Vacacione #1

So for the past week, I've been traveling on the Caribbean coast of Costa Rica and gleefully frolicking south of the border in Panama. I know that working 9-2pm may not necessitate 7 days off every month, but I think they're onto something here. Life is good - I have found the oft-repeated "Pura Vida" the locals sound as greeting and farewell...really they say "Pura Vida" to any/everthing. Food is pura vida, a sunny day is pura vida, a spilled beer is pura vida if it was at least half empty. Pure life - good life abounds here.

So, as for my debatedly much "needed", but assuredly much enjoyed vacation: A word of advice: BOCAS DEL TORO...go! It's the most amazing little island off the coast of Panama. Devoid of paved roads and actually lacking roads of any sort in a lot of places, it has lush jungle, pristine beaches, and such a deserted and undiscovered island vibe. Because many parts of the island can't be reached by car, we took water taxis around the island and often hiked through or "around" (for the coordinated ones in the group) knee high water to get into town. I don't think I've ever seen more stars at night. You'll be happy to know that I took daily naps in hammocks for all of you. Every morning I ate breakfast on a deck that extended out over the water, past the beach. If I looked to the right or left of my cereal bowl into the slats on the floor, I saw sparkling blue water. I almost applied for the vacant manager position at the hotel, but alas Biostats at BU will be as fun as eating pineapple on the beach and playing ultimate frisbee in the sand all day, right??

Anyways, I refrained from moving yet further south for an indefinite period of time and boarded the water taxi back to the mainland and crossed the border (slowly and thoughtfully) back into Costa Rica three days later, but as I've promised before, I'll be back. I spent a few days in Puerto Viejo; a small, surf-crazed, marajuana-dazed beach town in southern Costa Rica. Then headed to Cahuita, an equally burnt out, but less touristy (i.e. less hungover Americans passed out on the beach who came to visit over a year ago and never quite found there way home) beach town. The Caribbean coast has a distinctly different feel than the Pacific side, perhaps grittier or maybe it just seems dirtier and less safe. I tried to find things to love in the lazy, unshowered, and unmotivated beach-bum cloud that hovered close to every town I visited en el Caribe, but I seem to prefer the hilly walks, jungle hikes and crashing cold waves I've found on the Pacific Coast. I did have some damn good grilled Caribbean fish dinners during my Caribe travels and walked around in board shorts and unwashed hair for four days, almost passing as a surfer. Of course Monteverde, nestled in the north central/western part of the country has a mountain-heart distinct to itself and I seem to be falling in love with this green mountain town.

All in all, vacation was a blast. Unfortunatley, lots of time spent on hot, crowded buses, but also much time with new friends who are proving to be a great group of people. Admittedly, I giggle when reading weather reports from the DC and Boston areas. I sit in the internet cafe in my tank top and tan lines and think about all of you. More than the sun though, I wish you could enjoy this town with me. Monteverde; the people, the mountains, the wind which tears up and down the hills at night, the music and dancing, it's so amazing to feel at home here. I can 't believe I've already been here a month...both my sluggish and jumbled Spanish and the fact that this means I only have two months left leave me more than a little distraught. I can't wait for my family to visit. I was talking to the teachers after school one day about how wonderful it is to share a special place with people who are special to you. I am so excited to share this country with the people I love...so as much as April 28th looms dark as my last day working here, there is a glittering lining surrounding that day because I'll be awaiting a very special cargo from the San Jose airport (book those flights Mom, Dad and Karyn!!) And I have a very special nephew to meet upon my return home. So (Tony), you're right, I've fallen in love with this life and this place, but I'm coming home...until then, however, visitors recommended. I will recieve you with open arms and show you everything close to my heart here; the trails I have found to run free from falling in ditches, the place I enjoy my favorite cup of te con leche, my slightly improved salsa skills (courtesy of spending every Friday and Sunday night stumbling and sometimes twirling to Monteverde's finest band, Taco Laco at Bar Amigos). I'll introduce you to my Costa Rican "brothers" who succeeded in worming there way into my heart almost as quickly as they felt comfortable snuggling into a warm space in my bed, the school, the reserve, the hikes, the sunset. The very post-card-scene nature of most days here.

...so much to hold dear. Ok, that's all for now. Pura vida.

To access the photos without subscribing to the site: http://www.travellerspoint.com/photos/gallery/users/CRKat/

About the photos, apparently I'm pasting huge files into my blog which is why I used up all of my space with 4 photos. Once I figure out how to reformat the photos, I'll have more up.