Okay so this blog thing is easier said than done! First of all, I am posting this and I have a few more posts drafted to hopefully give me direction and ambition in the future. I am sorry for leaving my 6 faithful followers hanging! Secondly, I have been very nervous about taking my camera out and, therefore, have few pictures as of yet, but will post what I do have soon!
Upon arriving to San Jose, the director of Trips, Luis, picked me up and drove me straight to the 'Tica' family that I would be staying with. Tico/a is an affectionate nickname used by Costa Ricans for themselves. I was extremely nervous as we pulled up to the house, but Gloriana, affectionately called Mama Tica, put me at ease almost immediately. She helped me carry my extraordinarily heavy bags to my small room and showed me around the house and to my private bathroom. I was then introduced to her two sons, LuisCarlos, age 5, and Tomas, age 1, and finally to Carlos, the father of the house, who fortunately speaks English very well! I also met the adorable dog of the family, 'Blue', who is a pure breed of something.
I soon learned that despite being hemispheres apart, this new family was much like my own! Gloriana was shocked when she learned about my 1 and 3 yr. old sisters and laughed when I said: 'Mis padres son locos'. I soon learned out why: this family also had 23, 21, and 19 year old sons attending college in the states. How God has blessed me with shockingly familiar similarities! On the second night at my new house, we had Lasagna, which is one of my favorites at home. It wasn't quite as good as my mom's, but the other food that my Tica Mom makes is quite phenomenal!
Gloriana "Glo" has short hair similar to mine, but shorter and is such a hard worker. She works day in and day out to make sure that her house and family are clean and well-taken care of. She absolutely loves her sons and I enjoy watching her communicate with them. She is also extremely creative and makes jewelry from glass that is absolutely beautiful.
Carlos "Charlie" reminds me of my own dad...sort of. He is always making really corny jokes, but is also very concerned with the safety of his children, always. He believes that the bond between between father and child is one that will forever impact both lives and enjoys being with his family. Carlos works on a boat for 4.5 months each year.
Luis Carlos is almost as much of a handful as my little sister ;) He is so sweet and kind sometimes, but like any child, has trouble with sharing and not getting his own way. Considering that this family has had many students coming and going, Luis handles the change very well. I struggle bonding with Luis because my Spanish is so limited that it is often hard for me to communicate with him. He is so adorable and I would love to have a closer connection with him!
Tomas is a nino of my own heart! He loves to eat ALWAYS, dance, and smile. His life is so simple and he is probably one of the happiest babies that I have ever met. He smiles so big every time that I enter the room, which has been great for my self esteem!
Blue was adopted by the family when found wandering the streets and was later found to be pure bred. He is always calm and very sweet. Blue is my new best friend because our bond is unspoken!
All-in-all my Tica family has had tremendous patience with my struggling Spanish skills and my other character flaws! I didn't bring any gifts with me when I arrived to meet my new family, but learned afterwords that this is a common practice. I hoping that Amos can bring some when he comes to visit at the end of June. I really appreciate this family and all that they have done for me and would like to get them something from the States that they would enjoy. Any suggestions?
Voy a escriber otra vez pronto!
Senorita Money
Upon arriving to San Jose, the director of Trips, Luis, picked me up and drove me straight to the 'Tica' family that I would be staying with. Tico/a is an affectionate nickname used by Costa Ricans for themselves. I was extremely nervous as we pulled up to the house, but Gloriana, affectionately called Mama Tica, put me at ease almost immediately. She helped me carry my extraordinarily heavy bags to my small room and showed me around the house and to my private bathroom. I was then introduced to her two sons, LuisCarlos, age 5, and Tomas, age 1, and finally to Carlos, the father of the house, who fortunately speaks English very well! I also met the adorable dog of the family, 'Blue', who is a pure breed of something.
I soon learned that despite being hemispheres apart, this new family was much like my own! Gloriana was shocked when she learned about my 1 and 3 yr. old sisters and laughed when I said: 'Mis padres son locos'. I soon learned out why: this family also had 23, 21, and 19 year old sons attending college in the states. How God has blessed me with shockingly familiar similarities! On the second night at my new house, we had Lasagna, which is one of my favorites at home. It wasn't quite as good as my mom's, but the other food that my Tica Mom makes is quite phenomenal!
Gloriana "Glo" has short hair similar to mine, but shorter and is such a hard worker. She works day in and day out to make sure that her house and family are clean and well-taken care of. She absolutely loves her sons and I enjoy watching her communicate with them. She is also extremely creative and makes jewelry from glass that is absolutely beautiful.
Carlos "Charlie" reminds me of my own dad...sort of. He is always making really corny jokes, but is also very concerned with the safety of his children, always. He believes that the bond between between father and child is one that will forever impact both lives and enjoys being with his family. Carlos works on a boat for 4.5 months each year.
Luis Carlos is almost as much of a handful as my little sister ;) He is so sweet and kind sometimes, but like any child, has trouble with sharing and not getting his own way. Considering that this family has had many students coming and going, Luis handles the change very well. I struggle bonding with Luis because my Spanish is so limited that it is often hard for me to communicate with him. He is so adorable and I would love to have a closer connection with him!
Tomas is a nino of my own heart! He loves to eat ALWAYS, dance, and smile. His life is so simple and he is probably one of the happiest babies that I have ever met. He smiles so big every time that I enter the room, which has been great for my self esteem!
Blue was adopted by the family when found wandering the streets and was later found to be pure bred. He is always calm and very sweet. Blue is my new best friend because our bond is unspoken!
All-in-all my Tica family has had tremendous patience with my struggling Spanish skills and my other character flaws! I didn't bring any gifts with me when I arrived to meet my new family, but learned afterwords that this is a common practice. I hoping that Amos can bring some when he comes to visit at the end of June. I really appreciate this family and all that they have done for me and would like to get them something from the States that they would enjoy. Any suggestions?
Voy a escriber otra vez pronto!
Senorita Money
Rachel! Loved reading your latest post. It really helps to know how things are going when we know you are so far away. I'm so happy you are with such a nice family. And also happy you have made a bond...even if it is with Blue. Always man's best friend!
I would have loved to try her lasagna... you know how I love to make it!
I'm thinking about gifts from the states...maybe something regional from PA? Hershey's chocolate would melt unless he brought it in his carry on... I'll have to mull it over! ;-)
Hang in there and be safe! (As your Dad would say)
Love ya!
now there's a good update!! Of course I want to know what kind of purebred Blue is. but I suppose that is of less importance than everything else. ;) If I think of a good gift I'll let you know - here, a bottle of wine usually goes far, plus it's easy to transport, but would that be acceptable there? Could probably think up something more personal.
Tomas sounds sooooo cute. I wanna see pics when you get brave enough to take them! Are you scared you'll lose your camera or just uncomfortable snapping photos?
Well it sounds like you're adjusting - keep writing, your adoring fans are waiting. Also come back to PGH asap so we can be downtown buds!
go traditional - tacos n tequila