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February 16, 2008, 9:06 am
This past Monday I started my day to the sounds of a blaring television.The morning news was focused on the first day of school and a constant stream of reports on dress codes, cafeteria food, and other issues that were beyond my Spanish abilities to understand. Oscar, my host dad here in Boruca, devoured his gallopinto while Isha, my eleven year-old host sister, contemplated whether to wear hear uniform skirt or trousers. I mostly tried to remain composed as waves of trepidation pounded me. It was the first day of school.
Normally I am a touch nervous before the first day … (Read more)
February 7, 2008, 10:05 am
I am in an open-air community hall surrounded by men dressed from head to toe in burlap and plantain leaves. Their faces are covered with a variety of artfully carved yet terrifying masks. The masks remind me of KISS make up on steroids. Huge teeth protrude from the faces- grisly smiles stare incessantly- strange forms of carved flesh unfold and disappear back into the faces. Some masks have animal, birds, and plants morphing into facial features. Others are painted with bright colors and intricate patterns. The men join arms and I feel like the art of Picasso has come to … (Read more)
January 25, 2008, 11:24 am
Since my arrival in Costa Rica I have spent most of my time in the town of Orosi for Spanish classes and training. During this time it is easy to forget I am in another country while other North American volunteers surround me. This past weekend that all changed.
On Friday afternoon all the volunteers left Orosi for their respective teaching sites. All 24 of us were heading to the farthest corners of Costa Rica to check out our sites, drop off supplies, and meet the families that we will be living with for the next year. We would only stay … (Read more)
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