Before leaving for the beach on Friday, Emy walked Darrian and I around her neighborhood and surrounding areas of San Jose. No rain, so it was scorching hot outside! However, we ventured to Pequeño Mundo, a large store that resembles Sam's, except it carries more inexpensive clothes and house decor than food items! Construction workers live for cat calls. As we walked down the street, we received quite a few "Buenos dias" (Good morning) and "Te amo" (I love you) shout outs. My Mama Tica told us to ignore them. It's amazing the difference between American and Costa Rican cultures. I know some guys shout out at girls walking on the street in the U.S., but it's definitely not as common. In addition, we have to get used to how often people use their car horns here! In America, we're taught to associate the horn with frustration. On the other hand, Ticos honk ALL the time! They honk to tell you the light is about to turn green, they honk to say hello, they honk to tell you they're turning. You name it, they're honking! I find myself whipping my head around every time I hear a honk, expecting to see a terrible driver on the loose!
Anyway, Darrian and I came back to the house, grabbed our stuff, and got on the bus destined for Playa Tamarindo! We left around 1 and arrived around 7:30, but we took a pit stop. So all in all, the trip took a little less than 6 hours by bus. Just our luck, the DVD player wasn't working either! So everyone was either sleeping or listening to their iPod. I tried to do both, and failed miserably. Sleeping straight up isn't exactly my forte. Luckily, on the way back, the DVD player worked and we were able to watch Rio and Dinner for Schmucks. Anyway, after arriving at Playa Tamarindo, we took our luggage to our rooms and went back down for a typical Costa Rican dinner. You guessed it--rice and beans accompanied by veggies and fruit. After dinner, some of us changed into swimsuits and went for a little night swim. The pool was amazing! Swim-up bar, bridge, fountains. Not to mention, ending the night with a 5-star resort bed and hot shower. I fell in love!
The next day, my friends Sam, Shayla, Katie, and I woke up at 7 and went running on the beach. No, we aren't crazy! We wanted our beach time in! Can you blame us? Ticos walk up and down the beach, and I swear every single one brought his dog! I'm a dog lover, but when pit bulls are jumping on me and chasing me, I get a little scared!
Anyway, after running, we ate a delicious breakfast provided by the resort and Sam, Lindsey, Danielle, Katie, and I headed to the beach to lay out!
At 1, Katie and I, along with about 78 other ISA students, boarded the catamaran! It was a blast! We just hung out out on the boat while driving to an island. Once we arrived, they anchored the boat and we jumped off, snorkeled, and swam for awhile! We got back on and ate some tasty snacks of guacamole, salsa, chips, pasta, and fresh fruit!
The catamaran then headed back to the resort. Before getting off, they anchored the boat again and we all used our new salsa and merengue dance moves while watching the sunset. What a perfect day!
After getting off the boat, Katie and I showered up really quick and went to dinner with Lindsey, Sam, and Danielle at a beachfront restaurant called Beach Bar. It was so relaxing with the strung-up lights and serenaders.
My dinner of Chicken Curry Salad
After dinner, we walked around for a little bit and headed back to the resort to hang out in Lindsey, Sam, and Danielle's room. We were worn out from the day!
The 5 of us woke up again at 7 the next morning to get some more beach time in! Yes, we love it-haha! Unfortunately, it was a little cloudy, but it started to clear off around 9. Danielle and Lindsey decided that they wanted to basque in the comfy bed before leaving. Sam and I played in the waves for a little bit, and then we headed to the pool to swim with Katie.
Afterwards, I headed back to my room to pack up and take one last hot shower for the week! I can't complain, though, because I'm incredibly grateful for God leading me down this road. He gave me these challenges to make my trust in Him stronger! I take so much for granted at home, and now I'm even more grateful for everything my parents provide for me. It's true: you never know what you have until it's gone!
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