Hasta Domingo

I might have a little culture shock. I feel like my best Spanish was my first day and I also feel a little isolated. They say that the Ticos see so many people come and go that they don't really try to make an effort to befriend the gringos. I usually sit alone between classes, in the sun, where all Ticos hang out. It's not really a society of solitude so the fact that I am the only one sitting alone adds to my feeling of isolation. I also feel this way because it's not really safe for me to do anything by myself. I can't walk home between classes and I can't explore the neighborhood because its not really safe to walk around by myself. So I just pretty much stay on campus during the day, and with everyone's different schedules, I am often alone. Its not that big of a deal, but I still notice it. I think once I venture outside of San Jose and get closer with people on our weekend trip, it will get better.

My classes are also kicking my butt! I have 3 presentations next week: one Wed, one Thurs and one Fri. It is a lot of pressure and overwhelming at times, but I just tell myself that my class will be over in about 3 weeks. I can do anything for 3 weeks.

Every day I meet more and more people. We always talk about where we are from and where we go to school. As I am technically not in school right now, the conversation inevitably goes to age, where I tell them that I am 26. The response from them is always, "Wow, I would have never guessed. You look 21, maybe 22." Is this a good thing?

There is a store here called Pequeno Mundo (small world) and it's AMAZING. They sell everything from tents to plates to bathing suits to car seats to candy, and its all VERY inexpensive. I bought a dress and a bathing suit there yesterday for about $16. It's a store where all the American stores send the goods that don't sell, or when they have to push out merchandise for a new season or something. It's like a Marshalls, but better!

I leave for Tamarindo in the afternoon tomorrow! We will be driving about 5 hours and then checking into a hotel, then probably going out. The next day we will be at the beach ALL DAY, then probably going out again in the night. :) They say it's a hippy surfer town with a lot of gringos and that it's beautiful and fun. I CAN'T WAIT. I wont be bringing my computer, but I will write on Sunday or Monday and let you all know how it went! I will also post pictures!!!

xoxoxoxox!