Episode 8: Costa Rica: Part 2: I am not sure what day this is...

Warning: this is a long post. I have a lot to share.

I am not sure what day this is. Seriously.

When I am at home, you know, doing the daily grind thing, (Working, working, sleeping, working) it is easy to remember what day it is. I know I work certain days at UC, every Wed with my little Arthur, and Thursday and Friday I am at clinical, unless it's summer or Christmas..... But here, in this magical and amazing place known as Costa Rica, I keep hearing people say things like, "Well it is Saturday, so the shops are more crowded..." and I'm thinking, "it's Saturday?!?! What the heck? What happened to Thursday and Friday?" I know I have achieved some soul impacting, ultimate happiness goals here in the last few days, but it doesn't really matter which day that was... It's the Pura Vida!

Pura Vida means "Pure Life." the Costa Rican people are a relaxed, and laid back, people. They are nice and smiling pretty much all the time (except for the 2 guys we saw fighting on the street corner)... It is probably because they are all hyped up on the fabulous coffee this country produces.... I got a little coffee-wasted, myself, yesterday afternoon, so I can't pass judgment....
I have seen some of the most beautiful scenery here. Scenery that easily compares to the beauty of Yosemite and, yet, the 2 places are so vastly different, I probably shouldn't compare them. What I CAN say is that both places have the ability to reach inside my soul and take me to a place that makes my eyes water with happiness. The ability to just breathe. Whether it is the Poas Volcano, or Glacier Point, the natural beauty makes my heart swell, and they take me to my happy place. My happy place, as it turns out, is anywhere that I can have my camera...

I'll explain:
Day one: we hiked up to Poas Volcano, around and up to the Boto crater Lagoon, and back up and down to the original starting point. It was gooooorgeous, but please note that I just said we went up 3 times, and only down once!!! Plus, I was hiking to a volcano. They are high, thus there is an altitude shift.... So, this asthmatic was a little short of breath. Sure enough, inhaler and water in hand, I made it! After a second's recovery, I had my camera out and I forgot I was at 7 gazillion feet above sea level....breathtaking....literally.
So, then we get taken to this place called La Paz Waterfall Gardens. This place was like a mini zoo of Costs Rican animals, followed by a glorious hike to 2 waterfalls!!!!! Camera camera camera!!!!! (and iPhone camera!)
Then it was jacuzzi time- NO CAMERA... Well, at least not mine.

Day 2: We went to Carlos Maria Elder Care Center. Within the first 10minutes I was asked if I had an "esposo" (Spanish word for husband). My family will get a kick out of that one.... I have a history of being approached about these things while on vacation in Spanish speaking countries... Long story, don't ask. I got to do manicures and hand massages. I guess this vacation I took my Makeup artist title literally. But the look on these people's faces! They loved it! And then, I met him... El Generale.... Generale Alberto, who escaped from Cuba and came to Costa Rica where he served for El Presidente... Many many years ago. I new the General and I were going to have something special from the moment I saw him pretending to guard the entry gate. "Mine!!!" I yelled... And we laughed and danced, and danced some more, and he took a nap on my chest, and we looked at the pictures of our time together.... I never knew I could feel this way...but alas, it was not meant to be... I was hungry, and his dance moves were a little overwhelming... We parted ways. We then had the option of going to downtown San Jose or to go relax by the jacuzzi and pool.... I'm no fool. I picked relaxation over the other option. Back to the Jacuzzi.

Day 3: This day brought me to an emotional place that I cannot entirely put into words. Yes, I managed to be serious... Sorta. We went to Associacion Obras del Espiritu Santo, which is a combination orphanage and child care center. We arrived, and after a short tour, we were ushered into the brand new church that was built for the little community. This church was beyond words, only enhanced by the people singing and dancing during their church service. Until I heard the bells, I hadn't even realized it was Sunday. This was a place of joy and pride for these people. I swelled inside, it was almost a burning feeling. (No, I wasn't burning because I entered a church.... I know you were thinking it) .
We were ushered in, and I was allowed to be with one orphan... Mine, picked me. We locked eyes and he reached out. Love at first sight. This 3-ish year old boy was so funny and full of love. I got hugs and kisses galore. He just wanted to be cuddled and to be goofy. I can do this. He also loved my camera. There was something about the instant gratification of the digital picture, and he would laugh hysterically every time we would shoot one. All this is cute, and fun, but at the moment this little boy turned to the Student next to me and gave her the sign of the cross, then did it for the next 2 girls (all while never leaving my lap), and turned and did it to Charlene, on my left, I had lost it... Free flowing tears. So, finally, he turned and looked at me and cupped my face in his hands, then proceeded to give ME the sign of the cross. It is important to know that I was raised as a Presbyterian, and at this point, would not consider myself very religious. I went with it... How could I not??? One of the other teachers did look at my panicked face and commented, lovingly, on my confusion. By the time the Padre, who was running the show, pulled our leader, Luanne, up to tell us that we were always welcome and how much they appreciated our presence, I was a full blown mess.... I did not make a scene, but I did not hold it together, either.
After the service, we played with the children. I hate to say it, but it was unorganized chaos. In the end, my little guy stuck by my side, where he posed for picture after picture. Then he posed his buddy for a picture. Needless to say, they kept me smiling and busy. He was hard to leave. It reiterated the importance of adoption. If he could have fit into the suitcase that is holding all of your souvenirs, I would have brought him home. I'm not joking.... You people are spoiled.
After an emotional morning, it was time to get jacked up on coffee. Boy, did we ever!!! The Britt Coffee plantation did a wonderful and engaging tour. It ended with a roasting taste for which they needed 2 volunteers. I am a very shy person, as most of you know, so I blame the coffee for making my hand shoot up in the air before they even finished the word volunteer. For that, my friend, Charlene, and I earned Coffee Bean picker hats ( I specify, so as to not offend anyone). And then I won a raffle!!! Best day evaaaar! I will tell you, I gave the prize away to our very patient tour companion, Maria, and our muy guapo bus driver, Jorge (I gave him the coffee... Smart, huh?).
After we returned, it was only natural... Jacuzzi-boozi time was in order. I sat in there until my legs started cramping, my fingers looked like prunes, and my bladder was screaming in agony. Worth every second.

I still don't know what day this is....

To be continued...