Nikki, Scott and I had a memorable last day while they were visiting. We went white-water rafting on the Pacuare River in the middle of the country. The river had class 3 and class 4 rapids, which was a bit wild when you've never been rafting before. We spent more than 3 hours on the river, covering something like 50 kilometers of water. It was so much fun. Apparently, I had a smile on my face the whole day.
Nikki and Scott then left on Sunday morning and I hung out at the hotel until the very last minute that I could. We stayed at a very nice Best Western (I know, that sounds funny) on their last night here. So, I enjoyed the amenities while I could. I then caught the public bus back to the Coca-Cola bus terminal in San Jose and returned to the Nicoya Peninsula.
My confidence has really grown when it comes to getting around. I definitely would not have caught the city bus in San Jose a month ago. But, I recognize the city now and can somewhat understand what is being said to me in Spanish. So, instead of having to take the $20 taxi ride to the bus terminal I managed to get there for about $0.75 without a problem. Yes!
I am now back on the peninsula but am in a very small town called Playa Hermosa. I am renting a studio apartment that is really meant for the locals but someone told me about it so I checked it out. It is great - less than 5 minutes to the beach, a kitchen and the family that owns it gives me all the eggs that I want! There is no internet, phone or tv so I am in town right now as I give you this update. I had to come in today to pick up groceries and check about a couple of emails regarding work when I get home.
I have also rented a surfboard for the week so it is really time that I get good at this thing called surfing! I have been trying but unless you practice, practice and practice you will always stay at the same level, which for me is worst than beginner! Or, at least that's how I feel about my skills. The good thing about the beach in Hermosa though is that there is barely anyone there so you don't have to worry about running into others.
That's about it for now. I have less than two weeks left. I am a bit sad that I am leaving. I really, really like this country. I am excited to go home though and see family and friends. I am also excited to start coaching again. I just checked the weather in Victoria though and there were these funny looking flurry things in the forecast...what is that all about! Yikes - I am in for a shock when I get off that plane. Someone is going to have to bring me a fleece and real shoes at the airport!
Hope everyone is well :)
Nikki and Scott then left on Sunday morning and I hung out at the hotel until the very last minute that I could. We stayed at a very nice Best Western (I know, that sounds funny) on their last night here. So, I enjoyed the amenities while I could. I then caught the public bus back to the Coca-Cola bus terminal in San Jose and returned to the Nicoya Peninsula.
My confidence has really grown when it comes to getting around. I definitely would not have caught the city bus in San Jose a month ago. But, I recognize the city now and can somewhat understand what is being said to me in Spanish. So, instead of having to take the $20 taxi ride to the bus terminal I managed to get there for about $0.75 without a problem. Yes!
I am now back on the peninsula but am in a very small town called Playa Hermosa. I am renting a studio apartment that is really meant for the locals but someone told me about it so I checked it out. It is great - less than 5 minutes to the beach, a kitchen and the family that owns it gives me all the eggs that I want! There is no internet, phone or tv so I am in town right now as I give you this update. I had to come in today to pick up groceries and check about a couple of emails regarding work when I get home.
I have also rented a surfboard for the week so it is really time that I get good at this thing called surfing! I have been trying but unless you practice, practice and practice you will always stay at the same level, which for me is worst than beginner! Or, at least that's how I feel about my skills. The good thing about the beach in Hermosa though is that there is barely anyone there so you don't have to worry about running into others.
That's about it for now. I have less than two weeks left. I am a bit sad that I am leaving. I really, really like this country. I am excited to go home though and see family and friends. I am also excited to start coaching again. I just checked the weather in Victoria though and there were these funny looking flurry things in the forecast...what is that all about! Yikes - I am in for a shock when I get off that plane. Someone is going to have to bring me a fleece and real shoes at the airport!
Hope everyone is well :)
