work. I have only been able to do all that I have because you your support (and mom's of course!). I love you, and Happy Father's Day!

Ain't going down 'til the sun comes up.

I can't help but feel a sense of accomplishment when I don't go to sleep until the sun starts to come up. My head hit the pillow and I looked out my window and saw a light colored sky trying to begin it's day as I was ending mine. It was definitely a good one.

Hair-wrap ladies
I've decided that we should start a band called the Hair-RAPers

When I studied abroad last fall I fell head over heels in love with Thailand, I think that place will always hold my heart, my first love, but Costa Rica is putting up a good fight.

ferry, bus, bus, bus, ferry

So last weekend we went to Santa Teresa and Curu. The usual, took the bus out Friday after school got to Santa Teresa. Then we decided that we needed some exercise so we hiked quite a little ways but cam to a lovely little hostel, dropped our stuff off and headed to find some food. Luckily we found the others to come join us :) and after dinner we went back to our hostel and hung out playing pool. Oh, and there was this adorable puppy. of course. At some point in the night we decided that we wanted to go out, that turned into a little bit of a hot mess but we went out. I came home with a little bit of an earlier group to find our key no longer in the door...so I decided to fall asleep in the hammock outside until the other came home a couple hours later. Definitely ended up being more comfortable than I thought.

Saturday we woke up and wandered down to the Ginger Cafe (yes, I know) for breakfast. Then (note: I would just like to point out that I just instinctually wrote luego, spanish for then, yessss progress!) anyways.....then Caitlin and I rented a surfboard and headed to the beach to meet everyone. Sadly, the shoulder didn't hold up too well to surfing, but it was fun trying and just hanging out in the water with Caitlin. We returned to find Desiree frantically laying everything out, apparently the ocean decided to go on the offensive and attack all our stuff. We had a few casualties, but I was a lucky one (I know, that's a change of pace), and my important stuff stayed dry. We got lunch, then back on the bus to Curu.


There we took ourselves on a lovely walk, we saw lots more monkeys and what I thought was a little pig or something...I was later told it's name and it was described to me as an oversized guinea pig, so I was pretty close I think. We took some lovely pictures on the beach there, ate dinner and then went on the most fantastic night hike.


Let me clarify, for the nature lovers you will be disappointed. It was fantastic because we saw anything amazing but because the entire time all of us were talking in accents that varied from the Crocodile Hunter to Prince Charles. Went to sleep, woke up, wandered around, bus back to Puntarenas. Oh and on the ferry my host sister's boyfriend was working and bought me a... oh wait for it....a CHURCHILL. yahooo! still not the biggest fan, but this one was definitely better than the last.


There a few of us quickly showered, attempted to go to dinner but took a detour to get the other girls hair wraps, then ate dinner across the way and watched the Mexico vs Costa Rica futbol game. I think I've ended all my weekend blogs like this, but it was definitely ANOTHER good one :)

Sunday Funday

Becca, Annemarie and I decided to come back from Jaco Saturday night so we could spend the day wandering around town. best decision ever. It ended up being one of those days where we didn't necessarily do anything spectacular or wild but I was almost in tears laughing the entire day. These two girls are an absolute crack-up.

My day started nice and easy. Woke up, went for a morning run and discovered that there was a triathlon going on in town so I watched bits and pieces of that. Cleaned up, ate some breakfast and met the girls down at the beach. While there we had a few interesting characters come up to say hi, there was one guys and something about Shakira, the homeless lady who lives on my corner and the fantastic 3 old men behind us who kept trying to get our attention. Oh and Annemarie freaked out for a second in the water, apparently one of her top 2 fears is sea weed touching her. Classic. We were there for a little (just long enough for me to get the lovely burn that is debuted in one of the pictures), got lunch and went to wander. I decided to get a hairwrap thing, that was interesting. I got to work on my fantastic Spanglish & Charades combo. Next we embarked on what became an epic adventure to experience a "Churchill."

A "Churchill" is apparently a famous ice cream thing in Puntarenas. So, pura vida right? We figured we'd give it a shot (not really certain what we were in for). Top layer: ice cream, alright sounds good to me. Second layer: Icee, I wasn't a fan but Annemarie and Becca seemed to like it. Third layer: "I think I found the dry stuff" - Annemarie. yes, a layer of powdered condensed milk. We pretty much quit there because one, we made a giant mess, two it was never really that good to begin with and three because we were all three about to pee out pants because we were laughing so hard. I can't do this situation justice in writing, but it was amazing.

We needed some redeeming so we walked to Casa de Helado and played it safe with a fruit & ice cream combo (buttt forgot to ask for the corn flakes on the side...who'd have thought corn flakes on ice cream sooo ms. allergic to gluten Becca just ate the fruit). Then it started pouring, like POURING. This lead to the bathroom epidemic, it rained in the bathroom too but hey, when you gotta go, you gotta go. Then though we'd wait the rain out, an hour later we ended up calling a cab to take us the few blocks home. Such a good day. love these girlssss.

Manuel Antonio

Another weekend, another adventure. Friday after class we all went home for lunch, packed and met up at the bus station, hopped on the next bus and were on our way to Manuel Antonio. **note, your tickets have numbers on them, they take your ticket at the bus door, remember you seat number and sit there. There were two other lovely travelers not with us who didn't follow this rule, had two of our seats and were extremely confrontational. A little bumpy start but nothing to worry about. It was about a 3 1/2 hour bus ride to Quepos, then a 15 or so ride to our hostel in Manuel Antonio. Right as we got there is started pouring rain, but we were all starving so our survival instincts kicked in and we tromped through the rain anyways to find dinner. After dinner we all just hung out until we pretty much passed out.

Saturday we woke up bright and early to go on a hike through the National Park to see animals. We decided to spring for a guide because he said he'd bring his telescope and find us animals... TOTALLY worth the extra $7 (i know, really breaking the bank). We saw bats, snakes, frogs, SLOTHS!!!, butterflies, realllly cool other bugs, iguanas, and i don't really remember what else but it was fantastic. On out hike we stopped at this amazing beach, we were the only ones there for awhile, so beautiful. We finished the hike, got lunch and beached it for a little while....then it started raining. haha so we packed up, hopped on the next bus to Jaco. There we wandered around a little and got dinner at Taco Bar, seriously the BEST fish tacos of my life. After dinner the group split a little, most stayed but Annemarie, Becca and I went on an epic search in the pouring rain for the closest bus stop. After practically jumping into the middle of the road to get it to stop for us we were on the last bus headed into Puntarenas for the night. We're planning for an adventurous Sunday.