PURA VIDA!

thats the Costa Rican saying..the literal translation in english is pure life and i think it really captures the mood of this country-- very positive, happy and tranquila

¨Pura Vida couldnt explain this feeling any better. I am so in love with my life and all that I have been blessed with! I love all the people that I have met, the extremely nice familes that I have stayed with, the experiences that Ive had and the many more that I will embark on in the next two and a half weeks. This is definitely an opportunity of a lifetime.

My three day weekend was great in Quepos. We finally got to see the rainforest and beaches that we were expecting to see and finished each tiresome day with some drinks at the bar. Although it rained, we still had an amazing time nonetheless. Ohh..I surfed! Well...kind of. Kathryn and I got a good deal on board rentals and decided not to hire a teacher because we assumed that we could teach ourselves by watching others. But wow..it looks way harder than it looks. My lil ass couldnt even get past the part where the waves break. I just kept on getting smashed by the big waves AND my board. Whoever was watching me must have gotten a good laugh. Haha. However, I did manage to catch some baby waves and almost stood up! I met this guy from San Diego who has been living in Costa Rica for 6 months and he tried to help me, but I was a lost cause.

By the time we arrived home in Curridabat on Sunday night, we were soo tiired, dirty and stinky. Four hours on the bus, right after a whole day at the beach! My last day in Curridabat was supposed to be Monday, but because the girls wanted to go to a Salsa and Merengue class in San Pedro, I decided to stay one more day. The class was so fun! Im glad my infamous sweaty palms didnt act up because we had to dance with partners. Although none of the guys had much rhythm, I had a good time and I cant wait to use these new moves at the Discoteca Salsa this Thurs or Friday night! haha

So Im done with my spanish class in Curridabat and now Im in Heredia to start my volunteer project tomorrow. My shift with the ambulance company will be 24hours on and 24 hours off...pobrecita Im going to be spending a lot of time at the base just waiting for our calls. The manager told me to bring a sleeping bag and my ipod.

I love it here with my new host family!! There is a mother with three sons (25,22 and 15) and a few other girls who attend the nearby university that live here too. Everyone is so nice and welcoming..I feel very lucky to be here. (AND they have internet!)

I will be uploading my pictures soon so get ready for it

P.S. i miss you ♥