I remember talking to Jeff (who came to Costa Rica a month earlier than I did, but is in the same program) and him telling me just how weird things felt. I was still in my post-arrival awe for a city with mountains and no named streets and didn't really know what it would be like once I, too, had been there almost two months.
Now I know: it's weird.
Like today, I woke up to a someone calling my phone for the person who had it before me (this happens several times a day). Laid in bed for forever because my whole body hurt after weights in aerobics yesterday. I have been super tired lately and it's just so hard to get moving on days I don't have class. Finally got out of bed, breakfasted and got ready and caught the Vargas Araya bus that took like three times longer than usual. The bus driver just pulled over and let people pass while he talked on his phone. Realized I left my own phone at home. About had a nervous breakdown I was going to get mugged (Where did that come from? I always feel safe in Sabanilla and today was not any different). Was super late to meet people at the mall to go to the Grupo de Kansas barbeque, and was therefore left behind, got on another bus and realized I didn't know where I was or where I was going. Freaked out more. Luckily, saw Veronica and Danielle walking down the sidewalk — what are the chances — and jumped out of the bus door (should've seen the driver's face) and ran over to them.
Crisis averted, but I was way on edge.
Two hours later we finally made it to the barbeque, which by the way was wonderful! Zaida has a gorgeous house out in Tres Rios, which is east of the city. I played Pit and Bananagrams and laughed and snuggled and ate grilled mushroom burgers and it was such a wonderful afternoon, really.
Then I got super grumpy walking home — it was drizzling. My shoes are all broken so it was hard to walk. And I didn't want to pay for my fifth bus of the day. And I didn't want to walk with the big group. And ugh! I was exhausted and in a terrible mood.
Then I got home to a house FULL of people because three pastors from Atlanta are here to partner with my family's church! I knew they were having a dinner party, but missed this in translation. At first I was kind of frustrated because it meant I couldn't just relax after the day. But I got to chat in English since the Atlantans didn't know much Spanish and I realized that my English skills in talking to authority figures in formal situations has certainly deteriorated. One of the guys wanted to talk about Worlds of Fun and I had just no idea where to go with that. ("Oh, you're from KC?! How's that amusement park?") So I went upstairs and played Wii with Sara and Josue (a guy from the church who is in high school). And that ended up being great fun! I was super relaxed and so had no problems with joking and chatting in Spanish, which is usually a challenge for me and something I have worked on. It was super rewarding.
Now I am laying in bed, absolutely exhausted. I can't figure out if today was a good day or not. I mean, it really was, but I am just in a weird place in my Costa Rica transitioning. Hopefully if you made it until this part of the post, you understand that a little better... or at least know what a normal Friday looks like for me. That is to say, every day is an adventure.
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