Sunday, August 30, 2009

And so it begins again...

My flights to get here, although long, were uneventful. I arrived late at 6am local time. It took awhile to get all my luggage and get through customs. Sonia – the business/ office manager- came to pick me up with her husband, Negro. We drove to her house in Naranjo –formerly known as the town that has the coffee tour.
We then went to the shop in San Ramon and I met all my future co-workers. I was shown the most recent collection and new samples for the motorcycle line. For those of you who have been bugging me for the name of the line: Hidden ID.
I was informed that I was just in time for Costa Rica’s fashion week. The plan was that we all attend if I were up to it. Having napped for a couple hours, I felt ready to go. The plan was that Sonia, Negro and I would go downtown and grab lunch at the festival and then head back to the house to change and get ready for the runway shows. One plate of bbq later we were on the way to the house. Everyone showered- Yes, they only have cold water in the house- and got dressed up.
The rest of the crew arrived in the mini bus to pick us up and we were off to San Jose: A place known as Bethel which translates to Bethlehem.
Held in a large open space above a parking garage and near a mall we walked around looking at the booths they had set up. Many of them were clothing lines but they also had candle companies and food booths. After receiving a pamphlet on 2 minute lipo from a roaming spokes model, we found ourselves some seats.
Each line used the same models so there were large gaps between the shows. Definitely not American clothing. After a couple hours I wanted to sleep. Of course I knew we still had an hour + drive back to Naranjo where it had been decided that I would stay
night. We left after the fashion shows had commenced just as the drag show was starting. Even though it was late everyone wanted to get some food. Not being hungry and feeling a bit cracked out and queasy, I stayed in the car and did my best not to cry. For those of you who read the blog before, you know that I get emotional when I need sleep…
We started to drive back to San Ramon where we dropped everyone off and then switched cars before driving to Naranjo. There Negro and Sonia insisted that I sleep in their bed while they set up a mattress on the floor of their room as there was nowhere else. I probably would have insisted I sleep on the floor more fervently had I not been so tired.
The weather is warm but there is a lot more rain and humidity than there was on my last visit. My hair is a-curl.
Sonia assures me that we will look for a place for me on Monday. In the mean time I am reacquainting myself with the language and very different living conditions. (IE: cold water showers, windows without screens etc.)
I have no doubt I will feel more settled when I have my place. Meanwhile it all feels surreal and twilight zoney.
I am not sure how long the blogging will last. I will try and keep you all posted on all the changes…
S

1 comment:

  1. WOW-Sara- what a beginning.... After you get more settled, I would love to hear how their fashion differs from American and if teh differences is going to be fun for you --- or a challenge.

    With much admiration and love-
    Mom

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