Chapter 8
The past few weeks have been a mix of good and bad days. Some of the worse moments have been those spent in the post office trying to pick up the package my parents sent to me. The first time we went to the office and waited in line for an hour and a half to be told I had to go to another location that was only open on weekdays from 10am-3pm. After being let out of school early my host mom and I drove to the next town over where the international packages come in. After waiting through yet another hour long line the customs officer looked at me and said that I’m not of age and must have paper proof that the program I’m with is my legal guardian while I’m here. At that point I was so frustrated, missing my family, and then crying. We left and my host mom asked a woman from the organization what we should do. She said that I would have to take a forty minute bus ride to San Jose to meet with another person from the program. When we finally arrived I got my package and stood up with it in my arms the entire forty minute ride back. I’m not exactly sure what the point of that story is however it does go to prove the more difficult culture shocks when interacting with the different systems in place.
A few weeks ago I went to the beach with a few friends from the states. I got very sunburnt however the beach was pretty and it was good to spend time with people who are going through a similar experience. The beach was a glimpse into the tourist life, which is not something I have seen much of yet. I’m curious to see if I will see any more of the tourist side of Costa Rica. Here are some photos of my past few weeks.
Morning fog over San Jose.
One of my favorite things, the mountains.
Beach.
Crocs!!
Beach. My job is beach.
Here comes the rainy season.
Flores.
More beach.
Moon!
Mas flores.