Although this equals out to 1 Point for Danielle while Costa Rica is still ahead with 100 points.
This week has undoubtedly been one of the hardest experiences I have encountered in my lifetime. I don’t think I fully understood what I was signing myself up for when I planned this. Somewhere in the realm of daydreams and reality, the lines got crossed and I came up with a reality of my own. One where I would pick up the language quickly (the native language here is Spanish), live the Instagram picture-taking life (that means having constant access to Wi-Fi which I do not), and basically simulate into a Tico (what Costa Ricans call themselves).
For starters -I must say that I didn’t go into this completely blind. I knew I would be living in an area where Spanish was the first language. I have a basic knowledge of common Spanish phrases and am also able to hold simple conversations. However, nothing could have prepared me for this. I have struggled the most with the language immersion. This is a true immersion program where I am surrounded by nothing but native Spanish speakers who know little to no English. Imagine my horror when my students run up to me rambling something frantically in Spanish. I feet bad because the look of confusion on my face is far worse than any look they could possibly have on theirs. The same applies when my partner teacher is giving me instructions on an activity and I completely screw my part up because I only understand the word “cortar” which means “to cut” in Spanish. And within the span of a few minutes we go from having an ample supply of paper to none. Not a good thing with a school that believes in sustainability and less is best.
Other far-fetched dreams include the weather actually being pleasant enough to wear shorts. I packed a suitcase full of shorts and what do I wind up wearing the most? The three pair of pants I packed – and only one of them are actual jeans the other two are yoga pants.
Or my hair behaving. It rains constantly here which makes sense because the town is basically located in a rainforest. However this also means that my hair frizzes.
But despite all the mishaps, misunderstandings, and freezing cold walks in the rain – I am thankful for this experience. My brother sent me an article before I left that talked about living it up in our twenties. And no – that doesn’t mean partying, drinking, drugs etc. It means stepping outside of your comfort zone. Following your dreams despite what naysayers or fear whisper in your ear. This is definitely out of my comfort zone but it’s worth pursuing. It has opened my eyes to help me understand what it’s like to be a learner of second language. It has helped understand what it is like to a foreigner in a land you are unfamiliar with. It is teaching me social skills (because no one is perfect in that area of their life no matter how much they think they are). And it’s definitely teaching me Spanish :)
I am extremely thankful and still have strong love for Costa Rica. The country itself is beautiful with a story to tell. My motto for this past week has been to focus on the positives and push forward regardless of the hardships. This upcoming week my motto is to focus on the here and now and stop planning every little thing! Although for me that’s easier said than done.
My next post will be more about Costa Rica and some of the positive and exciting things I have experienced! (Because I’ve truly had some interesting experiences which include stopping on the side of the road to pick avocados) Plus I’ve learned a lot about the people and their daily lives. This is just the first of many weeks. PURA VIDA
New post coming soon!