Arrived

Written: 8:45pm Friday August 25, 2006

So, I had a terrible time in Houston with the airline, but I got on and arrived in San Jose on schedule. There were about 5 other students with our program on the same flight so we all attached to one another. I think all of my film got ruined going through customs, although the man there said they would be fine. I’m a little upset about that. Alright, on to the fun stuff. The bus ride to Puntarenas was about 2 ½ hours and it was fun to get to meet more students. Everyone seems very nice and fun. I didn’t really meet anyone from UNR though. When we arrived at the school site here in Puntarenas and the staff gave us name tags with our hosts’ names on it. Then families drove up and walked around looking for their “child.” We were all a little nervous because they just picked kids up and we didn’t see them again. None of us knew when to go back to school or anything about where we were going. We kept saying “see you someday” to each other. A nice man (who I still don’t know the name of) picked me up. He didn’t speak any English, but they brought my host sister (6 years old named Sofia) and an older boy. I didn’t know who he was because they didn’t tell me I would have a brother that age. I found out he is my cousin and he was sent because he speaks some English. His name is Fernando (after the grandfather who lives here) and is 16. He showed me my room and tried to ask me questions. My host mom was still at work when I arrived, but I met my little brother, Alejandro (he will be 10 later this month), and Mario (I’m guessing is 13-15, but don’t know) who is apparently my brother also. As soon as I sat down, the man who drove (who may or may not be my host mom’s boyfriend/husband or he may be an uncle) started cooking. Fernando said he was the chef. Little did I know they were cooking for me! He made me a pork chop that was very tasty, white rice and beans. Then he brought out a cabbage salad with cucumbers and radish. Finally, he asked if I like avocado and I, of course, said yes. This avocado was 10 TIMES the size of the ones we get in the grocery. It was so ripe and tasty. He put rock salt on it, which was a little too much for me, but still excellent. I wasn’t hungry but tried to eat most of it because it was very good. I finally told Fernando “No tengo hambre” and he took the food away. I was still feeling awkward and decided to unpack. I gave Fernando the presents I had brought for all of them, and Sofia her coloring book. She is very sweet and tries to talk to me too. The kids were outside playing and I passed out on the bed, I was so tired. It is very hot and humid in my room, but they put a fan in there so it is ok. Puntarenas itself is less humid than I expected, much less than Houston! I woke up about an hour later and felt very shy about leaving my room, but decided to venture out. Fernando took me to the “playa” (beach) and showed me where other students live and how to get to my school. When we got home, I met my host mom, Sandra. She is so nice and was very interested in my photos and understands some English, but does not speak in English to me. They are very patient and I’ve had Fernando repeat words so many times! They even understand my gringo Spanish. I was scared my first few hours here and now I feel like this will soon be home. I will send a picture of my room too. It’s just what I expected- simple with a dresser and mirror, a bed with attached nightstand and a tv. They get all the cable channels, it’s funny. I think that Alejandro has a Playstation too.

Wow, I’m going to have to learn to edit or I’ll lose readers, huh? ;)
This was a set up for all future blogs. I’m really happy to be here. I’ll be speaking Spanish in no time. Love to you all.