I finally have wifi to update about my trip!!
On Saturday, my host family and I went to see the National Basilica. The story behind the church was wonderful, an I also got to see the ruins of an old church. Then we went to some Costa Rican malls and I accidentally slept from 3pm until 10pm. Jet lag, anyone?
The next my day, we reunited with our tour group to go to Volcan Arenal and Hotel Los Lagos. We made a few stops. One was at the place where they make traditional Costa Rican oxcarts, or carteros. They hand paint every one by hand, and some take 120+ hours of painting!!
Our next stop was at the topiary. It consists of a bunch of hedges made into different shapes and faces. There was also an heladeria, or ice cream shop, which sold the best ice cream I've ever eaten. Mmm:)
After anther hour on the bus, we arrived at hotel Los Lagos. After lunch, everyone was in the pools and hot springs. We played king of the rock, went down water slides, and played in the "hut" which was an itty bitty replica of Volcan Arenal.
Today was interesting for me. This morning, I hiked up the mountain and made my muscles really sore. Then I went exploring to see the resident animals (of course it was amazing). We saw many butterflies, crocodiles, frogs, and Basalisks (lizards who run across water). So cool!!
After we left Arenal, I started to feel sick. I think I was dehydrated from climbing the mountain earlier this morning. I had a fever and a bad headache. I got rid if the fever and traded it for a bad stomachache. Hopefully I can sleep it off tonight. We are now in Hotel Palma Real, in San Jose. I am very excited to see Diego and my host family again. Hopefully I'll feel better tomorrow morning.
Pura Vida!
Abby :)
Monday, March 11, 2013
Friday, March 8, 2013
Día 1!!!!
I am so excited to report that I am blogging from San José, Costa Rica! It is beautiful here.
My day started at 3:45am, when I had to wake up to get to the airport by 5:00am. The first flight to Charlotte was nice, but I was really hungry the whole time. Because of the change in time zones from MN to NC, we didn't have time to eat lunch. :(
Our second flight was quite turbulant, the landing leaving some of us questioning if we wanted to get on an airplane ever again...
When we stepped into the airport in San José, I could feel the climate changeimmediently. My host family keeps offering me blankets, afraid that i will bw cold in the freezing 70°F weather... I think I'm good.
My host family is amazing. Their two dogs, Cici and Nicholas, are super cute. I got to meet much of Diego's family and recieved (much to my delight) many hugs and even a few kisses on the cheek from my host mamá and abuela (grandma).
I am already having so much fun. Pura Vida!
Abby:)
My day started at 3:45am, when I had to wake up to get to the airport by 5:00am. The first flight to Charlotte was nice, but I was really hungry the whole time. Because of the change in time zones from MN to NC, we didn't have time to eat lunch. :(
Our second flight was quite turbulant, the landing leaving some of us questioning if we wanted to get on an airplane ever again...
When we stepped into the airport in San José, I could feel the climate changeimmediently. My host family keeps offering me blankets, afraid that i will bw cold in the freezing 70°F weather... I think I'm good.
My host family is amazing. Their two dogs, Cici and Nicholas, are super cute. I got to meet much of Diego's family and recieved (much to my delight) many hugs and even a few kisses on the cheek from my host mamá and abuela (grandma).
I am already having so much fun. Pura Vida!
Abby:)
Thursday, March 7, 2013
One More Day!
In just one day, less than 24 hours (20 to be exact), I will be on a plane to Costa Rica! I am super excited!!
The hardest part about today is remembering everything I need to bring. I have to make sure my music is packed, my wire stand is labeled and in my suitcase, and that all of my mallets, brushes, tuner, and sticks are tucked safely in my stick bag. I have to make sure my money is secure, my passport is ready to go, and that I have a few snacks for the plane. I have to be certain that I pack my swimsuit, concert dress, flip flops, and sunscreen. I'll have to leave behind my dear bunny, my winter clothes, and my heavy blankets to trade for wild iguanas, summer wear and a beach towel. I think I will miss my family and friends more than anything, but I know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
My schedule tomorrow is going to be crazy. I have to wake up at three am and be at the airport by 4:45. I'll have to search for a Caribou, Starbucks, or Dunn Bros to make sure I am at least partially awake. I'm excited to ride the flat conveyor belts (a simple joy of being at an airport) and find my friends, who will probably be just as cranky as myself. My flight leaves at 6:45 (supposedly) for Charlotte, North Carolina. I'll make sure to be a respectful traveler and not bother too many other passengers. I'll eat a quick lunch in NC before we board the flight to San José. At this point, I will probably be bouncing with excitement. I apologize in advance to the other passengers on the airplane. At 2:30 we will arrive in San José and I will take my first steps into Costa Rica. I imagine a beautiful blue sky and excitement brimming everywhere. I will then get to see Diego! Diego (along with his friend Sebastian) stayed at my house while they were in Minnesota. I am lucky enough to be staying with Diego's family for four nights!!! I am very excited to see my friend.
I have a lot to do, a lot to look forward to, and a lot of memories to make.
Pura Vida!
Abby :)
The hardest part about today is remembering everything I need to bring. I have to make sure my music is packed, my wire stand is labeled and in my suitcase, and that all of my mallets, brushes, tuner, and sticks are tucked safely in my stick bag. I have to make sure my money is secure, my passport is ready to go, and that I have a few snacks for the plane. I have to be certain that I pack my swimsuit, concert dress, flip flops, and sunscreen. I'll have to leave behind my dear bunny, my winter clothes, and my heavy blankets to trade for wild iguanas, summer wear and a beach towel. I think I will miss my family and friends more than anything, but I know this is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
My schedule tomorrow is going to be crazy. I have to wake up at three am and be at the airport by 4:45. I'll have to search for a Caribou, Starbucks, or Dunn Bros to make sure I am at least partially awake. I'm excited to ride the flat conveyor belts (a simple joy of being at an airport) and find my friends, who will probably be just as cranky as myself. My flight leaves at 6:45 (supposedly) for Charlotte, North Carolina. I'll make sure to be a respectful traveler and not bother too many other passengers. I'll eat a quick lunch in NC before we board the flight to San José. At this point, I will probably be bouncing with excitement. I apologize in advance to the other passengers on the airplane. At 2:30 we will arrive in San José and I will take my first steps into Costa Rica. I imagine a beautiful blue sky and excitement brimming everywhere. I will then get to see Diego! Diego (along with his friend Sebastian) stayed at my house while they were in Minnesota. I am lucky enough to be staying with Diego's family for four nights!!! I am very excited to see my friend.
I have a lot to do, a lot to look forward to, and a lot of memories to make.
Pura Vida!
Abby :)
Wednesday, March 6, 2013
It's Almost Here!
Hey Everyone!
In just two short days, I will be heading out to Costa Rica! On this blog, I will post about my trip and hopefully put some pictures up of things that I've done. This is my first time being out of the country farther than Canada (which every Minnesotan knows doesn't really count). I'm going with my High School's band and choir. We are singing and playing a lot! I am so excited that I will be in Costa Rica in less then 48 hours. I hope all of you have a wonderful spring break, I know I will!!
Abby :)
In just two short days, I will be heading out to Costa Rica! On this blog, I will post about my trip and hopefully put some pictures up of things that I've done. This is my first time being out of the country farther than Canada (which every Minnesotan knows doesn't really count). I'm going with my High School's band and choir. We are singing and playing a lot! I am so excited that I will be in Costa Rica in less then 48 hours. I hope all of you have a wonderful spring break, I know I will!!
Abby :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)