OH man i am really getting the hang of this whole "SMURFING" thing. This morning I got up at 630am and had breakfast with Bianca and went for a long morning surf. The waves werent that great but I caught a couple of good ones! Yesterday was amazing- Marilyn and I went to this natural piscina on a rock shelf near Mal Pais. We rode bikes out to this natural pool that was filled with tiny yellow fish. The fish werent scared of us at and would just swim up to us and check us out. We had an amazing view of the ocean and we watched a whale breach! It was Marilyns first time to see a whale, and she was super excited. Then we rode bikes to where the fisherman return their boats and bought two HUGE red snapper for 5000 colones- which is just under ten dollars. The fisherman cut the fish for us and we took home a bag of filets- which was about 3.5 kilos and another bag with the bones, heads and fins. After an evening surf Bianca, Marilyn and I cooked up a storm. We made snapper in coconut milk with onions and garlic, a HUGE ensalada, mashed potatoes and rice with vegtables. We ran out of propane half way through cooking but the boys saved the day and went to fetch us more. We ate so much amazing food!!! Tonight Im going to attempt to make soup out of the fish heads and the remaining fish - bones and all. I hope it turns out but my buddy Palomillo said he would give me some pointers. After our feast last night Bianca and I rode bikes down the bumpy dusty road that we have grown to love... potholes and all.
The waves arent any good right now but im hoping that they will get better in an hour or so... then im off to surf till sunset, make fishead soup and tonight my roommate Marilyn (aka DJ Nightnurse!!) will play reggae music at our favorite local bar- La Lora Amarillo.
Not sure if ive mentioned it - but there is a family of howler monkeys that lives in the tree directly in front of our house. They are SO amazing- almost feline in the way that they crawl around on the branches. Furthermore, they have the most ferocious howl and its so cool to wake up to in the morning. They howl when anyone rides by on a motorcycle. Its so cool from the beach you can hear a motorcycle riding by on the road and then a ton of howler monkeys going crazy!!!
Other than that... all is well in Santa Teresa.
Saturday, September 26, 2009
Monday, September 21, 2009
POST SCRIPT
My favorite FAVORITE thing about nicaragua is that everyone in the streets at any given time of day, say QUE LA VERGA!!! which literally means ¨what the dick???¨. i translated it to say ¨WTF????¨
ANYONE from little children in the street playing soccer at like 11pm to the amazing old short and round ladies in the mercados- abuelas, oh AND DONT FORGET the old men on the dirt roads with 2 machetes and no shirt- they all say it all day long.
A TIP- Whenever you are mad and want to swear but its just not appropriate (aka approp´s -for the keeg job) just yell QUE LA VERGA. All will be well.
ANYONE from little children in the street playing soccer at like 11pm to the amazing old short and round ladies in the mercados- abuelas, oh AND DONT FORGET the old men on the dirt roads with 2 machetes and no shirt- they all say it all day long.
A TIP- Whenever you are mad and want to swear but its just not appropriate (aka approp´s -for the keeg job) just yell QUE LA VERGA. All will be well.
HOME SWEET HOME
Oh man im so happy to be back in BEAUTIFUL santa teresa. Bianca and I are sharing a room for 100 bucks per month and I recently purchased an old rusty bicycle from my good friend Mariano. I spray painted it black and aquamarine and have already found some amazing stickers for my bicicleta. Her name is Wipeout- because sometimes the chain falls off and I have to bail off my bike and hope for the best. So far, my wipeouts have been minimal.
Marilyn is our other roommate and she is amazing. She is a reggae DJ and the sister of a good friend of mine- so it all works out. Theres a lot of crime in Santa Teresa, but no one is going to mess with Marilyn because her brother is one of the crazy rastas that im sure ive described before. For a lack of better words, there is like this gang of rastas that are always getting into trouble and pretty much run the town of Santa Teresa. My friend Pilar described them once and i think she put it perfectly, ¨they are wonderful- amazing guys, but you have to remember that they are thieves¨. Personally, I love those guys- when they are being well behaved. I was robbed my first week in Santa Teresa- but im pretty sure i know exactly who did it and these days- when I leave alone at night he always offers to walk me home or tells me to ¨pasar con cuidado muneca¨. Its funny what a little bit of time does for you in any small town. It also helps that the boys know that i have no personal belongings of any worth to them. For the record- never bring a laptop to a foriegn country- everyone i know who has had one has lost it to thieves.
I played video games for like 6 hours yesterday- thats something i havent done in forever. The town is so amazing when its empty- kind of like Boulder in the summertime- when all of the college kids leave and the town resumes its form. Im back in my routine of running and yoga- but theres a HUGE swell in these days and every day someone breaks a board or a leash or has some catastrophe- so I stick to swimming or just surfing in the whitewater.
Im about to head off to Flor Blanca- another place that makes me feel so at home. The only person missing is my good friend Antonio- who i miss every day. Theres literally no one staying at Flor Blanca tonight so Im off to hit the gym with my buddy Will and then were thinking about having a pool party. ¿Porque No? Ive managed to master this balance between spending my time at the most exclusive hotel in Costa Rica and the rest with the scrappiest bunch i could possibly find- all located within a few kilometers of one another.
Oh and I found 7 sand dollars yesterday on the beach, but being the ECOFRIENDLY chica that I am, I obviously left them for nature. Today I ran for like 2 hours across at least 6 beaches and found even more. AMAZING. This time of year it should be monsoons all the time- but for some reason, its bright and sunny and beautiful every day.
Favorite music right now
This amazing reggae song ¨i dont wanna love you more¨- by some guy from San Jose, ill find out the specifics cuz its the best song ever.
Julieta Venegas
Los Perricos
Calle 13
Marilyn is our other roommate and she is amazing. She is a reggae DJ and the sister of a good friend of mine- so it all works out. Theres a lot of crime in Santa Teresa, but no one is going to mess with Marilyn because her brother is one of the crazy rastas that im sure ive described before. For a lack of better words, there is like this gang of rastas that are always getting into trouble and pretty much run the town of Santa Teresa. My friend Pilar described them once and i think she put it perfectly, ¨they are wonderful- amazing guys, but you have to remember that they are thieves¨. Personally, I love those guys- when they are being well behaved. I was robbed my first week in Santa Teresa- but im pretty sure i know exactly who did it and these days- when I leave alone at night he always offers to walk me home or tells me to ¨pasar con cuidado muneca¨. Its funny what a little bit of time does for you in any small town. It also helps that the boys know that i have no personal belongings of any worth to them. For the record- never bring a laptop to a foriegn country- everyone i know who has had one has lost it to thieves.
I played video games for like 6 hours yesterday- thats something i havent done in forever. The town is so amazing when its empty- kind of like Boulder in the summertime- when all of the college kids leave and the town resumes its form. Im back in my routine of running and yoga- but theres a HUGE swell in these days and every day someone breaks a board or a leash or has some catastrophe- so I stick to swimming or just surfing in the whitewater.
Im about to head off to Flor Blanca- another place that makes me feel so at home. The only person missing is my good friend Antonio- who i miss every day. Theres literally no one staying at Flor Blanca tonight so Im off to hit the gym with my buddy Will and then were thinking about having a pool party. ¿Porque No? Ive managed to master this balance between spending my time at the most exclusive hotel in Costa Rica and the rest with the scrappiest bunch i could possibly find- all located within a few kilometers of one another.
Oh and I found 7 sand dollars yesterday on the beach, but being the ECOFRIENDLY chica that I am, I obviously left them for nature. Today I ran for like 2 hours across at least 6 beaches and found even more. AMAZING. This time of year it should be monsoons all the time- but for some reason, its bright and sunny and beautiful every day.
Favorite music right now
This amazing reggae song ¨i dont wanna love you more¨- by some guy from San Jose, ill find out the specifics cuz its the best song ever.
Julieta Venegas
Los Perricos
Calle 13
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
NICARAGUA...
Tomorrow I am heading back to Costa Rica- and im really sad to be leaving Nicaragua. So ive decided to write about a few of the things that I love the most about San Juan Del Sur. This is in no particular order - just a few things that made me happy while i was here.
La Gente- Nicas are amazing people. I love how when I walk through the streets on every street corner someone knows who I am and asks me about my day. Everyone speaks SPANISH- in costa rica it isnt necessary to speak spanish, but here if you speak to someone in english they always respond in spanish. It has been incredible for me to learn new words and phrases just from having to speak spanish all the time.
El Mercado- theres a little mercado in town that has 3 sodas, 5 fruit stands and 4 other tiendas that sell clothes and flip flops and other random items. My favorite waitress who always sings while she works *- her singing kept me loyal to her soda where the average cost of the best meal of your life was inbetween 2 and 3 dollars. I loved eating the fresh fish and TONS of gallo pinto. Every soda in town has their own special hot sauce- and ill never forget the night that bianca cried for about 30 minutes because she devoured a ridiculous amount of the hottest picante in town. I love the aprons that the ladies in the mercado wear- I purchased one the other day and its an OBRA DE ARTE. The avocados were the best ive ever tasted and Ill miss getting DOWN on vegetable sandwiches with Bianca in our dirty kitchen at my former hostel- Rinconcita Mexicana.
Playa Maderas- I loved everything about playa maderas- the hostal tres hermanos and the guy who made tacos every day on the beach. I loved watching the sunsets every day with Koki, Enrique, Orlando, Manuel y Jose. The three hermanos- Jose, Manuel and Enrique- were pretty much my BFFs while i was there. Every day they watched my things for me and i never worried about them taking a dime off of me. The needlefish that would jump out of the water while chasing their next meal- stingrays that would swim below my board- and the perfectly clear water under my board- i would look down and see tons of fish all day long. I spent almost every day at playa maderas and i never had a bad day with the crazy locals. I loved my first few days with Jose - a different Jose- the number one longboarder in nicaragua- who helped me learn a ton about longboarding. Ill miss chilling at good times surf shop with Jose, Gilbert, Gerrardo, David and Manu (the dog named after manu chao)- playing local card games and eating pithayas and chickis cookies. Oh man im really going to miss pithayas *aka dragonfruit*. The road to maderas was long, bumpy, dusty and sometimes cars wouldnt make it up the last hill- but I loved riding in the back of a pickup truck with the locals who relied on the surf shop guys for a ride to work every day. Also the monkeys in the trees and the pigs in the streets. The cows and horses and old men on bicycles that I passed every day on my way to the beach. Ill miss drinking tonas in the afternoon with the guys and I cant wait to come back again. Ill also miss looking around and realizing that im the only girl in the waves with about 30 insanley hot surfer dudes.
Theres a huge statue of jesus on the hill to the right of the main beach in san juan del sur. Ill never forget drinking rum with max and some aussies and bianca next to the jesus statue and admiring the amazing view. Sunsets at Jesus were incredible. Ill miss my little running loop that went right below the jesus statue and back to the maderas road to town- it was about 3 kilometeres and some days i did the loop twice, other days i didnt run at all- but it was always there for me in case i needed it.
The town of San Juan has the most beautiful colors- all of the buildings are brightly painted and its generally a very clean town. Except for at night when the street dogs get into the garbage and go to town on the scraps of food. Bianca fed a street dog the scraps of her chicken- bones and all to a dog and it ate the whole things in one gulp. The dog is still alive so i guess eating chicken bones isnt the end of the world after all. Ill miss Casa Feliz- Ben and Codo were the best guys ever to live with and i always felt safe with them. Their friends were amazing, they taught me how to dance and Ill never forget the first night that I met all of them on Josue's birthday. Don Marelis and Karla- the wildest girls in nicaragua - it makes my heart hurt that im leaving them. They were always so much fun and we always seemed to get into trouble together.
La Iguana - the rowdiest bar in Nicaragua - with the most ridiculous bartenders in the world - not sure how much im going to MISS spending all of my money there- or CRAZY alberto who always hits on me, even in front of his wife... but Henry the owner is probably one of the funniest people ive ever met.
Ill miss my routine of surfing, drinking, eating, dancing and then sleeping- then waking up in the morning, grabbing my board and walking down the street looking for a ride to the beach. Also the taxi drivers that for 3 weeks, every time i walked by said "Taxi Taxi Chica?". Also the little kid that worked for the bus to rivas that would stand in the street all day and yell "Rivas Rivas Rivas!!!!".
Ill miss sneaking into the pool at Pelican Eyes and the amazing view of all of san juan del sur at sunset. Also the ridiculous australian boys that always said "BLIH"
- kind of like a throwup noise- whenever they didnt like something. Also the New Zealanders that drank copious amounts of rum every night in the hostel and only made it surfing once. Flor de Cana- the rum of nicaragua- is super cheap and amazingly tasty.
The hippies in the street- especially Juan who gave me one earring as a gift. I bought the most amazing necklace in the world from another hippy after telling him for a week that i had to have it. Hippies are very serious about their word- so one day he raised the price by ten dollars, just because it had taken me so long to purchase the necklace. We settled our little quarrell over a beer at Coquitos- the best place in san juan del sur for live music.
There are so many other things that i absolutely adore about Nicaragua - too many to think of right now, but i have a lot of time on the bus to tamarindo tomorrow and ill think of all of the other things that i love.
Needless to say, im sad to go but im ready to head back to santa teresa and hopefully i can find an apartment for at least a month. Ill keep yall posted!!!!
La Gente- Nicas are amazing people. I love how when I walk through the streets on every street corner someone knows who I am and asks me about my day. Everyone speaks SPANISH- in costa rica it isnt necessary to speak spanish, but here if you speak to someone in english they always respond in spanish. It has been incredible for me to learn new words and phrases just from having to speak spanish all the time.
El Mercado- theres a little mercado in town that has 3 sodas, 5 fruit stands and 4 other tiendas that sell clothes and flip flops and other random items. My favorite waitress who always sings while she works *- her singing kept me loyal to her soda where the average cost of the best meal of your life was inbetween 2 and 3 dollars. I loved eating the fresh fish and TONS of gallo pinto. Every soda in town has their own special hot sauce- and ill never forget the night that bianca cried for about 30 minutes because she devoured a ridiculous amount of the hottest picante in town. I love the aprons that the ladies in the mercado wear- I purchased one the other day and its an OBRA DE ARTE. The avocados were the best ive ever tasted and Ill miss getting DOWN on vegetable sandwiches with Bianca in our dirty kitchen at my former hostel- Rinconcita Mexicana.
Playa Maderas- I loved everything about playa maderas- the hostal tres hermanos and the guy who made tacos every day on the beach. I loved watching the sunsets every day with Koki, Enrique, Orlando, Manuel y Jose. The three hermanos- Jose, Manuel and Enrique- were pretty much my BFFs while i was there. Every day they watched my things for me and i never worried about them taking a dime off of me. The needlefish that would jump out of the water while chasing their next meal- stingrays that would swim below my board- and the perfectly clear water under my board- i would look down and see tons of fish all day long. I spent almost every day at playa maderas and i never had a bad day with the crazy locals. I loved my first few days with Jose - a different Jose- the number one longboarder in nicaragua- who helped me learn a ton about longboarding. Ill miss chilling at good times surf shop with Jose, Gilbert, Gerrardo, David and Manu (the dog named after manu chao)- playing local card games and eating pithayas and chickis cookies. Oh man im really going to miss pithayas *aka dragonfruit*. The road to maderas was long, bumpy, dusty and sometimes cars wouldnt make it up the last hill- but I loved riding in the back of a pickup truck with the locals who relied on the surf shop guys for a ride to work every day. Also the monkeys in the trees and the pigs in the streets. The cows and horses and old men on bicycles that I passed every day on my way to the beach. Ill miss drinking tonas in the afternoon with the guys and I cant wait to come back again. Ill also miss looking around and realizing that im the only girl in the waves with about 30 insanley hot surfer dudes.
Theres a huge statue of jesus on the hill to the right of the main beach in san juan del sur. Ill never forget drinking rum with max and some aussies and bianca next to the jesus statue and admiring the amazing view. Sunsets at Jesus were incredible. Ill miss my little running loop that went right below the jesus statue and back to the maderas road to town- it was about 3 kilometeres and some days i did the loop twice, other days i didnt run at all- but it was always there for me in case i needed it.
The town of San Juan has the most beautiful colors- all of the buildings are brightly painted and its generally a very clean town. Except for at night when the street dogs get into the garbage and go to town on the scraps of food. Bianca fed a street dog the scraps of her chicken- bones and all to a dog and it ate the whole things in one gulp. The dog is still alive so i guess eating chicken bones isnt the end of the world after all. Ill miss Casa Feliz- Ben and Codo were the best guys ever to live with and i always felt safe with them. Their friends were amazing, they taught me how to dance and Ill never forget the first night that I met all of them on Josue's birthday. Don Marelis and Karla- the wildest girls in nicaragua - it makes my heart hurt that im leaving them. They were always so much fun and we always seemed to get into trouble together.
La Iguana - the rowdiest bar in Nicaragua - with the most ridiculous bartenders in the world - not sure how much im going to MISS spending all of my money there- or CRAZY alberto who always hits on me, even in front of his wife... but Henry the owner is probably one of the funniest people ive ever met.
Ill miss my routine of surfing, drinking, eating, dancing and then sleeping- then waking up in the morning, grabbing my board and walking down the street looking for a ride to the beach. Also the taxi drivers that for 3 weeks, every time i walked by said "Taxi Taxi Chica?". Also the little kid that worked for the bus to rivas that would stand in the street all day and yell "Rivas Rivas Rivas!!!!".
Ill miss sneaking into the pool at Pelican Eyes and the amazing view of all of san juan del sur at sunset. Also the ridiculous australian boys that always said "BLIH"
- kind of like a throwup noise- whenever they didnt like something. Also the New Zealanders that drank copious amounts of rum every night in the hostel and only made it surfing once. Flor de Cana- the rum of nicaragua- is super cheap and amazingly tasty.
The hippies in the street- especially Juan who gave me one earring as a gift. I bought the most amazing necklace in the world from another hippy after telling him for a week that i had to have it. Hippies are very serious about their word- so one day he raised the price by ten dollars, just because it had taken me so long to purchase the necklace. We settled our little quarrell over a beer at Coquitos- the best place in san juan del sur for live music.
There are so many other things that i absolutely adore about Nicaragua - too many to think of right now, but i have a lot of time on the bus to tamarindo tomorrow and ill think of all of the other things that i love.
Needless to say, im sad to go but im ready to head back to santa teresa and hopefully i can find an apartment for at least a month. Ill keep yall posted!!!!
Monday, September 14, 2009
Independencia!
Im thinking about heading out of San Juan del Sur tomorrow but MAYBE the day after. Im heading over to Tamarindo to meet up with Bianca and then we are heading back to our own little piece of paradise, SANTA TERESA.
San Juan is insanely crowded with people from all over Nicaragua- I think im heading out to go surfing today because i cant really handle the crowds. However, there are a ton of celebrations all over town and ive been hearing drums since i woke up this morning. I recently purchased an amazing white and pink apron that the women in the mercado wear when they sell fruit and Im thinking that tonight ill wear it out- im going to look ridiculous, but hey WHEN IN ROME.
Ive met some amazing people in Nicaragua - and some not so amazing people as well. Im thinking about purchasing a camera today- its secondhand -aka probably was stolen from someone- but thats just the way things go around here. I would love to be able to take some pictures of the amazing places that ive been and to be able to show them to everyone would make me super happy.
For now, im off to buy a sticker for bianca and then its probably time to go surfing again. Loving life!
San Juan is insanely crowded with people from all over Nicaragua- I think im heading out to go surfing today because i cant really handle the crowds. However, there are a ton of celebrations all over town and ive been hearing drums since i woke up this morning. I recently purchased an amazing white and pink apron that the women in the mercado wear when they sell fruit and Im thinking that tonight ill wear it out- im going to look ridiculous, but hey WHEN IN ROME.
Ive met some amazing people in Nicaragua - and some not so amazing people as well. Im thinking about purchasing a camera today- its secondhand -aka probably was stolen from someone- but thats just the way things go around here. I would love to be able to take some pictures of the amazing places that ive been and to be able to show them to everyone would make me super happy.
For now, im off to buy a sticker for bianca and then its probably time to go surfing again. Loving life!
Thursday, September 10, 2009
Andys Amazing Tent Story
"I may have a Costa Rican love child, but im not sure" my good friend Andy told mne the firts night we ever hung out, eating pizza and drinking beers with our mutual friend max. "What, you have to tell me the story" I responded between bites of pizza and sips of tona.
"I cant, you are never going to see me in the same way again".
"not an issue andy, just tell the damn story".
SO IT BEGAN
"Okay so one night i was in Jaco at a bar, and I was hammered drunk and this guy came up to me and kept saying 'hey my friend really likes you and shes really cute do you want to go home with her?' and i was like umm not really dude and i kept drinking. he kept texting on his phone and saying 'come on man she really likes you' so finally i was like allright i guess ill meet this chick. so eventually i went with this guy and his girl and this other girl to the beach to drink some more beers. we ended up drinking next to their tent, which was a 2 person tent- and anyone knows that a 2 person tent is really a one person tent. so the girl, who didnt speak any english, and i didnt speak any spanish, leads me into the tent. we get inside and i look up to see the other guy and his girl in coming right behind us and following us into the tent. so i start hooking up with this girl and i look over and there are the other two, going at it- night next to us, in a tent on the beach in jaco."
"andy, did you know her name?"
"no, and my english wasnt so great at the time, so we didnt really talk at all. she just kept saying 'que rico' over and over again. it was really akward. we didnt have any protection, and i may have a costa rican love child/ some terrible disease"
"andy, thats an incredible story"
"yeah, i told you that you would see me differently from now on"
"yep, totally"
"I cant, you are never going to see me in the same way again".
"not an issue andy, just tell the damn story".
SO IT BEGAN
"Okay so one night i was in Jaco at a bar, and I was hammered drunk and this guy came up to me and kept saying 'hey my friend really likes you and shes really cute do you want to go home with her?' and i was like umm not really dude and i kept drinking. he kept texting on his phone and saying 'come on man she really likes you' so finally i was like allright i guess ill meet this chick. so eventually i went with this guy and his girl and this other girl to the beach to drink some more beers. we ended up drinking next to their tent, which was a 2 person tent- and anyone knows that a 2 person tent is really a one person tent. so the girl, who didnt speak any english, and i didnt speak any spanish, leads me into the tent. we get inside and i look up to see the other guy and his girl in coming right behind us and following us into the tent. so i start hooking up with this girl and i look over and there are the other two, going at it- night next to us, in a tent on the beach in jaco."
"andy, did you know her name?"
"no, and my english wasnt so great at the time, so we didnt really talk at all. she just kept saying 'que rico' over and over again. it was really akward. we didnt have any protection, and i may have a costa rican love child/ some terrible disease"
"andy, thats an incredible story"
"yeah, i told you that you would see me differently from now on"
"yep, totally"
Tuesday, September 8, 2009
FOOTNOTES
There have been several occasions in which i realized that I love my friend Bianca Channell Buckley - who left today for Tamarindo, CR. But in order to fully understand- you have to know a little background information on Bianca. The person she reminds me most of is Jess -an old roommate from Jackson Hole. Bianca is a little blonde girl with wild curly blonde hair and big blue eyes- she has an awesome surfer body and can eat more than anyone i know. She talks really slowly like a surfer chick- and the first time i met her i thought she was perma-stoned but soon realized that this is just how she is. She rarely drinks- and has no problem going to the bar completely sober and dancing crazier than anyone else in the bar. She used to be a ballerina- but she dances like a wild child. She has her own bizarre style that scares away the boys. Her mentality is, if she dances like a freak- the boys will leave her alone and she can dance in peace.
She and i became friends on the beach in santa teresa- we usually went running together and had a lot of the same friends. On one of my first days paddling out past the whitewater and into the big waves i looked at her and said, "i really shouldnt be out here"... she looked back at me and said "umm yeah you should, keep surfing". Bianca is out in the water every morning and isnt happy unless she gets in at least 3 surf sessions every day. Okay back to why i love this girl.
The first time i realized that i adored bianca was at Santa Teresas only REAL bar, Day and Night,on electronic night. D and N is only open 3 nights per week- they have reggae night *which is obviously the best*, salsa night and electronic night. On electronic night all of the local crazy boys do a lot of cocaine and are generally out of control. One in particular, Macho Loco, was out of his mind on this particular night and decided that I was going to be the girl for him. He was all in my face, harassing me and just not leaving me alone. If his name doesnt give you a clue, he is kind of an insane person. Bianca saw Macho Loco harassing me and looked at him and in her amazing surfer tranquila voice said "dude... she doesnt want to sleep with you, shes never going to sleep with you, I dont want to sleep with you, why dont you just leave her alone because we dont even like you". So Macho Loco freaks out... and starts screaming "you come to MY PAIS and speak to me like this???? MY COUNTRY?" and Bianca doesnt even bat an eye and just looks at him in the eyes and goes "whatever dude, we dont care, just go away". Little miss Bianca, who probably weighs 90 pounds, got this coked out crazy local to leave me alone and wasnt even bothered by the way he freaked out. I knew this girl could handle her own, and I was impressed.
The SECOND time I realized that I found a true gem was at Playa Maderas about a week and a half ago. Okay so everyone in Costa Rica is crazy about Mayonaise and mustard is impossible to find. Well Bianca managed to find a bottle of mustard at Playa Maderas and put literally half the bottle on her hot dog. I was talking to some friends and I looked over and she had guantes de mostaza. She had mustard all over her face, from the tips of her fingers to about halfway to her elbow-It was on her legs, it was EVERYWHERE. She calmly walks up to the guys behind the counter and goes "ummm can i have a napkin". They looked at her, laughed and told her to go jump in the ocean because there was no way they would have napkins left in the restaurant after hurricane bianca. I cant wait to tell you guys about the maderas boys- Antonio, Manuel, Enrique and Orlando. Three of them are brothers and the other can be kind of a jerk- but we love them all and they watch our things for us every day- and i always try to buy them a round of beers when i can. Back to my story...
The truth is, Bianca doesnt care what anyone thinks ever, about anything- and I respect it. When i met her she couldnt speak any spanish at all, and now she can hold her own in pretty much any situation. At our friend Hannahs going away party - a few weeks ago- in costa rica- she looked at me - amongst all the crazy local boys and said "this party is stupid... everyone is speaking spanish". I was like, ummm Bianca you are in costa rica, with the locals... theres going to be a fair amount of spanish.
Its so funny because guys will meet her and are totally impressed by her dedication to surfing and shes a beautiful girl- but then she starts talking and the weirdness comes out. ITS AMAZING. I really wish you guys could have been in the car with us on the way back from the beach yesterday. EPIC. This guy went from gazing at her adoringly to cringing and saying "please stop talking! please change the subject"- she was explaining her bowel movements after eating pithayas. Hilarious.
Ahhh enough on Bianca- she was my travel buddy for the last two weeks and this morning she left for Tamarindo. I have NO desire to go to Tamagringo and so ive decided to stay in San Juan, at least for one more week. I moved to Casa Feliz, a really cool hostel with my friend Marlys and theres a good group of fun people and Im really excited to change things up for a bit.
My body is a mess though. My ribs are so badly bruised that it makes me not want to breathe ever. There was a nice swell the last few days and some of the set waves were easily above 7 feet. I had some killer wipe outs, thats for sure. So today i will get a massage, take it easy, read a book, and go sneak into the pool at Pelican Eyes- the only nice hotel in San Juan del Sur. The electricity is out in all of San Juan for the next 4 hours, but my favorite internet cafe over at hotel joxie has a generator, and the air conditioner works- so ill probably be back with more stories later today. There are way too many stories to tell.
She and i became friends on the beach in santa teresa- we usually went running together and had a lot of the same friends. On one of my first days paddling out past the whitewater and into the big waves i looked at her and said, "i really shouldnt be out here"... she looked back at me and said "umm yeah you should, keep surfing". Bianca is out in the water every morning and isnt happy unless she gets in at least 3 surf sessions every day. Okay back to why i love this girl.
The first time i realized that i adored bianca was at Santa Teresas only REAL bar, Day and Night,on electronic night. D and N is only open 3 nights per week- they have reggae night *which is obviously the best*, salsa night and electronic night. On electronic night all of the local crazy boys do a lot of cocaine and are generally out of control. One in particular, Macho Loco, was out of his mind on this particular night and decided that I was going to be the girl for him. He was all in my face, harassing me and just not leaving me alone. If his name doesnt give you a clue, he is kind of an insane person. Bianca saw Macho Loco harassing me and looked at him and in her amazing surfer tranquila voice said "dude... she doesnt want to sleep with you, shes never going to sleep with you, I dont want to sleep with you, why dont you just leave her alone because we dont even like you". So Macho Loco freaks out... and starts screaming "you come to MY PAIS and speak to me like this???? MY COUNTRY?" and Bianca doesnt even bat an eye and just looks at him in the eyes and goes "whatever dude, we dont care, just go away". Little miss Bianca, who probably weighs 90 pounds, got this coked out crazy local to leave me alone and wasnt even bothered by the way he freaked out. I knew this girl could handle her own, and I was impressed.
The SECOND time I realized that I found a true gem was at Playa Maderas about a week and a half ago. Okay so everyone in Costa Rica is crazy about Mayonaise and mustard is impossible to find. Well Bianca managed to find a bottle of mustard at Playa Maderas and put literally half the bottle on her hot dog. I was talking to some friends and I looked over and she had guantes de mostaza. She had mustard all over her face, from the tips of her fingers to about halfway to her elbow-It was on her legs, it was EVERYWHERE. She calmly walks up to the guys behind the counter and goes "ummm can i have a napkin". They looked at her, laughed and told her to go jump in the ocean because there was no way they would have napkins left in the restaurant after hurricane bianca. I cant wait to tell you guys about the maderas boys- Antonio, Manuel, Enrique and Orlando. Three of them are brothers and the other can be kind of a jerk- but we love them all and they watch our things for us every day- and i always try to buy them a round of beers when i can. Back to my story...
The truth is, Bianca doesnt care what anyone thinks ever, about anything- and I respect it. When i met her she couldnt speak any spanish at all, and now she can hold her own in pretty much any situation. At our friend Hannahs going away party - a few weeks ago- in costa rica- she looked at me - amongst all the crazy local boys and said "this party is stupid... everyone is speaking spanish". I was like, ummm Bianca you are in costa rica, with the locals... theres going to be a fair amount of spanish.
Its so funny because guys will meet her and are totally impressed by her dedication to surfing and shes a beautiful girl- but then she starts talking and the weirdness comes out. ITS AMAZING. I really wish you guys could have been in the car with us on the way back from the beach yesterday. EPIC. This guy went from gazing at her adoringly to cringing and saying "please stop talking! please change the subject"- she was explaining her bowel movements after eating pithayas. Hilarious.
Ahhh enough on Bianca- she was my travel buddy for the last two weeks and this morning she left for Tamarindo. I have NO desire to go to Tamagringo and so ive decided to stay in San Juan, at least for one more week. I moved to Casa Feliz, a really cool hostel with my friend Marlys and theres a good group of fun people and Im really excited to change things up for a bit.
My body is a mess though. My ribs are so badly bruised that it makes me not want to breathe ever. There was a nice swell the last few days and some of the set waves were easily above 7 feet. I had some killer wipe outs, thats for sure. So today i will get a massage, take it easy, read a book, and go sneak into the pool at Pelican Eyes- the only nice hotel in San Juan del Sur. The electricity is out in all of San Juan for the next 4 hours, but my favorite internet cafe over at hotel joxie has a generator, and the air conditioner works- so ill probably be back with more stories later today. There are way too many stories to tell.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
YO HEART NICARAGUA
I have to figure out a way to stay in Central America forever.
Big weekend plans- off to see Calle 13 in Managua on Saturday Night with some friends. Really excited and nervous to be back in a big city.
I met a girl yesterday named Marlys- I had seen her around town and knew she looked familiar. We started talking on the water yesterday and we realized that we knew eachother from Jackson Hole, WY. She also lived in Boulder, CO. Needless to say, Im really excited to have a new girlfriend down in Nicaragua. She and i both jumped out of the hole *which is really difficult to do* and shes spending her winters in Oahu and her summers down in Nicaragua. What a life!!!
Tonight im going to go camp on the beach with Bianca and some friends. Tomorrow we will surf, and then Saturday we will leave for Managua. By the time we return there SHOULD be some waves. Weve heard from our Costa Rican amigos that there isnt any surf in Santa Teresa either. WHO TOOK ALL THE DAMN WAVES? Oh well, yesterday i played volleyball on the beach, surfed and ran... and then drank beer. So the day wasnt a total bust.
People down here fish in the water with spears and snorkels. Just thought yall might like to know. Im off to go walk my friends puppy, Manu- and then im off to surf at 2!
Today, I miss my whole earth crew. Hope yall are doing well! XOXOXOXOXO
Big weekend plans- off to see Calle 13 in Managua on Saturday Night with some friends. Really excited and nervous to be back in a big city.
I met a girl yesterday named Marlys- I had seen her around town and knew she looked familiar. We started talking on the water yesterday and we realized that we knew eachother from Jackson Hole, WY. She also lived in Boulder, CO. Needless to say, Im really excited to have a new girlfriend down in Nicaragua. She and i both jumped out of the hole *which is really difficult to do* and shes spending her winters in Oahu and her summers down in Nicaragua. What a life!!!
Tonight im going to go camp on the beach with Bianca and some friends. Tomorrow we will surf, and then Saturday we will leave for Managua. By the time we return there SHOULD be some waves. Weve heard from our Costa Rican amigos that there isnt any surf in Santa Teresa either. WHO TOOK ALL THE DAMN WAVES? Oh well, yesterday i played volleyball on the beach, surfed and ran... and then drank beer. So the day wasnt a total bust.
People down here fish in the water with spears and snorkels. Just thought yall might like to know. Im off to go walk my friends puppy, Manu- and then im off to surf at 2!
Today, I miss my whole earth crew. Hope yall are doing well! XOXOXOXOXO
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
A day off
Today I decided to not go surfing... and im kind of going crazy. Im getting better every day- but the swell is really low in San Juan Del Sur these days and everyone is waiting for the waves to get better. Bianca decided to get her SCUBA certification over the next few days so I guess we will be here for a while. Its insane how cheap the food is in Nicaragua. There is this little mercado with 4 or 5 fruit and vegetable stands, 4 sodas and 4 tiendas that sell flip flops, dresses and other random clothes. For 40 cordobas (which is 2 dollars) I got a WHOLE fish, rice, beans, salad and tortilla. Its weird eating a whole fish- but it tastes so amazing that I dont REALLY feel too bad. THey also have this amazing fruit- Pithaya - and its kind of like a strawberry/kiwi mix- its FUSCHIA and tastes amazing. Bianca and I eat them all the time- and theres an added bonus because they make your lips bright fuschia.
San Juan Del Sur is an interesting place- there are a ton of places to surf- but no where that you can walk to. YOu always have to catch a ride- but there are a ton of ways to get there- every hostel and surf shop runs a shuttle to the beach at least once per day for a bout five bucks. Bianca and I are staying at rinconcita mexicana for $5 per night- which is nice.
Max took off on his boat today for a "guys" surf trip with 2 other guys, and of course his trusty Mexican perrito - Maestra. Maestra went missing for a few days and I was super nervous that we werent going to see her again- but Max saw here when he was sailing a few kilometers down the beach. I bet ill see max again in costa rica- but who knows where any of us will be at any given time.
Ive been getting free surf tips from a lot of really nice guys on the water- including a guy named Jose who is the number one longboarder in Nicaragua. He literally catches 90 percent of the waves in the water and ive had so much fun chilling with him this week. Bianca and I have spent almost every day at Playa Madera- which is a really great surf spot. It has a restaurant with a hostel on top-and theres one tent where this couple makes AMAZING fish tacos. Its probably the best taco ive ever had in my entire life.
The guys that run the hostel and restaurant are constantly harassing Bianca and myself- but not in a malicious way. We make them watch our stuff for us while we are surfing- and they always demand besos in exchange, but they never get any!!!
Im trying to figure out what my next move is - I need to find an apartment in order to save some money- and I really want to get back to Santa Teresa- eventually. In a few days Bianca and i are hoping to head towards Tamarindo, but theres supposed to be a big party in Managua this weekend- so we might stay a little longer than expected.
I cant wait for tomorrow to get back on my board for another day in the water! Its so amazing here and I dont know how i managed to live without surfing for this long!
On a side note- I watched the news today for the first time in 6 weeks. Our five dollar per night room has cable- but i just turned on the tv for the first time today, and we have been in our room for 9 days. Mom- thank you so much for never letting me watch tv as a child!
San Juan Del Sur is an interesting place- there are a ton of places to surf- but no where that you can walk to. YOu always have to catch a ride- but there are a ton of ways to get there- every hostel and surf shop runs a shuttle to the beach at least once per day for a bout five bucks. Bianca and I are staying at rinconcita mexicana for $5 per night- which is nice.
Max took off on his boat today for a "guys" surf trip with 2 other guys, and of course his trusty Mexican perrito - Maestra. Maestra went missing for a few days and I was super nervous that we werent going to see her again- but Max saw here when he was sailing a few kilometers down the beach. I bet ill see max again in costa rica- but who knows where any of us will be at any given time.
Ive been getting free surf tips from a lot of really nice guys on the water- including a guy named Jose who is the number one longboarder in Nicaragua. He literally catches 90 percent of the waves in the water and ive had so much fun chilling with him this week. Bianca and I have spent almost every day at Playa Madera- which is a really great surf spot. It has a restaurant with a hostel on top-and theres one tent where this couple makes AMAZING fish tacos. Its probably the best taco ive ever had in my entire life.
The guys that run the hostel and restaurant are constantly harassing Bianca and myself- but not in a malicious way. We make them watch our stuff for us while we are surfing- and they always demand besos in exchange, but they never get any!!!
Im trying to figure out what my next move is - I need to find an apartment in order to save some money- and I really want to get back to Santa Teresa- eventually. In a few days Bianca and i are hoping to head towards Tamarindo, but theres supposed to be a big party in Managua this weekend- so we might stay a little longer than expected.
I cant wait for tomorrow to get back on my board for another day in the water! Its so amazing here and I dont know how i managed to live without surfing for this long!
On a side note- I watched the news today for the first time in 6 weeks. Our five dollar per night room has cable- but i just turned on the tv for the first time today, and we have been in our room for 9 days. Mom- thank you so much for never letting me watch tv as a child!
Thursday, August 27, 2009
SAN JUAN DEL SUR
Im alive and well and all is fantastic in Nicaragua. After a late night of partying at D&N for the last reggae night of the season, I hopped into an old toyota pickup truck with Sunny, Nano, Bianca & Matteo and we drove all day to San Juan Del Sur. Crossing the border was not bad at all! The drive was long (because i was super hungover) but beautiful. I bought my first surf board the day before I left and Im LOVING IT. Its an Al Merrick 7´8 funboard - and Im really starting to get the hang of surfing.
We went to Playa Madera for our first morning and saw a shark... which was super scary. Then we went to Playa Romanzo in the afternoon- the waves werent great but it was one of the best sunsets ive ever seen. This morning we went to Playa Yankee today and Bianca watched a shark swim under her board. I felt it nudge mine ... out of control. Luckily there are a lot of fish in the water so there isnt as much of a chance that we will be eaten. Hopefully.
This afternoon we are off to Playa Madera- and tomorrow who knows. Bianca and I are trying to decide whats next for us- we are thinking Tamarindo.
Life is good.
We went to Playa Madera for our first morning and saw a shark... which was super scary. Then we went to Playa Romanzo in the afternoon- the waves werent great but it was one of the best sunsets ive ever seen. This morning we went to Playa Yankee today and Bianca watched a shark swim under her board. I felt it nudge mine ... out of control. Luckily there are a lot of fish in the water so there isnt as much of a chance that we will be eaten. Hopefully.
This afternoon we are off to Playa Madera- and tomorrow who knows. Bianca and I are trying to decide whats next for us- we are thinking Tamarindo.
Life is good.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
My Feet Are Destroyed
I never wear shoes out here, and 2 days ago I stubbed my toe and got a HUGE blood blister. Then I was walking to go surf and I hit it again on a root in the ground and OBLITERATED my big toe on my right foot. BLOOD EVERYWHERE, and I was walking in sand, so i had a sandy bloody toe. Today I cut open the bottom of THE SAME foot when i was walking barefoot in a tide pool. But i DID see a starfish. Now im finally wearing my shoes, but hopefully not for TOO long.
On a side note- a lot of Argentinian dudes have really weird hair. They love the mullet, and my favorite hairstyle is that of this guy Nacho- he has a hybrid dred-mullet. AMAZING.
I got to drive an ATV last night- which was slightly out of control. Antonios last night is tonight- so its probably going to be a late one.´I figured out where Giselles house is today. I can walk there.
Sad to be leaving Santa Teresa- but it will be good for me to get out for a bit. Nicaragua is supposed to kick ass!
Life is amazing. PURA VIDA.
On a side note- a lot of Argentinian dudes have really weird hair. They love the mullet, and my favorite hairstyle is that of this guy Nacho- he has a hybrid dred-mullet. AMAZING.
I got to drive an ATV last night- which was slightly out of control. Antonios last night is tonight- so its probably going to be a late one.´I figured out where Giselles house is today. I can walk there.
Sad to be leaving Santa Teresa- but it will be good for me to get out for a bit. Nicaragua is supposed to kick ass!
Life is amazing. PURA VIDA.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
So many things!
Today is day number 23 in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Its SO MUCH FUN- im really finding it impossible to leave. But im heading to Nicaragua in 4 days with my friends Mariano and Bianca for a visa run. We are going to head up to San Juan Del Sur ' which is a big surf town that is supposed to be lots of fun- and then over to Granada near Lago Del Nicaragua- which is the only lake in the world with freshwater sharks!
Im probably going to spend 7-10 days in Nicaragua and then ill head back to Santa Teresa. Then i have to make a major decision- whether to work for a free place to stay in Santa Teresa for the off season or head over to Panama. There are these three awesome chicks from Argentina- Caro, Pilar and Angie- that are heading up to the Carribean coast and then over to Bocas del Toro in Panama. So, big decisions- but im looking to Nicaragua to help me make my decision.
There are so many amazing things about Santa Teresa. The beach is out of control amazing. Its the most beautiful beach i have ever seen in my life. There is only one dirt road through the entire town- so if you dont want to see someone, you are bound to see them like 5 times per day. But its a charming small town with a kickass night life and ive met so many fun people- I even like the local rastas. They are sweet, but they are thieves. Ive only been robbed once, but that was at night when I was walking alone. I DID catch up to the guy and throw him into a wall, but he ran away into the night with my purse. The only things im sad that i lost were my headlamp and knife.
I just finished Shantaram- which is an amazing book and I would highly recommend it. My good friend Antonio is leaving Santa Teresa in 2 days, he has been here for nine weeks.
Lots to tell- but its getting dark and i dont need to be traveling by myself after dark!
Pura Vida kiddos.
Im probably going to spend 7-10 days in Nicaragua and then ill head back to Santa Teresa. Then i have to make a major decision- whether to work for a free place to stay in Santa Teresa for the off season or head over to Panama. There are these three awesome chicks from Argentina- Caro, Pilar and Angie- that are heading up to the Carribean coast and then over to Bocas del Toro in Panama. So, big decisions- but im looking to Nicaragua to help me make my decision.
There are so many amazing things about Santa Teresa. The beach is out of control amazing. Its the most beautiful beach i have ever seen in my life. There is only one dirt road through the entire town- so if you dont want to see someone, you are bound to see them like 5 times per day. But its a charming small town with a kickass night life and ive met so many fun people- I even like the local rastas. They are sweet, but they are thieves. Ive only been robbed once, but that was at night when I was walking alone. I DID catch up to the guy and throw him into a wall, but he ran away into the night with my purse. The only things im sad that i lost were my headlamp and knife.
I just finished Shantaram- which is an amazing book and I would highly recommend it. My good friend Antonio is leaving Santa Teresa in 2 days, he has been here for nine weeks.
Lots to tell- but its getting dark and i dont need to be traveling by myself after dark!
Pura Vida kiddos.
Monday, August 10, 2009
Cuba Libre
Just an afterthought-
today i discovered rum and coke in a can. its called Cuba Libre, and its fantastic. PUUUUUUUURA VIDA.
today i discovered rum and coke in a can. its called Cuba Libre, and its fantastic. PUUUUUUUURA VIDA.
Beach Life
On the beach in Santa Teresa- there are so many different types of people. There are the girls that just lay out all day and work on their tan, then you have the surfers that are learning how to surf and only stay in the whitewater (thats what I usually do). There are the dirty rasta ticos that hang in the tree line and watch people surf, you have the frat guys that take pictures of chicks on the beach- one guy will be doing a yoga pose as a decoy - but everyone knows that they are taking pictures of the girls, not of eachother. Then you have the rastas that teach people how to surf every morning. Each week there is generally one family on vacation, but the rest are all young backpackers just taking in the beauty of it all. This week, there are supermodels galore all over the most secluded part of the beach. I guess they are doing a photo shoot today- but oh man these women are incredible. Then you have Antonio, Nacho and myself- who just swim out to the biggest waves we can find and try to body surf without being taken out to sea. Theres the occasional lone sandcastle guy, who works diligently for hours until the waves come and take everything away. There are random packs of dogs running around on the beach in 2s and 3s. You have people riding horses up and down the beach- usually with a few dogs running and yipping at the horses. Then there are the massive armies of hermit crabs that scramble around on the shore. I learned a really cool trick with hermit crabs- when they are hiding in their shell- just breath hot air onto thier shell and they will come out and then FREAK OUT and scramble back into their shells.
Google image Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. You will see what i get to see every day.
XOXO
Google image Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. You will see what i get to see every day.
XOXO
Friday, August 7, 2009
I AM SURFING!!!
Okay so today i totally stood up on multiple waves. It was sooo much fun. Today the beach was insanely beautiful. The sun was out, the ocean was aquamarine, and I swam and ran and played. The costa rica vibe is just what i need these days.
Surfing kicks ass.
Surfing kicks ass.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Perritos
The dogs in costa rica are out of control. They travel in packs and are of all shapes and sizes. Most of them have been left by tourists who decided to have a pet while in costa rica, but abandoned them when they left to go home. There are 1.2 million homeless dogs in costa rica- a country with only 5 million citizens. A lot of people told me that I wouldnt like the way the dogs live out here, but honestly i dont really mind. Sometimes its sad, but for the most part the dogs appear to be happy - in a lord of the flies sense of things.
The dogs eat whatever they want, go wherever they want and run along the beach all day long. Everyone feeds the perritos- and in Santa Teresa I have yet to see an insanely immaciated pup. But they do exist in San Jose- there are so many dogs that are way too skinny.
My favorite dog had a ridiculous underbite- so bad that it looked like it had a retarded smile. Some guys in Fortuna told me that if i took the ¨perro que siempre esta feliz, todo del año¨ that they would pay me $100. Hahahah.
The dogs eat whatever they want, go wherever they want and run along the beach all day long. Everyone feeds the perritos- and in Santa Teresa I have yet to see an insanely immaciated pup. But they do exist in San Jose- there are so many dogs that are way too skinny.
My favorite dog had a ridiculous underbite- so bad that it looked like it had a retarded smile. Some guys in Fortuna told me that if i took the ¨perro que siempre esta feliz, todo del año¨ that they would pay me $100. Hahahah.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Time is Flying
Its been a few days- I guess I get distracted. Im having so much fun in Santa Teresa that I think I may stay awhile. Janerae went back to Canada, and we are all heartbroken. Miss you girl! Zuma has left for a new adventure, and I decided I need to stay in Santa Teresa. Im just not ready to leave yet. Ive been chillin with Antonio- who reminds me of Richard in some weird way. My new roommate its a super chill guy from Guatemala who is teaching me yoga. His name is Carlos and he is moving to India in a few months to attend school for yoga- and is a very spiritual and well balanced guy.
This morning I woke up and ran on the beach and then stopped at a point and did yoga. I can even balance on my head these days. Carlos keeps telling me that its all mental, and the physical aspect of yoga is there- and its given me a ton of confidence. So Im on a new routine- trying to do yoga and run and surf every day. I think that each of these activities will keep me balanced. Im drinking fresh bananna and pineapple smoothies and Im cooking my meals instead of going out. Its really nice because I sort of feel settled.
I have the option to start working at a really nice place called the Funky Monkey- in exchange for a free place to stay, with laundry service, I would only have to work 4 hours per day. Work at the Funky Monkey is the most laid back experience in the world... especially during the rainy season. Speaking of rain, the weather is really nice here throughout the day- it starts off sunny and then gets cloudy around 1, with storms around 3 for at least an hour. Then it calms down and clears up for the stars in the sky. Tonight is the full moon, and I cant wait to dance around on the beach.
Antonio works at the Funky Monkey from 3-7 most days, and its great to just go up to the main guest area, which has a pool table, a bar, a tv area, tons of chairs and a few hammock chairs- as well as a huge bookshelf filled with books. I chill out and read and help Tony with his spanish and play pool while the storms roll in. The Funky Monkey is so much cleaner than Brunelas- the hostel where im staying, so its really nice to shower and go just be CLEAN for a few hours while hanging with good friends. All of the guys that work there are super cool-- Nacho, Chely, Bruno, Emelio, Amy and Gabi are probably all going to be there over the next few months- so if i decided to stay for the rain season, you might be hearing these names again.
Chely (which is insanely close to my moms name, Chaille) taught me some of the basics of surfing today, and im getting better with every wave. Im staying with a ton of Argentinians these days and its really helping my spanish.
Brunelas has like 8 or 9 iguanas of various sizes and they just hang out in the yard like pets. I wake up in the morning and throw down a piece of toast onto the first story tin roof and there is always a mad scramble by the iguanas to get the food. You have to watch where you step because the iguanas come down for breakfast and walk right up to where you are eating. The largest iguana, Paco, scares the crap out of me because whenever im not paying attention, I almost step on him. Im pretty sure he could bite off my toe.
Whenever I walk to the beach I look down and there are dozens of hermit crabs crawling towards the sea. Its so cute to watch those little guys get scared and hide in their shells, but I never understand why I used to like those little guys as pets. There are CRAAAZZY bugs here but very few of them are roaches- huge relief for me.
Theres a super exclusive hotel nearby, called the Fleur Blanca, and Giselle has a house very close by. I hear from the bartender that she never tips. Slut. A friend of hers, a supermodel who was super cool - had a round with us at the Fleur Blanca the other day- and she was in Costa Rica by herself for her 34th birthday. It was really cool to meet someone else who wanted to do just what i did, be alone on their birthday. At least away from the distractions that always seem to let you down.
Will, a friend of Antonios, is the manager of the Fleur Blanca and his life is ridiculous. He has all expenses paid for, has a private bungalo with a full time body guard and his work does not seem too stressful at all. The entire staff at the Fleur Blanca seems like the staff at 3creek- happy, laidback and overpayed. Hes currently in Colombia for a visa run, so Antonio and I are thinking about partying it up tonight for the full moon. Will spends all of his money on traveling- and has been to some amazing places. His spanish is immaculate- and im jealous.
I am strangely settled. Im going to work on me for a little while. Lots of yoga, running, surfing, reading, cooking and smiling. Living out of a backpack is the most liberating experience in the world. It makes you realize that your STUFF just doesnt matter.
Id take an experience over a thing any day. WORD.
This morning I woke up and ran on the beach and then stopped at a point and did yoga. I can even balance on my head these days. Carlos keeps telling me that its all mental, and the physical aspect of yoga is there- and its given me a ton of confidence. So Im on a new routine- trying to do yoga and run and surf every day. I think that each of these activities will keep me balanced. Im drinking fresh bananna and pineapple smoothies and Im cooking my meals instead of going out. Its really nice because I sort of feel settled.
I have the option to start working at a really nice place called the Funky Monkey- in exchange for a free place to stay, with laundry service, I would only have to work 4 hours per day. Work at the Funky Monkey is the most laid back experience in the world... especially during the rainy season. Speaking of rain, the weather is really nice here throughout the day- it starts off sunny and then gets cloudy around 1, with storms around 3 for at least an hour. Then it calms down and clears up for the stars in the sky. Tonight is the full moon, and I cant wait to dance around on the beach.
Antonio works at the Funky Monkey from 3-7 most days, and its great to just go up to the main guest area, which has a pool table, a bar, a tv area, tons of chairs and a few hammock chairs- as well as a huge bookshelf filled with books. I chill out and read and help Tony with his spanish and play pool while the storms roll in. The Funky Monkey is so much cleaner than Brunelas- the hostel where im staying, so its really nice to shower and go just be CLEAN for a few hours while hanging with good friends. All of the guys that work there are super cool-- Nacho, Chely, Bruno, Emelio, Amy and Gabi are probably all going to be there over the next few months- so if i decided to stay for the rain season, you might be hearing these names again.
Chely (which is insanely close to my moms name, Chaille) taught me some of the basics of surfing today, and im getting better with every wave. Im staying with a ton of Argentinians these days and its really helping my spanish.
Brunelas has like 8 or 9 iguanas of various sizes and they just hang out in the yard like pets. I wake up in the morning and throw down a piece of toast onto the first story tin roof and there is always a mad scramble by the iguanas to get the food. You have to watch where you step because the iguanas come down for breakfast and walk right up to where you are eating. The largest iguana, Paco, scares the crap out of me because whenever im not paying attention, I almost step on him. Im pretty sure he could bite off my toe.
Whenever I walk to the beach I look down and there are dozens of hermit crabs crawling towards the sea. Its so cute to watch those little guys get scared and hide in their shells, but I never understand why I used to like those little guys as pets. There are CRAAAZZY bugs here but very few of them are roaches- huge relief for me.
Theres a super exclusive hotel nearby, called the Fleur Blanca, and Giselle has a house very close by. I hear from the bartender that she never tips. Slut. A friend of hers, a supermodel who was super cool - had a round with us at the Fleur Blanca the other day- and she was in Costa Rica by herself for her 34th birthday. It was really cool to meet someone else who wanted to do just what i did, be alone on their birthday. At least away from the distractions that always seem to let you down.
Will, a friend of Antonios, is the manager of the Fleur Blanca and his life is ridiculous. He has all expenses paid for, has a private bungalo with a full time body guard and his work does not seem too stressful at all. The entire staff at the Fleur Blanca seems like the staff at 3creek- happy, laidback and overpayed. Hes currently in Colombia for a visa run, so Antonio and I are thinking about partying it up tonight for the full moon. Will spends all of his money on traveling- and has been to some amazing places. His spanish is immaculate- and im jealous.
I am strangely settled. Im going to work on me for a little while. Lots of yoga, running, surfing, reading, cooking and smiling. Living out of a backpack is the most liberating experience in the world. It makes you realize that your STUFF just doesnt matter.
Id take an experience over a thing any day. WORD.
Thursday, July 30, 2009
HORRAY FOR BIRTHDAYS!
ROAAAAAR - sorry, that was my inner leo saying "whaaatt upppp its all about me today". No seriously, today is going to be another wonderful day. The big 25, so far, so good. Zuma and I (yes, i renamed him zuma- and i also gave him his acting name- Zuma Davis) woke up to Eliana yelling "gallo pinto!! gallo pinto! wake up you lazy people!". I immediately smiled and got up. I didnt even try to snooze.
Eliana, Christian and Caleb- the family that we are staying with, are all such wonderful people. Eliana and Christian have helped me improve my spanish so much and every night we all hang out as a family. And their cat, Magic, eats a ton of bugs. I love the ticos- they are so kind, if you stop and get to know them- you will be amazed by their kindness. When you ask for directions, most of the time a tico will just stop what they are doing and walk the 3 blocks with you to wherever you need to go. So different from the USA- or any metropolitan area for that matter. Eliana made us a huge breakfast, and we all sat and ate and laughed and talked- i realized that what i like best about montezuma is that i have been living in a HOME. In hostels- you can party, do whatever you want- scream into the night, no one cares. In la casa de Ramon- ( i think thats what its called) theres a routine, Caleb gets up for school around 6am. Christian and Elena spend all day working around the house, which is a lot of work- its a HUGE house. It makes me realize that one day I want a home and a routine- but for now, i will just have to spend time with people who will take me in and allow me to be part of their life.
Today, I go back to Santa Teresa. Tomorrow- I will go to Bocas Del Toro- in Panama. Its the surfers world cup in Jaco, which is only an hour away- but today, its all about seeing my ole pals. Its funny how the people you meet a week ago become the friends you feel like you know the best out here.
I had a huge smile on my face when I checked facebook today- so many friends that i miss. So, this song is for yall.
"So, so you think you can tell,
heaven from hell,
blue skies from pain,
can you tell a green field
from a cold steel rail?
a smile from a veil?
do you think you can tell??????
and did they get you to trade your heroes from ghosts?
hot ashes from trees?
hot air for a cool breeze?
cold comfort for change?
and did you exchange
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
how i wish, how i wish you were here,
we're just 2 lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
running over the same old ground
what have we found?
the same old fears...
Wish you were here"
-PINK FLOYD
Eliana, Christian and Caleb- the family that we are staying with, are all such wonderful people. Eliana and Christian have helped me improve my spanish so much and every night we all hang out as a family. And their cat, Magic, eats a ton of bugs. I love the ticos- they are so kind, if you stop and get to know them- you will be amazed by their kindness. When you ask for directions, most of the time a tico will just stop what they are doing and walk the 3 blocks with you to wherever you need to go. So different from the USA- or any metropolitan area for that matter. Eliana made us a huge breakfast, and we all sat and ate and laughed and talked- i realized that what i like best about montezuma is that i have been living in a HOME. In hostels- you can party, do whatever you want- scream into the night, no one cares. In la casa de Ramon- ( i think thats what its called) theres a routine, Caleb gets up for school around 6am. Christian and Elena spend all day working around the house, which is a lot of work- its a HUGE house. It makes me realize that one day I want a home and a routine- but for now, i will just have to spend time with people who will take me in and allow me to be part of their life.
Today, I go back to Santa Teresa. Tomorrow- I will go to Bocas Del Toro- in Panama. Its the surfers world cup in Jaco, which is only an hour away- but today, its all about seeing my ole pals. Its funny how the people you meet a week ago become the friends you feel like you know the best out here.
I had a huge smile on my face when I checked facebook today- so many friends that i miss. So, this song is for yall.
"So, so you think you can tell,
heaven from hell,
blue skies from pain,
can you tell a green field
from a cold steel rail?
a smile from a veil?
do you think you can tell??????
and did they get you to trade your heroes from ghosts?
hot ashes from trees?
hot air for a cool breeze?
cold comfort for change?
and did you exchange
a walk on part in the war for a lead role in a cage?
how i wish, how i wish you were here,
we're just 2 lost souls swimming in a fish bowl,
year after year,
running over the same old ground
what have we found?
the same old fears...
Wish you were here"
-PINK FLOYD
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Ode to 24
Last night I woke up to the most ferocious thunder storm. At about 2AM it sounded like someone hit our metal roof like the grand finale of a drum solo and our roof was a cymbal. The whole house would rumble and the noise was so loud that I would just automatically jump into the fetal position- involuntarily. Furthermore, the bugs didnt want to be in the rain so they all came into the room. There were bugs EVERYWHERE. The lightning would fade away to just a normal thunderstorm and then BOOM!!! another would strike within feet of the house. My fear was that a tree would come crashing through the house after being struck. I jumped into Zuhayers bed and we sat there like 2 tiny children - so afraid of what we didnt know what was going to happen. It was unreal. Car alarms were going off, and it was SO LOUD. I just started laughing, because i always laugh when im nervous, and i could only think....wow- is this how i go?
I was caught in a lightning storm before, with my ole pal Andrew- on top of Snowking in Jackson- and i thought that i was going to die then, but somehow last night- even though i was in a house made of stone- it just seemed more intense, and more dangerous. More terrifying. Im so glad I was not in a tent last night!!!
Tomorrow I will go back to santa teresa to join some good ole friends- Janerae and Antonio specifically, to go enjoy another day on the beach. Today is the first day that I dont really feel like jumping in the ocean, I just want to stay on dry land for a day, maybe play some cards- keep reading my book and writing in my journal.
My birthday is tomorrow- and I always have to reflect on the previous year of my life. On my last birthday I went to String Lake with a few close friends to float on tubes and eat cake- and I remember being more than satisfied with the fact that it was just my close friends. And tim's birthday card that played "superfreak" when opened.
I miss Jackson, a lot, I miss my life there. I miss riding bikes in the summertime, I miss the tuesday night parties at Brian Hady's house, I miss having those days off where you look up and you are surrounded by all of your friends. I miss the campfires at night in Wilson- and waking up hungover and the first thought to run through my head "Noras biscuits and gravy". Jackson is an amazing town- but I wasnt ready to settle. So i moved on...reluctantly.
During my 24th year- I worked as an exec assistant (AKA SECRETARY FOR THE DEVIL), barista, had 3 different waitress jobs, worked as a nanny, in retail, and I worked my ass off as a girlfriend for a very special guy. I went to the Wind River Range and I caught a beautiful brown trout in yellowstone. I went and picked mushrooms with Fred, Susan and Sarah when things were going tough for me- always good to take a break to Moran. I finally figured out riding in powder, and i went backcountry skiing - with the right equipment- for the first time.
Then everything changed- in february. Post breakup- I went back to Houston, which was something I really didnt want to do- but I had to get back to my roots. Sometimes a texas girl just has to get back home for a while. In houston i was pleasantly suprised by how much trouble i could get myself into. I was constantly distracting myself with 2 jobs, 3 boys, TONS of great friends and hurricanes. The best thing about going back to houston was just falling back in line with my dearest of friends. Ive met the most wonderful people all over the world- but theres something about the people that have known you for 15 years or even 24. Needless to say- my lifestlye choices in houston were unhealthy- but as far as i can tell, theres no right way to get over the devastation of watching a four year relationship disintegrate right before your eyes.
Ive done a lot and learned a lot in 24 years, and Im really interested to see what my 25th year will bring me. It seems as though with each year, my life becomes equally shittier and more amazing- it just happens in cycles. Its like how my folks always said "Nina, with more freedom comes more responsibility". Same concept- but its more like "happiness is directly correlated to devastation levels in your life" correlation is not causation... blah blah blah.
Today, I will reflect. Its a yoga on the beach kind of day, no doubt about it. I'm finally having extended conversations in spanish, and last night i watched an entire episode of the most amazing costa rican tv show ever "DECISIONES" and i understood every word. Its easier for me to think of certain words in spanish than it is in english - and i cant wait to dream again in spanish. Its happened before- and i know it will happen again soon.
Pura Vida
Pura Birra
Puraweeda
Happy Birthday to me.
I was caught in a lightning storm before, with my ole pal Andrew- on top of Snowking in Jackson- and i thought that i was going to die then, but somehow last night- even though i was in a house made of stone- it just seemed more intense, and more dangerous. More terrifying. Im so glad I was not in a tent last night!!!
Tomorrow I will go back to santa teresa to join some good ole friends- Janerae and Antonio specifically, to go enjoy another day on the beach. Today is the first day that I dont really feel like jumping in the ocean, I just want to stay on dry land for a day, maybe play some cards- keep reading my book and writing in my journal.
My birthday is tomorrow- and I always have to reflect on the previous year of my life. On my last birthday I went to String Lake with a few close friends to float on tubes and eat cake- and I remember being more than satisfied with the fact that it was just my close friends. And tim's birthday card that played "superfreak" when opened.
I miss Jackson, a lot, I miss my life there. I miss riding bikes in the summertime, I miss the tuesday night parties at Brian Hady's house, I miss having those days off where you look up and you are surrounded by all of your friends. I miss the campfires at night in Wilson- and waking up hungover and the first thought to run through my head "Noras biscuits and gravy". Jackson is an amazing town- but I wasnt ready to settle. So i moved on...reluctantly.
During my 24th year- I worked as an exec assistant (AKA SECRETARY FOR THE DEVIL), barista, had 3 different waitress jobs, worked as a nanny, in retail, and I worked my ass off as a girlfriend for a very special guy. I went to the Wind River Range and I caught a beautiful brown trout in yellowstone. I went and picked mushrooms with Fred, Susan and Sarah when things were going tough for me- always good to take a break to Moran. I finally figured out riding in powder, and i went backcountry skiing - with the right equipment- for the first time.
Then everything changed- in february. Post breakup- I went back to Houston, which was something I really didnt want to do- but I had to get back to my roots. Sometimes a texas girl just has to get back home for a while. In houston i was pleasantly suprised by how much trouble i could get myself into. I was constantly distracting myself with 2 jobs, 3 boys, TONS of great friends and hurricanes. The best thing about going back to houston was just falling back in line with my dearest of friends. Ive met the most wonderful people all over the world- but theres something about the people that have known you for 15 years or even 24. Needless to say- my lifestlye choices in houston were unhealthy- but as far as i can tell, theres no right way to get over the devastation of watching a four year relationship disintegrate right before your eyes.
Ive done a lot and learned a lot in 24 years, and Im really interested to see what my 25th year will bring me. It seems as though with each year, my life becomes equally shittier and more amazing- it just happens in cycles. Its like how my folks always said "Nina, with more freedom comes more responsibility". Same concept- but its more like "happiness is directly correlated to devastation levels in your life" correlation is not causation... blah blah blah.
Today, I will reflect. Its a yoga on the beach kind of day, no doubt about it. I'm finally having extended conversations in spanish, and last night i watched an entire episode of the most amazing costa rican tv show ever "DECISIONES" and i understood every word. Its easier for me to think of certain words in spanish than it is in english - and i cant wait to dream again in spanish. Its happened before- and i know it will happen again soon.
Pura Vida
Pura Birra
Puraweeda
Happy Birthday to me.
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Barter System
Today was picture perfect. White sand beaches, tiny islands as far as the eye can see, clear blue waters and snorkeling. We left for Isla Tortuga this morning, a bit hazy still from the rum we drank last night- and set off on a boat for snorkeling. Costa rica has its own rules regarding time, so i got to take a half hour nap before we took off. We saw all sorts of fishies, and then went to a beautiful white sand beach for lunch. One of our guides made a beautiful fruit tray with fresh pineapples, sandias, bananas and orananges- and even put beautiful yellow flowers as a garnish for the fruits. We ate barbecued fish and potatoes- and had ice cold imperials.
There was a beautiful parrot - it was red, blue and yellow- that chilled by the local gift shop. Then we chilled with our guides and had rum and coke by the beach. I swam for a while and then we took a kayak the next cove. We found so many shells - my favorite was a GIANT oyster shell the size of my hand. Zuhayer and I brought back the kayak just in time and did yoga on the beach for a few minutes. I then continued to swim around until the guides told us that we needed to leave. We got to jump in the ocean and swim around halfway between Isla Tortuga and Montezuma. Then we chilled by the beach in montezuma and i promised our guides that i would return one day- our captain is known for catching giant sailfish and he promised me a discount for my birthday.
We are thinking about heading to Samara tomorrow or at least to playa hermosa. We never did see those waterfalls- but ive decided that i really like Montezuma- at least when its not the weekend. Less spring breakers.
I love the barter system here. Cant go into details- but its very similar to jackson hole. Bring a little rum to the beach, share with the locals, and very good things come your way. :)
There was a beautiful parrot - it was red, blue and yellow- that chilled by the local gift shop. Then we chilled with our guides and had rum and coke by the beach. I swam for a while and then we took a kayak the next cove. We found so many shells - my favorite was a GIANT oyster shell the size of my hand. Zuhayer and I brought back the kayak just in time and did yoga on the beach for a few minutes. I then continued to swim around until the guides told us that we needed to leave. We got to jump in the ocean and swim around halfway between Isla Tortuga and Montezuma. Then we chilled by the beach in montezuma and i promised our guides that i would return one day- our captain is known for catching giant sailfish and he promised me a discount for my birthday.
We are thinking about heading to Samara tomorrow or at least to playa hermosa. We never did see those waterfalls- but ive decided that i really like Montezuma- at least when its not the weekend. Less spring breakers.
I love the barter system here. Cant go into details- but its very similar to jackson hole. Bring a little rum to the beach, share with the locals, and very good things come your way. :)
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Montezuma
I ran into Max at a bus stop in Paquera yesterday. I saw maestra- his dog, from his facebook pics and looked up to see a giant floppy blonde head of hair getting out of a car. I love the way the world works. Im probably going back to Santa Teresa for my birthday- Max was leaving to go stay in the same hostel I had just left. Oh well, onward and upward.
Zuhayer and I are staying at a house for 10 dollars a night. Its amazing. We are on the second floor of a giant house and we have a huge balcony and 3 beds. Its unreal what you can find in CR for $10 per night. We are staying with a family, Christian Aliana and their son Caleb. Caleb is 10 years old and works in the yard with his dad during the day- unless he sees a soccer ball and then he immediatly runs off to play. Christian came out with Zuhayr and myself to Coco Loco- the only bar in town that's open on a saturday night. It was a completely different vibe from Santa Teresa- spring breakers everywhere. Techno music.... ugh. But it IS beautiful here and for the first time in a while - i was able to spend the entire day today by myself.
Its exhausting meeting new people day after day, and then leaving the amazing connections that you make. Im always sad to leave my friends- the germans (chris and elena) were unable to make it to Montezuma because they are trying to get a new Visa to China- they are hoping to make it to Tibet. Nadia-from Amsterdam- couldnt make it either. But i promised to come visit her one day. I mean come on, its AMSTERDAM.
Its easy for me to meet people- Zuhayer and I have a daily contest to see who can pick up more people. We are about even. Except Zuhayer can only usually pick up chicks and it takes minimal effort for me to meet a guy. Or several.
Today felt like the first day that I just sat on my ass and didnt talk to anyone- just enjoyed the amazing view.
Weed and cocaine are very easy to encounter in Montezuma. Its a hippy town with a rasta vibe- but there are a lot of colombians that frequent the area. Zuhayer and I are going to go check out a couple of waterfalls nearby. I contemplated going snorkeling- but $35 was a little out of my price range. I got home from the bars last night and ate a can of sweet corn- times are tough. Zuhayer ate the entire inside of our loaf of bread. Jerk. :)
That is all.
Zuhayer and I are staying at a house for 10 dollars a night. Its amazing. We are on the second floor of a giant house and we have a huge balcony and 3 beds. Its unreal what you can find in CR for $10 per night. We are staying with a family, Christian Aliana and their son Caleb. Caleb is 10 years old and works in the yard with his dad during the day- unless he sees a soccer ball and then he immediatly runs off to play. Christian came out with Zuhayr and myself to Coco Loco- the only bar in town that's open on a saturday night. It was a completely different vibe from Santa Teresa- spring breakers everywhere. Techno music.... ugh. But it IS beautiful here and for the first time in a while - i was able to spend the entire day today by myself.
Its exhausting meeting new people day after day, and then leaving the amazing connections that you make. Im always sad to leave my friends- the germans (chris and elena) were unable to make it to Montezuma because they are trying to get a new Visa to China- they are hoping to make it to Tibet. Nadia-from Amsterdam- couldnt make it either. But i promised to come visit her one day. I mean come on, its AMSTERDAM.
Its easy for me to meet people- Zuhayer and I have a daily contest to see who can pick up more people. We are about even. Except Zuhayer can only usually pick up chicks and it takes minimal effort for me to meet a guy. Or several.
Today felt like the first day that I just sat on my ass and didnt talk to anyone- just enjoyed the amazing view.
Weed and cocaine are very easy to encounter in Montezuma. Its a hippy town with a rasta vibe- but there are a lot of colombians that frequent the area. Zuhayer and I are going to go check out a couple of waterfalls nearby. I contemplated going snorkeling- but $35 was a little out of my price range. I got home from the bars last night and ate a can of sweet corn- times are tough. Zuhayer ate the entire inside of our loaf of bread. Jerk. :)
That is all.
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Pizza Pies
Last night Janerae and I made 6 pizzas from scratch with the help of some friends. We cooked them on a grill with coals from a fire. We fed 10 people on 12,000 colones. Which is about twenty US dollars.
Zuhayr and i have decided that its time to move on from Santa Teresa-cant get too comfortable... so we are going to go camp on the beach in Montezuma. Apparently in Montezuma everyone says- Montefuma, Coca Rica, Pura Vida. Hah.
My birthday is in 6 days!! Im considering coming back to Brunelas - Santa Teresa is a laid back surfer town, and its a trek to get here- so it remains isolated from the constant flow of tourists I wonder how long it will stay like this...
Zuhayr and i have decided that its time to move on from Santa Teresa-cant get too comfortable... so we are going to go camp on the beach in Montezuma. Apparently in Montezuma everyone says- Montefuma, Coca Rica, Pura Vida. Hah.
My birthday is in 6 days!! Im considering coming back to Brunelas - Santa Teresa is a laid back surfer town, and its a trek to get here- so it remains isolated from the constant flow of tourists I wonder how long it will stay like this...
Friday, July 24, 2009
MAL PAIS
The iguanas here are like squirrels. They are everywhere. The surf is up by 4 meters today and all the surfers are just sitting on the beach watching. Occasionally someone will grab their board and paddle out, but they eventually have to give up. Its awesome.
Our hostel, brunelas, is the a huge open house with 4 beds to a room, nine dollars per night for a bed. Its a neon green and yellow building with graffiti all over it and it has 2 kitchens and a huge yard. this place even has a surfboard that you can use for free. there are about 10 iguanas that just run around like house cats. last night we cooked yellowfin tuna and black tuna and about 15 of us had a feast. then we started drinking rum and playing poker. 7 of us, myself and 6 guys. i ended up splitting the pot with one other guy. the boys underestimated me, and i enjoyed taking their money. then we went out to reggae night at the bar and drank more rum and danced the night away. we finished off the night by sitting on the beach and watching the stars.
today we cruised around on the beach- its like something out of a picture. its surreal. the coastline is gorgeous and the waves are HUGE!!! everyones playing soccer or watching the surf.
im pretty sure ill be going to montezuma tomorrow. hoping to meet up with the german couple- chris and elena.
zuhayr, janerae, antonio and myself have been having a blast. 4 solo travelers that became a family.
TRAVEL SOLO! its the only way to fly.
Our hostel, brunelas, is the a huge open house with 4 beds to a room, nine dollars per night for a bed. Its a neon green and yellow building with graffiti all over it and it has 2 kitchens and a huge yard. this place even has a surfboard that you can use for free. there are about 10 iguanas that just run around like house cats. last night we cooked yellowfin tuna and black tuna and about 15 of us had a feast. then we started drinking rum and playing poker. 7 of us, myself and 6 guys. i ended up splitting the pot with one other guy. the boys underestimated me, and i enjoyed taking their money. then we went out to reggae night at the bar and drank more rum and danced the night away. we finished off the night by sitting on the beach and watching the stars.
today we cruised around on the beach- its like something out of a picture. its surreal. the coastline is gorgeous and the waves are HUGE!!! everyones playing soccer or watching the surf.
im pretty sure ill be going to montezuma tomorrow. hoping to meet up with the german couple- chris and elena.
zuhayr, janerae, antonio and myself have been having a blast. 4 solo travelers that became a family.
TRAVEL SOLO! its the only way to fly.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
AMAZING
Hello Everyone!
Life is so good. Im in Santa Teresa on the pacific coast. Costa Rica is unbelievable. My first day started off with a 7 hour wait for a bus to Monteverde. I could have cruised around San Jose for a few hours but I got the feeling that there wasnt too much to see and it didnt seem very safe- so i stayed and read. I met two awesome girls - Morena from Switzerland and Kim from Canada- and without their help i would have missed the bus-which decided to leave 20 minutes early. Time doesnt really matter here- the bus drivers leave when they feel like it- so you always have to be prepared. I took a catnap on the bus and woke up to lush green jungles and winding roads - super sketchy bus ride. Theres no guard rail and you look down and there is about 6 inches between the bus and a cliff. OUT OF CONTROL.
On the bus i ran into Pete Segner- a guy i went to middle school with - who was traveling with a guy named Julian. The five of us went out and had a huge dinner at the treehouse- a restaurant with a tree in the middle of the building- and drank imperials and listened to live music. The weather was cold, windy and rainy. I slept like a champ. Right before i went to sleep i met Zuhayr- who has been my traveling companion ever since. I feel like ive known him 10 years- and I consider him to be my brother. Hes hilarious- and we have laughed more over the last 4 days than i have in years.
Our first day we did the zipline canopy tour- which was the most amazing thing ive ever done in my life. 12 zip lines, rapel, tarzan swing and the superman zipline. The superman zipline was 3 minutes long- 300 feet in the air over a canopy of trees. You fly like superman and its the most incredible feeling in the world. I was freaked out but smiling. It was insane. Then we went on a night tour and saw sloths, a neon green viper, some bugs, and other random mammals and birds.
Zuhayr and i met up with a girl named Brittany and the three of us were like the three amigos - we danced and laughed and drank the night away. So much fun.
The next day Zuhayr and I left for La Fortuna to see the volcano. It was cloudy most of the time - but we managed to find our way to the hot springs nearby. Zuhayr and i met up with some germans- Chris and Elena- and the four of us had a blast together. Baldi- the name of the hot spring place- had like 20 pools and waterslides and wet bars and set the precedent for debauchery. One of the waterslides- i didnt realize this at the time- lets you go 45 km per hour- i dont think ill do that one again. In costa rica- people prettym uch let you do whatever you want. Which is nice.
My spanish is amazing- the germans were robbed in san ramon and i had to talk to the police for them. Its amazing how quickly my spanish has improved and im loving it.
Currently in Mal Pais/Santa Teresa- about to learn how to surf. Lots more to tell you-but i just dont have time right now. Off with zuhayr and our other friends- antonio and jane ray- to go attempt to surf.
There are monkeys in all of the trees here- and the vibe is incredible.
Chao
Life is so good. Im in Santa Teresa on the pacific coast. Costa Rica is unbelievable. My first day started off with a 7 hour wait for a bus to Monteverde. I could have cruised around San Jose for a few hours but I got the feeling that there wasnt too much to see and it didnt seem very safe- so i stayed and read. I met two awesome girls - Morena from Switzerland and Kim from Canada- and without their help i would have missed the bus-which decided to leave 20 minutes early. Time doesnt really matter here- the bus drivers leave when they feel like it- so you always have to be prepared. I took a catnap on the bus and woke up to lush green jungles and winding roads - super sketchy bus ride. Theres no guard rail and you look down and there is about 6 inches between the bus and a cliff. OUT OF CONTROL.
On the bus i ran into Pete Segner- a guy i went to middle school with - who was traveling with a guy named Julian. The five of us went out and had a huge dinner at the treehouse- a restaurant with a tree in the middle of the building- and drank imperials and listened to live music. The weather was cold, windy and rainy. I slept like a champ. Right before i went to sleep i met Zuhayr- who has been my traveling companion ever since. I feel like ive known him 10 years- and I consider him to be my brother. Hes hilarious- and we have laughed more over the last 4 days than i have in years.
Our first day we did the zipline canopy tour- which was the most amazing thing ive ever done in my life. 12 zip lines, rapel, tarzan swing and the superman zipline. The superman zipline was 3 minutes long- 300 feet in the air over a canopy of trees. You fly like superman and its the most incredible feeling in the world. I was freaked out but smiling. It was insane. Then we went on a night tour and saw sloths, a neon green viper, some bugs, and other random mammals and birds.
Zuhayr and i met up with a girl named Brittany and the three of us were like the three amigos - we danced and laughed and drank the night away. So much fun.
The next day Zuhayr and I left for La Fortuna to see the volcano. It was cloudy most of the time - but we managed to find our way to the hot springs nearby. Zuhayr and i met up with some germans- Chris and Elena- and the four of us had a blast together. Baldi- the name of the hot spring place- had like 20 pools and waterslides and wet bars and set the precedent for debauchery. One of the waterslides- i didnt realize this at the time- lets you go 45 km per hour- i dont think ill do that one again. In costa rica- people prettym uch let you do whatever you want. Which is nice.
My spanish is amazing- the germans were robbed in san ramon and i had to talk to the police for them. Its amazing how quickly my spanish has improved and im loving it.
Currently in Mal Pais/Santa Teresa- about to learn how to surf. Lots more to tell you-but i just dont have time right now. Off with zuhayr and our other friends- antonio and jane ray- to go attempt to surf.
There are monkeys in all of the trees here- and the vibe is incredible.
Chao
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Things Are FINALLY Falling Into Place
Things are finally falling into place….
Ive been nervous. All has not been well with a lot of the people that I care about. There are a few key people in my life that have been struggling. I have been struggling. I have been trying to make it all happen- and its been killing me. One of my closest friends has been a mess- and its been tough to see this amazing individual lose her strength. Its really tough for me to see my friends struggle – but its been prevalent throughout the last few months. THAT’S LIFE.
Yet in the last few days- one of my friends got some action on her birthday, another is smiling for the first time in months following a shattered heart- and someone else very close to me just found something REAL. That’s all I can say regarding specifics.
Houston has been interesting- ive met some really amazing friends. I was terrified of leaving Jackson but its been a wild ride down in h-town. I have enjoyed being SINGLE- even though im never alone. Im far too ADD for that. Im ready to shut off my phone and LET GO of it. I mean the feeling when you are alone waiting for someone and you just grab your phone to distract yourself- NO MORE- its time for me to just take in my surroundings and enjoy every minute of it. Im going to substitute my phone with a journal and write down everything that’s worth writing. Ill probably do a fair amount of doodling as well…
Im selling my car on WEDNESDAY~ “the fo” if you will. I love my car more than I like most people. Weve been through shit together- and at some points in my life it was my ONLY sanctuary. Im going to miss the FO but its time to let go of a few things in my life. There are so many things that I cant control. There is a lot of turmoil in certain relationships in my life- and I hate it. I just avoid it.
Ive spent my time with my favorites- Louise is a perfect example. Just people who love me for who I am and what im about to do and for what ive been doing all along- LIVING.
The thing about life is that it goes by so quickly. I don’t want to get married at 25 and pop out kids by the time im 27. It sounds miserable. I know that there are a lot of happy people that have amazing lives- but SOME parents of 9 year olds are totally over it. They are just looking for ANYTHING to distract them from the routine. Im sure that im pissing someone off right now – but whatevs its just my perspective.
I hate the idea of falling OUT of love- I never want that to happen to me… again. It’s the worst feeling in the world. Im far too proud to let someone do that to me again. It’s the inner Leo in me. ROAR.
ANYWAY – back to the bright side of life.
I have been having so much fun with Caroline. We have laughed more in the last 3 days than I have in my entire time in Houston. I have LOVED living on Driscoll. Amazing neighbors- an awesome house – and it just feels like home. I am officially obsessed with watching the Bachelorette- which is so lame- but hey im in Houston- what the EF else am I going to do? Louise has been my heart and soul- I will always be fond of Houston specifically because its is where Louise will always call home.
I love SWIMMING all the time- while its nothing like running up the snake river (with B & A – back in the day) and running upstream and floating downstream while the dogs go nuts- jumping off a diving board is SO MUCH FUN. Especially when my top DOESN’T fall off. Extra bonus!!! (sparkley wiggles!!)
Anyway – the whole rant here is that I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m SO READY to embark on this amazing journey. Apparently im off to find Mad Max.
The most important part for me though is not having to stress about my 3 being happy again. Tier 1- you are so wonderful- keep doing what your doing. Inspirational Wondergirl – I hope that I can always be there for you- even though I am going to be far away- and thank you. And for the third- ive already said what I needed to say- the message has always been the same- im crazy about you- I always have been and I always will be.
Today has been the most amazing day.
HAPPY MOMES.
PS- I get to see harry potter tomorrow with CEH, Louise and Annalcia – JEALOUS????
Ive been nervous. All has not been well with a lot of the people that I care about. There are a few key people in my life that have been struggling. I have been struggling. I have been trying to make it all happen- and its been killing me. One of my closest friends has been a mess- and its been tough to see this amazing individual lose her strength. Its really tough for me to see my friends struggle – but its been prevalent throughout the last few months. THAT’S LIFE.
Yet in the last few days- one of my friends got some action on her birthday, another is smiling for the first time in months following a shattered heart- and someone else very close to me just found something REAL. That’s all I can say regarding specifics.
Houston has been interesting- ive met some really amazing friends. I was terrified of leaving Jackson but its been a wild ride down in h-town. I have enjoyed being SINGLE- even though im never alone. Im far too ADD for that. Im ready to shut off my phone and LET GO of it. I mean the feeling when you are alone waiting for someone and you just grab your phone to distract yourself- NO MORE- its time for me to just take in my surroundings and enjoy every minute of it. Im going to substitute my phone with a journal and write down everything that’s worth writing. Ill probably do a fair amount of doodling as well…
Im selling my car on WEDNESDAY~ “the fo” if you will. I love my car more than I like most people. Weve been through shit together- and at some points in my life it was my ONLY sanctuary. Im going to miss the FO but its time to let go of a few things in my life. There are so many things that I cant control. There is a lot of turmoil in certain relationships in my life- and I hate it. I just avoid it.
Ive spent my time with my favorites- Louise is a perfect example. Just people who love me for who I am and what im about to do and for what ive been doing all along- LIVING.
The thing about life is that it goes by so quickly. I don’t want to get married at 25 and pop out kids by the time im 27. It sounds miserable. I know that there are a lot of happy people that have amazing lives- but SOME parents of 9 year olds are totally over it. They are just looking for ANYTHING to distract them from the routine. Im sure that im pissing someone off right now – but whatevs its just my perspective.
I hate the idea of falling OUT of love- I never want that to happen to me… again. It’s the worst feeling in the world. Im far too proud to let someone do that to me again. It’s the inner Leo in me. ROAR.
ANYWAY – back to the bright side of life.
I have been having so much fun with Caroline. We have laughed more in the last 3 days than I have in my entire time in Houston. I have LOVED living on Driscoll. Amazing neighbors- an awesome house – and it just feels like home. I am officially obsessed with watching the Bachelorette- which is so lame- but hey im in Houston- what the EF else am I going to do? Louise has been my heart and soul- I will always be fond of Houston specifically because its is where Louise will always call home.
I love SWIMMING all the time- while its nothing like running up the snake river (with B & A – back in the day) and running upstream and floating downstream while the dogs go nuts- jumping off a diving board is SO MUCH FUN. Especially when my top DOESN’T fall off. Extra bonus!!! (sparkley wiggles!!)
Anyway – the whole rant here is that I’m happy. I’m excited. I’m SO READY to embark on this amazing journey. Apparently im off to find Mad Max.
The most important part for me though is not having to stress about my 3 being happy again. Tier 1- you are so wonderful- keep doing what your doing. Inspirational Wondergirl – I hope that I can always be there for you- even though I am going to be far away- and thank you. And for the third- ive already said what I needed to say- the message has always been the same- im crazy about you- I always have been and I always will be.
Today has been the most amazing day.
HAPPY MOMES.
PS- I get to see harry potter tomorrow with CEH, Louise and Annalcia – JEALOUS????
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
FOR MORIAH...i love youuuuuu
You say, I only hear what I want to
You say, I talk so all the time, so
And I thought what I felt was simple
And I thought that I don't belong
And now that I am leavin'
Now I know that I did somethin' wrong 'cause I missed you
Yeah... I missed you
And you say,
I only hear what I want to
I don't listen hard
Don't pay attention to the distance that you're runnin'
To anyone, anywhere,
I Don't understand if you really careI'm only hearing negative
No, no, no (bad)
So I,
I turn the radio on,
I turn the radio up
And this woman was singin' my song
Lover's in love and the other's run away
Lover is crying 'cause the other won't stay
Some of us hover while we're waiting for the other who was
Dyin' since the day they were born, well
Well, this is not that, think that I'm throwin'
But I'm thrown
And I thought I'd live forever
But now I'm not so sure
You try to tell me that I'm clever
That won't take me anyhow, or anywhere
With you
You said that I was naive,
and (naive...)I thought that I was strong,
ohI thought, 'hey, I can leave, I can leave', oh (leave...)
But now I know that I was wrong,
'cause I missed youYeah...
I miss youYou said, "You caught me 'cause you want me"
And one day you let me go
You try to keep away a keeper
Or keep me 'cause you know you're just so
Scared to lose
And you say, "stay"
You say, I only hear what I want to
You say, I only hear what I want to
You say, I talk so all the time, so
And I thought what I felt was simple
And I thought that I don't belong
And now that I am leavin'
Now I know that I did somethin' wrong 'cause I missed you
Yeah... I missed you
And you say,
I only hear what I want to
I don't listen hard
Don't pay attention to the distance that you're runnin'
To anyone, anywhere,
I Don't understand if you really careI'm only hearing negative
No, no, no (bad)
So I,
I turn the radio on,
I turn the radio up
And this woman was singin' my song
Lover's in love and the other's run away
Lover is crying 'cause the other won't stay
Some of us hover while we're waiting for the other who was
Dyin' since the day they were born, well
Well, this is not that, think that I'm throwin'
But I'm thrown
And I thought I'd live forever
But now I'm not so sure
You try to tell me that I'm clever
That won't take me anyhow, or anywhere
With you
You said that I was naive,
and (naive...)I thought that I was strong,
ohI thought, 'hey, I can leave, I can leave', oh (leave...)
But now I know that I was wrong,
'cause I missed youYeah...
I miss youYou said, "You caught me 'cause you want me"
And one day you let me go
You try to keep away a keeper
Or keep me 'cause you know you're just so
Scared to lose
And you say, "stay"
You say, I only hear what I want to
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Getting Ready!!!
JULY 1st
I am so ready to get out!!! 2 more days of work- followed by 4th of july at the bay- followed by packing and finalizing last details... like figuring out what im going to accomplish while traveling. While im giving myself my 25th birthday present- time just for me.
Ive been distracting myself while in houston- multiple jobs, spinnin boys, druken nights, early mornings, running and bike riding- NO SLEEP EVER. But there are great people in htown and ill always love my ability to keep myself occupied there between travels. Not to mention getting to spend some time with the family- or at least way more than how much i was seeing them before.
Thanks to - Caroline, Anna and Louise- i could not have done it without you. All my peeps at whole earth and grappinos- HOLY CRAP i love yall so much. Ive LOVED working with all the hippies at whole earth- such a fantastic work environment. Its like EMPIRE RECORDS meets REI. Someone is going to shoot me for saying that- but whatever its my point of view.
Fav0rite quote from grappinos- "When ARENT we talking about sex?"- Joshie
Between the two jobs- where i spent ALL of my time- i feel like i have a WHOLE NEW FAMILY. Im going to miss yall!!
EVA- you are my inspiration for this entire trip!!! How cool is that?
Anyway- im SUPER excited and i dont want to write too much before i go- but IM READY!.
Favorite Song: "Acapulco 78" by Fase
**by the way i will be letting yall know my favorite songs as they hit me.
PS IM BLOGGING! Im such a nerd.
I am so ready to get out!!! 2 more days of work- followed by 4th of july at the bay- followed by packing and finalizing last details... like figuring out what im going to accomplish while traveling. While im giving myself my 25th birthday present- time just for me.
Ive been distracting myself while in houston- multiple jobs, spinnin boys, druken nights, early mornings, running and bike riding- NO SLEEP EVER. But there are great people in htown and ill always love my ability to keep myself occupied there between travels. Not to mention getting to spend some time with the family- or at least way more than how much i was seeing them before.
Thanks to - Caroline, Anna and Louise- i could not have done it without you. All my peeps at whole earth and grappinos- HOLY CRAP i love yall so much. Ive LOVED working with all the hippies at whole earth- such a fantastic work environment. Its like EMPIRE RECORDS meets REI. Someone is going to shoot me for saying that- but whatever its my point of view.
Fav0rite quote from grappinos- "When ARENT we talking about sex?"- Joshie
Between the two jobs- where i spent ALL of my time- i feel like i have a WHOLE NEW FAMILY. Im going to miss yall!!
EVA- you are my inspiration for this entire trip!!! How cool is that?
Anyway- im SUPER excited and i dont want to write too much before i go- but IM READY!.
Favorite Song: "Acapulco 78" by Fase
**by the way i will be letting yall know my favorite songs as they hit me.
PS IM BLOGGING! Im such a nerd.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
"if the music make you move
'cause you can really grove
then grove on, grove on
if you feel like you wanna make love
under the stars above
love on, love on
if theres something you wanna say
and talkin is the only way
rap on, oh, rap on
cause whatever you do,
oh, youve gotta do your thing
if you feel like you wanna scream,
cause thats your only way of lettin off steam
scream on, scream on
if you feel like you wanna sing,
cause singin is your thing
sing on, sing on
if you wanna make love all night
and you feel its right
right on, right on,
cause whatever you do,
oh, youve gotta do your thing
do your thing"
-Do Your Thing, Orgone
'cause you can really grove
then grove on, grove on
if you feel like you wanna make love
under the stars above
love on, love on
if theres something you wanna say
and talkin is the only way
rap on, oh, rap on
cause whatever you do,
oh, youve gotta do your thing
if you feel like you wanna scream,
cause thats your only way of lettin off steam
scream on, scream on
if you feel like you wanna sing,
cause singin is your thing
sing on, sing on
if you wanna make love all night
and you feel its right
right on, right on,
cause whatever you do,
oh, youve gotta do your thing
do your thing"
-Do Your Thing, Orgone
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