La Fortuna

Lizzie and Merrill came in on Saturday. I was late picking them up because of the bus. Luckily they waited. We took a bus to Alejuela and then caught one to San Ramon. A taxi ride later we were at my apt. We dropped off their stuff and then took a walk to the centro. We found a soda restaurant where they could sample some typical Tico fare. After being harassed by a couple bums, Lizzie and I went to the Super to get some snacks and drink makings for the housewarming. We got home just before the party was set to begin. While there was a whirl of excitement, we then had some down time as no one showed up for an hour. Just as Lizzie and I were getting ready to play some cards and Merrill had decided to lay down for a nap, Nathan, Dalai and JuanCa showed up. Thus began the housewarming. Lizzie wanted us to make mojitos so we were busy in the kitchen stirring, grinding and testing. Sonia and Negro showed up a little bit later. The evening progressed smoothly. Several cocktails and beers later the party slowed. Lizzie and Mer were already retired to their room. The boys wanted to go out so after a quick costume change we reunited to continue the party. As it turned out everyone was tired and decided to go home.
Sunday morning after an egg scramble breakfast we packed out things and headed out for the bus station. The ride to la Fortuna took about 2:45. We found our hostel without much ado and for the second time since I have been here, I fell in love. I am such a sucker for baby kittens. We found ourselves a soda for a snack and walked around. Pretty much everything was closed because it was Sunday. Merrill found himself a soccer game in a Mexican restaurant and Lizzie and I took a walk. We returned with a pack of cards. We then found another soda for dinner. Yes- we ate a lot.
After taking my first truly hot shower in two months- since leaving the states- we went to bed.
The next morning we awoke to breakfast at our fav soda and walked around to find the best deal on tickets to Baldi Resort. A beautiful park resort just under the volcano Arenal that boasted 20 hot spring pools. We tried them all out only to return to our favorite. The one with a swim up bar. 3 $10 cocktails each later, it was time to head out to catch our bus back home.
I hope to post some photos as Mer took tons. Unfortunately he didn'y bring his cord so you will have to wait until he gets home.
ALSO- for those of you who plan to visit: I now have a new rule. Not only must you bring a contribution to the apt, but you must write a blog entry to share your experience with my other readers. you may all look forward to Lizzie and Mer's. The headed out for Montezuma this morning so look for that come Thursday.

Visitors!!!

I am so excited to announce I will be having my first guests arrive this Saturday. I have such amazing things planned. I would tell you all about it but I want it to hold some surprise for them.
I received some fabric from Stephanie on Friday. Yesterday I came to the shop and made some curtains. By Saturday I will have all my curtains and duvet cover made. I will only be missing a dust skirt but I have to find the fabric first.
Awesomely simple weekend. Not much to report. Some pineapples, sweeping and plant buying.
I have commissioned a custom wooden curtain to be made for me from a guy in the city. Crazy pricey but I justify it by realizing I will have it for the rest of my life. I am soooo excited to pick it up!
Saturday will also be the date of my housewarming party. What to make, what to make. Nothing that requires an oven- obviously.
The pic is of a fruit called zapote Columbiano. As you can see it looks squash. Smells like mango and tastes like a combo of the two. Very sweet but a bit earthy. Also- it has large seeds and gets fibers stuck in your teeth like mango.

Pics anyone?

From my dining room to the kitchen, from balcony door into dining/ living room, view from the balcony to the centro- night and day.

Mmmmm.... fresh laundry!

So, it has been over 3 weeks since I had clean jeans. While I am perfectly happy to wash most of my clothes by hand, I hate the idea of trying to wash the jeans. More specifically, to wring them out. Towels are challenge enough. I haven't even attempted the jeans. As a result I have been wearing a lot more skirts than ever before in my life. That's right. Bare legs. Ehw.
Today is a happy day because I have broken down and decided it is totally worth paying someone to do my laundry. Granted, this woman has no idea that I am gringa. Sonia says the laundry lady wouldn't do them if she knew. Not exactly sure what that is about but so long as my laundry comes home clean. 5 pairs of jeans, 2 sheets and an old duvet cover that is close to being up-cycled into curtains for my bedroom. Oh, you can't imagine the excitement. The small things seem a lot more momentous when life in simple.
On that note: I have been told that I even sound Relaxed, Calm and Zen. I am happy to report I feel all those things. I love shopping for lilies for my kitchen, walking to work and eating plantains.
A few things would round out my peaceful life. A set of dishes, a large mixing bowl and a bit more enthusiasm for mopping. As a good Tica in training I am expected to mop my balcony regularly. I suppose it would be nice to have a clean floor...
I had my second motorcycle ride today. Because it is a beautiful, sunny morning I think I may have a new hobby.
I know, dangerous.

New week begins...

Items of note: When walking at night look out for cockroaches running across the sidewalk. Especially if you are wearing flip flops.

It is not unusual to wear bright yellow pants.

Almost everything closes at 1pm on Sundays.

Packages and envelopes have no standard arrival time. It may take a week, it may take two, it may take more. Do not let this keep you from sending me treats.

Occasionally the water may be turned off. Note to self: Do not put soap on your hands unless you have checked that you have water.

It seems that the incredibly juicy chicken Teo and I had in Puerto Viejo was not a fluke. Apparently that is normal. Chickens may be happier here than back home...

The concert was great. I was surprised how many of the songs I knew and really liked. Got home at 2am because Raquel -a friend of Marcos and JuanCa- insisted we have an after party at a bar in downtown. Arrived late at work on Friday.
Uneventful weekend. Food, batido at Aroma's, went out with JuanCa and Mario. Didn't feel like drinking so I went home early.

Monday, called "Day of dicovery of the Americas" was off but for lack of anything better to do a couple of us took a field trip to San Jose to pick up some jeans from the washers. That is a whole other can of worms.

voila!

Perfect

I have just accomplished one of the greatest fashion feats of my life! I have almost flawless black nails... All by myself. Of course, having used Latin nail polish it may permanently dye my nails...
A small price to pay for a cutting edge, rocker cool look at the concert tomorrow.
On a related note, Costa Rica may perfect for me. Back home in the States I have never been good at being rebellious. Here, I am. Everyone at work was shocked and horrified that I would paint my nails black. Audie said, and I quote, "I thought you were a nice girl, not a Goth." Woot! Rebel me.

FYI

It should be known that here in CR people walking by you on the street, instead of greeting you with a friendly "hello (or hola)", say "adios." Wigged me out for awhile. I would walk away thinking, "Are they glad they don't have to see me for much longer?"
Apparently you can say either.

Hello and good morning

Oh Monday- you always come so soon.
Let's see: last week I put together mood boards and came up with designs for the Spring/Summer 10 line. Our color and design inspiration is amusement parks and the circus. I am eager to see what JuanCa comes up with for graphics. Of course this is not to be taken literally. There will not be any circus tents adorning the front of out t-shirts.
Friday culminated in an Asian noodle dish, beer and cards. JuanCa and I made a night of it. For those of you who saw it, the Lily Allen that was posted on FB was there only because she is on Juan's top 15. (He refuses to only have a top 5)
Saturday I -wait for it- didn't go to the market. I may have permanently damaged my relationship with the pineapple guy. I think he has grown accustomed to seeing my rediculously white, smiling face around 11am on Saturdays.
Instead I went into town and visited the hardware store, bought a bath mat and a plant. I looked hilarious, I'm sure, walking home in the pouring rain with two meter and a half long rods, 2 striped bags, a purse and an arm full of plant.-Quick note on the bags: Most shopping bags are pink and white stripes.
Hurray for me!!! I finally worked up the courage to ask my landlady of the lavender hair if I could use her washing machine. She reluctantly agreed. I was ushered the the back of the house and instructed to choose what I wanted to wash first. Here's the thing about laundry. They don't have a laundry mat. And you have to babysit your laundry every step of the way. Beginning with manually adding water to the tub, adding your soap and then the clothes. 15 minutes later you drain the tub and fill again with water to rinse. 10 minutes later you drain again and move the clothes to the spinner. 15 minutes later you can take them out and hang them to dry. I however, had to wait between washing and rinsing while she decided to clean out the machine with a toothbrush, only to decide that the machine wasn't working and i would have to rinse by hand. in the meantime I am due at the bus stop to meet Juan and I have yet to take a shower.
JuanCa and I took a trip to San Jose to get tickets for Depeche Mode. Because we were close I insisted we walk through the tunnel of Gatos de Platos. Which some of you might remember seeing pictures of.
After walking around lost for 45 minutes we arrived at his friends shop. From there we walked to a nearby super market that was selling the tickets. Before arriving there I was accosted by an young guy claiming he was starving. He was hanging out near the souvenir market preying on tourists. Claiming to be a Canadian named Emily I grilled him on his situation. I believe he was trying to score some drug money. He followed us around for 5 blocks preaching that Jesus was looking after him and that he believed in God etc. I was unmoved as he spoke almost perfect English and looked very clean and fed.
We headed home and arrived in San Ramon around 7ish. Not having eaten all day I bade JuanCa farewell an headed home. not before stopping to buy a pizza and cookies. I made friends with the pizza guy. He owned the shop and had lived in LA for 14 years.
I know this will sound disgusting but I salted my pizza. I am not sure how a pizza could ever need salting but it did. Perhaps it was all the tomatoes on the Margarita pizza or the bland sauce. Either way it was a horrifying experience. One should never have to salt their junk food.
Sunday I decided to have brunch in town. I went to the small Aromas and ordered the arroz con pollo and a cafe con leche.
I went back to the hardware store to get some more things I needed and ended up chatting with Frankie, the hardware store guy. I spent about an hour in the super market looking at what they had to offer. A lot of that time was spent trying to find whole bean coffee. I have struck a deal with Moo. He will give me a partially dressed painting of myself- that I have been trying to get for years- in exchange for Costa Rican coffee. I am anxiously awaiting the trade.
Talked on the phone, took a run to the shop to get some stuff I needed and started constructing my lamp shade. Pictures to follow soon. Of the lampshade and the apt.
Made my first batch of homemade wax. Tried it out. Decided it would be a several day process as I am squeamish.
Dinner was vegetable flavored rice and fried plantains.
Off to bed. Sleep.
This morning is gorgeous and sunny. We'll see how the weather changes by this evening.