My life in Costa Rica, how do I begin to relay my experience here? Thus far I have been keeping a blog detailing my weeks prior, but for this week I want to write something different just as I would a diary. For starters here are some highlights of my past week: making guacamole and laying by a pool with my friend, sitting on a swing set watching the sun set behind the mountains, getting invited to coffee by a local Tico, watching a electronic-sitar duo during a day music fest, and holding sucessful conversations with my family during my brother´s fifteenth birthday party. My days are filled with activity, but all the while I feel I have time in a non stressful environment to accomplish the tasks ahead of me. I have two papers due next week, a scary thought for me considering the work I am needing to put forth in order for one: read the book for my class and two: then write a paper filled with alternative and thought out concepts. The work is starting to reach a level I am used to , while it is no where near the amount you would get in the states , it makes up for it in difficulty.. Don´t be confused and think that students down here don´t receive homework, merely my intermediate classes are more hands on in class.. this is a common technique used here. I bought bus tickets for Panama for the end of March when we have our ¨semana santa¨ or spring break, I am super excited for this trip, myself and three (legit) girls will be going to Panama City for a few days and then meander north where we will catch a boat and sail around a group of islands for however long. The boat costs about $70 u.s. a day , but includes food, drink, and a place to stay,,, not to mention I have never been sailing before!! I can´t wait…my only concern is my money status, it seems ridiculous considering all my meals are technically covered and provided by the host family..but I always end up buying delicious helado (icecream) in the heat of the day or using my free time and going traveling to san jose or out somewhere. I most definately need to conserve my money in order to take some trips while down here, it is not like I came down to costa rica in order to leave the country but I feel while in such close proximity I need to take advantage of this opportunity. I need to step up my game and focus on acquiring spanish comprehension (altho it is much easier to comprehend vs. speak spanish) I have lots of free time to do this ,now it is a matter of determination! I am over my adjustment period and don´t get those awful pangs longing for the familiar, which were surprising prevalent in my case, and everyone else´s…Here I didn´t think it would apply to me since I am so independent, but the fustration of the language and the missed activities and fun times with the people you love…But if you focus on the bigger picture things become alot easier, and now I am starting to consider this place home, I get the feeling that after month 2 things are just going to fly by down here!