Things haven't changed all that much at Whitworth South since I posted the last entry. Mostly, I'm writing this because we have 15 minutes till lunch and I finally finished my homework! I think we were all pretty surprised at how demanding some of the classes are, but they're still great nonetheless. As I maybe said before (I could check, but I won't), I'm taking Latin American Culture and Civilization for the month of February. It's taught by two professors, Lindy (who everyone knows and loves) and a Costa Rican native, se llama Fernando. The themes in the class are really interesting, but the reading and homework that goes along with them are pretty demanding so far. As trying as it can seem at times, though, I know it'll be really beneficial in the end. Luckily, I'm only in 1 class (technically 2 with Core) for this month. Some with 2 (3 if they're in Core) spend every single free minute doing homework. I guess the good news is that classes only last a month, so only 3 weeks to go!
Yesterday 3 other girls and I went to Heredia to buy some school supplies. While waiting for the bus we saw what I think was the funniest thing I've seen yet in Costa Rica. We saw this tiny pick-up driving up the hill with not one, but two cows in the bed of the truck. We laughed in astonishment. I have no clue how that truck was still moving, but kudos to the driver.
I can't stress enough how much I love being in town! Applying what Spanish I have learned so far to everyday life is fantastic and so rewarding. At one of the librerÃas we visited, we were helped by an elderly Tica who was incredibly helpful. After 3 or so minutes of trying to describe a folder to her (since we couldn't remember the word "carpeta") and turning down every binder she showed us, she finally asked "Quieren un folder (foh-dehr)?" Knowing that Costa Ricans use the same word as us would've saved a lot of time, I guess. At the check-stand though she offered many good words of advice and caution about Costa Rica, and interestingly enough Spain - she was not too fond of the Spanish as she made fun of their accent, the words they use and they're haughty attitude (Lo siento, Joy!). Every time she wanted to caution me about something she would look around for listening ears, wave me closer and whisper in my ear. It was so cute!
After we were finished we caught the bus back to Monte de La Cruz and once again hiked back up to campus. From there the day ways pretty normal. We ate, went to Culture and Civ, then had our first day of Core 350, ate again, and did mucho tarea :).
The nights are really slow here. We pretty much all do homework and listen to the wind trying to blow down the Center. Every night at about 8 o'clock the wind picks up and doesn't stop until about 9 the next morning. Living on a mountain is a really strange experience, I have to say. Today, we are definitely in the clouds. Someone commented that it feels like we're continually in a car wash because of how the wind and the "rain" (it's not actually rain, it's more like mist, but not really that either) hit the windows in the comedor (dining hall). What really gets me is that if we were to take a 20 minute drive down the hill it'd be bright and sunny. Crazy.
Today, I learned how to say "cool" in Costa Rican Spanish, but Fernando said it was used in the 70s a lot, so it might be out dated...either way it's "tuani." There was another one too...but I'm blanking on it! I'll remember, sometime - probably right after I post this. Anyway, I'm amazed at how much easier it is to pick up on and remember words when I'm actually in a Spanish speaking country. I'm liking it a lot. I'm sure that once we move into our host families we'll learn even more vocab daily.
Well, lunch is ready now, so I think I'll stop there. Thanks for reading my musings :). Hasta luego!
(Okay, I cheated and went back to add things after lunch. Oh well.)
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