In: Costa Rica
Gail
August 9, 2006I’m happy to say that our newest volunteer, Gail, is doing really well. She’s currently in Puerto Viejo and just arrived back from a night in the mountains where she visited members of the Bribri tribe. She’s been working at the Hone Creek Elementary School teaching kids about first aid and heathcare. She’s also just spending time with the kids and learning what dreams they have for themselves, while she gets them talking about what they want to do when they grow up.
Read MoreAlfredo
August 6, 2006I’ve been fortunate enough in my life to have had many wonderful experiences. Getting to know Alfredo though, has definitely landed pretty close to the top. Alfredo is a member of the indigenous Bribri tribe from Costa Rica. He grew up in the mountains and has never had electricity, running water or a bathroom. He grew up in an abusive home and never had anyone to teach him basic life principles or skills. He left home at the age of 14 and found sporadic work in the mountains. He also started learning Spanish at the age of 14.
Read MoreRomeria
August 1, 2006Wow. I have so much I want to write about. But…I’m out of time. I’m headed back to Puerto Viejo with a volunteer. Things are finally calming down around the house a bit. We interviewed a security guard this weekend. I tell ya, that’s a conversation I never expected to have! “Hello sir. Do you have a gun? How big is it? Do you know how to use it? Can you promise not to shoot us?”
Read MoreNew Car
July 28, 2006Oh yeah, and we got a new car. We were totally over having both cars in and out of the repair shop. This last time the truck was in there for more than 5 weeks and cost us $995. Had the truck been in the driveway this past weekend, perhaps our dogs would still be alive. With us working with clients and driving all over the place, we really need something reliable.
Read MorePoco a Poco
July 28, 2006On a brighter note, we have started painting the house – finally! It’s been about a year since we’ve moved in and we’ve been working full-time on the outside of the house. We’re really learning patience with this experience. The house and yard are looking much better. This picture was taken yesterday. We still haven’t put up the window frames, painted the gutters, nor have we done any landscaping. More pictures in a few days when it’s looking better.
Read MoreNew Coffee Shop
July 28, 2006I’ve been meaning to post something for a while about my friend Mauricio’s coffee shop. He’s been open about a month now and the place is really cute. I love his upstairs patio. He offers the usual coffee drinks, of course, but also a nice selection of sandwiches, empanadas and delicious deserts.
Read MoreTheft Update
July 27, 2006Just a quick update. Not much to say. I have been in such an awful mood since Saturday when the thieves killed our dogs and stole our stuff. Kind of like a zombie walking around. I’ve been trying to get the millions of things done that I’m supposed to do, but it’s tough keeping it all together.
Read MoreBad Day
July 23, 2006I don’t even know where to begin with this entry. Words cannot describe the feelings and emotions I’m going through. As we all know, crime is a way of life here in Costa Rica. It’s one thing to be surrounded by it and hear about it all the time – and obviously another thing to experience it.
Read MoreTest Drive
July 18, 2006When I find myself getting frustrated about the way things are going here in Costa Rica, I usually just remind myself, “this is just how it’s done here!” But when does the line get crossed? Does one always have to put up with “the way it’s always been done here?” Is there a time to stand up for oneself and speak out?
Read MoreThe “Happiest Places” Study
July 15, 2006I received an email the other day from a friend of mine, Andrew, about a study revealing the happiest countries on Earth. The study was released recently by the British think-tank New Economics Foundation (NEF). The tiny South Pacific Ocean archipelago of Vanuatu came out on top as the happiest country on Earth, with Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominica and Panama completing the top five…
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