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

The Great MINNESOTA Get Together

It's that time again, people! STATE FAIR! Where you go to eat your food deep fried and on a stick. Doesn't get much better than that! This year my family and I went on Sunday August 25th. And might I say..it was HOT and HUMID. But I'm not complaining one bit. Despite the fact we sweat the whole time we were there.
Two years ago I brought my friend Jessica from Arizona. I feel it's important to expose everyone who hasn't gone, that I know, to the wonder that is the MN State Fair. That is why this year, I took one of my best friends from college, Emilie. She was pumped to go..and I definitely warned her to bring her appetite because we would be eating. All.Day.Long.
The thing is, I'm not joking. We ate all day. There were times when I thought my gut would explode from the amount of food and beverages I consumed.
To document, we took pictures of everything we ate. From 10am till 9pm..11 hours of walking, eating, and sweating..but having tons of fun...here is our State Fair experience in pictures!

The start of our day..EJ's first time at the fair! She was a little overwhelmed when we walked in. Lots of people! 

 First food of the day! I had a cinnamon roll and EJ had cheese curds. She's lactose intolerant..that didn't go well for her the rest of the day! After the cinnamon roll, I also had a bite of my dad's wild rice burger..mmm delicious!

 Up next for EJ was the foot long hot dog. Yes, I did have a bit as well! 

 No, this isn't food. But the dog was just SO cute :)

 Needed some "real" food..a break from sweet. Went for a classic-Pronto Pup!

I'm sensing a theme with dogs...

 Can't leave the fair without something deep fried and on a stick. So Reeses it was! YUM!

 I just love horses so much. Pretty Freisians!

 This boar though. HUGE! The biggest pig type animal I have EVER seen. 1,045lbs. Wow.

 It is a must if you go to the State Fair. Sweet Martha's cookies! But you have to eat them right away. And then hit up the all you can drink milk. Perfect combo.

 I just like baby piglets, ok? They're so freaking cute!

 Yes, I'm a fatty and double-fisting. While holding the rest of our cookies. At this point I was going to be done eating...

 Until I decided I needed to try sweet corn ice cream..which is actually pretty good!

EJ and my brother even got some corn toss in at the U of M booth. I was still recovering from my food coma.

I forgot to take a picture while eating a malt from the dairy building, so I had one of those too! Along with the last couple bites of my dad's BBQ brisket. Yeah..food coma..

Despite walking and sweating the State Fair was a great day with friends and family. If you haven't gone yet, GO. NOW! There are a million food options and activities. Always a worthwhile experience :)

That's all for now! Xo,

Allie :)