Day 4: Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Today did not go according to plan. That’s definitely my first reflection. But despite its many mishaps, the day was a wonderful experience. First there was the realization that, despite our putting on our only dry clothes for our assumed bus ride from Pacuare, the river we had to travel to get to the bus had risen some 4 meters out past the dock, so after dragging the bags on a cart through the rainy jungle, we had to wade out knee-deep to get on the boats. I had to get my driest shoes wet again, but I realized that that’s a fact of life on this trip: you’re going to get dirty. And then, on the boat ride, we got soaked from rain. It wasn’t pleasant, but it helped me to face the reality of being uncomfortable for a good reason.
Another unexpected aspect of the day was the strike in San Jose that delayed our bus by several hours. Despite the disappointing idea of spending several hours soaked outdoors under a tin roof, we powered through. We ended up sharing candy, playing games, making friendship bracelets, and generally having a fantastic time. We joked that, when the bus finally came, we would wave it away since we were already so comfortable. Another great thing that came out of the rain and delays was my first luxury: we stopped at a restaurant for lunch (I felt guilty for dirtying it up with my muddy self, but oh well), and not only was the food fantastic, but they had Mentos, an amenity I had been craving since the rain had washed my stash of it to mush. I bought some and stashed it carefully in a plastic bag in my soaked backpack. It was incredible to me that something I took absolutely for granted back home, like a working fan or dry clothes, could make me so incredibly happy. That was how the whole day felt for me, that despite the issues and many mishaps we faced, there were little bright spots that made me so content that any discomfort washed away with the rain.
– Julia
From lunch onwards we spent a lot of time on the bus. Thankfully our time on the bus wasn’t lengthened by the strike, which dissipated thanks to a soccer game between Costa Rica and Uruguay, but being on the bus was better than standing in the rain! My spirits were dampened by the bugs and wet weather, but having time to dry off and bond with the girls lifted my spirits. The bus ride gave me time to think about what I was thankful for and how things could’ve been worse, but weren’t. I also realized that I take a lot of the things I have back home for granted and it put things in perspective for me. Americans are seen as lazy, mean, and spoiled because we think we deserve the best, know the best, and shouldn’t have to work hard for what we have. I resent that view on America because I try so hard not to be like that, but let’s face the facts. If you had to live in a cabin surrounded by the jungle and extremely annoying bugs, and trek through the rain, most Americans would complain their heads off and be ready to go back home as soon as they could. I’m changing my outlook on things because these things are common place for people of this area, and if they can deal with it, so can I.
Everyone on the bus was looking forward to the homestays. We were excited and nervous, but mostly excited. I was nervous mostly because I feel my Spanish should be better than it is, and it’s very hard for me to speak Spanish. Being in a house with native Spanish speakers and a friend who relies on me for all the Spanish, is a pretty scary scenario. We dropped off the girls staying with Julio first and I was excited for them! Their family made a heart with stones in their yard just for the girls. We all thought that was so sweet and that showed me that all of our families were really looking forward to us spending a week with them. Stop by stop, our numbers were dwindling and Lia and I were getting closer and closer to being dropped off. When the bus pulled up to the road that led to my house for the next week, I got extremely nervous. I wondered how the family would react to us, what I would say, if they would like me, etc. I was running through Spanish phrases in my head and telling myself things would be great! Our host-grandfather met us and the family was smiling and greeting us. I felt very welcomed, but as the Spanish started flowing, mine stopped. I froze on most of my Spanish and my family resorted to writing things down. Lia and I presented our gifts: dominoes and a puzzle, and the little kids were excited to have them. We built buildings out of the dominoes and started working on the puzzle.
As the evening started winding down, I began to think about terrible my Spanish was and how I could’ve done better. I came down really hard on myself, which is pushing me to work harder on my Spanish. I’m hoping my Spanish will improve and connections will form between me and the people in my family. I have really high hopes for this week with my family and I can’t wait for our adventure to continue!
Danielle Jones
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