Fishing!

Can't get any deer on a five day hunting trip in the mountains of washington? well, then go to Costa Rica and they will be come right up to you in your hotel and eat bananas out of your hand. Granted, they are a little small, and quite a strange sight to see in Costa Rica.
Here are our trusty boat guides whose names I don't remember. Actually, they weren't so trusty because we only caught one fish and the boat next to us caught like five. So the blame cleary lies in the boat drivers, not in my lack of fishing and reeling ability.
Here's the one fish, caught by Hans, in all its glory.
This is pretty much what it was like most of the time. I learned a lot of patience. And it rained pretty solid for about an hour. But it was still beautiful, and now I can say I went fishing off the coast of Costa Rica.
I think this picture was taken when I was still hopeful about the catch. But the experience was still a good one. And that rooster fish was crazy!

It was so awesome to have my family here this past week, especially for thanksgiving. I think a lot of my friends may have been a little jealous, as they should be because my family is incredible and so much fun! Just four weeks to go, and I know they will fly by with more trips to beaches, perhaps nicaragua, and more learning. I think my family knows why I am in love with this country and the people and h0pefully we can all come back together someday!

Tropical beaches!

I could spend some serious time taking in the sun on those beach chairs. Of course, sometimes sleeping isn't so easy with vendors coming around to sell pots, serve you drinks, and such. But it was so nice to be in the sun and sand and heat of the beach after a somewhat cold week in San Jose. A perfect ending to a great week with the fam!
We're in the jungle now. This was the calm part of the trail, later we had to climb over rocks and tree roots and we definitely got in touch with nature. But with the knowledge that a margarita would be waiting for us at the end, we made it through!
The monkeys were wild this day, and we have lots and lots of monkey pictures. But the face on this monkey makes me laugh. Look at those eyes!
Manuel Antonio National Park. I was so glad to come here again and enjoy the sand and sun and see the monkeys again. I told my family it's a good thing I don't go to school near the beach, becasue then I definitely wouldn't get any studying done!
Look at those bathing beauties!
What better way to end the day than with happy hour two for one margaritas and sunset on a tropical beach with your dad? I feel so blessed for this time, it's overwhelming.
Boogie boarding was so fun! I think my dad is more talented than me, he has a special touch and can catch practically every wave. But we both got some pretty good waves. And my mom was out there for a while too! It was six dollars well spent.
We hiked up to this beautiful viewpoint on the edge of a cliff and the water was sparkeling and the waves were crashing below us. It was incredible. And a little sweaty. Now my parents are bundled up in the snow...Crazy!

Dia de Accion de Gracias!

Flying over the palm trees was quite an experience. Too bad when we went to fly home there wasn't a plane so we had to drive home for FOUR hours over some pretty sketchy roads instead of the glorious twenty minute ride. But, it's all part of being flexible in Costa Rica, and it was still a good experience and now my parents understand my weekend excursions and all the time I spend in a bus!
Costa Rica is so beautiful, especially by plane!
Yes, we were that close to the cockpit and pilot. I think after a few flights I could figure out how to do it.
Getting ready to board the plane! It was pretty much a private flight and we filled the little plane. I am so glad that we got to fly over and enjoy the beautiful sunshine of the beach instead of the chill of San Jose.
The waiters dressed as monks. Even with a hood on, I still was quite a bit taller. Such is life here in Costa Rica.
It was a little strange having thanksgiving in a French restaurant in Costa Rica, but I loved the salmon, sangria, and chocolate cake at the end. I am going to miss all the good food from eating out all week!
We ate at an old monastery converted into a beautiful french restaurant with a view of all of San Jose. Here we are in the little chapel, ready for a delicious meal.
He was pretty proud of this moment with the birds.

More familia...

On Thanksgiving, after I was in class and took my final exam while my family toured the coffee farm (rough life, I know) we went to visit Dona Marta and see the children. We interrupted their nap time and the older children were still at school, but it was still a huge blessing to be there on Thanksgiving and realize how truly blessed we are. We brought some toys for the children and talked with Dona Marta; who, despite all the difficulties of her life and the exhausting work of caring for the children every day, still has a spirit of thankfulness and glory to God. What a reminder of a true heart of service!
So the weather has been realtively warm and comfortable the entire time I have been here, but of course the one week my parents come to visit it is FREEZING and record low temperatures (okay in the 50's and 60's, but the locals were whipping out the hats, scarves, gloves, and sweaters). So we had to buy some Veritas sweatshirts to fight the frigid temperatures.
We took a rather long drive up the mountains to a restaurant, but the view was incredible. San Jose looks like it goes on forever!
Who are those three old women? I mean gorgeous ladies of course...We enjoyed a dinner at the Mirador Ram Luna, including all the typical food (more rice pudding, Dad!) and dancing and entertainment. A little taste of la vida tica!
This was so cozy and Christmasy! And probably the fourth fireplace I have seen in this country. I am glad that Costa Ricans love Christmas, already there are lights, trees, music, and everything all over and I love it!
Soaring through the jungle canopy! I love my crazy father.
Getting ready to head on some zip lines! I was so proud of my mom for going on this, and I am pretty sure she had a good time. But man there was a lot of hiking involved between some of the zip line platforms and I was not prepared for that. I guess it is time to start running again!
My mom, the wine-o. It was so nice to be able to stay in the condo with my family and enjoy HOT water, and water pressure, and no cockroaches or lizards in my room, and a hammock, and flushing the toilet paper, and being able to wear socks and not have them get black with dirt. And of course being with my family was a bonus as well...

Mi Familia en Costa Rica!

Well, I suppose they call it a rainforest for a reason, and we certainly were able to experience the rain. It's a good thing we are seattlites and a little rain won't stop our fun. Though we were soaked and practically the only ones on the trail, we did the entire hike and saw all the beautiful waterfalls.
Three generations of wild swedish women ready to take on the butterfly gardens, hummingbirds, snakes, frogs, and waterfalls. Good thing we have our raincoats and walking sticks. It was such a blessing to have my parents AND Mormor and Hans here with me this week to see and experience a little of what my life has been these past three months.
On our way to the waterfalls we came across this little casita where we drank agua dulce, escaped from the rain, watched a man milk a cow, and realized we would not have survived in Costa Rica 100 years ago. No kitchen is complete without running water and a dishwasher.
Father-daughter love! I think if my dad had stayed a little longer he would have really picked up on the spanish. He certainly tried to speak at every opportunity (and make me speak, and argue with taxi drivers, and ask about lengua, aka cow tongue) and I am sure the locals loved it. But I am not sure if "dadarino, chalupa, and mucho bueno" are common spanish phrases.
We took a walk to my favorite park, La Parque de la Paz, and enjoyed some great views of the city and mountains. Of course before we arrived we had to cross a busy highway and I might have almost given my mom a heart attack when I ran out in front of a bus. But we made it safely!
Here we are enjoying some coffee, tea, hot chocolate, cookies, and sandwhiches. A small taste of what I have been blessed with the past few months living with Argelis. Though she didn't speak English, Brittany and Dana and I could act as translators and I think it was a great conversation. Argelis was very impressed with how young my parents look and how tall my dad was. She even put on her heels so she wouldn't look as short, but there isn't much you can do when you are only 4'10".
Outside of my casa! I think my family appreciates my long walk to school now, over a busy highway and through beautiful dirty streets. And yes, those are bars all over my house. It will be strange not having to use a key to get in and OUT of my house when I go back home. And being able to see out of windows will be a nice treat too!
Universidad Veritas! I was so glad my family was able to meet all of my amazing professors and see my little art and design school, and eat lunch at some of my favorite sodas and cafes. I am looking forward to going back to Fox, but I will miss this place very much!

White Water Rafting!

One great thing about fridays here is that we either have a test or go on a feild trip, or "cultural excursion." This friday we went to Cartago and Orosi to see a few old churches then enjoy a Fresco natural (really good juice) in a restaurant up in the mountains. The view was absolutely gorgeous! It felt like we were in a different world with all the farms and nature, and it was only 40 minutes away from San Jose!
"Public Displays of Affection are Prohibited." Needless to say I am a rebel rule breaker and Shauna and I risked being kicked out of the restaurant for this photo. I would actually appreciate this sign in a few public places in San Jose because the lovers and affection are EVERYWHERE. Maybe I am just jealous.....
"As the deer pants for the water so my soul searches for You my God." This verse was on the wall of the Basillica in Cartago, and right below this was a fount of holy water for sale...
White water rafting on the Paracue was so incredible! I was so glad that Danny and I decided to do it last minute, and though it was tough to wake up at such an early hour of 5:30, it was worth it for the adventure and thrill. This is the best river in central america and one of the top five in the world! We went up to class four rapids for 18 miles through the most beautiful Costa Rican countryside and you can tell by my face and I was loving it.
Right after this shot practically our entire boat capsized and only three of us were left on. It was a good thing we practiced our rescue techniques and we had those helmets! But the wild ride was amazing. And since the other girls were a little more wary of the front position, I got to be in the front for the rest of the way, and it was a blast. The guide thought it would be funny to push me in a few times, but the water was refreshing.
One of the beautiful canyons we went through...the scenery was amazing!
Our whole crew of Veritas girls. We had so much fun and our boat was always the first to go through the rapids. I think our guide Roberto had a good time with us as well...

Manuel Antonio!

This was by far my favorite weekend ever! We went to the beautiful beach town of Manuel Antonio, and the beauty just took my breath away. We started out on a rather long bus ride, but it was completely worth it. The town was rather touristy, but I can see why, it was gorgeous. Yet again it is going to be tough to go back to classes tomorrow...But I am so excited because one week from today Mom and Dad and Mormor and Hans come!
So on the way we stopped at this bridge to view the alligators. That's right, there are alligators in the rivers of Costa Rica. Or maybe they were crocodiles, I just don't remember. But they were huge, and I think these guys are going in for the kill. When we arrived at our hotel friday night it was pouring down rain, so we braced ourselves for the worst. Our hotel was super nice and included an air condicioner and tv! Luxurious! But Saturday morning was beautiful and sunny, and we went to the national park. It was gorgoues. White sand beaches, lots of animals, trails, trees, and rock cliffs. And it wasn't too crowded either. I cannot even begin to express my joy when we came to this place...all of us girls were going crazy it was so beautiful.
The adventurous ones in our group took a hike up to this incredible viewpoint. We were sweaty, muddy, and ready to jump in the water by the time we finished, but it was well worth the effort. I felt like it was a view worthy of a post card. As amazing as my camera is, it really didn't capture the way that the water sparkled. What an incredible testament to God's power and creativity!
Just because I spend my weekends in beautiful tropical places doesn't mean I forget about all my friends and family back home. I do wish you all were here to enjoy this with me. But don't worry, I bought some postcards.
What better way to finish off an afternoon at the beach than with a giant ice cream sundae? Some chocolate and vanilla...no pun intended.
After an amazing pizza dinner and some serious night time beach exploring (let's just say I feel into a few deep pools of water due to the lack of light, but the stars were amazing) we were ready for another day at the beach. We were going to take surf lessons, but decided to rent boogie boards instead, and they were a blast! Next time we will surf...
Danny and I hit the oceans in our kayak, and it was incredible! We went all the way out to that rock in the background. Coming in was pretty hilarious...let's just say the waves took us by surprise.
When we came in Friday night, it was pouring down rain and dark. So I didn't notice quite as much all the crazy bridges we had to go over. But here is one of about five narrow, one-lane bridges we crossed over where the slats were so far apart you could see the river rushing below you. And this was probably the safest one. Driving is always an adventure in this country. All in all, this was an incredible weekend and I am so excited to take my parents here when they come to visit! It's hard to believe that I have less than six weeks left...yikes.