I could get used to this!

Here I am again today. Now just know that I'm posting more than once today because I was too tired to post yesterday and I have time! Once school starts I doubt they'll be coming two in one day ;)

Anyways! Hoy!

Woke up at 7:45a. Definitely got close to 11 hours of sleep. It felt wonderful! Not only was I tired from traveling, but from processing all the Spanish that was being thrown at me. I wanted so desperately to understand what my Tican family was saying to me, that I was concentrating extra hard. Making my brain work that hard was a struggle.

Deciding what to wear was interesting as well. I know that shorts are uncommon in the city but I knew it would be hot. So I opted for jeans, flip flops, and a Nike dri-fit T. Vanessa made us a breakfast of scrambled eggs with cheese, bread, juice, and a banana. I definitely had a good breakfast! Manuela and I were just like in awe of how good something so simple could taste.

After breakfast, Tyrone walked with us to the ISA office for our orientation at 9:30a. Both Vanessa and Tyrone told us not to be scared, it was safe, but just to watchful. The walk actually wasn't bad and San Jose is just gorgeous! Walking back and forth to school will be so fun everyday! Exercise and beauty all in one!

We got to the ISA office and met like 30 other students who are in our program with us. Everyone was so friendly and excited to be there. I have a feeling we will all  get along great because everyone is pumped to do everything! We learned a lot about safety, dos and don'ts of the program, and (most important to all of the students) all the excursions we get to go on!
Sidenote:
One thing I didn't know is that Dengue is popping up a lot lately. They informed us about it and told us to use bug spray. Well, as I was sitting in my room around 2, this mosquito kept biting me! Like 3 times in different spots! But I tried with no avail to kill it! Little bugger was devious. I wasn't aware that I needed bug spray..let alone in the house! Ugh. However, on a lighter note, I killed it. YES! No Dengue for me!

Back to the fun stuff though! We go on three planned excursions in October. Manuel Antonio, Arenal Volcano, and Playa Tomarindo. Manuel Antonio is a National Park that has a waterfall you can swim in. Arenal Volcano is an active volcano that we get to tourn. Playa Tomarindo is a beach on the Pacific coast. Not only do we get to see all the beauty Costa Rica has to offer..we get to stay in 4 and 5 start resorts while we do it. Talk about freaking sweet! To say that we were all overjoyed about that is an understatement!

When orientation was done, it was about 10:30a. But the thing is, I was so tired! You're probably thinking-for real, Allie? Yes. I didn't realize how much a new environment, a "new" language, and new people would tire me out. Some people went to the mall, but a few of us just went home because we're up for exploring but it's like our second day. I'm not about to go somewhere completely unknown with a bunch of foreigners ha. I need smaller doses of immersion in the beginning! Manuela and I ended up going home and then out to eat at Pizza Mira, which is down the street from our house. I felt bad because I have no Colónes yet so she had to pay. But I mean we're roommates..I'll pay her back :) We got a huge pizza and 3L pop for about c9500 which is like $18. Sitting there and eating was so great! We talked about everything under the sun while soaking in the awesomeness that is San Jose. Knowing that this is home for 4 months, isn't so scary...es muy tranquillo :) Plus, Manuela and I get along great! Pretty sure we're about to be Maid of Honor status by the end of this trip! It's so nice to have someone who understand's the nervousness but excitement and know I'm not alone! 

Not only did we eat, we went on a walk to take some pictures. I wanted so badly to take pictures at the pizza place, but we already stuck out like sore thumbs, we didn't want to give people another reason to stare! So unfortunately, no pictures of pizza :(

Walking though, we got a couple cool ones. The mountains are visible along the horizon and it's breathtaking-even though it was cloudy this afternoon (like it will be most days). It did start raining while we were walking back to our casa. Thankfully, we were prepared with umbrellas! 
Here is the outside of our house, as well as some pictures from our walk to la ISA officina:
And just so you're aware, all houses have these gates (of some sort) around their houses. Don't be alarmed by the gates or barbed wire. It's pretty typical! Just because of the petty theft, they have to be protective of their homes! But no worries, I'm safe here..we wouldn't be here if we wouldn't be able to be safe!

So the gecko is in there as kind of a joke. They told us that geckos run around and not to be scared of them. When I was walking in the kitchen, I saw something out the corner of my eye. They weren't lying about the geckos! Haha. 

 I'll add more pictures of the house eventually but for real, this house is a) cute and b) huge! There is 6 rooms, 2 bathrooms, a big kitchen, laundry room, and like an out door patio/backyard. I LOVE IT! 

When we got back from our walk, we just chilled for a bit until the family got home. Vanessa started making supper and I didn't think I would be hungry, but once I smelled it, I knew I would be aok eating again!
Before eating, we met some of Valeria's friends (who spoke very good English). 
The food that Vanessa cooked was like unbelievably delicious! Manuela and I like scarf down whatever she puts in front of us because it's QUE RICO! 

Manuela with our supper! Fried plantains, some type of beef, mashed potatoes, and rice. SO YUMMY!

I'm just laughing as I write this because my family is so loud and expressive..all the time. They have Valeria's friends over right now and they are just talking in Spanish so quickly it's nearly impossible to understand but it's so funny! I love being around all of the warmth and friendliness. If this is how it will be, I can definitely get used to it :) But I hope you all understand how fast they speak. It's like it gets faster and louder as the night goes on! Not bad..just different! I just hope soon I can partake and understand said gatherings!

There was one more thing Vanessa had us try before we went to our rooms for the night. It's like egg and spaghetti and cheese. Again, yummy!

Well peeps, it's about 9:15p and I'm exhausted. That's my day in a nutshell. Everything is so new and exciting and I am just so thankful for every moment I am here! 

Thanks for reading!

Olive Juice Amor, xo :)

Allie

El Primer Día de San Jose

Before even starting, I know this post is going to be long. Don't say you weren't warned!
Also fair warning, because I am here to learn Spanish, I might use some Spanish words when writing. That is why I have the Google translator app on the side :)

Ayura

When I last left you, I was sitting at the gate. I sat there in total for about 3 hours, just hanging out. I probably should have eaten more but I was so nervous, a $5 cup of yogurt and my almonds were all I could manage! While sitting there I met 2 girls who were also studying abroad but through a different program and they would be living in Heredia, which is North of San Jose. One had been abroad in Mexico for 10 months before (Karigan) while the other had only been to Spain for a month (Courtney). It was very helpful to have them along, especially Karigan who spoke Spanish well. She was a ton of help at the San Jose airport. Finding people to kind of connect with on my flight was a blessing because I don't think I would have known what to do had I been alone! Well, I could have figured it out-but it's nice to have other people to look stupid with ;)

The flight to San Jose was pretty seamless. I got a window seat (YES!) and sat next to this couple, Charlotte and Bob, who would be there for a week on vacation. Charlotte liked to talk..a lot. But it was cute to listen to her stories and how excited she was for me! I did get some sleep in between stories and when I woke up-we were flying over Costa Rica! People-IT WAS BEAUTIFUL. I saw a volcano (I'm pretty sure) and my jaw dropped. I thought to myself, this is home for 4 months! Staring out my window was all I did for the 20 minutes until we landed. And when we got to the airport..it was pouring rain! But still so gorgeous!

Getting through the airport wasn't as intense as I thought it was going to be. We (Karigan, Courtney, and I) exited the plane, went through this long line of people entering the country, grabbed our bags, and went through customs all within about 30-45 minutes. Not stressful at all.

Salir de aeropuerto
Exiting the airport was like entering a different world for me. I probably looked like a little kid who can't find her mom. I was shocked! There were so many people waiting by the door with signs. People kept asking me, "Taxi? Taxi?" All I wanted to do was find the ISA sign. But straight ahead I found it!
Right away I met Andrea, one of the ISA staff here in San Jose. I also met people who were on my flight. We exchanged names and where we were from and waited for the last 2 people.

I can't describe the feelings of excitement I had! I was FINALLY in San Jose! After what had seemed like years, I had set foot in Costa Rica, ready for my adventure!

All the people I met right away (Logan, Samantha, Hilary, Andres, Miller, and Nyerre) were super friendly! Once we got the van loaded with our bags, we were on our way to Veritas to meet our host families! We all talked and got acquainted, sharing our life stories and how excited we were to be here. Going through the downtown area was so awesome! All the people and shops and activities was almost overwhelming (like this post ha). But 20 minutes later, we arrived at Veritas.

After we got out of the van, it was like chaos! Our Tico families were there to pick us up and grab our bags and take us to our homes, right away! I hadn't even gotten my bearings when my Tica mom, Vanessa, came up to me like, "Alexandra!? Hola, como estas!?" With no time to even think, I had to draw upon what little Spanish skills I had!
*Pause* Seriously guys, I did not expect this quick of a transition. But then again, I told myself not to have expectations! They are going to just throw you into it and you best be ready! (They being my family) Of course they helped me out but this is their home, their country, and I better adapt quickly! Well, quicker than I expected ;)
*Resume*
I was able to answer and tell her I needed one more bag out of the van. But once we got it, we were off! I felt so rushed but excited but nervous! I met Tyrone (my Tica dad) right away, he grabbed my bag for me..how nice, and Gabriela (the middle of the host sisters) in the car. They live a couple minutes away from my University, so my roommate and I will be walking to and from school..yay!

When we got to the house, I got out and we grabbed my things and they showed me my room. Then literally right after I set my stuff down, I met my roommate Manuela Mbouma. Everything just happened so quickly! I didn't even have time to be tired! Because at this point I was running on barely any sleep.
After I met my roommate, we sat down with Vanessa to go over rules and what we did and didn't like to eat.
Get something straight-this was ALL (ALL OF IT) in Spanish! But to my surprise, just because I couldn't understand every word, I actually was able to follow along! And when Vanessa asked me, "Alexandra, comprende?" I could say, "Mas o menos" :) Luckily Manuela has years of Spanish under her belt and helped me out if I really needed to understand something.

My Tica mom is so funny! And loud and likes to talk and tell stories. I'm definitely going to fit in. Once I can speak understandable Spanish!

Not only did we go over rules, we met Alejandra (the oldest host sister) and Valeria (the youngest host sister). All three of the girls are so nice and friendly, and funny like their mom! We even met the dog, Tito, who runs around the house and really likes when you scratch his belly!

BTW, here is my room all set up!

After I had unpacked all of my things, I talked with my parents and friends and had time to chill, I was exhausted. I was about to go to sleep when Vanessa says, "No cena!?" Well I was not about to go to bed without supper! She made spaghetti and gave us pineapple juice. We also had cheese to put on top of our spaghetti and tortillas to eat. WOW. My first meal? QUE RICO! I will definitely be able to eat like this for 4 months.

While eating, we talked with Tyrone and Vanessa for a long time. We also gave them our gifts and their reactions to mine were priceless. Vanessa had always wanted a "blanco" apron. And she got one :) They loved the chocolate "river rocks" from Madelia (Thanks mom!). They were so confused at first.."Esta chocolate!?" Haha.

When it was finally about 8:30p, I was done. I was having fun and so happy/excited but my cabeza was about to rompe! Muy, muy cansada. So, at 9p I said goodnight to mi primer dia de San Jose. I look forward to the many more I have!

Thanks for reading! I'll post about today, later today! This one was getting long ha!

Olive Juice Amor, xo :)

Allie

And now I wait *bored face*

It is currently 8:11am and I'm sitting by gate E11 at the Houston, Texas airport. I have nothing to do until my flight boards in about 3 hours. Sweet right? Hmm...I can use it to tell ya'll about my flight and such!

To start, yesterday was an emotional day. Wow. I think I cried/teared up about 5 times. I also had a half panic attack in the morning. I wasn't nervous up until that point. Then after 15 minutes I was fine (and have been ever since)! However, everything worked out well! I got to see my beloved BLC Volleyball tean play..and it was EXTREMELY hard not to run out on the court. I wish them the best of luck today in the St. Olaf tourney! I went to Olive Garden for my last meal in MN, with my grandma. Endless pasta bowl!! Yum:)
I ended up going to sleep around 9p and getting up at 1a. Due to coffee consumption, I'm actually not that tired!

My grandma and I got to the airport about 2:50a and when we got to the checkin they said it would not open till 4. What is the point of making us come 2.5 hrs early for a flight if you don't open till 4?? But I was happy to say, this girl was the first in line ;)

My parents arrived shortly after to say goodbye (which I was SOOOO greatful for..thanks mom n dad!) I got my bags all checked and said bye to my family and I still wasn't nervous! I can do this!

My flight was smooth and arrived like half an hour earlier than expected which was great. I have to say I'm sad I couldn't get my window seat. I gave to a boy who was traveling by himself and thought he might want it more than I did! While I was bored most of the time I did get to see the sunrise...it was GORGEOUS! I could see that more often and not get sick of it.

So far (and hopefully I'm not speaking too soo) it had been a pretty stress free process. We'll see how customs go when I get to San Jose! There are a couple people going with the same program on my flight so maybe I'll seek them out somehow abd won't be so alone!

One thing I do want to share though is a little thing that happened while going through security. This guy behind me asked, "Are you an athlete?" To which I said yes. Then he says, "I can tell in your build that you are, you just look like one." Uhhh..thanks? Haha I mean cool that I look like the athlete I am but I didn't know what to think! Maybe the yogas and running shoes gave it away..

That's all for now! Next stop...San Jose, Costa Rica!

Olive Juice Amor, xo :)

Allie

P.S. Thank you for all the support from family and friends. My phone and facebook were blowing up with warm wishes! I appreciate every one of them! I feel so loved :)

Let the OFFICIAL countdown begin!

It is August 18th 2013. And I am freaking out. Why?
Folks, I am leaving for SAN JOSE, COSTA RICA in 15 days. 15 DAYS!! Where has the time gone? I feel as if just a few days ago I was panicking about my application to International Studies Abroad (ISA).

There are so many emotions I am experiencing. First of all, excitement, I am over the moon about getting to meet my host family! I checked out my student portal this morning. All of the important information about my host family is provided...including pictures of their home. Talk about cute! I can just feel that living there will be great from the start! My family has 5 members, all around my age and all girls. One even has the same name as I do! Yup...this is the family for me :) Oh and did I mention they have a dog? They have a dog...how perfect!
On top of being excited though, I am nervous. Never before have I been outside of the U.S. much less to a country where the native language is not English! But then other people remind me the best way to learn is to be completely immersed. Well, hopefully they are correct! I remind myself daily that I want to do this to push my limits and expand my horizons. Yeah...done and done! My mind is swimming with thoughts: What is it like going through customs? How will I know where to go? What if I don't know how to say what I need to say? How will I communicate with people right away? Will I make friends?
I probably need to stop over thinking this, but I'm a worrier. Also, this will be my first time flying alone...and I'm going out of the Country? Good thing I try not to let fear get the best of me..or I might be re-thinking this trip ;) Even though I am nervous, my excitement overwhelms me and I calm down. But if anyone has any advice...or wants to accompany me :)..I am always open for it!
Another emotion that is mixed in with excitement and nervousness? Sadness. Not at all because of where I am going, but in things I will miss at home. I play volleyball for Bethany Lutheran College and will be missing the start of a new program this year. We have a new coach, John Olmanson (who is awesome!), and I feel the program will start it's upward turn this year. To be missing that is heartbreaking. But I wish my fellow teammates the best with their season! All I ask for is the big W over MLC! Missing the first part of the season for basketball is also hard...but not as tough because I'll be back for conference play. Good luck in pre-conference ladies (and gentlemen-for the boys team)! being sad about missing sports is not all...I will miss my friends, family, and school. SO MUCH! They keep my life in balance and it is already so odd for them to be starting their fall routines again. I'm over here, just preparing for the next 4 months and whatnot. Don't miss me too much people!

While there are about a billion other emotions storming, the biggest? Feeling completely BLESSED.
I get to finally have an adventure of a lifetime, completely unique to me. And what's better? This is something I decided to go out and do with no one else telling me to. Going abroad is about me and improving myself. Learning about myself and living life to the fullest extent. How blessed am I (and the other people going) to have this opportunity? Have to give my praises to the man upstairs for this one! Without Him, none of this would be possible.
I realized how blessed I am to have emotions like excitement, nervousness, and sadness. It means I have something to look forward to, I truly care about this experience, and I have people here who love and support me-who are a huge part of my life, to miss! Wow. What an eye-opening realization.

15 days? I am more than ready. Let's do this! Now I just have to figure out what to pack...

Olive Juice Amor, xo :)

Allie

P.S.
      Thinking about studying abroad or just want more information? Visit http://www.studiesabroad.com for more information about ISA, the program I used to study abroad. They are very helpful and friendly, every single step of the way!
      Want to check out Bethany Lutheran College Athletics? Visit http://www.blc.edu/athletics to follow my volleyball and basketball teams with their seasons! Some of our games are available to stream online!