Monday, August 31, 2009

First Full Day

We had orientation at school today! The campus is so cute. Very colorful and small and artsy! It is the most expensive arts and design school in the country. The people are all super nice and I mostly got around all day with just spanish! Though I was only on campus, so it doesn't really count. The real challenge will be this weekend. I think a few of us are going to try to navigate our own way to Antonio Miguel beach. I'm gonna try surfing! Hopefully...if there is an instructor around anyway.

I took my two placement tests this morning. The written one went ok. Got halfway through it which is better than most did. The oral one seemed to go really well surprisingly! I think I will get placed in a level where I can receive credit back home, which is such a relief. I am sort of jealous of a few other kids in the program though cause one girl said she is getting like 23 hrs back a her school for just 5 classes here! that's insane and so not fair. And get this...class starts at EIGHT every morning. Lol. And I even dragged myself outta bed this morning to go for a run (although i don't feel right calling it that cause it was more like a ten minute pathetic attempt at a run) at SIX! I'm gonna try to keep it up. There are two die hard runners here who I'll go with every morning but def wont be able to do the distance they do.

I had my first taste of costa rican food today! Rice, chicken, beans, salad, and jugo de fruta natural (natural fruit juice...and they mean natural!). It was so much less bland than I expected! It was actually very tasty. Though I will prolly get sick of rice and beans...and soon! But that's ok cause there is a subway close! And even a chinese restaurant! Which i thought was really weird at first, but now I don't know why I did. I mean, the US has all sorts of different food! Why shouldn't San Jose?

And for those of you who heard me complaining before I left, it turns out that flip flops are perfectly accepted to go to class and walk around where we live! Which is a nice relief. But it is less common to see them in the actual city (we are right outside San Jose in Zapote). Also, my skirts are coming in handy because shorts really aren't seen in the city either. But I also wish I would have brought more basketball shorts!!! And T-shirts! I didn't forsee all this running! lol. I'll make due though I'm sure.

Also, for anyone who wants to call me, get skype! It's a free download and super easy to use. I just set it up last night! My name is MegEndicott (no spaces) or you can look me up by my email (mendico@siue.edu). I also have a webcam so u will be able to see me (not that you guys miss me that much already!).

Well, the rain just started so the temp dropped like ten degrees! The weather really does change a lot here but it's a consistent change...if that makes sense. It pretty much gets cool and rains every day at about 3. Some girls and I are gonna grab our umbrellas and walk to the store, a super market type place with food and shampoo and stuff. Gotta go!

Love yall,
Meg

Sunday, August 30, 2009

Finally Here!

Hey everyone! So sorry I didn't let you know how packing went! Trust me, it was hectic. Probably cuz I waited till 11 the night before I was suppose to leave...lol. Oops.
So I'm finally here. For those of you paying attention, I should have gotten here yesterday. Turns out the airlines at STL airport think you need a visa to enter Costa Rica. So not what I had heard! And not what my program told me either! And they still say they have never heard of a U.S. student needing a visa to get in to Costa Rica! So I guess it was my lucky freakin day! lol. So long story short, after a few tears, I got my flight rescheduled for today so at least I don't have to miss any classes! I did however miss the tour of San Jose. I guess I'll catch up. lol.
So I'm sitting on the balcony of my apt right now. And its great. A nice cool breeze, city air (the fresh air comes later), and city sounds. It's just perfect. Two other girls (it more like a big house...think Big Brother or Real World...there are 11 of us) are sittin out here with me just chattin. Everyone seems pretty nice. There is only one boy in the group which I guess will have to do. lol. Ya'll know I get along better with the guys. But honestly, the girls seem pretty cool.
Well, gotta go. I wanna take a walk, shower, and sleep! Gotta be up at seven to go take two tests! lol

Much Love,
Meg

Thursday, August 27, 2009

Two days left!!!

Oh gosh...I can't believe I have to pack tomorrow! Do you know they only want you to bring one big suitcase, one carry on, and one backpack?! ARE THEY INSANE? I'll be gone for four months! lol. I guess I'll make due. I'm sure I'll be able to buy most of anything I might need once I get there. Plus I have to save room to bring stuff home. Cardinal rule of traveling: You always come home with more than you left with! Lol. I'll let ya'll know how the dreaded packing process goes tomorrow.

Love,
Meg

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

Hey everyone!

So I'm starting this blog so all my family and friends can see what is going on with me while I'm away in Costa Rica for the semester! I leave saturday and I can hardly believe the time has come already. I'm very sad thinking about saying goodbye to everyone, but I know (or at least everyone keeps telling me) that this will be an awesome experience. Well, I have to get back to some last minute planning (you know me, a procrastinator till I die). Love to all!