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!