Nothing like a little laundry in the bathroom sink. You know, the same place where we brush our teeth, wash our hands, and some of our dishes. We may or may not have eaten that whole jar of peanut butter in 3 days... I'm just saying. I made the executive decision that we cannot buy any more. : )
Sober...kinda. Just an example of a typical walk home from reggae night at La Banana. Right before we hitched home. This pose may have been what pulled the car over...
And this is where we do the rest of the dishes. Rae decided that we may develop back problems, I agreed. Oh, and by we, I mean Rae and Nelson. Because I have the most free time, and like cooking, I cook and they do the dishes. I think I won on that trade.
A friendly little lizard on our ceiling! They are our friends. They eat the bugs, so the bugs cannot eat us!
Hey Nelson... This is what happens when you put a 40 in the freezer, and forget about it over night. Made a mess in the freezer, AND wasted a beer. Rookie mistake. BUT, it made for a funny story, and photo!
Just enjoying the benefits of my roommate being in pranassage training. I (along with the twins who gratefully volunteered) are always around when Rae needs to practice. Nothing like a little yoga, next to the beds, next to the kitchen, next to the closet, and the bathroom. Would hate for any wasted space. This way, if you need to change your clothes, or grab a drink, it is all possible within an arms reach!
Hmm... who's idea was it to try to ollie over the bike with the skateboard?! I won't mention any names. It did seem like great fun, until the board hit the bike seat, and it snapped off. Spent a good 45 minutes trying to figure out how to get the seat back on the bike. Thanks to a local resident in the apartment next door, a few whacks with a hammer, and pulls with a wrench, the bike was back to normal... or close to.
We went to dinner at Lucy's cute little casita in central Nosara. Her brother was in town from San Jose, and cooked a very delicious dinner! She has a cashew tree on her property, along with many other fruits and veggies. This is James with a post fired cashew. You slam it between two rocks, and peel off the skin, and you have a warm and toasty cashew! It was so cool to experience this. That is until the twins realized that are apparently allergic to cashew oil, and now have a rash... including places that you would rather not.
What do you do when there are too many tourists in town, and all the local beers are sold out of the mini super? You buy TECATE! Nothin' like drinking Mexican beer in Central America. At least we are close! This one is for my Mexican brother!
...and what do you do when all of the local beer is sold out of the mini super, and all of the Tecate is gone too? You buy Budweiser... duh! I just about peed my pants when Nelson came back and said, "Hey, have you even had this beer? All the Imperials, Pilsens, and Tano's were gone, the Tecate was all gone too!" So this one goes out to all of you Americans. Even more than Tecate, I never thought I would be drinking Budweiser in Costa Rica. Seems just wrong!
MMMMMmmmm... Tico rice, home made tomato sauce with veggies, and check out the 4 shrimp/ HUGE steak of some sort of fish... fresh off of the fish truck! The only hard part is that with only two burners, you have to cook strategically. Makes for a lot of re washing dishes, and organization! All worth it though!
http://www.nosarawildlife.com/
Okay.. So there is a project going on here in Costa Rica to save the Howler Monkeys. If you go to the website above, you can read more about it. Basically, the electricity lines here are not insulated. The monkeys (naturally) are using them to swing on, just like the do branches of trees. If a howler gets electrocuted, and survives, it needs to be rehabilitated. And when a mama howler gets electrocuted, what do you think happens to her babies? They are without a mom : ( The goal is to insulate all of the power lines around here, or put them underground. A woman named Brenda let Lise, Todd, and me come to her house, and see the natural/man-made enclosure that has been built in her back yard. Here, she rehabilitates the monkeys that need help, before sending them to the next step down location. She just released seven of them there, and five more are getting ready to go. There are a couple that are in this enclosure as well that may never be released, due to age and whatnot. She is a brilliant and wonderful lady. Please read more, and feel free to donate through the website...
OH, and did I forget to mention the 4 BABIES that she has inside her house?!?!?!?!?! My dream... holding baby monkeys. They were too too too precious : ) On my right was Emma (about 5 months) and on my left was Jerry (about 3 months). I cannot even believe I got to hold these little creatures! Truly amazing.
Apparently Jerry didn't want me to leave either. He was holding on to my hair! I didn't even have to hold him, he was doing all the work!!! Great day.
Don't ask me what my plan is, because I do not know : )
It seems as though any time I plan something, and am okay with the decision, something gets changed.
SO... I am going to stop planning, and just live.
I got hired at that spa! It is just part time though, which I have decided is perfect. I enjoy the benefits of being an employee, and only have to work 3 days a week : )
Still enjoying life down here. Don't think that will change.
Nothing really more to update about right now, which is okay, because I don't have time.
I am still living, which I am sure, is what most of you care about most. Or at least I hope.
Sending all my love to you guys out there, especially my family! Tell my mom that I love and miss her! Cannot believe I am missing my sisters belly grow and grow, but being able to see her via skype (along with some more of you) has been the cure to any homesick-ness.
Rae is aaaaalmost done with the Let Your Yoga Dance training. Tomorrow is her graduation! The twins and I were lucky enough to attend a practice teach session the other day! Let me tell you… it was an experience! Our instructors lead us through the 7 shakras (sp?) in our body, using a different song for each one. The music built up to a big dance party, with scarves (you know that I was in heaven) and a big dance circle, and then calmed back down to a slow meditation and cool down. It was pretty eccentric, and you definitely had to not care about what other people thought, and really just let loose. It is something that I couldn’t do every day, but it was fun, and a good work out for sure! The twins loved it too, which was so cool to see. They thought it was really fun, and saw a different side of yoga.
It was amazing to see Rae in her element here. Although we live together, we don’t really see each other that much. She is so busy with class, and I have been exploring on my own time, and we haven’t connected. We had to even set a date for breakfast last Saturday, and no one else was invited! That was fun. But, what I was saying was, that it was so amazing to see what she has been practicing, and Rae in her yoga element, is beautiful. She has this gentle, hermosa, caring ora around her. Her voice and presence could calm anyone; yet brighten the room at the same time. You can tell that everyone in the program really respects her. She has made a name for herself in the institute, and it is a good one.
It is like when Bridget came down here. Gosh, I wish I could have been here for that. But I remember when she came home, I was still wondering about this whole yogi thing, and wasn’t sure what taking a class from her would be like. I remember taking my first class from her, and thinking, man…she really is good at this! You could tell that she was so happy doing it, and sharing with other people what she loves, and what she learned, was exactly what she wanted to be doing! I can’t wait until we are all together again, and they can both surround me with their yogi-ness. And then, I can cook afterward, because apparently that is all I’m good for here! I really need to get my own hobby, one that doesn’t involve ingesting calories.
Nelson had given a lesson to a Canadian couple (well, he gave Todd a lesson, while Christian-another instructor- gave Lise a lesson), and he just spoke so highly of them. Actually, he didn’t stop talking about them for a while. They happened to be at the Harbor Reef restaurant on Saturday, when we went there. He was so cute, he called me over, and told me that he wanted me to meet Todd and Lise. That they were his clients, and they were good people. We were all kind of chatting, Nelson wandered off to say hi to someone, and Todd and Lise started telling me how much Nelson adores me. They said that during Todd’s lesson he told him about my life, and where I was from, and that I wanted to stay here longer, and how I extended my trip, and that I wanted to extend it again, and that I am learning Spanish, and that he wants to teach me to surf, etc…etc. They decided that if he was telling complete strangers all of that, he must really adore me :) What a guy.
We ended up talking them into going to the Tropi that night. I told them they needed to experience it at least once, and they were in! We rode with them, and Rae, Justin, James, and Lucy all rode in the taxi. We had a lot of fun dancing the night away! Todd and Lise left early, and gave Rae a ride home. Nelson, Lucy, James and I all hitched home with some guys from Connecticut (small world). Although the ride home was awesome, and totally generous, it wasn’t the most pleasant. It was like being in a van full of drunken immature American college boys. We all were so annoyed, when we got out of the car we just screamed! So stimulating. It once again, showed us the difference in this place. It is so tranquilla (chilllllled out… a common word used here, just to remind people to take it easy!)
Rae and I went to an ashtonga (sp?) yoga class on Sunday morning. A man named Karl taught it, he is a freak of nature. He was just a little ball of muscle and energy. He would tell us to do something, that looked nearly impossible, and I just laughed and said, “okay.. yeah.. right.” But, it is always good to test your body like that. It was a great way to start the day!
On Monday, Nelson and I went to dinner with Todd and Lise. We tried to go to this really pretty place on a mountain, where you could see the sunset, right at the mouth of the Nosara River. The place had been reserved for two weeks. We just got a drink, and headed into central Nosara town, and went to a place called Rancho Tico instead. Although the other place was really beautiful, it is always fun to go to the local joints! Nothing better. We also went beach hoping with them yesterday. We drove an hour or so to a beach called Marbella. It has ridiculous huge amazing waves. Naturally, Lise and I laid on the beach, and took pictures of the boys surfing. Todd was a trooper. He maybe shouldn’t have been out there, but he took the wipeouts like a champ. It was all worth it to him though! The two waves that he caught and rode put him on cloud 9! Nelson, of course, was out there for two hours. Freak. We headed back, and stopped to eat at a little place along the road. It was such a pretty drive. Although it felt like we were driving on dirt and gravel the whole time… oh wait, we were! After lunch, we went to a beach called San Juanillo. It was BEAUTIFUL. Looked like the Caribbean. No surfing there.. shoot, dang. We snorkeled a bit though! Then we made the final stretch home! It was a nice day, spent with some really nice people!
The job at the Spa fell through :( I guess that the day after I applied, a Tica (local girl) applied, and they have to honor her “local-ness”. It was really unfortunate; I was really looking forward to that job. Tammy said that she really liked everything I had to offer, and that she wanted to hire me so badly, but that she wasn’t able to. She said that she would keep me in mind though, cause she would love to have me on her team! I am still searching around, to see where I could make a living here. I am not sure what that means for my return date, but I am not worried about that right now. The more I think about it, I worry, and get anxious, which is not okay here. Remember… tranquilla! So I am just taking it one day at a time, and think that it will all work out. Because, here, it usually does.
Don’t worry mom/all my parental units out there, I am not going to stay here forever! Not sure if I could anyways. No matter when I come home, I will come back at some point, so don’t be shocked when I do. Just think of it like this… what a good excuse for all of you to have someone to visit in Costa Rica. And by that time, I will know this coast like the back of my hand! You will have your own built in tour guide. And if I don’t know everything by then, I sure know some people that do!
Pura Vida mis amigos…Pura Vida.
The breakfast I made for Rae for our date last Saturday :) Mmmmmm.
Nelson, James, Lucy, and Justin riding on top of the Canadian's rented Jimmy. We have been comparing it to a roller skate. It is pretty much the same size, and shaped the same!! Don't worry, we didn't drive that far like this.
Rae and Lucy at the Tropi!! Yup...first ones on the dance floor :)
Nelson, Todd, and Lise!
Nelson and Maggie at the Tropi! Don't make fun of me for being sweaty.. because EVERYONE already does.
In central Nosara town for a local futbol game!
Jackson and Romeo (Row-may-oh). Neighbor kids hangin' out at our place, and skateboarding with the twins on our porch!
The sunset on Valentines day. At the really pretty place that we couldn't eat at. But, this was good enough!
Maggie- "James... give me your excited face..."
Maggie- "Justin...give me your excited face..."
*You think they are twins, or what? Justin didn't even see James do that pose!
The boys expressing themselves with scarves. They MIGHT shoot me for posting this...but it will be worth it :)
On our way to the sunset on Saturday with a little somethin' somethin' fun to drink!!
Hmm.. seems to be a pattern here. Weird..pictures of Maggie eating!
well. isn't that just the cutest thing you've ever seen?
actually, this might be. not sure. Lucy and James at the sunset on Monday!
Maggie, Jasper, and Justin! Jasper's last sunset :( We miss you!!!
Doing my housewife duties in our new cute little casita!
This is why we wear head lamps here in the jungle. When Rae was walking back from yoga, she had forgotten her head lamp, and fell. Dr. James Harris decided he would take care of her! cute.
The front of our casita duplex. The twins are number 4, and we are number 3- down a little farther! Hammocks in front, and a sweet bench. We each have a table and two chairs, and a little yard in front!
Justin. Drinking his 40, and playing our new game (doesn't have a name yet). Sweet action shot, compliments of James.
shocking- taking pictures of myself. But it was a cool shot in the window above the boy's casita!
Took our first ride on Nelson's new motorcycle (again, don't tell mom) to Playa Pelada for the sunset!
Searching for seashells!
I bet you didn't know that The Red Lion had a hotel in Playa Pelada, CR. did ya?
...what happens when you tell Maggie that you don't think she can climb a tree?... this does!
I could be wrong, but I'm pretty sure that I am saying something along the lines of... "QUE PASA AHORA...B*****?"
Well… for those of you who haven’t heard… I think I got a job! It is a 95% for sure thing, and I will find out on Monday for sure. It could just be for the remainder of my time here, or it could turn into something more, if I choose to return. It is in the reception at a spa here. It is called the Healing Center, and is located in the Harmony Hotel. One of the nicest hotels here, which is actually owned by the heir of the Johnson & Johnson Company. Lucy nanny’s for the family, and told me about the job. Noooooo, I have not told mom yet, so please don’t. I don’t want her to worry. I will let you know more, when I know more! There is still the possibility of going to Spain as well. So, that is not out of the picture yet either.
I am DONE with Spanish classes : ) NO- I am not fluent. HOWEVER- I comprehend most everything people say, and can hold most any present tense conversation with someone. As far as the past and future, I can talk about common things, but I still have many, many, many palabras to memorize, and mucho, mucho, mucho practice is still needed. I have no regrets about it, and know it was worth every penny. AND, I only missed 2/20 classes. GOOOO me! I met some really cool people, and some may just even be life long friends! I was just emailing with Trevor (the kid that lived in Wenatchee before) and he was telling me how he wonders why he even left here, and how I need to enjoy every second, because he wishes he was still here. I am definitely taking that advice! The two owners (Marco and Shannon) are both very nice guys. Marco is from San Jose, originally, and has lived here for 6 years (I think). He has a cute baby with his Gringa companion- Joy (whom I have not met yet but have only heard amazing things about her). Shannon is from California, and lives between here and there with his wife and 2 kids (I think just two). I really enjoyed all three of my teachers- Kattia, Vivian, and Sylvia!
Rae finished her 200-hr teacher training certification, and actually graduated. I will take some credit for waking her up in the morning. I know, weird, right? I was the one that was waking HER up for class at 6 o’clock in the morning. It may be, because I am an old woman at heart, and go to bed around 10 every night…but that is beside the point. I have this internal alarm for 5:30 a.m. now. Something new in my life! Anyways, Rachael just started a second 100-hr training called, Let Your Yoga Dance! It is a two-week course, and after that, she is continuing to train, and take a 100-hr Pranassage training. Yes, she will be living in Wenatchee, if anyone would like private or group session, she will be available to teach!
We had to say bye to Jasper and his parents the other day : ( and we all really miss them! They headed back to colder weather in WA DC. We were discussing how even though we only knew them for a month or so, maybe even less, we felt like we knew them forever. It is like that with everyone here. Seriously, we hang out with the twins everyday, and Jasper too, when he was here. Its like family…it is amazing. The twins and I play the cousin card, and I told them I’d be their wingman. They didn’t believe me, because they said that girls usually just say that and never follow through, but after they realized that I really was serious, and that I have the mind of a 13-year-old boy, they knew I was the perfect wingman or wing woman. James (dreads) and I decided that it is too bad that we established the cousin relationship, and that we both are occupied here with other people, because we really were meant to be. Get this… he HATES sharing DAIRY with SPOONS. I just about fainted…enough said.
The other day the twins and I were really bored. Rae was at yoga, Nelson was at work, Lucy was at home (all the people we hang out with). They were all busy, and us, well, we had nothing to do. So…NATURALLY, we bought 40’s, and created a game. We made bean bags with socks and beans, and each of us stood in front of a pot, and tried to toss the bean bags in the other people’s pots. If you made it, they drank 3. If you hit the pot, they drank 1. And, if you missed it completely, you drank 1. What a GREAT day right? Blaring music, standing in our “front yard”, getting tan, drinking beer, living the Costa life! We could never be bored here.
I got the wart on my knee removed. When we decided to extend our stay, I figured I needed to get rid of it, because it was not going anywhere, and I was sick of wearing Band-Aids over it. They don’t have the freezing or burning technology here, so the doctor surgically removed it. He just numbed the area, and cut it right out. GROSS. You should have seen it! I asked to see it when he was done. He thought that was weird, but showed me anyways! I had 2 stitches, and couldn’t exercise (dang it) or go in the water for 5 days. Yesterday was the 8th day, and I couldn’t stand having the stitches in for the full 12, so I insisted he remove them J. He was surprised that it was healed, and didn’t really want to take them out, but he said it was up to me, and I said do it! I am now stitch less, and wart less.
When I was in my interview with Tammy, from the Healing Center, I was telling her about my bug bites. I think I have been bit by everything, except scorpions, snakes, and bed bugs. ANY other insect and bug that is able to bite, has had a taste of me. Mosquito bites everywhere (shocking, I know), 17 ant bites on my left foot, etc. I will have beautiful scars from my waist down…so much for my leg and foot modeling days…right?
For those of you who DIDN’T know, last Sunday was Bob Marley’s birthday…big deal down here. Naturally, we celebrated Saturday, with a night at La Banana.
Que mas?! Oh… I know that everyone is curious about this Nelson character. Maggie…boyfriend?...noooo, never. : ) All I can say, is that I am MORE than happy here. Nelson is a really good guy, and we have so much fun together…or in his words, “I have passed many fun times with you.” Cute. My love for this place is NOT just based on Nelson, he just happens to be a bonus. I have not lost sight of reality, nor who I am. I have only gained confidence, experience, and amazing memories. What does the future hold? Who knows, and who cares. All I know is that I am living. I am living my life, and am really happy doing it.
When will I be home? Well, I can only stay here for 90 days at a time. So If I am able to extend it again, I will be home around April 6th at the latest. I miss so many things about home, and can’t wait to see the faces of the people that I love, and have loved and supported me.
Don’t worry about me down here. Especially you mom! I am juuuuuuuust fine. : )
p.s. good luck to Katie and Adam today! Can’t wait to hear the big news!!
raaaaasta. you know...like when I was little, "Daddy, I want one!" or usually two.
James, Justin, and Jasper. The twins from Connecticut and another friend. No.. he is not John Mayer, don't worry. We had a pot luck at Jasper/his parent's house before the Yogi's Graduation.
The center alter at the graduation ceremony.
ohhhhh.. the Tropi. what a place! So I'm not sure if Nelson was trying to take my beer from me, or spin me around. It is apparent that either way, I was just in my own world, and didn't care. :)
