Update

Since my last update, I've had my first actually stressful week of classes, and my first presentation in Spanish in front of a class of Ticos. It went...okay. Last Friday 14 of us went into San Jose for my host sister Maria's 27th birthday. We were dropped off in the middle of the streets, surrounded by hundreds of people drinking on every corner. No crazy crowds or destructive events, (surprisingly), just lots of drunk people all over the streets. It was interesting because I'm fairly confident in saying that this would result in complete and utter chaos in the States if it were allowed. Anyway, I got to meet a bunch of Maria's friends and it was really nice to feel a bit more integrated for once instead being with the usual gringo group of exchange students. That Sunday was an uncle's 70th birthday, which was held about an hour away from Barva up in this gorgeous resort that the family owns in the hills. Fortunately a friend was there as well so we were both able to avoid the awkward family dancing by hanging out on the lawn and throwing no less than 30 coconuts into trees until we got the perfect shot of a coconut bursting as it spiraled through the air.So I met some more cousins and extended family members of many names and relations that I cannot remember. The surrounding area was really relaxing and serene; it's crazy to think that we were so close to the city.

Last night I went with Nini and Rodrigo (host parents) to a cousin's housewarming party in Santo Domingo. I was able to again meet some more Ticos and an Argentinian, whose accent makes me very glad that I am where I am! Anyway, this morning I have to get ready to go to a river with a cousin & friends, I'm sure I'll have more pictures of that later.