Where do I begin to explain all of the amazing times I’ve had and wild adventures I’ve embarked on? I’ll tell you about Monteverde, classes, birthdays, soccer (which they call futbol 11), futsal (known as futbol 5) and finally top it off with Puerto Viejo. The last few weeks have been absolutely crazy and have gone by so quickly so I sit here trying not only to conceptualize it all, but futher to reflect on it all.

Wow! Monteverde, it was beautiful and relaxing. The four hour trek up to Monteverde was fun, we got to meet our Spanish professor, a really cool guy, and got to enjoy the view. We arrived at the Institute of Monteverde which is this beautiful little plot of land propped way up into the mountains. Later, we met with our families, and as usual, the most kind and sincere people. My host family had three kids, a 14 year old girl, 11 year old boy and a very enthusiastic and playful 2 year old boy. From the first day I arrived, till the day I left, the 2 year old would say, vamos! vamos!, (meaning lets go!) as he played with cars or crayons or anything. Something amazing happened the second to last night I was there, I sat there as my 11 year old brother played music and I talked to him and to his sister about what I like to listen to, and for about an hour he would show me some songs and I took my ipod and hooked it up to the speakers to show them some songs and at the end of the night, I felt like we all bonded. Also, there is no way in this world that I can neglect to mention the day that I went on the canopy tour…AMAZING! For just about $30 I went on a 3 hour adventure zip-lining through the trees and swinging into the jungle. I have so many unforgettable memories from that week in Monteverde.

I have six classes total- two Introduction to Law courses, two Introduction to Education courses and two IFSA-Butler study abroad Costa Rica program courses. I started off my first day of classes at 7am, woke up around 6, showered, got dressed, ate and I was on the bus headed to class. I must have asked about 5 people where the Law building was but finally managed to find it about 5 minutes past 7. I sat in the classroom feeling so out of place, yet somehow, comfortable. All was well as the professor introduced herself and told us all the expectations of the class, but it came to my surprise that she asked us all to introduce ourselves, one-by-one, stating our hometown, year and why Law interested us. As I saw the people before me stand up and recite their histories, I saw my life flash before me as the realization hit me. I would be speaking publically- in Spanish! All my years of hard work in the US prepared me for moments just like this one, and if I was lucky, I would not be associated with the usual “American accent” when I spoke. As soon as I said my name and my hometown, Los Angeles, all eyes were on me. It went by so quickly and smoothly that it almost felt natural. No sweat! Thankfully, the rest of the day I did not have to introduce myself, but I thought if I did, I would be ready. After my two morning classes, I decided to show up and introduce myself to the women’s soccer coach so with any luck, I could train. I did just that and trained the two hours with the team that afternoon, everyone was so nice and welcoming. The rest of the week went pretty smoothly, when Thursday rolled around and I had my Law class again, it was a little difficult at first to keep up and take notes as the profesor spoke. I felt discouraged by that so I went into the office to talk to one of the staff members, she suggested I borrow a classmate’s notes and photocopy them. What a relief, I thought, I CAN do this! I just finished the 3rd week of classes and have already completed many assignments, spoken in front of the class many times and read tons and tons about all my classes. Look at me now!

March 11th was my little brother’s 5th Birthday! Our family decided to throw a huge Birthday Blowout Bash for him with 60 friends and family members, right here in our very own back yard that weekend. They rented a jumper and bought a pinata for the little ones and my host mom ran around the week before running errands left and right for hours. I helped with decorations, name tags and I packed the goodie bags too! They were full of peanuts, barriletes, gummies, yogurt candies, a toy and crackers, it was so hard not to just dig in and eat the candy! I would have to say that my favorite part was the desert, a delicacy ticos call “granizados” (I call them heaven). They are made up of shaved ice with flavored syrup, powdered milk, cream and sometimes topped off with a scoop of ice cream. Mmmmmm.

Since the first week of classes I have been training with not only the soccer team, but also the futsal team! I’ve been able to practice at least 3 times a week between the two teams. The girls are so friendly and happy to help me with my Spanish or my soccer. The coaches are completely understanding with me training on both teams and deciding which sessions to a attend. It all seems to click here and all though I’ve had my bumps along the way with Spanish words being mixed or misunderstood, I’m getting by very smoothly. I recall that the first Monday of classes and soccer training that two events helped me grasp a new expression. First, I was in the restroom between classes and bumped into a girl and said “perdon” (which is like excuse me). She replied “tranquilo,” and in that moment I realized its another way of saying “its ok.” Later that same day, in training, I bumped into a girl and knocked her over, I said “sorry” (which they also use in spanish). She replied “tranquilo.” Thoughts raced through my head and I was not sure if that meant “its ok” or if it meant “calm down” (which is the main translation of the word). So that evening, in IFSA-Butler Spanish class, we were given an opportunity to ask questions, and in that moment the professor clarified that it was meant to be understood as “its ok,” and not “calm down.” What a relief!

Last weekend, a few of my friends from the program decided to organize a trip to the Caribbean coast, to Puerto Viejo for the weekend. None of the four of us had class on Fridays so we decided to take the bus out on Friday morning that way we could have more time on the beach. We got there in the afternoon and walked around for about 20 minutes until we found the perfect place to stay. Hostel Pagalu, just 5 min walk from the beach, free internet, an open kitchen, a dorm with two bunk beds and hot water in the showers. At only $9 a night, what a steal! Friday night we ate out at this cute little sea side restaurant and went wandering around until we found this nice open air place with live reggae music and delicious appetizers. Saturday was pretty low-key, it sprinkled a bit so we stayed in the hostel most of the day and decided to have some pizza for lunch and cook our own dinner. After lunch we went to the supermarket and bought our dinner for about 3 bucks a person-grilled hotdogs with onions and peppers and homemade guacamole with chips. It was so delicious, I can still taste the guacamole! Sunday morning my friend and I decided to rent snorkeling gear for the day at only about 1.25! We all walked out to the beach, laid down our towels and I went over to the reef to explore. I only had to go into the water about 20 feet before I saw a colorful array of fish and sea creatures near the reef. I even saw a jelly fish!

My family is so amazing, my mom cooks delicious food, my dad loves to watch soccer games and can talk about soccer for days and my little brother is absolutely the cutest and sweetest little boy I’ve known. Everytime I would surprise him with a piece of my candy, he would somehow always have a piece of his candy to treat me with. I remember him telling me to close my eyes and when I opened them I had a sweet gram cracker with four little marshmellows and coconut sprinkled on top in my hand. Since then, I’ve been looking for those crackers in the supermarket because it was just about the perfect combination of coconut, marshmellows and cracker imaginable. All in all, I have had an amazing time since I’ve come to study abroad in Costa Rica here and somehow it all feels so normal and so right. I feel as if I’ve lived here before (although thats definitely not the case!). I feel like I could definitely live here one day, in this beautiful country, with these beautiful people. There is nothing like PURA VIDA!

You know those new cosmetics commercials that say “Get the London look”? Well I never knew what that was until now and that look definitely doesn’t involve tennis shoes.  When I was in London for the first time in January, I was walking down the busy streets taking in all of the sites, but something made me feel out of place.  It wasn’t my accent, my attitude, or how I interacted with people.  It was my shoes.  After being in the U.K. for quite some time now, I realized that the easiest way to spot an American in a crowd is to look at their feet.  If they’re wearing tennis shoes, they are American. Among the population of woman in London that day, it seemed like not one pair of tennis shoes was worn except by me.

Fashion is the one thing that always fascinates me so I thought it was necessary to go shopping and find out what women in the U.K. were wearing. After many trips to the different shopping centers in Bristol, Cardiff, Bath, and just walking around my campus, which is always filled with students that are dressed very well, I am very happy with what I found.

I noticed that women’s fashion in England and Wales is very smart and sophisticated.  Boots, flats, and heels are pretty much the only footwear worn.  Also, it’s all about accessorizing with scarves, hair clips, layers, different colored leggings, and uniquely patterned tights.  The most important accessory that every girl has with them every day on campus in Cardiff is their umbrella.  Black is very popular but many colors, some being very bold, come out in these accessories. 

While walking around on campus, I noticed that jeans are hardly ever worn and leggings with skirts are the popular trend.  This trend makes sense too considering the typical weather here.  One day I wore jeans to my lectures and it rained hard all day.  I luckily had my umbrella but by the end of the day my pants were completely drenched due to them soaking up the water on the paths. This is when I saw the logic behind wearing leggings and tights with boots; you’re not a human sponge by the time you get home!

I can honestly say that U.K. fashion is my new love and I really do want to get the London look! I was a little intimidated at first but after a couple shopping trips I think I’m fitting in a little better. It’s at least a good excuse to buy new boots! Knowing that the very nice shopping center in Cardiff is just five minutes away from campus doesn’t help my new obsession. Although, I’m really trying to stick to mainly just window shopping.  The U.S. dollar converts to only just 71 pence now! L As much as I love the fashion here, I really can’t afford it. Though there’s always hope for those sales to come around.

The cozy, welcoming hills of Dunedin seem never to get old.  They wrap around the city and close us off in our own world – one which I’ve found relaxing, inviting, and full of opportunity.  What a wealth of possibilities is merely a bus-ride away!  Just this past weekend I had the chance to climb Mt. Xenicus on the Routeburn track.  The 1912m peak afforded glorious views of the mountains of Fiordland and Mt. Aspiring National Park and even the Tasman Sea 80km away.  But even more so, just a block away, is a more beautiful marvel – the people that I’ve met.  I’d love to tell you about just a few of the relationships that I’ve been lucky enough to have.

My second week in town I met a guy named Mikey from Auckland who’s a third year at the University of Otago.  Of all the people I’ve met here so far, I don’t think that anyone has loved me more or given more for me.  Just last night as I left his place after hanging out with he and his flatmates my arms were full with a textbook I had been looking for, another book, and a full duvet, all of which he glady gave me to use.  We’ve spent a lot of time ranging from movies to street ministry on St. Patty’s Day, and I know that he’s one friend that I’ll be Skyping from America when the day comes – we are now fellow travelers on the narrow path in life.  I met Mikey through a Christian group called Student Life, and I’ve met a great deal of other awesome people through that group.  In particular, two of Mikey’s flatmates, Ashwin and Jeremy, have become my good friends.
Another guy, Sam, I met through Elim church and friendship cemented over a long and excited talk over the wonders of mathematics.  Last night, our group talked about fellowship – a bond between people that is life-changing.

My flatmates are also very cool, and although of American heritage, living with them is a new experience.  Our flat is constantly full of hilarity.  As I type this I’m listening to Michael and Eric tease a third guy about his awkward encounters with a interested girl who won’t take his (clear) hints.  This place has often been filled with balloons, bottles, people, fine cheeses, tramping gear and any number of other things.  Though I may not agree with everything that goes down, I’m grateful to have the chance to live with them.

Thirdly are friends I’ve met through the IFSA Butler study abroad New Zealand program.  I really gelled well with a lot of the people who came through this same program provider – as I mentioned before, we all share an element of outgoingness.  The people I tramped with (Kepler track) are permanently set in my heart as lifelong friends – we’ve already made mention of traveling to Texas/Maine to reunite.  I got to see others tonight as well at a Butler-sponsored event.  We had an orienteering competition, followed by an amazing Indian dinner at a local restaurant.

This is just a small mention of the depth of the relationships that have formed I began studying abroad in New Zealand.  Even in such a fantastic place as New Zealand I’ve found that the greatest wonders are the people around me.  The Southern Alps are incredible, yes, and the superb peaks of Fiordland – and I wish to explore them – but to me, the beautiful hills of Dunedin, which remind me of the community I have here, are the best of them all.

My song of the week: “Top of the World” by the Pussycat Dolls. In my opinion, this song perfectly describes the challenge of taking on a new city, and to be honest, that’s how I feel now. I’ve been in study spanish in Chile for 2 weeks now, yet it feels like it’s been soo much longer. In a good way of course. My Spanish is slowly but surely improving, and I am learning new things about the Chilean culture everyday. I must admit, it will be hard to go back to the cornfields of central Illinois after living in this South American paradise for 5 months.

What have I been up to? Hmmm…well I have more or less finalized my class schedule. I am taking 2 courses through the IFSA-Butler study in Chile program, including Spanish and History & Contemporary Society in Chile. We have the choice of taking classes in 3 universities: Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile (PUC), Universidad de Chile, and Universidad Diego Portales. I am taking a class entitled Salud Intercultural at PUC, which basically teaches about the cultural differences in the use of medicine. I am also taking a class at la Universidad de Chile, but I still haven’t officially signed up for anything yet. More on classes later.

Before arriving in Santiago, I had a picture in my mind of a city with a proper downtown surrounded by the suburbs, like most U.S. cities. But Santiago is actually composed of many comunas, which are comparable to the boroughs of New York City. I live in the comuna of Providencia, and it’s only a 5-minute walk to a major subway stop (Pedro de Valdivia). Interesting fact– Pedro de Valdivia was a Spanish conquistador who founded various cities in Chile, including Santiago. Even Santiago’s famous Plaza de Armas dates back to this time. But I’ll explain more about the city after I take a tour of Santiago tomorrow.

Sadly to say, I am still trying to keep up with the Chilean nightlife. Parties, or carretes as they are called here, don’t begin until at least after midnight. And they go on for many hours. And somehow, people still wake up early in the morning. Que raro, no? Oh well, I’m sure I’ll be used to it soon enough. I am just so happy to be here and experiencing this wonderful culture. So far, everyone that I have met has been extremely kind and helpful, and I am looking forward to a semester of great experiences.

Besos,

Megana

I know for those of you back in the states, school is already half done, but for me, it starts tomorrow. The last two months have been quite a vacation from school, although I’ve found plenty with which to keep busy, interested, and useful. In particular, I have a few stories I owe you from the past two weeks.

One of my great hopes in coming to study in New Zealand was to tramp around and explore the place. Famed for natural beauty, the less settled regions of New Zealand are filled with plenty of tracks covering innumerable miles and kinds of terrain. If you’re hungry for wilderness, or beauty, or fresh air, it’s here. So I and some of my friends that I got to know through the IFSA Butler New Zealand study abroad spent a good bit of the first week in Dunedin planning a trip out to the Westward part of New Zealand – Fiordland. This legendary place is called Ata Whenua in Maori, or ‘Shadow-land’. It absolutely deserves a name that implies such mystery, and evokes such interest. We picked one of the more popular trails, the Kepler track, to start out on. It was here that I encountered the Mountains of the Mist, the namesake of two of my posts and F. W. Boreham’s book.

Planning took awhile, mostly due to our inexperience with it all, but after a good deal of buying and renting we were fully equipped to go bush. New Zealand is so compact and accessible that we were able to take a four hour bus to our destination, Te Anau.

Apart from some logistical issues (closed DOC office!) it started off well. It grieves me to omit a thousand small stories and details along the way, but I must for the sake of my patience and your interest. We hiked along the edge of Lake Te Anau in a fern-filled forest until the trail headed uphill. For three hours we gained altitude, the scenery changing all the time. At one point, the forest was covered in lush plants; at another, in ethereal moss; at another, giant granite bluffs dominated the landscape and our attention. Finally we broke through the treeline to the alpine, and were met with a fantastic view. But we could see mainly eastward – the mountain concealed the sights of Fiordland. But as we continued, each corner passed would reveal another slice of the coming scene, until we could view the Murchison Mountains, covered in foliage and in mist, across from the South Fiord. After an hour of walking through the tussock grass we reached the hut we were staying in for the night.

But the day wasn’t done. A series of caves was just underneath our feet, so after some rest we walked 15 minutes to a nearby cave entrance. A group of six of us entered the cave, and one by one people turned back at the threshold of their comfort zone. When only three of us remained we felt that we were far underground, and when my friend Liz wanted to go back, I decided that I should not make her do so alone. All three of us wandered back until we ran into a dead end. It was obvious that we had not come this way – we were lost. The realization of our helplessness weighted on us as heavily as the thousand of tons of rocks above us. Managing to keep our cool, however, we retraced our steps until we found our mistake at one branch of the cave. Never have I been so glad to see a faint sliver of light as when we finally reached the cave entrance. But some part of the male psyche kept the German guy (the third person) and I from admitting defeat at that point; we went back into the cave to explore for another two hours, without difficulty. Back at the hut that night we met some other interesting trampers, including three other German guys who have since become our good friends.

We finished the remainder of the alpine section of the track the next day. It was stunning to see such immense and grand peaks in such immense and grand numbers. Each corner we turned set our minds afloat in the wonder of Ata Whenua. Chief among the views was the sight from the summit of Mt. Luxmore, affording a 360 degree view of the plain surrounding Te Anau and tens of fantastic peaks. To think that this same rugged landscape, replete with deep fiords and towering summits, stretches for 60 miles both north and south was astounding. Another high point of the day was a section of track that followed along a ridge. When the day was done we had descended back down into the forest, camping next to a sandfly infested river, the Iris Burn.

On the third day we trekked through a low area, following the Iris Burn as it grew from a small stream into a river. I took more than one dip in the frigid water. On our right was the Kepler Mountains, on our left, the Jackson peaks. Immediately around us were countless species of trees and birds. We finished the day on a lonely stretch of the Lake Manapouri shore. The sun set gorgeously. A kaleidoscope of bright golden rays shot across the lake, formed by Rona Island, the Beehive, and the Turret Range. At last, as the campfire burned down, I nestled up into my warm sleeping bag to spend a night under the stars.

It took us no time to get back to the city, and we made sure to indulge every craving we had felt in the last four days. Included were pizza, coffee, smoothies, souvenirs, and a whole tub of ice cream. We met up with all of the German guys we had played spoons with so many times – it was a wonderful day.

Back in Dunedin, life has been quite different. Whereas before I was alone in a flat of six, suddenly I had four other flatmates. The sixth came very soon. They’re all great guys and I’m sure you will hear more about them.

The academic side of my stay here has begun as well. Yesterday (March 2nd), classes started at the University of Otago, and I’m still not sure what courses I’m taking! Fortunately, the problem is an excess, not a lack, of options. As is often the case academically, I’m torn between the useful and the interesting. Currently I’m in Computational Modelling of Biosystems, Introductory Psychology, and a third class yet to be decided.

Since I came with a group of Americans and live with a group of Americans, I have gotten to know many of them very well. But this is hardly the point of studying abroad. I came to know the land and culture of the Kiwis. I got plugged in with a group called Student Life that exists for the sole purpose of telling each student at uni about Christ. I connected very quickly with a group of guys in this group, and have been getting to know them very well. Although I’ve only known them for a couple of weeks, I love them very much and I know that this friendship will be very fruitful. Aside from hanging out and serving Student Life, we’ve had a few antics so far. I’ll tell you about the most ridiculous one, which also happens to be a university tradition. On the second night of orientation week there is a huge toga party. Prior to this the freshman march in grand style along the main street of Dunedin dressed in their fine white cloths. But this parade is really more of a battle. The upper classmen line the sides of the street with ammunition of eggs, flour, and tomatoes. When the freshers walk by, eggs fly in all directions, and only the lucky escape unscathed. Our group put up a particularly good fight, with 20 dozen eggs and several kilos of tomatoes.

Life has settled out quite a bit, and I suppose something of a ‘routine’ will form for me. It still has taken awhile for me to settle into reality, that I am in New Zealand, with tons of Kiwis to meet and miles and miles of coastline, mountain terrain, and flatland to explore. Soon to come, I hope, are the Routeburn Track and Mt. Aspiring National Park.

Holaaa!

After months of planning and preparation, I am FINALLY in Santiago, ready to begin my Chilean adventure. Between the overnight flight from Dallas to Santiago and the numerous orientation activities, it has been a whirlwind past few days, but I am having an incredible time. During the first few days, our entire Chile study abroad group, composed of 15 or so people, are staying in Hotel Manquehue in Las Condes, an adorable area of the city. Initially, I was slightly nervous about meeting the other people in the program, but all my fears went away as soon as I began talking to them. Despite the differences in our characters, we have all become friends and are exploring Santiago together.

The IFSA-Butler study abroad in Chile program has done an excellent job arranging the accomodations and explaining all the important information that we need to know. On Thursday, we met our host families for the first time! I was overcome with excitement and nervousness to meet my host mom and her 16-year-old daughter. They were both very friendly and excited to show me around Santiago. I have also already met several members of the extended family, and with each meeting, I am seeing how friendly and helpful Chileans are!

On Sunday, my host mom and I went to the Centro Artesanal de los Dominicos. Los Dominicos represents the historical sector of Las Condes, one of the various sections of Santiago. At this location, there is a beautiful church called Parroquia San Vicente Ferrer, a remnant of the colonial era. In addition to the tourists, many local Chileans come to this church to attend Mass. This site serves as a major cultural center of Las Condes, combining traditional dances and music with the arts and crafts typical of the Chilean culture.

And did I mention that the city of Santiago is gorgeous? The city lies in a valley surrounded by the Andes mountains as well as beautiful beaches. And it’s surprisingly clean. ::sigh:: I could honestly live here forever.

Tomorrow is the first day of orientation at the local university. And for once, I am actually excited about starting school. Here’s to a great semester.

Besos,

Megana

            Communication is a vital part of any trip abroad and life with a host family, without it, we would be lost. Conversation is the key to understanding not only the culture, but the key to SURVIVAL! It all went by in a flash. I arrived Sunday morning, hours before anyone else in the program. After taking a shower and grabbing my camera, I was ready to be like Dora the Explorer. I had a backpack with essentials and I decided to wander around in the beautiful garden at the hotel. I was in paradise–the sights, the sounds, the smell and even the taste of the air was unbelievable. Later on, I met my study abroad Coasta Rica program mates and we spent the whole night getting to know each other. What a variety of faces, colors, sizes, shapes–we were as diverse as the flowers in Costa Rica! The next day was full of incredibly helpful meetings about the host family, the study in Costa Rica program, the country and health topics. In the evening, we all rounded up our bags and we were off to San Pedro to meet our families. How exciting! As soon as I met my sweet, amazing family, I had a sense of relief from all the worry and uncertainty of living in another country. My family was so eager to meet me, get to know me and share their own lives with me. My mom told me all about rules, meal times and family schedules so I can get used to it all and feel as comfortable as possible. At the end of the night, my four year old brother told my host mom that I am the best “gringa” that has ever stayed with them! That night, something truly puzzling and exciting happened, I found myself thinking alone in Spanish! I was copying down some phone numbers and was counting out loud in Spanish without an ounce of awareness. The whole night I continued thinking about what I would do, what I had done, where I was and how I felt–all in Spanish!

            One of the moments that I remember most from my first day was her explanation of the shower, I got the just of it, a few words here and there. It was such a blur because I was still caught in the rush of being in a completely new, foreign place. She said something about cold water, how you have to turn the shower on and then off a little. I got a huge culture shock upon realizing that the water was completely cold! Go figure. I joke about how it took my breath away, but really, it took my breath away. My body reacted to the cold and I needed to take my inhaler shortly after to relax my breathing! Imagine that.  The next two days of showers were no better, although they did serve me well as a sort of “cup of coffee,” as I took them in the early hours of the morning to wake up. This next part is the crucial part of my third day with my family. As I sat down for dinner, I thought I would ask for advice getting used to the cold water to make conversation and to seek help. She said I must be doing it wrong, the water is not supposed to be cold. She offered to help me run the shower the next day, and finally I could breathe again–literally. ¡Pura vida!