Day One

This day has presented so many different emotions and a full spectrum of experiences that I have never had before in all my years of traveling. The day began blearily at 2:30 AM when my alarm signaled my body that it was time to prepare for the journey ahead. After two non-discript flights, I entered the country I was to live in for the next three months: Costa Rica.

I was picked up at the airport by representatives of my study abroad program. The driver, Luis, took me directly through the city of San Jose. The mountains that encase the city are covered in thick vegetation and have jagged edges and volcanic peaks that were covered in a soft mist and clouds. The sun rays glinted through the haze, creating a beautiful landscape. San José is not an impressive city with extravagant architecture, but it is much cleaner than some of the places I have been. 

My host home is next to an auto shop and you can see Veritas University just a few blocks down! Luis honked the horn and pulled up. A motherly looking Costa Rican woman approached the gated fence surrounding the home and unlocked the door. She looked so warm and friendly and had a beautiful smile on her face. This must be my host mom, Myrna. She enveloped me in an embrace and kissed me on the cheek. Luis then waved goodbye…

Myrna launched into Spanish immediately. A few young children helped grab my bags as I tried to decipher what in the world she was trying to tell me. I just stood there stupidly and smiled. Myrna directed me through a maze of tiny rooms with twin beds. I got the idea she was showing me where I was to stay. The little boy carrying my bag asked if I spoke Spanish and I told him fervently that I did not. Myrna just smiled and looked at me and said: “You will, step by step.” She guided me into a room with a partial partition in the center and two twin beds on either side. The bedroom I chose is just large enough to fit one twin bed and a tiny desk in the corner. My closet is out at the entrance to a little courtyard. The bathroom is small and Myrna showed me that either I can take a cold shower that is well pressurized or a hot shower that is simply a drip… She pulled my hand across the cramped and cluttered courtyard into the small kitchen. She immediately plopped a plate of food down in front of me: rice, very large red/brown beans, eggs with peppers, plantains, and potatoes. Myrna then sat down beside me and excitedly continued to converse mostly in Spanish to me. A man sitting at the table told her in Spanish that it was clear I didn’t understand anything, however Myrna was adamant that I was going to learn with practice. She used a few English phrases to help me understand her, but affirmed that she would only help me out today. I guess I really will have to learn Spanish well!  A couple hours passed while I sat there listening. Never have I ever tried so hard to understand what was going on around me and never have I been in a situation like this where suddenly I am living with these people and I can’t even speak to them. This was something entirely different. And yet, I love it already. I feel at home and content.

As the day turned into evening, a couple more students arrived. I am sharing my partitioned room with Macey and Lainey is in a room that connects to ours. Myrna's son, Diego lives down the street and two other students are living with him, Jessica and Katie. Myrna takes care of all five of us. She kept exclaiming over dinner how happy she was that we were here. This is incredible. I love my host family and I am so intrigued by this culture and this language. I cannot wait to explore and learn more!