Today I enjoyed a three hour lunch and chatting session with Yorleni. When we were returning from Palmares several weeks ago, Yorleni had told me about a small, inexpensive café that was the only place she had ever eaten at in San Ramón. Upon further discussion, I learned that it was largely because she could not afford anywhere else. Many of the students that are from out of the area are poorer and choose to bring their lunch from home or purchase cheap snacks at convenient stores. At this I told Yorleni that some time I would love to treat her to lunch. She smiled and thanked me.
So, today was going to be the day we got lunch out. But, once I began texting Yorleni she told me she might be ashamed. I told her there was not need, but offered we have lunch at my house instead. The plan quickly shifted and we instead enjoyed lunch in the comfortable, relaxed setting of my house.
Yorleni arrived at my house at noon and we sat down to arroz con pollo and platanos. Yorleni told me that her family has a plantain tree and the family always gets very excited when it begins producing. The plantains produced by their tree are the only ones they consume - they prefer to use their money to purchase proteins at the market and eat fruits according to harvest available on their property.
I watched Yorleni take platano and platano...she was a happy girl and it made me happy as well. =)
After lunch I offered Yorleni a galleta and she began bashedly smiling and said, "Yes". We enjoyed our cookies and finished off the peach iced tea we had been served. =)
Once we were done and sufficiently full, we moved into the front room and chatted for the next two hours! Yorleni is the cutest - she had purchased a small memo pad (just like mine) to write down new concepts and vocabulary from our conversation. This afternoon our conversation flowed through a spattering of topics including professions, our families, cultural fashion trends and differences.
While Yorleni was walking out the door I was overcome with such joy and peace. She is so gentle and dear and I sense she feels comfortable and welcome in both my home and presence. =)
Again, the gifts of the Lord shine brightly before me.
This morning, when I woke up, Doña Paula was making homemade tortillas! Her recipe is one I had on my mental list to learn before I returned home and today I got the opportunity to learn how its done. She had already made the dough, but let me press one out, flip it into the pan, and then consume it with a scrambled egg. =) The trick to this recipe is that she adds cheese to the tortillas! Duh, no wonder they taste so incredibly good. Haha!
Having a warm, homemade tortilla straight from the pan is sooooo delicious. All the other times I had eaten Doña's tortillas they were cold or at least had been sitting out for a bit and although still tasty, they in no way compare to my warm one this morning. Yuuum.
Having a warm, homemade tortilla straight from the pan is sooooo delicious. All the other times I had eaten Doña's tortillas they were cold or at least had been sitting out for a bit and although still tasty, they in no way compare to my warm one this morning. Yuuum.
This morning Ellie invited Libia and I over to make crepes. Neither Libia nor Nena, Ellie's host mom, had heard of the yummy breakfast treat before and Ellie wanted to share her family tradition with them. I guess I was just the lucky add on. Lol!
Anyways...we made the batter and cooked the crepes together so that Nena and Libia could learn the recipe. Once they were all finished, we smothered them in fresh fruit, lemon juice, homemade guava jelly, and sugar. Yuuuummm.
Anyways...we made the batter and cooked the crepes together so that Nena and Libia could learn the recipe. Once they were all finished, we smothered them in fresh fruit, lemon juice, homemade guava jelly, and sugar. Yuuuummm.
Come Saturday I will be taking a break from blogging. This is why...
WEEK-LONG FIELD TRIP
TORTUGUERO AND BOCAS DEL TORO
October 1 –6, 2011
Saturday, October 1st
6:00 am Departure from the park
8:30 am Breakfast at Restaurant El Ceibo
11:30 am Boat ride to Tortuguero
12:45 pm Arrival to “Pachira Lodge”
1:00 pm Lunch and free time
3:30 pm Visit to down town “Tortuguero”
7:00 pm Dinner at the hotel
Sunday, October 2nd
7:30 am Breakfast
8:30 am Hike to the rain forest
12:30 pm Lunch at the hotel
3:00 pm Boat ride through the canals
7:30 pm Dinner at the hotel
Monday, October 3rd
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am Departure from the hotel to Caño Blanco
11:30 Lunch in Cahuita
2:00 pm Arrival to border Panama border. We will take a bus to a town called
Changuinola, and then a boat to Bocas del Toro.
5:30 pm Arrival to “Bahía Hotel”
6:45 pm Meet at lobby to go to dinner.
Tuesday, October 4th
7:30 am Breakfast
8:45 am Boat ride to Isla de Pájaros, Bocas del Drago, playa de Las Estrellas
and Red Frog Beach.
This is a day tour, so bring all what you need like bathing suit,
sunscreen, camera, mosquito repellent, some Money for drinks
or different stuff.
12:30 pm Lunch at Bocas del Drago
Free time at playa de Las Estrellas and Red Frog.
4.:30 pm Head back to the hotel
7:00 pm Dinner at “Pirata Restaurant”
Wednesday, October 5th
7:30 am Breakfast
8:45 am Boat ride to Dolphins Bay, Cayo Zapatilla, Cayo Coral y Punta
Hospital.
This is a day tour, so bring all what you need like bathing suit,
sunscreen, camera, mosquito repellent, some Money for drinks
or different stuff.
Free time for snorkeling and swimming, hiking, volley ball, soccer.
12:30 pm Lunch at Cayo Coral. Free time for activities.
5:30 pm Head back to the hotel.
7:30 pm Dinner.
Wednesday, October 6th
8;00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Hotel check out, and boat ride to Almirante
12:30 pm Lunch in Changuinola
1:00 pm Bus ride to Costa Rican border
2:00 pm Bus ride from the border to San Ramon
8:00 pm Arrival in San Ramon
WEEK-LONG FIELD TRIP
TORTUGUERO AND BOCAS DEL TORO
October 1 –6, 2011
Saturday, October 1st
6:00 am Departure from the park
8:30 am Breakfast at Restaurant El Ceibo
11:30 am Boat ride to Tortuguero
12:45 pm Arrival to “Pachira Lodge”
1:00 pm Lunch and free time
3:30 pm Visit to down town “Tortuguero”
7:00 pm Dinner at the hotel
Sunday, October 2nd
7:30 am Breakfast
8:30 am Hike to the rain forest
12:30 pm Lunch at the hotel
3:00 pm Boat ride through the canals
7:30 pm Dinner at the hotel
Monday, October 3rd
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am Departure from the hotel to Caño Blanco
11:30 Lunch in Cahuita
2:00 pm Arrival to border Panama border. We will take a bus to a town called
Changuinola, and then a boat to Bocas del Toro.
5:30 pm Arrival to “Bahía Hotel”
6:45 pm Meet at lobby to go to dinner.
Tuesday, October 4th
7:30 am Breakfast
8:45 am Boat ride to Isla de Pájaros, Bocas del Drago, playa de Las Estrellas
and Red Frog Beach.
This is a day tour, so bring all what you need like bathing suit,
sunscreen, camera, mosquito repellent, some Money for drinks
or different stuff.
12:30 pm Lunch at Bocas del Drago
Free time at playa de Las Estrellas and Red Frog.
4.:30 pm Head back to the hotel
7:00 pm Dinner at “Pirata Restaurant”
Wednesday, October 5th
7:30 am Breakfast
8:45 am Boat ride to Dolphins Bay, Cayo Zapatilla, Cayo Coral y Punta
Hospital.
This is a day tour, so bring all what you need like bathing suit,
sunscreen, camera, mosquito repellent, some Money for drinks
or different stuff.
Free time for snorkeling and swimming, hiking, volley ball, soccer.
12:30 pm Lunch at Cayo Coral. Free time for activities.
5:30 pm Head back to the hotel.
7:30 pm Dinner.
Wednesday, October 6th
8;00 am Breakfast
10:00 am Hotel check out, and boat ride to Almirante
12:30 pm Lunch in Changuinola
1:00 pm Bus ride to Costa Rican border
2:00 pm Bus ride from the border to San Ramon
8:00 pm Arrival in San Ramon
This weekend twelve of my classmates and I made a trip to La Fortuna! We spent Friday and Saturday night in a funky little hostel and enjoyed the natural areas nearby on Saturday and Sunday.
On Friday we took public transit to La Fortuna. It took 3 hrs...ick. But, the ride was beautiful - we winded through lush green canyons, passed swaths of densely growing ferns, skirted among rural communities, enjoyed views of the valley, and caught some clear glimpses of Arenal and Cerro Chato.
Upon arrival we checked into our hostel and then headed out for dinner and to book our adventures for the next day. Before snagging dinner, four of us walked around to several travel companies and asked about tours and pricing for a group of twelve students (These are both great points when requesting tour price cuts. Haha!) We landed a tour with Costa Rica Descents for $70! Package (personalized for our group) included:
Transportation to/from our hostel
Class IV Whitewater Rafting (2 hrs on the water)
Lunch
Guided Night Hike (1 hr)
Dinner
Visit to Natural Hot Springs (1.5 hrs)
After dinner and quite a few rounds of cards under the night sky, we went to bed excited and happy.
The whole group woke up early on Saturday morning and gathered in the covered patio for breakfast. The hostel charge included a home cooked breakfast every morning so we sat around and chatted while enjoying fresh fruit platters, bowls of unsweetened corn flakes and milk, eggs and toast, coffee, and tea. After breakfast we relaxed for a bit in the dew-filled yard before changing into our suits and packing up for the day. The view of the volcano was quite clear and the sunny air felt warm and sweet. We were picked up at 9:30 and began the 40 minute drive up river. On the way, our group was buzzing with excitement and we sang and laughed the entire trip. Near the rivers edge, we were provided with bright yellow lifejackets, helmets, and paddles. When we reached the water we were given some quick pointers regarding safety in the case of falling overboard and then quickly directed into rafts. Within minutes we were headed down the river!
The rafting was indescribably beautiful, fun, and awe-inspiring! There were moments of sheer joy, adrenaline rushes, laughter, peace, and tremendous happiness. On the water, we got to view the tropical rainforest like never before - it was like having the VIP or backstage pass into the jungle. We passed many birds and butterflies and could hear the sounds and calls of tons of other animals. We also floated passed several waterfalls - some rushing and others trickling - that were beautiful. Not all of the river was conducive to observations however...we DID traverse seven miles of class IV rapids! Hahaha! The rapids were a blast! We were directed by our guide with these commands: "forward paddle", "back paddle", "get down", "right back, left forward", "stop". Often we were asked to paddle forward into a set of rapids and then to get down, at which time we would duck down into the boat and ride out the crazy thrashing that was to commence. Hah! What a thrill, so fun. =D After about four to five miles, we were greeted by a spectacular thunderstorm and a heavy downpour. The rain was warm and the air fresh and humid. Awwwww...I can't put into words the next few miles! Warm rain pelting down into the river and thunder booming all around as you float through the rainforest of Costa Rica! Wha!? Is this real life? It was during this time that I just screamed out with joy, "This is what life is, it's moments like this that I feel like I'm really living my life." Haaaa...awesome. =D
When we were a few 100 meters from the beach where we would pull out we were told we could jump overboard and swim. We all jumped in with gusto and float the next stretch - beaming smiles, laughter, and shouts of joy were common occurrence. When we reached the beach, there was a glorious spread of fresh pineapple and watermelon to enjoy. We chomped on these while the rain fell, viewed the sloth that had settled in the branches above us, and continued to excitedly chatter about the amazing things we had just experienced!
Following our river adventure we were taken to a farmhouse styled restaurant in the country and served a delicious meal of typical Costa Rican food. I really do not think I will ever grow tired of the local food - it gets me every time...so tasty. =) As part of the meal, we were also greeted with a "surprise" shot of liquor made on the grounds. It is aged for two years before being served and had a distinct sweet, almost syrupy, quality to it. Quite fun =) Our view from the lunch patio was absolutely stunning. There was a view of both Volcán Arenal and Cerro Chato, as well as a river flowing below the property. Right next to the patio there was a tree decorated with plantains to attract birds. We were able to see_______.
Following our meal we were treated to a cup of warm coffee, some music by the couple who owns the restaurant, a demonstration on historical sugar cane processing, and a sugar cane and cane juice tasting session.
We returned to our hostel at around 3:45pm for the chance to dry off, rest, and change clothes before beginning our next adventure.
The second part of our day began with a hike through the rainforest at dusk and the early hours of the night. The sound of the wildlife was breathtaking! You could hear chirping, calling, rustling, whistling, humming, and clicking from all around! When it is dark, you lose one of your senses - your sight! This causes you to become more atune to the sounds of the night. I swear the nightlife is as much or more alive than the things you see and hear during the daylight hours. Wow. On our walk we saw butterflies (Blue Morpha...), birds (Common Parakeet, ___...), and frogs (Red-Eyed Tree Frog, ___...) I was able to capture this picture using only the glow of a flashlight. =) Might be my favorite Costa Rica picture to-date. =) Yeeeee....So cool!!!
At the end of our hike, we were greeted by a bungalow BBQ by the Arenal Lake. The rain was coming down, music was blasting, and we all huddled under the overhang with tasty food at hand and good friends and smiles all around. Our driver, Ganzo, was the mad BBQer and supplied us with nummy steak and chorizo.
After we were thoroughly filled and chilled, we made our way to a natural hot spring. It was pitch black except for the two flashlights held by our guides and the occasional flashes of lightning. We made our way down a rough trail to the water's edge and stepped in. Warm! Awwww, it's hard to explain...mentally you are prepared for the fact that the water will be warm, but all my past experiences with a flowing river have taught me they are cold. Not here! The water was the perfect temperature to balance out the jungle air and falling rain. We all climbed into a pool and watch the night sky light up with each passing streak of lightning. Again, life felt vibrant and almost surreal.
The adventure ended with a final dive into the water. We all joined our guide in a cave (accessed by swimming underwater) and said our "thank you"s for an incredible day. We then climbed out and scurried back to the van where our dry towels were waiting.
You should have heard the chatter on the ride back to the hostel...we were a happy bunch. =)
And, as if the day wasn't wonderful enough already, once we had returned and rested for a bit several of us walked to the market and bought the makings for banana splits! Banana, chocolate ice cream, and coconut cookies - proof that God loves us. Hahaha! It tasted delicious after a full day of fun. I went to bed full, happy, and exhausted.
Today we woke late, enjoyed breakfast, and then took the morning slow - puttering around town and poking into shops. Following lunch the girls took off to a water hole we had seen on route to La Fortuna. It was a little over a mile away, but well worth the walk!
LOOK!
We spent the next few hours enjoying the fresh water and living the real Costa Rican life!
Best CR Weekend To Date: CHECK!
On Friday we took public transit to La Fortuna. It took 3 hrs...ick. But, the ride was beautiful - we winded through lush green canyons, passed swaths of densely growing ferns, skirted among rural communities, enjoyed views of the valley, and caught some clear glimpses of Arenal and Cerro Chato.
Upon arrival we checked into our hostel and then headed out for dinner and to book our adventures for the next day. Before snagging dinner, four of us walked around to several travel companies and asked about tours and pricing for a group of twelve students (These are both great points when requesting tour price cuts. Haha!) We landed a tour with Costa Rica Descents for $70! Package (personalized for our group) included:
Transportation to/from our hostel
Class IV Whitewater Rafting (2 hrs on the water)
Lunch
Guided Night Hike (1 hr)
Dinner
Visit to Natural Hot Springs (1.5 hrs)
After dinner and quite a few rounds of cards under the night sky, we went to bed excited and happy.
The whole group woke up early on Saturday morning and gathered in the covered patio for breakfast. The hostel charge included a home cooked breakfast every morning so we sat around and chatted while enjoying fresh fruit platters, bowls of unsweetened corn flakes and milk, eggs and toast, coffee, and tea. After breakfast we relaxed for a bit in the dew-filled yard before changing into our suits and packing up for the day. The view of the volcano was quite clear and the sunny air felt warm and sweet. We were picked up at 9:30 and began the 40 minute drive up river. On the way, our group was buzzing with excitement and we sang and laughed the entire trip. Near the rivers edge, we were provided with bright yellow lifejackets, helmets, and paddles. When we reached the water we were given some quick pointers regarding safety in the case of falling overboard and then quickly directed into rafts. Within minutes we were headed down the river!
The rafting was indescribably beautiful, fun, and awe-inspiring! There were moments of sheer joy, adrenaline rushes, laughter, peace, and tremendous happiness. On the water, we got to view the tropical rainforest like never before - it was like having the VIP or backstage pass into the jungle. We passed many birds and butterflies and could hear the sounds and calls of tons of other animals. We also floated passed several waterfalls - some rushing and others trickling - that were beautiful. Not all of the river was conducive to observations however...we DID traverse seven miles of class IV rapids! Hahaha! The rapids were a blast! We were directed by our guide with these commands: "forward paddle", "back paddle", "get down", "right back, left forward", "stop". Often we were asked to paddle forward into a set of rapids and then to get down, at which time we would duck down into the boat and ride out the crazy thrashing that was to commence. Hah! What a thrill, so fun. =D After about four to five miles, we were greeted by a spectacular thunderstorm and a heavy downpour. The rain was warm and the air fresh and humid. Awwwww...I can't put into words the next few miles! Warm rain pelting down into the river and thunder booming all around as you float through the rainforest of Costa Rica! Wha!? Is this real life? It was during this time that I just screamed out with joy, "This is what life is, it's moments like this that I feel like I'm really living my life." Haaaa...awesome. =D
When we were a few 100 meters from the beach where we would pull out we were told we could jump overboard and swim. We all jumped in with gusto and float the next stretch - beaming smiles, laughter, and shouts of joy were common occurrence. When we reached the beach, there was a glorious spread of fresh pineapple and watermelon to enjoy. We chomped on these while the rain fell, viewed the sloth that had settled in the branches above us, and continued to excitedly chatter about the amazing things we had just experienced!
Following our river adventure we were taken to a farmhouse styled restaurant in the country and served a delicious meal of typical Costa Rican food. I really do not think I will ever grow tired of the local food - it gets me every time...so tasty. =) As part of the meal, we were also greeted with a "surprise" shot of liquor made on the grounds. It is aged for two years before being served and had a distinct sweet, almost syrupy, quality to it. Quite fun =) Our view from the lunch patio was absolutely stunning. There was a view of both Volcán Arenal and Cerro Chato, as well as a river flowing below the property. Right next to the patio there was a tree decorated with plantains to attract birds. We were able to see_______.
Following our meal we were treated to a cup of warm coffee, some music by the couple who owns the restaurant, a demonstration on historical sugar cane processing, and a sugar cane and cane juice tasting session.
We returned to our hostel at around 3:45pm for the chance to dry off, rest, and change clothes before beginning our next adventure.
The second part of our day began with a hike through the rainforest at dusk and the early hours of the night. The sound of the wildlife was breathtaking! You could hear chirping, calling, rustling, whistling, humming, and clicking from all around! When it is dark, you lose one of your senses - your sight! This causes you to become more atune to the sounds of the night. I swear the nightlife is as much or more alive than the things you see and hear during the daylight hours. Wow. On our walk we saw butterflies (Blue Morpha...), birds (Common Parakeet, ___...), and frogs (Red-Eyed Tree Frog, ___...) I was able to capture this picture using only the glow of a flashlight. =) Might be my favorite Costa Rica picture to-date. =) Yeeeee....So cool!!!
At the end of our hike, we were greeted by a bungalow BBQ by the Arenal Lake. The rain was coming down, music was blasting, and we all huddled under the overhang with tasty food at hand and good friends and smiles all around. Our driver, Ganzo, was the mad BBQer and supplied us with nummy steak and chorizo.
After we were thoroughly filled and chilled, we made our way to a natural hot spring. It was pitch black except for the two flashlights held by our guides and the occasional flashes of lightning. We made our way down a rough trail to the water's edge and stepped in. Warm! Awwww, it's hard to explain...mentally you are prepared for the fact that the water will be warm, but all my past experiences with a flowing river have taught me they are cold. Not here! The water was the perfect temperature to balance out the jungle air and falling rain. We all climbed into a pool and watch the night sky light up with each passing streak of lightning. Again, life felt vibrant and almost surreal.
The adventure ended with a final dive into the water. We all joined our guide in a cave (accessed by swimming underwater) and said our "thank you"s for an incredible day. We then climbed out and scurried back to the van where our dry towels were waiting.
You should have heard the chatter on the ride back to the hostel...we were a happy bunch. =)
And, as if the day wasn't wonderful enough already, once we had returned and rested for a bit several of us walked to the market and bought the makings for banana splits! Banana, chocolate ice cream, and coconut cookies - proof that God loves us. Hahaha! It tasted delicious after a full day of fun. I went to bed full, happy, and exhausted.
Today we woke late, enjoyed breakfast, and then took the morning slow - puttering around town and poking into shops. Following lunch the girls took off to a water hole we had seen on route to La Fortuna. It was a little over a mile away, but well worth the walk!
LOOK!
We spent the next few hours enjoying the fresh water and living the real Costa Rican life!
Best CR Weekend To Date: CHECK!
I just got back from dinner. Monse, Fede, Amanda, Ignacio, and I were invited to the home of one of the family's in the church. It is such a pleasure to be welcomed into my family's world...to take part in their activities and be loved on by their friends.
The evening was fun, but exhausting - it requires so much focus for me to track conversation. Haha!
For dinner we had beans and rice (of course), pork, mash potatoes, and a vinegar-based spicy vegetable dish. We drank pineapple refresco (seems I am on a pineapple streak. Hah!) and for desert we had a tasty homemade rice pudding. =)
After we were done eating, Amanda and Ignacio ran into another room to watch TV. The couple, Monse, Fede, and I were left at the table. At this time, the conversation switch to spiritual things - the character of God, the idea of "inner-healing" (which is apparently commonly believed in here in Costa Rica), and stories of the bible (the woman caught in adultery who is offered grace and made new simply by the word of the Lord and the man with leprosy who comes and kneels before the Lord saying, "if you are willing, you can make me clean.").
When we got in the car to leave, Fede thanked me for coming with them. He said, "we know it is boring and tiring" for you. I laughed and responded, "Not boring, just tiring!", but thanked them for inviting me! I love the chance to be a part of the family and the life they have here in San Ramón.
When we had returned to the house, Monse came to me and thanked me as well for being a part of the evening. I really have yet to figure out why I'm the one to be thanked! Hahaha!
Once again, God provides and shines his face upon me.
The evening was fun, but exhausting - it requires so much focus for me to track conversation. Haha!
For dinner we had beans and rice (of course), pork, mash potatoes, and a vinegar-based spicy vegetable dish. We drank pineapple refresco (seems I am on a pineapple streak. Hah!) and for desert we had a tasty homemade rice pudding. =)
After we were done eating, Amanda and Ignacio ran into another room to watch TV. The couple, Monse, Fede, and I were left at the table. At this time, the conversation switch to spiritual things - the character of God, the idea of "inner-healing" (which is apparently commonly believed in here in Costa Rica), and stories of the bible (the woman caught in adultery who is offered grace and made new simply by the word of the Lord and the man with leprosy who comes and kneels before the Lord saying, "if you are willing, you can make me clean.").
When we got in the car to leave, Fede thanked me for coming with them. He said, "we know it is boring and tiring" for you. I laughed and responded, "Not boring, just tiring!", but thanked them for inviting me! I love the chance to be a part of the family and the life they have here in San Ramón.
When we had returned to the house, Monse came to me and thanked me as well for being a part of the evening. I really have yet to figure out why I'm the one to be thanked! Hahaha!
Once again, God provides and shines his face upon me.
Today I made a wonderful trip to Yorleni's house!
We caught the 11:45am bus to Palamares and arrived at her house a little after 12:30pm.
When we arrived her Mom welcomed me in and immediately fed us lunch. We had beans, rice, and a sweet tuna (mixed with peas and a red sauce). With the meal we drank a delicious pineapple refresco! While we ate, Yorleni and I chatted - her in English and I in Spanish. I can feel that my speech is improving and it is a fun challenge to use only Spanish when communicating. I also tested my skills by trying to make conversation with Yorleni's parents (who are soooooo sweet). After lunch Yorleni showed me the house and yard. They have orange, tangarine, mandarine, limón, maracuya (passion fruit), banana, papaya, and mango trees on their property!
Yorleni and I then walked around Candalaria and visited the school, church, and river.
We returned back to the house when we feared it would rain and spent the rest of the afternoon studying and correcting some of Yorleni's English compositions.
On the way back to Palamares, Yorleni and I passed a fruits and veggies stand. I pointed out the huge, tasty-looking avocados and she responded that her mother LOVES them. That "if she could just eat them everyday she would be happy." Yorleni showed me to the bus that would return to San Ramon and we said our goodbyes. Right before I hopped up the steps I handed her some money and told her to buy a bag of aguacates on the way home. She smiled and told me "God Bless"!
Later Yorleni sent me these texts: "My parents say that you are very nice and kind. My mom is very happy with your present ;) Thanks a lot...God bless you!" and "My parents said that when you want you can come to our house. =) You always are going to be welcome here for us. =)"
What a fun day! I'm so glad I have a new friend.
We caught the 11:45am bus to Palamares and arrived at her house a little after 12:30pm.
When we arrived her Mom welcomed me in and immediately fed us lunch. We had beans, rice, and a sweet tuna (mixed with peas and a red sauce). With the meal we drank a delicious pineapple refresco! While we ate, Yorleni and I chatted - her in English and I in Spanish. I can feel that my speech is improving and it is a fun challenge to use only Spanish when communicating. I also tested my skills by trying to make conversation with Yorleni's parents (who are soooooo sweet). After lunch Yorleni showed me the house and yard. They have orange, tangarine, mandarine, limón, maracuya (passion fruit), banana, papaya, and mango trees on their property!
Yorleni and I then walked around Candalaria and visited the school, church, and river.
We returned back to the house when we feared it would rain and spent the rest of the afternoon studying and correcting some of Yorleni's English compositions.
On the way back to Palamares, Yorleni and I passed a fruits and veggies stand. I pointed out the huge, tasty-looking avocados and she responded that her mother LOVES them. That "if she could just eat them everyday she would be happy." Yorleni showed me to the bus that would return to San Ramon and we said our goodbyes. Right before I hopped up the steps I handed her some money and told her to buy a bag of aguacates on the way home. She smiled and told me "God Bless"!
Later Yorleni sent me these texts: "My parents say that you are very nice and kind. My mom is very happy with your present ;) Thanks a lot...God bless you!" and "My parents said that when you want you can come to our house. =) You always are going to be welcome here for us. =)"
What a fun day! I'm so glad I have a new friend.