Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
8 Days
What happened today?
Today...
Was my last day of classes of my first year of teaching
I had to tell some of my students goodbye (and probably never see them again)
Is my last Bible Study meeting
My stomach starting knotting up just thinking about leaving
Is ten months since I knew I had found the man of my dreams
Today...
Was my last day of classes of my first year of teaching
I had to tell some of my students goodbye (and probably never see them again)
Is my last Bible Study meeting
My stomach starting knotting up just thinking about leaving
Is ten months since I knew I had found the man of my dreams
Sunday, June 5, 2011
11 Days
As a gift for taking care of the girls, Scott and Mimi gave Jess and I a free night at the Humuya Inn along with a full body massage and pedicure! Talk about a great day.
Yesterday Jess and I went to the Inn around noon and were able to completely relax and enjoy a Saturday full of absolutely nothingness. I ended up sitting on the roof and reading for the majority of the day, besides getting my first massage, free dinner at the Inn, and then a sweet pedicure. Only to wake up in a comfy bed, in an air conditioned room, more reading on the roof and then a delicious fruit and cereal breakfast.
One thing I'll miss about Honduras: Some of the most delicious (not to mention inexpensive) mangos, bananas, pineapples and guavas I've ever had!
Yesterday Jess and I went to the Inn around noon and were able to completely relax and enjoy a Saturday full of absolutely nothingness. I ended up sitting on the roof and reading for the majority of the day, besides getting my first massage, free dinner at the Inn, and then a sweet pedicure. Only to wake up in a comfy bed, in an air conditioned room, more reading on the roof and then a delicious fruit and cereal breakfast.
One thing I'll miss about Honduras: Some of the most delicious (not to mention inexpensive) mangos, bananas, pineapples and guavas I've ever had!
Friday, June 3, 2011
13 Days
This was my last week of teaching because next week is review and then exams begin on Thursday. I really can't believe it's already Friday. This last month is really flying by. I'm going to miss my kids and all the crazy things they do and say. Now that it is getting close to the end of the year, some of my students are really pushing my buttons, while some are pulling at my heart. This has been such a great year. I definitely won't leave Honduras as the same person I was when I came.
Tonight was a blast. Dan and I took our Math Olympics team, a.k.a math nerds, out to dinner. We had a great time joking around, telling our most embarrassing stories and just getting to know each other outside of school. We went back to Dan's apartment after dinner and played Settlers of Catan (a game none of us had played except for Dan). Everyone had to leave before we finished, but hopefully we'll get a chance to play again. The more I get to know my students, the more I realize how much I will miss them.
p.s. If this blog doesn't make sense, you should know that I wrote the first paragraph before I left for dinner and the second after I got back.
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| Juniors Class Picture |
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| Leda, Gracia and Andrea |
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| Debbie, Raul, Eduardo, Lizza and Ester |
Tonight was a blast. Dan and I took our Math Olympics team, a.k.a math nerds, out to dinner. We had a great time joking around, telling our most embarrassing stories and just getting to know each other outside of school. We went back to Dan's apartment after dinner and played Settlers of Catan (a game none of us had played except for Dan). Everyone had to leave before we finished, but hopefully we'll get a chance to play again. The more I get to know my students, the more I realize how much I will miss them.
p.s. If this blog doesn't make sense, you should know that I wrote the first paragraph before I left for dinner and the second after I got back.
Sunday, May 29, 2011
18 Days
As some of you have noted, I've been able to do quite a bit of traveling and vacationing this past year. I figure that I might as well go as many places as I can and see as many things as I can while I'm in Central America. Otherwise, I'll probably never get the chance again. With that said, I just got back from a weekend trip to Amapala, an Island off of the west coast of Honduras. I have been there before, but just for a day trip. I got to actually see the whole Island and do a little more than just lay on the beach for a few hours.
We left Friday after school (which was a half day) and made the two hour drive to Amapala. It was really nice because Matt has a car and was able to comfortably take Meredith, Dan and I. We packed up and were out of Tegus by 1:00pm. Once we arrived at the coast we had to park the car and catch a water taxi (tiny boat) over to Amapala. It only took about 10-15 minutes, but the ride was quite enjoyable. The island isn't very big, so as soon as we walked off of the boat we could see our hotel. We unpacked our things and basically headed straight out to the beach. We opted to go to Playa Negra (Black Beach, because of the black sand) because everyone except for Matt hadn't been to that beach yet. It was really nice, but we only had about an hour and a half left of daylight so we enjoyed it while we could. I was pretty hesitant to get into the ocean because I knew, with the sun going down, that I would be freezing. However, once I decided to just feel the water, I couldn't help but go in because it was like getting into a warm bathtub. The water felt amazing and Dan, Meredith and I played frisbee until the thunder started rolling in.
On the way back to the hotel, we got poured on but it didn't really matter at that point. We were on vacation.
The Mantings (Ben and Lauren) were at the hotel when we got back. They left a little later than us from school, but stayed in the room right next to ours. The Mantings weren't the only surprise we found when we got back though, because of the storm the power had gone out on the island. We took showers in the dark (no hot water whether there was power or not) and then went down for dinner at the hotel. They were able to make dinner because the kitchen was gas powered, but then the power came back on and we were able to enjoy dinner with lights and then played cards for the rest of the night. I learned 2 new games: Up and Down the River; and Stupid (both very fun)
Mere and I retreated to our room, read a little and then went to bed. The air conditioning felt great to fall asleep to, but I was awakened around 2:00am because I was so hot. Power had gone out again and didn't come back on until the next day.
Saturday we woke up early to go for a hike up the volcano (very old volcano and you couldn't see in at the top) which was just like a big mountain. We started at 7:30 and finally reached the top at almost 10:00. It was a pretty strenuous hike, but felt great to finally get to the top! I don't think I've every sweated that much before! We stayed and relaxed for about an hour and then headed back down. Since nothing was open for breakfast, we were starving at this point and immediately went into town for a delicious pizza lunch!
Back to the hotel, then off to the beach. This time we went to Playa Grande (you can figure that one out) because Lauren knew of a private little cove that she had found on a previous trip. It was really nice, no one else around and we could enjoy laying out without Hondurans looking at us like we were crazy. The cove was surrounded by rocks, like you would see in a movie, and had a little beach. The only bad thing was that there was no breeze, so it was incredibly hot!
Back to the hotel for showers, but just after we finished, storm came up and no power once again. This time it lasted all night, and we never got it back. It poured and poured so we had to stay at the hotel and have dinner again. The bad news was that our rooms were ridiculously hot, and so falling asleep was a little more difficult. Wasn't the best night sleep and I'll be looking forward to my own bed and fan tonight!
The island is small, but not small enough to walk everywhere. You may be wondering how we got around everywhere, from beach to beach and into the city? Well, instead of taxis everywhere, Amapala has Tuk-tuks. These are great for carrying 3 or 4 people anywhere on the Island. Tuk-Tuks are little, open doored scooters with one wheel in the front and two in the back. They drive with handle bars like a motorcycle and are quite enjoyable (as long as it's not raining).
It was a great weekend getaway! Now I only have two weekends left until Jeremy comes. Bittersweet. (But definitely a little more sweet.)
We left Friday after school (which was a half day) and made the two hour drive to Amapala. It was really nice because Matt has a car and was able to comfortably take Meredith, Dan and I. We packed up and were out of Tegus by 1:00pm. Once we arrived at the coast we had to park the car and catch a water taxi (tiny boat) over to Amapala. It only took about 10-15 minutes, but the ride was quite enjoyable. The island isn't very big, so as soon as we walked off of the boat we could see our hotel. We unpacked our things and basically headed straight out to the beach. We opted to go to Playa Negra (Black Beach, because of the black sand) because everyone except for Matt hadn't been to that beach yet. It was really nice, but we only had about an hour and a half left of daylight so we enjoyed it while we could. I was pretty hesitant to get into the ocean because I knew, with the sun going down, that I would be freezing. However, once I decided to just feel the water, I couldn't help but go in because it was like getting into a warm bathtub. The water felt amazing and Dan, Meredith and I played frisbee until the thunder started rolling in.
On the way back to the hotel, we got poured on but it didn't really matter at that point. We were on vacation.
The Mantings (Ben and Lauren) were at the hotel when we got back. They left a little later than us from school, but stayed in the room right next to ours. The Mantings weren't the only surprise we found when we got back though, because of the storm the power had gone out on the island. We took showers in the dark (no hot water whether there was power or not) and then went down for dinner at the hotel. They were able to make dinner because the kitchen was gas powered, but then the power came back on and we were able to enjoy dinner with lights and then played cards for the rest of the night. I learned 2 new games: Up and Down the River; and Stupid (both very fun)
Mere and I retreated to our room, read a little and then went to bed. The air conditioning felt great to fall asleep to, but I was awakened around 2:00am because I was so hot. Power had gone out again and didn't come back on until the next day.
Saturday we woke up early to go for a hike up the volcano (very old volcano and you couldn't see in at the top) which was just like a big mountain. We started at 7:30 and finally reached the top at almost 10:00. It was a pretty strenuous hike, but felt great to finally get to the top! I don't think I've every sweated that much before! We stayed and relaxed for about an hour and then headed back down. Since nothing was open for breakfast, we were starving at this point and immediately went into town for a delicious pizza lunch!
Back to the hotel, then off to the beach. This time we went to Playa Grande (you can figure that one out) because Lauren knew of a private little cove that she had found on a previous trip. It was really nice, no one else around and we could enjoy laying out without Hondurans looking at us like we were crazy. The cove was surrounded by rocks, like you would see in a movie, and had a little beach. The only bad thing was that there was no breeze, so it was incredibly hot!
Back to the hotel for showers, but just after we finished, storm came up and no power once again. This time it lasted all night, and we never got it back. It poured and poured so we had to stay at the hotel and have dinner again. The bad news was that our rooms were ridiculously hot, and so falling asleep was a little more difficult. Wasn't the best night sleep and I'll be looking forward to my own bed and fan tonight!
The island is small, but not small enough to walk everywhere. You may be wondering how we got around everywhere, from beach to beach and into the city? Well, instead of taxis everywhere, Amapala has Tuk-tuks. These are great for carrying 3 or 4 people anywhere on the Island. Tuk-Tuks are little, open doored scooters with one wheel in the front and two in the back. They drive with handle bars like a motorcycle and are quite enjoyable (as long as it's not raining).
It was a great weekend getaway! Now I only have two weekends left until Jeremy comes. Bittersweet. (But definitely a little more sweet.)
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
22 Days
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| Oh, Rafael! |
One of my ninth graders had an epiphany this week. His name is Rafael and he is going to fail math for the year, which means that he has to take a Recuperation Exam. Basically students have the opportunity to take a week long class and then an exam at the end over all of the material we covered all year and if they pass that exam then they get to pass the class for the year.
So back to Rafael....before class started on Monday he asked me, "Mees, can I come after school for tutoring for the Recups?"
To which I replied, "Of course, I'm here on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays after school. However, I have one stipulation. In order to get extra help you have to first pay attention during class."
"But Mees, if I pay attention in class then I won't have to come for extra help."
"You got it!"
Too bad he didn't realize this early, or he probably would have passed my class!
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
23 Days
In case you were wondering how I get to school every morning...
This bus (or one similar) comes to our house at 6:33am. We usually can hear the engine roaring as it makes its way up our steep hill. Once Laura or I hear it coming (Jess is usually still getting ready), we yell "Bus!". Some mornings we are all ready and waiting outside before the bus arrives, but a typical morning goes a little something like this...
Laura makes her lunch and heads outside before the bus arrives. I pour my coffee, eat my breakfast and usually have everything all together (but for some reason I can always find one more thing to do instead of going and waiting outside, like take out the trash or wash the dishes). Jess, however, usually comes out of her room at 6:30, if we're lucky, and gets her lunch and breakfast ready as we yell "Bus!". Sometimes she gets a little flustered, but for the most part we all make it work and somehow get out to the bus on time. The bus drivers have graciously learned that it may be a few minutes for all of us to make it out, but they never complain (at least not in English!)
Laura makes her lunch and heads outside before the bus arrives. I pour my coffee, eat my breakfast and usually have everything all together (but for some reason I can always find one more thing to do instead of going and waiting outside, like take out the trash or wash the dishes). Jess, however, usually comes out of her room at 6:30, if we're lucky, and gets her lunch and breakfast ready as we yell "Bus!". Sometimes she gets a little flustered, but for the most part we all make it work and somehow get out to the bus on time. The bus drivers have graciously learned that it may be a few minutes for all of us to make it out, but they never complain (at least not in English!)
Sunday, May 22, 2011
25 Days
Back home today.....I miss the girls already.
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| Me singing "Ain't no Mountain High..." and then Andrea taking it away with "Ain't no Valley Low" |
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| Nice Bikini Gaby |
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| Homework time...kinda |
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| We set aside an hour for reading everyday....yeah right! |
Saturday, May 21, 2011
26 Days
For the past 10 days Jess and I have been staying with Andrea, Sofi and Gabby. I've been trying to convince Andrea to write my next blog for me. So, finally, here are some thoughts from her...
So you may think you have been to an amazing slumber party, but you have never been to one with the Crook girls. First we watched Cheaper By The Dozen. After that we ate chillakiles, (by the way it is fried tortilla bits with cheese and meat). It was all going smooth until we noticed that the meat had a bunch of white fat balls in it. Needless to say, the rest of the night stomachs were churning. But that did not stop us from partying in Hondo (short for Honduras, that's were she is at right now).
Next we played football, but not outside, it was more of a catch and then jump and tackle on the sofa or bed. I thought they were all being a bit exaggerated when they caught it. I was the quarterback (obviously) until the fun ceased because my running back fumbled and knocked the lamp, spilling water that was on the table on the floor. Then they made me clean it up, when it wasn't my fault (it was Jess'). We then made cupcakes and cake (Jess' idea once again), but we got bored waiting for them to cook.
Then we headed abajo, (downstairs) to hear me sing. Ms. Pittman went first and had to dance all over the stage to make up for her lack of stage presence, (by the way I don't need to do that). She sang the song "If We Were a Movie"by Miley Cyrus. Her singing was average and her dancing was average as well. Then it was Sof who went, sang "Your Not Sorry" by my homey Tay-Tay (Taylor Swift). Sofi, who I personally think is a really good singer, probably the best of all of us by far, gave a great performance (which wasn't hard after Ms. Pittman's). Then Jessica Molstre sang Sara Bareilles' song "Love Song". I wonder who she was singing it to? Next up was Gaby, who rocked the house with not only her voice but with her dance moves as well. She sang "I Do" by Colbie Calliat (It is a good song, you should listen to it if you haven't). Then it was the superstars chance to shine (me). I sang "Goodbye" by Miley as well. She was the popular choice for the night. I did not dance around because I did not need to distract the crowd from my voice. The song I sang is a slower paced one so Gaby did an interpretive dance in the background. Naturally, everyone thought my performance was, by far, the best of the night. (After Sofi...and Gaby)
Jess and Gaby headed off to bed (their field trip to the Children's museum tired them out). Sofi and I wanted to watch "The Prince and Me"(great movie, by the way) and sleepyhead Ms. Pittman said she would watch it with us. We piled up the cushions from the couch and cuddled on the floor (except Ms. Pittman who quickly fell asleep on the couch). She looked weird all curled up (don't tell her I said that). Then as soon as the movie was over we all quickly piled into bed. I had to sleep next to Ms. Pittman who kicked and snored all night (I think she thought we were still playing football).
Nice talking to you guys, I've gotta go hang out with the coolest teacher ever (I didn't write that).
So you may think you have been to an amazing slumber party, but you have never been to one with the Crook girls. First we watched Cheaper By The Dozen. After that we ate chillakiles, (by the way it is fried tortilla bits with cheese and meat). It was all going smooth until we noticed that the meat had a bunch of white fat balls in it. Needless to say, the rest of the night stomachs were churning. But that did not stop us from partying in Hondo (short for Honduras, that's were she is at right now).
Next we played football, but not outside, it was more of a catch and then jump and tackle on the sofa or bed. I thought they were all being a bit exaggerated when they caught it. I was the quarterback (obviously) until the fun ceased because my running back fumbled and knocked the lamp, spilling water that was on the table on the floor. Then they made me clean it up, when it wasn't my fault (it was Jess'). We then made cupcakes and cake (Jess' idea once again), but we got bored waiting for them to cook.
Then we headed abajo, (downstairs) to hear me sing. Ms. Pittman went first and had to dance all over the stage to make up for her lack of stage presence, (by the way I don't need to do that). She sang the song "If We Were a Movie"by Miley Cyrus. Her singing was average and her dancing was average as well. Then it was Sof who went, sang "Your Not Sorry" by my homey Tay-Tay (Taylor Swift). Sofi, who I personally think is a really good singer, probably the best of all of us by far, gave a great performance (which wasn't hard after Ms. Pittman's). Then Jessica Molstre sang Sara Bareilles' song "Love Song". I wonder who she was singing it to? Next up was Gaby, who rocked the house with not only her voice but with her dance moves as well. She sang "I Do" by Colbie Calliat (It is a good song, you should listen to it if you haven't). Then it was the superstars chance to shine (me). I sang "Goodbye" by Miley as well. She was the popular choice for the night. I did not dance around because I did not need to distract the crowd from my voice. The song I sang is a slower paced one so Gaby did an interpretive dance in the background. Naturally, everyone thought my performance was, by far, the best of the night. (After Sofi...and Gaby)
Jess and Gaby headed off to bed (their field trip to the Children's museum tired them out). Sofi and I wanted to watch "The Prince and Me"(great movie, by the way) and sleepyhead Ms. Pittman said she would watch it with us. We piled up the cushions from the couch and cuddled on the floor (except Ms. Pittman who quickly fell asleep on the couch). She looked weird all curled up (don't tell her I said that). Then as soon as the movie was over we all quickly piled into bed. I had to sleep next to Ms. Pittman who kicked and snored all night (I think she thought we were still playing football).
Nice talking to you guys, I've gotta go hang out with the coolest teacher ever (I didn't write that).
Monday, May 16, 2011
31 Days, (A.K.A. 1 month)
Today was like Christmas for me. I was sitting in chapel when one of the elementary teachers came in and told me that I had "a bajillion" packages and letters waiting down in the office for me. I was a little uncertain of what that exactly meant, but I was definitely excited! After school, I headed down to the office and found 2 letters and 3 big envelopes all for me! I haven't gotten so much stuff in one day in a long time.
The letters from Jeremy and Courtney (Will and Reese) were absolutely amazing. I couldn't wait to open them so I (slowly) walked back to my classroom and read/laughed/cried. When you only get mail every now and then, it makes the experience so much more exciting!
Once I got back to my classroom (with Sofi) I tore into my packages and found all sorts of my favorite things: Mike and Ike, Chapstick, pens, pencils, stationary and very sweet letters from the kids back at church! What a fabulous way to end a tiring Monday!
Just to catch you up:
Saturday my students did GREAT at Math Olympics! Both of the teams I teach got a "Superior" score.
Sunday was baccalaureate. It ended up being nice and short, but incredibly hot. Not too bad though. The girls were dressed up in pretty dresses and guys were looking sharp. (Seniors begin their exams tomorrow so I am pretty happy to be done teaching one class!)
The weekend wasn't very relaxing, but getting to go home each day and see the girls and sit on a nice, comfy couch was definitely a perk! Hopefully next weekend I'll actually get to enjoy a little bit more.
The letters from Jeremy and Courtney (Will and Reese) were absolutely amazing. I couldn't wait to open them so I (slowly) walked back to my classroom and read/laughed/cried. When you only get mail every now and then, it makes the experience so much more exciting!
Once I got back to my classroom (with Sofi) I tore into my packages and found all sorts of my favorite things: Mike and Ike, Chapstick, pens, pencils, stationary and very sweet letters from the kids back at church! What a fabulous way to end a tiring Monday!
Just to catch you up:
Saturday my students did GREAT at Math Olympics! Both of the teams I teach got a "Superior" score.
Sunday was baccalaureate. It ended up being nice and short, but incredibly hot. Not too bad though. The girls were dressed up in pretty dresses and guys were looking sharp. (Seniors begin their exams tomorrow so I am pretty happy to be done teaching one class!)
The weekend wasn't very relaxing, but getting to go home each day and see the girls and sit on a nice, comfy couch was definitely a perk! Hopefully next weekend I'll actually get to enjoy a little bit more.
Friday, May 13, 2011
34 Days
Jess and I have been staying with Andrea, Sofi and Gabby for the past couple of days. It's been fun so far and hopefully the weekend will prove to be a good time. I'm pretty sure it will be.
The Seniors take their final exams next week, so I am pretty much done teaching their class, with the exception of a review on Monday and then grading the exams. I am so glad to have one less prep and now even more planning periods in my day!
I've been coaching Math Olympics this semester. It's been fun because I am coaching the Juniors in Trigonometry and Precalculus. I've enjoyed the challenge of trying to remember how to do some of the really tough problems. I have also found that most of the students in Math Olympics are smarter than me, but thankfully, I still know more than them:) We had a local competition last Saturday and the Conference Competition is tomorrow.
After this weekend, that will be one less thing in my schedule as well. Things are really wrapping up. I'm getting very excited to come home! I'll miss it here though: My students, my roommates and friends, and the Crooks. It's been a good year!
Staying at a hotel + 5 girls - school work = Amazing Weekend
The Seniors take their final exams next week, so I am pretty much done teaching their class, with the exception of a review on Monday and then grading the exams. I am so glad to have one less prep and now even more planning periods in my day!
I've been coaching Math Olympics this semester. It's been fun because I am coaching the Juniors in Trigonometry and Precalculus. I've enjoyed the challenge of trying to remember how to do some of the really tough problems. I have also found that most of the students in Math Olympics are smarter than me, but thankfully, I still know more than them:) We had a local competition last Saturday and the Conference Competition is tomorrow.
After this weekend, that will be one less thing in my schedule as well. Things are really wrapping up. I'm getting very excited to come home! I'll miss it here though: My students, my roommates and friends, and the Crooks. It's been a good year!
Sunday, May 8, 2011
39 Days
Happy Mother's Day!
A few things I love about my mom...
1. She gives great advice
2. She's a fun/practical shopping partner
3. We have the same taste in movies and both love to lay in bed and watch them together
4. She supports me even when I want to move to another country
5. She gets really excited when I tell her anything about my life (even the boring things)
6. She has a knack for seeing what is going to happen before it does
7. She loves laying out by the pool/ beach with me
8. She cares more about my well-being than her own
9. She is an example of a Godly wife and mother
10. She usually knows what I'm thinking, and how I'm thinking it
Thursday, May 5, 2011
42 Days
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| Look closely...we almost didn't see this guy! |
Thursday: We went for a hike through a National Park. It was right on the beach, so we walked through the rainforest and got to see Howler Monkeys, Sloths, some kind of raccoon looking animal, a snake, crabs, spiders, lizards and birds. It was a cool and flat walk, and if you looked to out to your left the ocean was sparking blue. Very beautiful!
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| Kristi and I taking a break |
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| Howler Monkey |
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| There were a lot of Howler Monkeys! |
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| Just one of the many lizards we saw! |
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| View of the beach from the walking path |
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| Cheese! |
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| We were super excited to be hiking! |
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| There were random stumps along the path...so of course we used them as stepping stones |
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| And then posed on them! |
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| Everyone taking pictures when we first spotted the monkeys. |
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| Dan walking along the beautiful path |
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| This little guy was sticking his tongue out at me! |
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| Another Howler Monkey |
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| Crab...these were everywhere |
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| Not sure what this is, but I thought it was cool. |
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| I took this for Jeremy! |
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| Some kind of lizard. |
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| Pure Deliciousness |
We drove back to San Jose, with one pit-stop, Zip-lining! We had seen a zip-lining place when we were on our way to the beach and decided that it would be fun to stop on the way back. It was a great decision, because we ended up having a super fun guide, "J", who liked me, but not Dan ha! She was really funny. Zip-lining through the rain forest was pretty great too!
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| That's "J" in the middle...rocking the Peace Sign |
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| I'm pumped! |
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| Jess and I |
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| I think Matt was a little nervous |
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| Matt, Me and Dan up on one of the canopy platforms |
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| I am actually going backwards in this picture. I managed to flip around so Matt could take my picture from behind! |
We stayed the night at the "pot-smoking" hostel again in San Jose, enjoyed Subway for dinner, and then headed out early the next morning for another 2 days of traveling on a bus. The borders weren't as bad on the way home, we made pretty good timing, and even got to go see a movie when we stopped in Managua, Nicaragua on Saturday. Yes, I've been to Nicaragua :)
Finally, made it home Sunday afternoon (even before schedule), and enjoyed a relaxing afternoon of swapping stories with Laura and of course talking to everyone back home!
p.s. Happy Cinco de Mayo!
Sunday, May 1, 2011
46 Days
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| The Most Beautiful Beach: Manzanillo! |
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| Everyone was sitting under the shade! |
My Favorite Day!
Wednesday: Another good nights sleep and relaxing morning. I went out on the balcony and read for a while and then went down for breakfast. It was shaping up to be a beautiful day. The sun was shining and the air was crisp.
We got ready for the beach, but Jess and I had the "great idea" of not putting on sunscreen before we went. We thought we would get a "little" sun and then put it on after an hour or two at the beach. Instead of getting in the car to go to the beach, we walked down the road a bit and rented bikes for the day: Beach cruisers with baskets and all! We loaded up our bags and towels in the baskets and headed out. The road that goes along the beach is partly paved, partly dirt and rock, and mostly flat. It was a wonderful ride as we cruised along in the warm morning sun. We were headed to the farthest beach, Manzanillo, which ended up being about a 45 minute bike ride. Once we arrived in the quaint little town, we immediately spotted an ice-cream shop that served gelatos! Definitely a treat for later!
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| We made it to Manzanillo! |
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| Parked our bikes by a palm tree and locked them up while we were at the beach. |
We kept biking a few minutes to get past the hustle and bustle in the little town and the road turned to sand. We eventually had to get off of our bikes and push them up on the beach. Manzanillo was a beautiful, calm beach that gave you the feel of laying on the Caribbean Beach before tourists came and made everything commercialized. There were hardly any waves, and the water was clear blue. We just sat in the shallow water and soaked in the hot sun for a while. Kristi had a couple of snorkles so we took turns swimming out to the coral reef a little ways off shore and saw a bunch of cool fish and other creatures. My favorite was a fish that was bright orange on one half and bright blue on the other. It was pretty wild.
When Jess and I went out snorkeling, the others decided to ride back into town and grab lunch. They took all of our stuff, including sunscreen with them so that it wouldn't get stolen since no one was on the beach to watch it. When Jess and I got in, we thought it was definitely time to lather up with the sunscreen.....only we couldn't because we no longer had anything. So, we sat in the ocean for another hour and waited for the others to return. We both knew we were burning, but we didn't know what else to do. Once they got back, we immediately took our stuff and headed into town to get in a shaded area. We found a cute little soda to eat lunch and dry off. After we ate, we both put tons of lotion on. I could feel my skin already getting warm, but I couldn't tell how burnt I was yet.
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| This is where we ate lunch |
We headed back out to the beach, but once the sun hit my skin, I knew it wasn't good so I found a palm tree and sat underneath the rest of the afternoon and read. We decided to head back around 3pm, so we packed up our bikes and started on our way back. We didn't make it far without stopping....of course when we got to the ice-cream shop we couldn't resist. I had a delicious vanilla with chocolate chunks gelato in a cone. I love ice-cream!
The ride back was just as pleasant as the way there. We stopped at another beach before we got home because we had heard that the waves were really big. (Actually, we heard that the under-toe was deadly....but we thought we would at least check it out) Dan, Jess and I had the most amazing time riding those waves. They turned out to be great and we didn't feel any under-toe. Dad, I know you would be proud of me, because I was riding those waves like a pro. Start swimming, hands out, head down, and straight body....just like you taught me:) I wish you could have been there. (We'll ride some together this summer!)
After about an hour, the sun was starting to set so we packed up again and made our way back to the bike rental place. We returned the bikes, walked home and showered up. The guys were exhausted so Krist, Jess and I went out to dinner by ourselves. We found a cool restaurant down the road that was under a big hut and had a sand floor. The food was delicious. I had a veggie sandwich, which had every vegetable I could think of on it....super delicious!
We found the boys still asleep when we got back home, so we followed suit. Read a bit, tried to lay still on my sheets so I wouldn't rub my burn, and then fell asleep!
Saturday, April 30, 2011
47 Days
Tuesday: Waking up at the Blue Conga after staying at places that were not so nice was delightful. They served us breakfast outside under a big shelter that had cute little tables and stools that looked like tree trunks. Breakfast each morning consisted of eggs and toast, a fruit plate (which was always made up so nicely) coffee and orange juice. It was always just the perfect amount. Not too much to make you feel stuffed, but just enough to satisfy and get you going for the day.
We had talked to the owner of the hotel the day before and were convinced that we should visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. So, we got up and went to the 9am tour so that we wouldn't waste our whole day away. We got to see all kinds of snakes, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, little alligator things, and a margay (endangered cat). The funniest part of the morning was that Dan would tell us an interesting fact about one of the animals or something he had read, and then 10 seconds later the guide would say verbatim what Dan had just told us. Hopefully she didn't think we were laughing at her :/
All of the animals there had been brought because they were hurt or had been abandoned as babies. The people at the Jaguar Rescue Center help to get the animals back on their feet and teach them how to survive on their own. Once they are old enough, they are taken back out into the Costa Rican Rain Forest.
All morning had been kind of cloudy, but after lunch the sun came out so we headed to the beach. We drove to one beach and then hiked through a rain forest for about 30 minutes to the beach we had been at the night before, Punta Uva. It was beautiful seeing the beach from on top of the Point. (Why the place is called "Punta" Uva) For the rest of the afternoon we just played in the water, and relaxed on the beach. There was also a tire swing on a tree right behind where we were, so I took full advantage. If you didn't know, swinging used to be one of my favorite things to do. As I found out from the tire swing, it still is!
Once it started getting dark, we headed home and showered up. We didn't know where we wanted to go to dinner, so we just started walking along the beach road. We entered and left a few places and finally ended up at a great little "soda" (little restaurant). The food was delicious and the price we perfect! While we were waiting for our food, Jess, Kristi and I walked over to the store next door to do a little browsing. I tried on a dress (I really wanted to buy one all week), but Jess said she didn't think it was the best color for me. I wanted to try on another one, but when I looked at the tag and saw the size I was shocked....XL. It fit too. They didn't have many more XL sizes, at least none in the colors I liked. Something must be wrong when I am wearing a XL.
We walked home happy and full. First full day in Puerto Viejo was wonderful!
We had talked to the owner of the hotel the day before and were convinced that we should visit the Jaguar Rescue Center. So, we got up and went to the 9am tour so that we wouldn't waste our whole day away. We got to see all kinds of snakes, monkeys, sloths, butterflies, little alligator things, and a margay (endangered cat). The funniest part of the morning was that Dan would tell us an interesting fact about one of the animals or something he had read, and then 10 seconds later the guide would say verbatim what Dan had just told us. Hopefully she didn't think we were laughing at her :/
All of the animals there had been brought because they were hurt or had been abandoned as babies. The people at the Jaguar Rescue Center help to get the animals back on their feet and teach them how to survive on their own. Once they are old enough, they are taken back out into the Costa Rican Rain Forest.
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| Don't worry, He's in a cage! |
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| Isn't this guy cute! (The lady was our guide) |
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| Sloths are the weirdest animal...and yes they do move THAT slowly! |
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| I really wanted a butterfly to land on my finger. |
All morning had been kind of cloudy, but after lunch the sun came out so we headed to the beach. We drove to one beach and then hiked through a rain forest for about 30 minutes to the beach we had been at the night before, Punta Uva. It was beautiful seeing the beach from on top of the Point. (Why the place is called "Punta" Uva) For the rest of the afternoon we just played in the water, and relaxed on the beach. There was also a tire swing on a tree right behind where we were, so I took full advantage. If you didn't know, swinging used to be one of my favorite things to do. As I found out from the tire swing, it still is!
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| Kristi, Me, Jess: On our way to the Beach! |
Once it started getting dark, we headed home and showered up. We didn't know where we wanted to go to dinner, so we just started walking along the beach road. We entered and left a few places and finally ended up at a great little "soda" (little restaurant). The food was delicious and the price we perfect! While we were waiting for our food, Jess, Kristi and I walked over to the store next door to do a little browsing. I tried on a dress (I really wanted to buy one all week), but Jess said she didn't think it was the best color for me. I wanted to try on another one, but when I looked at the tag and saw the size I was shocked....XL. It fit too. They didn't have many more XL sizes, at least none in the colors I liked. Something must be wrong when I am wearing a XL.
We walked home happy and full. First full day in Puerto Viejo was wonderful!
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
51 Days
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| View from the second floor of The Blue Conga(that's our car) |
Monday: After a loud and pretty vulgar night (like I said, we could hear the people at the bar), we woke up and packed up our things. Kristi, Matt and I walked to Economy Rent-a-Car at 7 am, to pick up the car we had previously reserved. It was under my name and credit card so I had to go, Kristi is the only one who speaks fluent Spanish and Matt was going to be the main driver. It ended up taking a little longer than planned to pick up the car, but we ended up getting back to Galileo's to pick up Dan and Jess around 8:30am. They had everything packed and ready, so we hopped in our Hyundai Elantra and navigated our way out of the city.
Once we found our way out of San Jose, we basically had to stay on one road the whole way. It was such a great drive: the scenery was beautiful, mostly Rain forest on either side, the air was cool and the sun was shining. It was very relaxing. Not to mention, the roads were nicely paved and marked and generally pot hole free, which was quite the change of pace from Tegucigalpa. We arrived in Puerto Viejo around 1pm, after stopping once to go to the bathroom, and once to buy a watermelon on the side of the road.
When we were about 15-20 minutes outside of Puerto Viejo, the road ran parallel to the ocean and we just cruised along. It was absolutely beautiful. Driving into the little town of Puerto Viejo was so exciting. It was a little hippy town, where people just relax, go to the beach, surf, ride bikes, (probably quite a bit of drugs) and just enjoy the warm sun. There were people everywhere, and little shops and restaurants lined the street. Our hotel was just a little ways out of the center of town. We could walk there in about 6 or 7 minutes. We were glad to be out of the hustle and bustle, because I'm sure it got pretty loud and crazy at night.
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| Inside our room, yes there were mosquito nets on a couple of the beds! |
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| Our balcony, hammock and all! |
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| View from our Room |
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| Eating the watermelon Matt bought on the side of the road |
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| Jess, me and Krist getting ready to head to the beach! |
Once we found our hotel, The Blue Conga, we couldn't have been happier. It was a well kept place, with clean beds, water you could drink, and the lady who ran the place was charming. We settled in and quickly decided that we wanted to go out to the beach as soon as possible (at least I did). We changed, lotioned up, and walked into town. We found a little restaurant where we grabbed lunch, because we figured we'd get hungry as soon as we went out on the beach. Grabbing lunch, turned into an hour and a half ordeal, but the food was delicious and we were all happy to just relax and enjoy the Bohemian atmosphere. I'm sorry to say the meal ended abruptly when Matt noticed he had ants crawling all over him. Apparently he had put his bag on an ant hill and they had completely covered his backpack and him. After a lot of swatting and careful ant removal, we paid and started our journey to the beach.
At this point, it was about 4:30 so our time was short. We went to a beautiful beach called Punta Uva. It was about a 10 minute drive in the other direction from our hotel. We got there just as the sun was setting and the view was amazing. Punta means "point", and there was a large point covered in trees and wildlife that the sun set behind. Gorgeous.
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| Sunset at Punta Uva |
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| Jess and I at Punta Uva |
Five sandy, wet people and only one bathroom. We definitely did some waiting, but again, we were on vacation and it just didn't seem to matter. Our room was small, especially because it was supposed to be a two person room originally and we managed to fit five people, all with our own single bed. Not much walking around room, but we got pretty close:)
After showers, we headed back into town, to a restaurant that was supposed to have "The Best Pizza in Town. Jess, Kristi and I split a Hawaiian Pizza, which I thought was pretty good. No one seemed to think it was "the Best" though. We played cards for a little while, but quickly realized that we were all exhausted and headed back to the hotel. Around 9:30pm we all went to bed. Yes, 9:30pm. (We are all teachers, remember?)
Day 3 was great and now my appetite was wet for more sand and sun. (Keep reading, because my favorite day is coming up soon!)
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