Today we traveled to La Fortuna and Arenal Volcano. We arrived around 11 am and what a difference in the climate! You could tell we had descended from the cloud forest. It was close to 90 degrees. We walked around town for about an hour then had lunch at a local spot before checking into the hotel.
We spent a couple of hours walking the trails around the Volcano. We were able to observe 2 families of howler monkeys high up in the trees….mom, dad, and babies. It was so interesting to watch them as they went about their evening routine. We left the trails just before dusk and went to the volcano observation point where we sat for a while watching the lava flow from the mouth of the volcano. It was such a perfectly clear night, we could see the bright red rocks as they tumbled down the side of the mountain.
We had dinner at Baldi Hot Springs and enjoyed the waters of the hot springs for about 2 hours. We then decided to go back to the observation point and watch the volcano. It was a beautiful night with a full moon; we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see it again! There were so many people gathered around at the local meeting places. On this second visit, there were mostly local families. I would describe it as a picnic! They had food cooking on grills and were socializing with one another….while in the background….the mountain provided the fireworks! Lava, lava, lava….was being chanted as the fireballs slid down the hillside! It was so exciting! How often can you say that you spent Saturday night watching an active volcano! It was a once a lifetime experience!~
End of day 16……
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Day 15, Viernes 28 Mayo 2010
We have been in Costa Rica now for 2 full weeks. We spent a few hours this morning hiking in the Santa Elena Natural Reserve. The Y-Challenge trail was absolutely beautiful. The reserve is on the continental divide and we were specifically on the Caribbean Side. It was amazing how the weather changed while we were there….the sun actually came out and we all rushed to get pictures of the blue sky (it’s been raining since Monday here)! There was a nice breeze there as well! We saw lots of hummingbirds and a few other species of birds…and lots of flora and fauna! I saw a walking stick like I have never seen before and a species of birds that our guide said we don’t see very often..unfortunately, I forgot what it was! The reserve is maintained by the St Elena High School in an effort to teach ecological conservation and preservation and about biodiversity. We talked a lot about the plants growing on trees….the regeneration of the forest, etc! Like a hands on laboratory…I hope the students know how lucky they are to have such a wonderful lab! The weather had cleared in Monte Verde as well! I am amazed at how quickly everything dried up and the dust on the road appeared!
Spanish class was a hoot! We worked on verbs and vocabulary and played a fruit and vegetable BINGO game! We talked about hobbies, future business ventures, the gasoline issue in CR …just to name a few! I know that my understanding of the language is improving, as I can usually figure out what the instructor is saying…plus I can communicate back! What a wonderful feeling!
Emily and I took the night hike in Sainta Elena (I think I’ve spelled that differently every time I write it). It was about a 2 hour hike thru a dense forest outside of town and was led by a local tour guide. We saw several CR raccoons, CR porcupines, and was able to coax a tarantula from her habitat! I know it was a female, because there are no male tarantulas in la casa…because the females kill the males after the first date! She was a lovely creature, but I was glad to see her go home! We saw a lot of “cutter ants” as well…always working 24/7!! Emily and I had dinner at the “tree house” (literally a restaurant built around a HUGE tree). I had a wonderful seafood soup and blackberry drink. We took a taxi home….which was uneventful! Learning the directions helped!
That is the end of day 15….and our first week in Monte Verde!
Spanish class was a hoot! We worked on verbs and vocabulary and played a fruit and vegetable BINGO game! We talked about hobbies, future business ventures, the gasoline issue in CR …just to name a few! I know that my understanding of the language is improving, as I can usually figure out what the instructor is saying…plus I can communicate back! What a wonderful feeling!
Emily and I took the night hike in Sainta Elena (I think I’ve spelled that differently every time I write it). It was about a 2 hour hike thru a dense forest outside of town and was led by a local tour guide. We saw several CR raccoons, CR porcupines, and was able to coax a tarantula from her habitat! I know it was a female, because there are no male tarantulas in la casa…because the females kill the males after the first date! She was a lovely creature, but I was glad to see her go home! We saw a lot of “cutter ants” as well…always working 24/7!! Emily and I had dinner at the “tree house” (literally a restaurant built around a HUGE tree). I had a wonderful seafood soup and blackberry drink. We took a taxi home….which was uneventful! Learning the directions helped!
That is the end of day 15….and our first week in Monte Verde!
5/27/10 Jeuves - Day 14
We visited the elementary school again this morning in Santa Elena. We taught 2 different science lessons to 4 classes. I taught a lesson to a class of 2nd graders. The lesson asked the students to prepare a “rainbow” of colors: favorite color, eyes, hair, skin, and favorite food color. I lead the majority of the lesson in Spanish; but asked for the students to repeat the colors and count in English. I learned that the students are “programmed” to copy what is on the board without much thought to the content….especially when the directions/words are in English. For example: I drew a rainbow on the board with each category labeled with what goes there (favorite color, etc). I wanted them to color the “section” of the rainbow with their favorite color, but they copied what I wrote and the classroom teacher had to explain/translate it several times in order for the students to grasp the directions. I have also learned that the students have to hear the English words several times and repeat them…much as I need to hear and repeat the Spanish words several times (and write them)… in order to use them.
Spanish class at CPI was much better today. Our teacher was out sick, so we had a substitute. This instructor taught with a totally different strategy and I enjoyed the class today! We played Jinga….with Spanish verbs written on the blocks and a symbol (+, - , or?) to indicate whether we were to use the verb in a positive, negative, or interrogative sentence. It was a lot of fun and a great way to practice verbs in pronunciation and in application!
Can you believe it rained today in Monte Verde? The rain is causing a lot of flooding problems in the Pacific Northern part of the country (where we are). The newscasts (Noticias) tonight were full of videos showing the flooded streets and houses…I was able to understand a word or two here and there…plus the pictures tell the story!
End of day 14…………….
Spanish class at CPI was much better today. Our teacher was out sick, so we had a substitute. This instructor taught with a totally different strategy and I enjoyed the class today! We played Jinga….with Spanish verbs written on the blocks and a symbol (+, - , or?) to indicate whether we were to use the verb in a positive, negative, or interrogative sentence. It was a lot of fun and a great way to practice verbs in pronunciation and in application!
Can you believe it rained today in Monte Verde? The rain is causing a lot of flooding problems in the Pacific Northern part of the country (where we are). The newscasts (Noticias) tonight were full of videos showing the flooded streets and houses…I was able to understand a word or two here and there…plus the pictures tell the story!
End of day 14…………….
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Day 13 in Costa Rica: Miercoles, 26 Mayo 2010
Today, we took a tour of El Trapiche Coffee and Sugar Cane operation. It is a family run business (now in the 4th generation). They process coffee beans and sugar cane. We also had a buffet lunch. It was a great tour...despite the rain! It was very interesting to see how the coffee was picked, shelled, dried, and roasted. The Sugar Cane was pretty amazing too...and we made 3 different kinds of "sugar cane candy".
There was also another earthquake this morning around 6:50 our time. I was sitting on my bed doing my homework when all of a sudden the room started to sway. Just before that happened a huge flock of birds flew overhead that I had just caught a glimpse of out the window...so at first I thought that maybe I was dizzy or something. It was a strange feeling! I haven't heard anything on the news about it...again, it's a common occurance here...so probably wasn't mentioned! I told my family that our presence was "shaking up" the country! ha ha!
We had a difficult Spanish lesson today. We are learning all kinds of new verbs past and present tense, fruits, and vegetables. Just before class ended, our instructor gave us an article about the education system. I knew that the information that I needed for a research project was in my hands and I couldn't understand it! It was very frustrating! I asked the instructor to share the article's content with us in English...and she refused! Again, this class is intense. She insists that we speak every word in class in spanish! I can tell you that I was furious...I almost left the class that instant! How frustrated are our students in classrooms who have the answers to their questions in their hands and can't read/understand the words! I am working on translating the article word by word from my dictionary. But do our students have that luxury? My CR family has offered to help, but I'm not sure we will have enough "Spanglish" between us to make sense. Do our students have someone at home to help translate their assignments?
End of Day 13...frustrated!
There was also another earthquake this morning around 6:50 our time. I was sitting on my bed doing my homework when all of a sudden the room started to sway. Just before that happened a huge flock of birds flew overhead that I had just caught a glimpse of out the window...so at first I thought that maybe I was dizzy or something. It was a strange feeling! I haven't heard anything on the news about it...again, it's a common occurance here...so probably wasn't mentioned! I told my family that our presence was "shaking up" the country! ha ha!
We had a difficult Spanish lesson today. We are learning all kinds of new verbs past and present tense, fruits, and vegetables. Just before class ended, our instructor gave us an article about the education system. I knew that the information that I needed for a research project was in my hands and I couldn't understand it! It was very frustrating! I asked the instructor to share the article's content with us in English...and she refused! Again, this class is intense. She insists that we speak every word in class in spanish! I can tell you that I was furious...I almost left the class that instant! How frustrated are our students in classrooms who have the answers to their questions in their hands and can't read/understand the words! I am working on translating the article word by word from my dictionary. But do our students have that luxury? My CR family has offered to help, but I'm not sure we will have enough "Spanglish" between us to make sense. Do our students have someone at home to help translate their assignments?
End of Day 13...frustrated!
Day 12 in Costa Rica: Martes, 25 Mayo 2010
Today was better! However, we have been here for 2 days and it is still raining. Does the sun ever shine in Monte Verde? We visited the Elementary School in Santa Elena today. The students are on a split schedule with several grades attending in the morning and others in the afternoon. So the morning schedule is from 7 to 12:10 or so and then the afternoon schedule is 12:30 to 5:40? I think. Teachers are at school from 6:45 to 6:00...I assume as they teach both sessions! Something to think about as we plan our days around a 7:45 to 2:30 schedule. There were 35 - 38 students in each classroom today....lots of kids! We had a class of 1st graders that we read books to. They were very simple books in English that we translated into Spanish...so that both sentences were on the same page. The students enjoyed this activity as it gave them an opportunity to hear words in English and us an opportunity to practice our Spanish! We also taught a Science AIMS lesson to a 5th grade class. It was a math/graphing activity using jelly beans. We taught this lesson to the group of students in Heredia too. My groups (2), loved this activity. My second group was better behaved than my first group...don't know why except that the lesson was taught just before recess! I think they got "antsy"(sp?).
The AIMS lesson was in Spanish and I taught the lesson in English. This gave them an opportunity to hear the words in English that they could see in Spanish on the worksheets. I think this is a good strategy to use with ESL/ELL students. After being in Spanish class where all of the instructions and lessons are in Spanish, I can understand the importance of having those instructions in the "native" language. It takes a lot of concentration to decode words (looking at context, using what little vocabulary I have)and then complete the assignment! They also have vegetable and flower garden at the school; as well as a well maintained trail into the forest with an outdoor classroom area (see picture).
I spent some time tonight at the local internet cafe called the "Tree House". It's in downtown St Elena. I also visited the local SuperMercado (much like our Walmart) and picked up a local newspaper about the eruption of the Volcano Arenal that happened on Monday. I am still translating that story, so I don't have all of the "news" yet. It's another lesson learned about how much we depend on news in our language to keep us informed....the simple things that we take for granted...until we are in a "foreign country"! By the time I get this story translated, it's old news....but a great practice exercise. Everynight my CR family watches the news at 7pm. They are called Noticias. I know there are things going on in the country, community, and the world...but I don't know what they are.........end of day 12! Do you think our students feel the same????
I had an interesting experience with trying to hire a taxi tonight to get home. There were 3 of us at the cafe, so we wanted to share a ride. We were turned down by 2 different drivers, before we found a person that was willing to take us! Imagine that! It took 2 translators and several of us showing our maps of our family houses with directional instructions, before we were able to convince our driver that we knew where we were going and could show him if he was willing to risk it! Please remember that there are no addresses in CR. The house is listed a 800 meters west from the cemetary and 75 meters south of the Villas...4th house in the forest! First thing tomorrow in Spanish class...is to get the words for "turn right here" and "turn left here" !!!!!!
End of day 12....
The AIMS lesson was in Spanish and I taught the lesson in English. This gave them an opportunity to hear the words in English that they could see in Spanish on the worksheets. I think this is a good strategy to use with ESL/ELL students. After being in Spanish class where all of the instructions and lessons are in Spanish, I can understand the importance of having those instructions in the "native" language. It takes a lot of concentration to decode words (looking at context, using what little vocabulary I have)and then complete the assignment! They also have vegetable and flower garden at the school; as well as a well maintained trail into the forest with an outdoor classroom area (see picture).
I spent some time tonight at the local internet cafe called the "Tree House". It's in downtown St Elena. I also visited the local SuperMercado (much like our Walmart) and picked up a local newspaper about the eruption of the Volcano Arenal that happened on Monday. I am still translating that story, so I don't have all of the "news" yet. It's another lesson learned about how much we depend on news in our language to keep us informed....the simple things that we take for granted...until we are in a "foreign country"! By the time I get this story translated, it's old news....but a great practice exercise. Everynight my CR family watches the news at 7pm. They are called Noticias. I know there are things going on in the country, community, and the world...but I don't know what they are.........end of day 12! Do you think our students feel the same????
I had an interesting experience with trying to hire a taxi tonight to get home. There were 3 of us at the cafe, so we wanted to share a ride. We were turned down by 2 different drivers, before we found a person that was willing to take us! Imagine that! It took 2 translators and several of us showing our maps of our family houses with directional instructions, before we were able to convince our driver that we knew where we were going and could show him if he was willing to risk it! Please remember that there are no addresses in CR. The house is listed a 800 meters west from the cemetary and 75 meters south of the Villas...4th house in the forest! First thing tomorrow in Spanish class...is to get the words for "turn right here" and "turn left here" !!!!!!
End of day 12....
Day 11 en Costa Rica; Lunes, 24 Mayo 2010
Today was a bad day for me. Nothing seemed to “suit me”. I think I am just beyond tired! A new bed, a new family to interact with, a new Spanish teacher at CPI, a new town to figure out, cloudy and rainy all day, and 4 hours of sleep. I had a moment or two of extreme homesickness! Monte Verde may be a lovely town, but you can’t see it!
My new family is a young couple. No children. Allen and Helen have been married for 4 years. Allen spent 3 months in Montana – 10 years ago – working in a coffee packaging and shipping company…..similar to what he was doing in Costa Rica. He speaks a little English and I speak a little Spanish….so between the 2 of us we speak “Spanglish” and are able to communicate. We spent a lot of time talking about music – likes and don’t likes. He played some of his music and I shared some of mine. He showed me 100’s of pictures! I shared the pictures of the snow and he showed me lots of pictures of his trip to Montana (also in the snow)! He works in a tourist souvenir shop which has a place for live music, open on the weekends. Helen works at Poco y Poco hotel…on the computer….all day…Maybe in reservations/front desk. Helen is also a student. She has night classes on Wednesday and Thursday night. She is studying accounting.
My new Spanish teacher is difficult. She is young, married, has a 2 year old daughter. She rides a 4-wheeler for 1 hour to CPI for work. I can understand why…the roads here are AWFUL! She tolerates no English in Class…insisting that we talk to one another and ask our questions in Spanish. I guess that’s her strategy for forcing us to learn! It’s not working! It’s frustrating…..my 2 classmates agree
My new family is a young couple. No children. Allen and Helen have been married for 4 years. Allen spent 3 months in Montana – 10 years ago – working in a coffee packaging and shipping company…..similar to what he was doing in Costa Rica. He speaks a little English and I speak a little Spanish….so between the 2 of us we speak “Spanglish” and are able to communicate. We spent a lot of time talking about music – likes and don’t likes. He played some of his music and I shared some of mine. He showed me 100’s of pictures! I shared the pictures of the snow and he showed me lots of pictures of his trip to Montana (also in the snow)! He works in a tourist souvenir shop which has a place for live music, open on the weekends. Helen works at Poco y Poco hotel…on the computer….all day…Maybe in reservations/front desk. Helen is also a student. She has night classes on Wednesday and Thursday night. She is studying accounting.
My new Spanish teacher is difficult. She is young, married, has a 2 year old daughter. She rides a 4-wheeler for 1 hour to CPI for work. I can understand why…the roads here are AWFUL! She tolerates no English in Class…insisting that we talk to one another and ask our questions in Spanish. I guess that’s her strategy for forcing us to learn! It’s not working! It’s frustrating…..my 2 classmates agree
Monday, May 24, 2010
Week one in Costa Rica: Insights/Summary
We have been in Costa Rica for a week now! Cultural immersion is a wonderful experience. I think it’s the best way to experience how the people live and work. Each of us in our group had different experiences based on the family demographics, etc. I had a very stress free week, as it was just Maria and me. We didn’t spend a tremendous amount of time together in the evenings that would have made the language barrier awkward. We were able to communicate using hand gestures and visual displays. As the week progressed, my vocabulary improved…so the conversations improved. The Tico people are very family oriented and care much for each other. Every morning at 6 am (or there abouts), Maria walked 1 block from her house to get fresh bread. She also got bread and the newspaper, for a neighbor across the street, who is an invalid and home-bound. I loved being in her house and she took very good care of me! My laundry was washed and pressed everyday and she always had dinner ready when I got home from school! Unfortunately, I did not learn as much about her as I would have liked…because of our limited time together.
Our Spanish instructor was a young single woman. She has been teaching at CPI for 7 years and spent 2 years at CPI in Monte Verde. She said she would like to travel and would consider living somewhere else for 1 or 2 years, but would always return to Heredia, Costa Rica because that is where her family and friends are! I think that’s how the people here feel….they want to be where their family is!
It is sometimes frustrating to be in a country where I don’t speak the language; but I do not find it unmanageable. I have learned that I need to see the words, write the words, say the words (and repeat), before I can understand them. That’s a long complicated process that I imagine ESL/ELL students in classrooms deal with every day! There have been many days that I just couldn’t “take in” one more word. It’s hard to describe how that feels and is a new feeling for me. I was playing Bingo on Thursday night, and within 2 hours could no longer distinguish the number 5 from 20! It was as if my brain was on overload and simply locked up! Mentally exhausted took on a whole new meaning!
Some strategies I think will be helpful in the classroom: 1) Use visual displays 2) Label every object: books, walls, light switches, etc! 3) Use limited amounts of verbal instructions and use groups to complete assignments 4) Provide written instructions with the verbal instructions (important words translated or highlighted) 5) Use music and most important…6) Realize that ESL/ELL students will have days where they “shut down” and nothing will gained beyond that. Provide a period of rest or relaxation if possible.
Our Spanish instructor was a young single woman. She has been teaching at CPI for 7 years and spent 2 years at CPI in Monte Verde. She said she would like to travel and would consider living somewhere else for 1 or 2 years, but would always return to Heredia, Costa Rica because that is where her family and friends are! I think that’s how the people here feel….they want to be where their family is!
It is sometimes frustrating to be in a country where I don’t speak the language; but I do not find it unmanageable. I have learned that I need to see the words, write the words, say the words (and repeat), before I can understand them. That’s a long complicated process that I imagine ESL/ELL students in classrooms deal with every day! There have been many days that I just couldn’t “take in” one more word. It’s hard to describe how that feels and is a new feeling for me. I was playing Bingo on Thursday night, and within 2 hours could no longer distinguish the number 5 from 20! It was as if my brain was on overload and simply locked up! Mentally exhausted took on a whole new meaning!
Some strategies I think will be helpful in the classroom: 1) Use visual displays 2) Label every object: books, walls, light switches, etc! 3) Use limited amounts of verbal instructions and use groups to complete assignments 4) Provide written instructions with the verbal instructions (important words translated or highlighted) 5) Use music and most important…6) Realize that ESL/ELL students will have days where they “shut down” and nothing will gained beyond that. Provide a period of rest or relaxation if possible.
Day 10 in Costa Rica: Domingo, 23, Mayo 2010
On Sunday, we had a buffet breakfast of fresh fruit down by the pool. I spent several hours by the pool before we checked out at lunch time. The majority of our group spent a couple of hours at the beach.
We traveled to Monte Verde to meet our new families for the next 2 week stay! What an exciting adventure! The scenery was incredible as we traveled up one mountain after another. In several places we could see the pacific ocean in the distance. The paved road ends about an hour from Monte Verde and becomes a broken rock/gravel path to the top of the mountain. We had been told that the road sometimes has dangerous washed out sections during the rainy season! Luckily for us, it was not raining!!
My new family is a young couple, Allen and Helen. Both work in Monte Verde. They are very sweet! Allen said on a clear day you can see the lights on the beach at Puntarenas. It should be an interesting 2 weeks! Many hills to walk to and from school and most of the roads are not paved!
We traveled to Monte Verde to meet our new families for the next 2 week stay! What an exciting adventure! The scenery was incredible as we traveled up one mountain after another. In several places we could see the pacific ocean in the distance. The paved road ends about an hour from Monte Verde and becomes a broken rock/gravel path to the top of the mountain. We had been told that the road sometimes has dangerous washed out sections during the rainy season! Luckily for us, it was not raining!!
My new family is a young couple, Allen and Helen. Both work in Monte Verde. They are very sweet! Allen said on a clear day you can see the lights on the beach at Puntarenas. It should be an interesting 2 weeks! Many hills to walk to and from school and most of the roads are not paved!
Day 9 en Costa Rica
Day 9 in Costa Rica: Sabedo, 22 Mayo 2010
Today we traveled to Manuel Antonio. When spent the first 5 hours here in the National Park. We saw 2 –toed sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and several species of lizards and other creatures. After lunch, several from our group took a second hike to a beach area. I spent a couple of hours on the beach and visited the shops. The beach is so different from “my beach”. The mountain literally drops off into the sea. There are big rocks on the beach and just off shore. There was a small stream/river that was flowing into the ocean at one end. Green turtles and some others lay their eggs at Manual Antonio. We had been warned that they monkeys come down to the beach and steal personal items…food, cameras, bookbags, etc. I did not see any monkeys on the beach today! The area offers many tours and activities: iguana tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
We spent Saturday night in a villa (Villas Nicolas?). They were fully equipped apartments with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean! They have a “jungle path” that leads down to the beach, but it was closed. On top of the villas, there is a restaurant and bar called Aqua Azul. Look it up…..it has a breath taking view!
Today we traveled to Manuel Antonio. When spent the first 5 hours here in the National Park. We saw 2 –toed sloths, white-faced monkeys, howler monkeys, and several species of lizards and other creatures. After lunch, several from our group took a second hike to a beach area. I spent a couple of hours on the beach and visited the shops. The beach is so different from “my beach”. The mountain literally drops off into the sea. There are big rocks on the beach and just off shore. There was a small stream/river that was flowing into the ocean at one end. Green turtles and some others lay their eggs at Manual Antonio. We had been warned that they monkeys come down to the beach and steal personal items…food, cameras, bookbags, etc. I did not see any monkeys on the beach today! The area offers many tours and activities: iguana tours, snorkeling, scuba diving, etc.
We spent Saturday night in a villa (Villas Nicolas?). They were fully equipped apartments with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean! They have a “jungle path” that leads down to the beach, but it was closed. On top of the villas, there is a restaurant and bar called Aqua Azul. Look it up…..it has a breath taking view!
Day 8 en Costa Rica
Day 8 in Costa Rica: Vernes, 21 Mayo 2010
We participated in a Social Service project this morning with the Humanitarian Foundation in La Carpio. La Carpio is a community where all of the immigrants from Nicaragua have settled (there may be other immigrants there at this point). It is a very poor community. We visited with a Montessori school, a med clinic, and delivered a bunk bed to a mom who had nothing for her children to sleep in (the bed was in parts that will be put together). We also helped to construct another bunk bed. The work that Gail is doing (and has done since 1971) in this community is beyond amazing. Because of her, these people have a school for their children, a medical clinic, food, and other services that I can not even begin to name. I felt good about my involvement in this project, but it just wasn’t enough. We spent some time with the children at the Montessori school as well. They were practicing their numbers 1 – 5 (concentrating on 5 today). We helped with a craft, sang songs, and worked in centers. I would say most of these children were 1 – 4 years old. It was a very sad but worthwhile experience!
We returned to CPI for our last day of Spanish classes and had our last dinner with our families. I went with my mama tica to a gymnasium where they were having live music and dancing. She and I and four of her Bingo friends, wrapped Bingo prizes for about 2 hours! I have learned that Dona Maria is very popular and very involved with BINGO!
We participated in a Social Service project this morning with the Humanitarian Foundation in La Carpio. La Carpio is a community where all of the immigrants from Nicaragua have settled (there may be other immigrants there at this point). It is a very poor community. We visited with a Montessori school, a med clinic, and delivered a bunk bed to a mom who had nothing for her children to sleep in (the bed was in parts that will be put together). We also helped to construct another bunk bed. The work that Gail is doing (and has done since 1971) in this community is beyond amazing. Because of her, these people have a school for their children, a medical clinic, food, and other services that I can not even begin to name. I felt good about my involvement in this project, but it just wasn’t enough. We spent some time with the children at the Montessori school as well. They were practicing their numbers 1 – 5 (concentrating on 5 today). We helped with a craft, sang songs, and worked in centers. I would say most of these children were 1 – 4 years old. It was a very sad but worthwhile experience!
We returned to CPI for our last day of Spanish classes and had our last dinner with our families. I went with my mama tica to a gymnasium where they were having live music and dancing. She and I and four of her Bingo friends, wrapped Bingo prizes for about 2 hours! I have learned that Dona Maria is very popular and very involved with BINGO!
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Volcano Poas Eruption in December
Here is the eruption of the volcano Poas in December
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd0cw5CBdZM&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bd0cw5CBdZM&feature=related
Friday, May 21, 2010
Day 7 - Jueves 20 Mayo 2010
I got an early start today and arrived at CPI at 6:45 am. I needed some time to get on the internet and check emails, post my blog, etc. We had a group meeting to discuss our level of language development and strategies. We then traveled back to Calle Viquez Primary School where we read books to the children and taught an AIMS lesson (using jellybeans). I enjoyed our time at the school. The students are so excited to have us there! I don’t believe they get many visitors. It gives them an opportunity to practice their English and us our Spanish.
I had a typical Costa Rican “casado” lunch at the local soda down from CPI. Our Spanish classes were interrupted by 2 events today. First, a couple from the indiginous tribe (called Boruca) came to the school to display their crafts. We saw a woodcarving and weaving demonstration. It was very interesting. There are 7 native tribes in CR. Then at 4 pm today, there was an earthquake! I didn't think it was significant, but learned that the quake was 6.+ on the scale and actually was about 40 miles S of San Jose....we are about 30 miles N of SJ...so it was something to feel 70 miles (mas or menos) from the center. It was a very exciting afternoon! Our Spanish instructor said that they are common in CR to signify the change in the seasons...from dry to wet (they don't have summer/winter/etc). So I guess that means from here on out, we may see more rain (more often). The weather for us has been perfect! Very accomodating for all of our outdoor activities!
I can't believe that I have been here for a week!
My mama Tica arranged a BINGO game at her casa last night. We played bingo until 11 pm with 15 of her friends. It was an opportunity for me to practice my Spanish numbers! I had a hard time keeping up! We had a traditional spanish dinner last night of tortillas and "stuffing" to go inside!
Thursday was a good day!
I had a typical Costa Rican “casado” lunch at the local soda down from CPI. Our Spanish classes were interrupted by 2 events today. First, a couple from the indiginous tribe (called Boruca) came to the school to display their crafts. We saw a woodcarving and weaving demonstration. It was very interesting. There are 7 native tribes in CR. Then at 4 pm today, there was an earthquake! I didn't think it was significant, but learned that the quake was 6.+ on the scale and actually was about 40 miles S of San Jose....we are about 30 miles N of SJ...so it was something to feel 70 miles (mas or menos) from the center. It was a very exciting afternoon! Our Spanish instructor said that they are common in CR to signify the change in the seasons...from dry to wet (they don't have summer/winter/etc). So I guess that means from here on out, we may see more rain (more often). The weather for us has been perfect! Very accomodating for all of our outdoor activities!
I can't believe that I have been here for a week!
My mama Tica arranged a BINGO game at her casa last night. We played bingo until 11 pm with 15 of her friends. It was an opportunity for me to practice my Spanish numbers! I had a hard time keeping up! We had a traditional spanish dinner last night of tortillas and "stuffing" to go inside!
Thursday was a good day!
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Check out this link to the school in Costa Rica. Many pictures of our group.
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Facebook | Centro Panamericano de Idiomas - CPI Costa Rica's Photos - UNC WILMINGTON
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Day 6 en Costa Rica
Day 6: Mercoles, 19 Mayo 2010: Today we got an early start for the volcano Poaz. It is still an active volcano. The last eruption was December 25, 2009. You can still view that eruption on Youtube….so I’m told. Le Volcan Poaz es 2708 meters de altura. (I’ll have to look that up in feet….I can’t do that conversion so quickly). We were there about 15 minutes and had a very clear view of the principal crater before the smoke and clouds made visibility zero! The weather and the timing was perfect! I visited the museum and learned all about the history of the mountain.
We had a wonderful lunch at a place called Freddo Frescas. The owner was “Freddo” and he had lots of foods/drinks made of strawberries….cake, frescas (like slushies), etc. I love the restaurants that we have been to so far. Everything here is open….to nature. If it’s not actually outside, then there are windows everywhere. They have the most amazing flowers, plants, and fruits. I have fresh pineapple, bananas, papaya, watermelon, etc everyday. And what you don’t eat, you drink either with milk or water. They grow strawberries year round….as well as all of the other fruits. We stopped at a local shop on the way down from the volcano and he served us strawberries and chocolates, etc….free samples in the hopes that you would like….. and buy some to take home!
Day 3 of Spanish class began at 1 pm (we were about 20 minutes late). I would like to say that it’s getting easier, but that would not be true. Every day is a struggle, but I do think I have improved since Monday!
I had dinner with mama tica…chop suey! Since I have been here, she has not eaten the traditional “Costa Rican” dishes! We did have rice (arroz) last night in our soup…but no gallo pinto!
I would say ….Day 6 was a success!
We had a wonderful lunch at a place called Freddo Frescas. The owner was “Freddo” and he had lots of foods/drinks made of strawberries….cake, frescas (like slushies), etc. I love the restaurants that we have been to so far. Everything here is open….to nature. If it’s not actually outside, then there are windows everywhere. They have the most amazing flowers, plants, and fruits. I have fresh pineapple, bananas, papaya, watermelon, etc everyday. And what you don’t eat, you drink either with milk or water. They grow strawberries year round….as well as all of the other fruits. We stopped at a local shop on the way down from the volcano and he served us strawberries and chocolates, etc….free samples in the hopes that you would like….. and buy some to take home!
Day 3 of Spanish class began at 1 pm (we were about 20 minutes late). I would like to say that it’s getting easier, but that would not be true. Every day is a struggle, but I do think I have improved since Monday!
I had dinner with mama tica…chop suey! Since I have been here, she has not eaten the traditional “Costa Rican” dishes! We did have rice (arroz) last night in our soup…but no gallo pinto!
I would say ….Day 6 was a success!
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Day 5: Martes
Day 4 in Costa Rica...what will it hold? We did an early morning visit to Calle Viquez in San Joaquin de Flores. It is an elementary school grades 1 - 6. It was an interesting visit as the country of Costa Rica just had their election....the first woman president! She took office on May 8th. so the students are having an election of their own. there was mucho noise in the breezeways as the candidates were campaigning! It was interesting. We participated in an English lesson by modeling the english pronunciation of words. Mike and Tony were going to the mall to get a hamburger....etc. They struggled with the english words as much as I struggle with the spanish words. we then helped a class of 6th graders write letters to students back home. We had letters from home for them to respond to! it was a great experience. I wish there was more time in a classroom here, but they are on split schedules....little kids go in the morning and big kids go in the afternoon...then swap....so they only go to school 1/2 days so you can see why it's important not to interupt their instruction time.
We then had a cooking class and had to eat what we made. I have the recipe...it was actually pretty good! then off to spanish class for 4 hours...what a day.
Day 4 was a success! Tomorrow, we're off to the Volcano!
We then had a cooking class and had to eat what we made. I have the recipe...it was actually pretty good! then off to spanish class for 4 hours...what a day.
Day 4 was a success! Tomorrow, we're off to the Volcano!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Day 4: Lunes
Monday was a hard day! I was up early and we had our first spanish class! I have class from 1 -3 and from 3:20 - 5. We jumped in with both feet. We concentrated on conversation phrases. My name is....I live .... I work....etc etc. It was very hard as the teacher did not speak any english (Unless we struggled and she gave us clues). By 5 pm my brain was literally mush! I had no time for internet surfing and I miss it! By 6 pm it is dark, so I had to leave school as soon as possible so that I was "home" before dark. It's about a 15-20 minute walk. We walk everywhere. I had lunch at a local soda....They are little eating places on just about every corner. I had a hamburger and coke! I guess I was missing american food! Monday night, I met mi mama tica's niece, Nina. Life is good in Costa Rica...thus the phrase "Pura Vida".
Adios ......a la manana!
Adios ......a la manana!
Monday, May 17, 2010
Day 3 in Costa Rica
Day 3 :Domingo- Sunday we went for a tour at the Cafe Britt Coffee factory. It was a learning experience. Making coffee is a complicated process. The Factory is responsible for preparing, roasting, packaging, and shipping the coffee. The roasting process determines the flavor and intensity of the coffee. Cafe Britt does not own coffee plantations. They purchase the coffee from local growers. I enjoyed the visit and bought some coffee to take home!
We went to CPI for our Spanish placement test. Then we met our families and went there. My mama tica is very nice. She speaks no English and as I speak very little Spanish, it sometimes gets awkward. I gave her a Southern/North Carolina recipe book. We sat down with our spanish/english dictionaries and read through the recipes. I translated the words she did not know into spanish words. she seemed very interested in a broccoli quiche! If I can find the ingredients, I will try to make that for her before I leave (assuming I have some time). I have a very nice room at the back of the house with my own bano...si! Muy bien!
Life here is very different. The sun comes up at 5 am and it is dark by 6...so people go to bed early and get up early! Suits me fine! I have a few hours at night alone, so that I can read (English) and relax!
Day 3 was a success!
We went to CPI for our Spanish placement test. Then we met our families and went there. My mama tica is very nice. She speaks no English and as I speak very little Spanish, it sometimes gets awkward. I gave her a Southern/North Carolina recipe book. We sat down with our spanish/english dictionaries and read through the recipes. I translated the words she did not know into spanish words. she seemed very interested in a broccoli quiche! If I can find the ingredients, I will try to make that for her before I leave (assuming I have some time). I have a very nice room at the back of the house with my own bano...si! Muy bien!
Life here is very different. The sun comes up at 5 am and it is dark by 6...so people go to bed early and get up early! Suits me fine! I have a few hours at night alone, so that I can read (English) and relax!
Day 3 was a success!
Day 2 inCosta Rica
We went to the La Paz Waterfall on Saturday. It was amazing! The ride there was something else...up one mountain and down another...the road was...well not a road, but a dirt path in some areas. The waterfalls were great! We ended up spending the whole day there because there was just too much to see and we wanted to see it all! We were scheduled to also vist the museum and theatre in San Jose, but we postponed those visits for the return trip...in 3 weeks.
Shelby and I took advantage of the heated pool at the hotel when we got back. It sure felt good on my tired feet and muscles!
We had dinner at a local place in Heredia!
Day 2 was a success! Much to see and experience in the new Costa Rican culture!
Shelby and I took advantage of the heated pool at the hotel when we got back. It sure felt good on my tired feet and muscles!
We had dinner at a local place in Heredia!
Day 2 was a success! Much to see and experience in the new Costa Rican culture!
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Day 1
Have Safely arrived in Costa Rica. I don't think I have ever been to a more beautiful place! Yesterday was a busy day coupled with no sleep, getting up early, and 2 plane flights! We visited Banco Nationale de Costa Rica to exchange currency, we ate lunch at a local hangout called "snack" something? The food was amazing. I had Casado con Pollo and a mora bocas de leche...I think! Everywhere you go there are fruit drinks made with milk or water! We visited a farmers market that had every imaginable fruit and vegetable, some I had never heard of. We tried some kind of vegetable that had been cooked that tasted like boiled peanuts and some kind of furry fruit that had a big seed in the middle that they make into jewelry. We walked around the providence of Heredia, City of Heredia, community of San Joaquin de Flores! There are no addresses. An address would be 200 meters from the church, etc! We checked into the hotel, La Condesa...and had dinner at a local restaurant near the University of Costa Rica...or something similar...called RustiPollo. The school is a national university where all the native Costan Rican's go and there were students everywhere. I've posted a picture of us in the Myrtle Beach airport. It's blurry, but that was our state of mind after such an early morning! Day 1 ends successfully.....
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Pre-Departure post
It’s Wednesday, May 12, 2010 and I am less than 2 days away from my arrival in Costa Rica! I started planning for this trip in September 2009 and find myself hours away and still not packed. But that’s OK, that means my clothes won’t be as wrinkled when I get there, right? This is going to be such a unique experience because it truly will be a cultural immersion! I’m not going to be on the outside looking in or a tourist. I’ve gotten the names of the family I will be staying with my first week and wish I could contact them in advance to say how excited I am to be coming! Are they as excited? I look forward to being a “part” of their family for a little while. I look forward to learning another language and experiencing another culture. . My sole purpose for embarking on this adventure is to gain strategies that I will be able to use with my future ESL students. I want to be able to say that I know how they feel. I anticipate feelings of frustration, anxiety, and hopelessness but will look for ways to overcome those obstacles and I want to tell them that “this” is what I did. I want my students to be able to say that I was a good teacher and I want to make a difference in the life of a child. I know that this experience will help me with that endeavor!
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