I really am not the type of person that likes to go out to nightclubs, living where I do in smaller towns in the Midwest, I don’t have the opportunity to partake in much night life, and I really don’t like to drink alcohol; however, I do enjoy dancing and enjoying time with friends and experiencing different aspects of culture here; thus, I decided I would join my friends Sanne, Michelle, and Francsica, all of whom are great dancers and are used to going out often back in their home countries, and experience one Costa Rican night out this past Saturday night/ Sunday morning. To say the least, it was an experience, one I’m glad I had, but also one I won’t be going out to repeat anytime soon.
The evening started around 8:30 when I got to the apartment of the girls’ good Tica friend, Yullie who also works at the travel agency that Michelle is interning. Sanne and Michelle made a good dinner and I enjoyed some of the salad and bread along with a tasty sangria wind while listening to music. We then waited around till near 11pm before going out, as the parties don’t start till this late. We were all pretty tired before this, so we made some coffee to wake us up. I certainly needed it as I am usually asleep at this time. We first went to a dance club up just a bit outside of town that we found to be completely empty. Although the dance floor was lit up and the music was blaring, only around 15 people were there, and none were dancing. So after having our one free drink, we left to go to the only other dance club, El Establo which was certainly where everyone was dancing that night as it was completely packed. At this point it was close to midnight, and there were already several drunks hanging outside the entrance. As you entered the dance floor area, there were shots of tequila, limes, and salt that I gladly passed by despite it being part of the entrance fee. We spent the next few hours dancing here. There were things about this club that completely surprised me, and not necessarily in a good way, including women stripping on the stage and having a dance competition with the hired dancers on stage, but instead of dancing, the competition was who could perform the most disturbing sexual positions on stage. It was also unpleasant that people could smoke and drink wherever so cigarette butts were everywhere, beer bottles were rolling around on the dance floor, and this meant that every once in a while you got beer spilt on you. Dancing with the couple of guys that I danced with was fun. Although I am by no means an expert of Latin dance, the guys that were good leaders made it pretty easy. Nonetheless, it wasn’t completely enjoyable as it was so packed you could not make a single step without bumping into another dancer, and the combination of dancing, the heat from dozens of people jammed in one place together, the flashing lights, the blaring music, and the spinning, my senses were overwhelmed and I felt uneasy quickly. One nice guy bought me a bottle of water although I got teased a bit for my choice of beverage. I danced a few more times throughout the evening, and was amazed at how some of the guys were getting so jealous of me dancing with someone else. One guy in particular did not want to leave me alone, luckily Michelle was a good friend and pulled me away, saving me from another dance and explained to me that Ticos do not get a hint and you must be blunt. It was also very frustrating the guys I did dance with would only speak to me in English, even though I was responding in Spanish. I’m sure they are used to picking up tourists and using their limited English to do so, not that one could really converse over the loud music. We danced at this club until it closed around 2:30am. Sanne and the girls did not want to stop dancing, so we, along with a good number of others there, moved on to the only other place still open at this hour, to the town’s only casino where there was also dancing on Saturday night. Here I danced with one guy who probably told me 10 times in a matter of a 6-minute dance that I was an excellent dancer and practically Costa Rican, but most of the time I just enjoyed dancing with my group of friends. By 4am, I knew I would not make it much longer. Not wanting to stay longer or get a ride home with anyone who had been drinking, I decided to walk home. Despite my friends suggestions to take a cab, I decided that I could easily make the short distance home.
After saying goodnight and leaving the others, I noticed two men following me, so instead of trying to make it home walking, although I think I could have probably out ran them as I had only one drink the entire night and I’m sure they had more than a fair share, I stopped at the Parada soda on the center square that is open 24/7. When I stopped I could tell they were indeed following me as they proceeded to wait in the park and watch for me. I asked one of the servers if there were any taxis at this time, he said that the official taxis were all closed at this time. He asked if I lived close, when I told him I did but I was worried about two men following me, he immediately understood the situation and told me there were unofficial taxis that were running and he knew one that he trusted that would get me home safely. When the nice-looking young man arrived, I was so exhausted, dirty, and emotional at this point I can’t really tell you what state of mind I was in; thus, when this young driver seemed excited to see me and went on to explain to me how he saw me on the bus when I was going to visit the pueblo Abenico and thought I was an incredibly pretty girl, had heard me talking to the old woman in English and understood that I was volunteer teaching English and had wanted to introduce to himself to me, but did not want to interrupt, as well as the fact that he was so happy when he saw me running in Fortuna and his realized his hope that I was teaching in Fortuna was true and that he had seen me on other occasions and always thought “there is that beautiful girl,” and that he was just so glad to finally meet me he did not charge me for the ride, I had no idea what to think. I can tell you that I was not crept out by his confession, although it may sound creepy, he was very sincere and kind. I felt very appreciative of him and was grateful that he was helping me in a moment of vulnerability and danger on my part. When I opened the door to the apartment as quietly as I could, it was after 4:30am. By the time I showered, one of the best feeling showers ever as I washed off all my sweat, sweat of dozens of others I had danced with and more so bumped into, cigarette smoke, and beer that had been sprayed all over by one drunk guy. When I finally laid down in bed around 5 am, the time that I often wake up, I could feel my throbbing feet and legs and slowly my body unwound into deep sleep.
Other than this crazy night, I had a very enjoyable day Saturday. Saturday morning after my gallo pinto breakfast, I came back to the house and had a good talk with Andres. It was the one of the few times that he and I have gotten to talk extensively and I got to hear about some of his opinions and perspectives, especially on some issues between him and Evi. He also told me that he had suspension of one of the trouble making boys that live nearby for stealing our money that had gone missing this week. Although I’m still not sure if he is correct, I wouldn’t be surprised as both Friday and Saturday morning Evi and I had to get on to the boys for trying to kill some baby iguanas living behind our apartment building. After I ran Saturday, I came back to find them throwing rocks at the beautiful green little guys. When I asked them to stop, they just ran away, only to return and wait for me to scold them again, making a game of it. I was so frustrated, and really wish that my Spanish was stronger to really give them a good scolding. Fortunately, if it continues to be a problem, I know some police officers that could give them a good one. Saturday afternoon, I went to the home of the couple that started the Fortuna Social Club, the Holt’s, who have an extra guest home called Villa Hermosa that they rent out to visitors. This was the one weekend they were not booked, so they invited the club to come enjoy their beautiful place and pool. It was also catered by another American who runs a local restaurant called the Lava Lounge with delicious sandwiches and best of all, homemade chocolate chip cookies and brownies. It was an afternoon that included not only pool time but also pool, as in billiards, and horseshoes. When we caught another taxi back into town, I went back home and got prepped and beautified for my interesting night out.
Despite my horribly long night Saturday, I still woke up a little after 8am Sunday morning. I woke up with my host parents and told them about my night. Evi, who loves to dance and even met Andres at a dance club, was glad I got to experience it, but was not so happy I had gone to the casino afterwards as it is known to be slightly dangerous. I really don't understand how she and my European friends can got out like that every weekend as I barely made it through one. After they left to go to the Easter mass, I made myself some coffee and enjoyed some toast and peanut butter while vegging out on the couch. After a while I went to the police station to use the internet before lunch. When I got there, I noticed an older woman tourist sitting in the office. The officer helping her informed me she was a victim of assault from Canada and asked me if I could do some translating with her. I was horrified to learn that she was attacked by a couple while walking along the water hole of Rio Salto, which is a really dangerous area and a common source of trouble for my police as it draws many tourists, but has no regulation. Her attackers grabbed her in pure daylight, not too far from other tourists and visitors but far enough to stuff her mouth fast, tie her up, and cover her eyes with a white t-shirt. They stole her camera and all of her money, but fortunately spared her passport. I couldn’t believe how calm she was just a little after this horrific experience occurred. I’m sure it has hit her more now. Especially after my scare only hours earlier, I certainly felt lucky. After eating lunch, I went back home to try to nap and between kids playing, loud music, mosquitoes, and dogs I got a little bit of restless sleep. Eventually I woke up and decided to go for a run as it was perfect running weather. After running and showering, I went into town to meet up with Sanne, Michelle, and Francisca.We talked a bit about the night before over some yummy fresh smoothies, and all of us minus Michelle went back to the Parada Soda and split a big, delicious veggie pizza. During dinner we talked about how time had flown by, how crazy life and can change so quickly, how strange it is that three people from such different places could meet here and become friends, how our homes will seem different, and the little things we will miss about our shared home. After dinner, we enjoyed some cool evening air at the park where some musicians happen to be playing before we all went home early to get some much-needed rest.
In other non-related news, Friday during my nice, relaxing afternoon, I finished reading Fannie Flagg’s Can’t Wait to Get to Heaven, and once again, I was not let down by her creative writing style. There is a common theme in all of her books that includes an interesting twist at the end that deals with some sort of death or killing that you do not see coming. I also really enjoyed the humor of the characters set in small town Elmwood Springs, MO, as I could really relate to a good deal of it. There were also a few parts that I was holding back tears, and to me, a sign of a really good book or movie is one that can make you laugh and cry.
Yesterday, Lindsay and I took advantage of her one day off work, and the last one we would be able to share before I return, to get in a good hike together. I’m so glad we were able to as she and I have the best time together and really enjoy each other’s company during out hiking adventures. They will certainly be one of the things I miss most about this great place. Although we considered our beloved cerro chato, we decided to switch it up and check out some trails and hanging bridges at the Sky Tour Company located on the other side of Volcan Arenal. Lindsay knows a lot of the people with this company as her hotel works with them often, so she was able to find a shuttle bus of theirs that we could catch, and very fortunately, we were both allowed to hike the trails complementary, which meant a lot considering how much the hike would have been worth. The day was perfectly sunny, but with a nice cool breeze that made all the fresh, natural smells of the forest strong. The forest was breathtaking and the views from the hanging brides were such a neat perspective. There were also many great viewpoints of Lake Arenal at various points of the hike. On top of this, there were also two absolutely gorgeous waterfalls. Although they were not that large comparatively to the Fortuna waterfall, but to me were just as interesting as the water fell more spread out along the rock walls and were easier to observe at a closer range. Lindsay and I simply sat at the falls, fortunately arriving at both as others were leaving so it was completely peaceful, and took in their serenity. Throughout the hike we saw several lizards, a skinny and long green snake, some birds, and a couple large ceiba trees. When we finished the hike, we went to the reception station where Sky has a beautiful open restaurant area with huge windows and a nice deck with a perfect view of the volcano and lake. We got some tasty café con leches (steamed milk) and sat outside and enjoyed the great view. After relaxing there for a bit, we caught a shuttle going back into town, which ended up being around a 45 minute drive as it had to drop of several other guests at various hotels outside of town before going back to the center. We were both pretty exhausted by the time we got back into town. Luckily, I was able to rest a bit before class where I worked one-on-one with Mauricio, one of the couple of officers in this group that are taking the upcoming required English exam. As he is one of the officers with the poorest English capabilities, we went over a lot of multiple-choice test taking strategies that can help him even when he does not completely understand the text, as this will probably be the case. One of the other officers also informed me that he had caught me in the park. I didn’t understand what he meant until he took me to the computer where they monitor some security cameras in the central park. He had seen me waiting for the shuttle to the hanging bridges and zoomed in on me and took a couple of snap shots. It was funny how pleased he was by his “capture.” After class, I enjoyed a nightly cup of coffee and watched a humorously and horribly produced local cable television show, which after studying broadcasting for 4 years was interesting for me on simply a production stand-point. I think I might be able to help out some of the producers here if I’m ever back in the area looking for work.
And to use this blog as a source to vent, once again, the mosquitoes are AWFUL in our apartment! In fact, in the last 20 minutes that I have worked on writing this blog, I have killed 5 mosquitoes in my little room, once of which was huge and full of blood, so I had to take a second to wash the mess of my hands. I hate the mosquitoes like that because I really have no clue as to whose blood I just smeared all over myself. I really need to convince some of the geckos around the apartment to hang out in here more. I also had a horribly realistic nightmare on Sunday night that a coral snake came into my room through my open window, which was really open as it was warm in my room, and feel into my bed directly below it. I woke up jumping out of bed, turning on the light, and looking for the snake. It didn’t take long to realize it was a dream; nonetheless, tonight, my window is closed and I will accept some sweating if it means no snakes in my bed.
In exactly two weeks I will be returning home. As the day gets closer, I am amazed at my mixed emotions. On one hand, I am more than thrilled to get back to my loved ones, my comfortable home, and the little luxuries of a familiar place. On the other, it seems unreal that these 3 months that seemed at first as if it would be a huge amount of time is already coming to a close. There are so many things about this place I will miss. Now at the end of the trip I am also truly realizing just how fortunate I am to have been able to have this incredible experience.
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