The city of San Jose is beautiful to me, though I have heard many travelers grumble about the clustry metropolis, it has hidden charms, a few of which I have already been introduced to. It rained straight for the first 48 hours I was here, fat raindrops, the sidewalks partly flooded, and huge amounts of water gushed down the streets. I didn't mind the rain and kept thinking about the rain forest, just beyond the city, and about all the reasons I chose to come to this place.
Today the sun has peaked and has burned all clouds from the sky. It's hot and humid, just the way I like it. This morning I woke up at 7:30AM and went for a run (don't be too impressed that would be 9:30 Michigan time). Along the way I noticed vines and air plants attaching themselves to the sides of buildings and other trees. I was tempted to grab a few grapefruits and limes from the trees I passed on the streets, but I don't know if that is allowed or encouraged. I will find out. Even though I am in a very congested city, it smells clean. The rain comes and washes the streets and buildings nearly everyday, everywhere I have gone thus far, it smells of Spring.
The people here have been very friendly. Last night I went out with a group of Rodolfo's friends. The lounge we went to was sleek and modern in design, minimal-styled art pieces on the walls, sassy cocktail concoctions, and European electronic music. I noticed a drain in the floor, a fern pushing its way through the side of the building and into the inside space, and the edges of the windows seeped with moisture. I was invited into my first Tico home, outside of my home stay at Rodolfo's. Fabien's mother was very curious about my blue hair, and said she loved it. The home had a very European feel to it, interesting artwork on the walls, old doors and fixtures, the family spoke quickly, arguing about who ate all of Rodolfo's chili*. They kept saying "gringo", so I assumed they were talking about me, but I soon discovered "Gringo" is Rodolfo's nickname! When he moved here, apparently he spoke even less Spanish than I, and was teased by his classmates for his accent. Some of the teasing group of classmates proved to be real friends, there relationships now going about 11 years. I had a great time going out with them, and was thrilled to get a chance to practice Spanish. The language barrier was eased, in that many of his friends are eager to practice English, if they do not already speak it.
Today I will be going to Universidad Veritas to register and take my entrance exam. From June 2nd (this coming Monday) through July 27th I will be taking courses from 8am-1pm. I am told that Veritas is a very respected University, and I am so happy to be here.
I will have internet this first whole month, so that is the best way to contact me. If you must send mail, send it currier, as the regular mail system with take about a month and you could miss me. My contact info:
Address: Del Colegio de Ingeuiaros
200 M Norte, 100 M Este, 100 M Sur.
Corridabat, San Jose
COSTA RICA
Feel free to call me at: 011(506)2-253-3806
Ciao Bellos!
*Rodolfo is the best chili chef known to his group of friends, I think he has an advantage, in that not only is it not a National dish, he lived in Texas for about 12 years. Recently he dropped off a large container full of his secret recipe. Upon returning to the home last evening, he is asked if he would make more because not everyone had the chance to eat some. The mother said she had none, her son ate it all, and her son swears he didn't get even a bite because his mother ate it all. All the while Fabien's sister (Natadia) is trying to convince Rodolfo to make a batch at the house next week and then leave, so she can take the credit herself and serve the chili to her current beau, who happens to be a chef in training.
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