Pura Vida

Ok, it been long enough! I finally figured out the smartest way to keep in touch. I write at mi casa (I, thankfully, lugged my computer here with me.), save it on my portable drive, and then share here. It sure beats the time I have wasted staring at a blank internet connection while paying for it!
So, where to begin? First off, I love my new life and am striving to call this beautiful beach paradise home for a long time. I have my hands into lots of potential good jobs, but every thing is yet to be determined…, as I guess it always is. But, I mean that I don’t want to get to into job stuff, for that has been taking up quite a bit of my time lately. Instead, I want to share the fun that I have been having:
I have made some new friends. A couple of my friends I met when I first visited this area during the summer, the others are my newfound buddies. For example, Andrea is my Spanish teacher and she is wonderful. Her boyfriend is the guy that started the Spanish school where I am studying. He is from NY, but very non-New Yorker. We went out for beers the other night at this “hot” karaoke bar. Little did I know… but my new friend Andrea is quite the celebrity in Costa Rica. She was one of the winners of Costa Rica’s version of American Idol a few years ago. So, when we entered the bar, everyone knew her and she was forced (happily) to sing most of the night. It was not hard to see why she swept this country off their feet. Her voice is amazing, and besides my great friend, Kara, she dances like no one I have ever seen.

So, they are great…Oh, here is how my morning started today:
“Kerri, mi vecina, Kerri! Kerri benga…” (English in parentheses) (Kerri, my neighbor, Kerri! Come!)
Que? (What? Note: I had just heard the loudest and strangest animal-like yell from right above my house.)
“VAMOS!” (Let’s go!)
“Si, si, pero porque? (Yes, yes, but why?)

And then, not only did I know what my neighbor was so excited about, but I witnessed one of the coolest things I have ever seen. On our roof there were three holler monkeys eating almonds (Well, the people here call them almonds, but it is not what you are picturing. Imagine the seed that an almond grows inside, hard for me to describe, but more like a very large chestnut than an almond…) Anyway, we stood on our front steps (our steps are “sort of” made out of the earth) and watched in awe. The monkeys clearly saw us, but never seemed to care that they now had an audience. We watched them in silence for a long time, until the largest one decided to have some fun and threw his snack straight at us. Yup, he reached back and launched one of the large almond seeds straight at us. My reaction was very different from my neighbor’s. I was amused, she was startled. She told grabbed my hand and we ran into her house (our houses are separated by a wall, but connected). She explained that they can get really mean and that our “pelicula de la manana” (morning movie) was over. I thanked her for getting me and she offered me some of the juiciest pineapple I have ever had.

Then, I took a shower as the monkeys crashed about our metal roof, and got ready for my morning stroll on the beach. I have made it a habit of waking early (Seeing la amenecer (the sunrise) here is out-of-this-world, but it happens at 5 am, so I have only made it to one so far. Lame, I know!) and heading straight to the beach or to the waterfall. Since it is Sunday I don’t have my Spanish class, or my English classes (which happens around 10:30 and 2:00 every weekday) I took my time and strolled further down the beach this morning. The long walk was worth the buena vista (great view) I found after about a thirty minute stroll. I finished my book, The DaVinci Code. (I have never seen the movie or read the book, and it was the best option at the local book swap. It is a good read, but I bet the movie leaves a lot to be desired.) After staring at the sea for a long time, I swam a bit when the tide calmed down. The sea here is POWERFUL! From my apartment I have a gorgeous view of the sea, and am constantly pulled out of slumber due to the forceful sound of the waves. I don’t usually swim in the ocean here, for I have spent enough time near the sea to know that this area of the Pacific is a force to be reckoned with. And, I like my current life too much to end up lost at sea! But, almost every day I do hike up to the waterfall and swim there. There are three connected waterfalls here, and the bottom one is the most easily accessible, of course. The waterfall is about 50 feet and the pool it creates is a swimmer’s dream-come-true. The force of the down-falling water creates a strong current. When you swim against this current it is hard to make progress but it creates the ideal swimming tank. So, that is my new favorite source of expending energy.

Well, let’s see, what else? Everything is PURA VIDA here so far. I not only feel like I made the right decision, but for the first time in a long time I feel like I found a place to happily call home for quite some time…

Change is good...Right?

I am not sure what to call it or even what to think about it yet, but I have been dodging and chucking some wicked curve balls this week. I usually enjoy dancing in that line of fire, but one too many of those swirly curve balls have struck square onto my vulnerable heart. Others are joyfully dancing in the air just waiting for me to catch them. Plus, there are a few that I have launched into the universe, and I have had the pleasure of watching those soar to unimaginable heights.

Luckily, I am a good catcher and thrower!


I thought I wanted to write more here, but I don't (or can't) yet.

I do know that I depart for Costa Rica on September 5th, and that seems like eons from now.



Let's play "Name That Tune":
"I'm leaving on a jet plane, don't know if I'll be back again..."

(I would like to know who is the original singer, so share if you happen to know.)

Montezuma y mi corazon

Entonces, possiblemente de idioma de ingles es mejor ahora...
I am in love with Montezuma and may not be returning home as planned. For the past week I have swam, ran, hiked and laid in the most impressive jungle beach in the world. I am feeling some strange connections here and just can't imagine leaving anytime soon. There are many reasons and stories to share, but know that right now I am staring at the Pacific Ocean watching beautiful Tico children leave school and I just know that there are many reasons for me to stay here a bit longer. I don't know what that means, but I just know that it is how I feel now.

Look up Montezuma and tell me what you think I should do with my life!

Solamente mi en San Jose

Hola de San Jose!

Traveling alone is now my equivalent of a worthwhile therapy session. I like to think of myself as an independent woman (and I am!), but my life is so full of moments with others that I freak out slightly when faced with alone time. In fact, even when I am home alone I have a dog who provides my sounding board, a phone that connects to whomever will answer and this blog that...well, whatever it is that this blog does.

Since arriving in San Jose, I have impressed gringos with my Spanish (which is far from impressive to those that speak Spanish), traveled both successfully and unsuccessfully by taxi (the unsuccessful story will come soon), and have been staying at the BEST hostel in town. My hostel has not only provided me with a safe place to stay, but more importantly with knowledgable Ticos willing to share their culture and knowledge con una gringa.

Yesterday, I walked around town alone after having desayuno with a couple of new friends here. I did want to lure my new friends into spending the day with me (see the sentence # 3 above), but knew that that was imposing and contrary to my purpose of solo travel. So, I ventured around town alone and was constantly reminded how pretty my eyes are...but, Ticos are much smoother than most men. Nobody touched me, made me feel uncomfortable, or copped a feel. I can't say that about most places I know (including home!).

So, I ventured about and found a great vegetarian restaurant and coffee house. The coffee here is truly to die for, plus the meal I had for cena was worth way more than US$2! The veggie restaurant is named Vishnu, if you are ever here.

Now I am about to embark on another fun solo morning. I have been convinced to take the local bus to the airport to meet Liz and Kristen. The hostel owner and a couple of new friends have told me numerous times how to accomplish this mission and we have even done a few role plays over cervecas! So, I am empowered, ready to speak more Spanish and ready to have some familiar faces by my side!

Wish me luck!

Up, Up & Away!

With nerves and a new pair of shoes, I am flying away for the rest of the summer. My first stop is here to present at this, then back to this spot for 25 hours of girlfriend-time, and finally off to here for weeks.

That will be a bit stressful, but the type of stress I thrive on. Then, this place with three of my closest friends will be the exact opposite of stress. Ahhh...

Beauties on the Beach

Salted Hair and Sunkissed Skin on Assateague Island

This has been one of my favorite places in the world since I can remember. If you ever find yourself close to Ocean City, MD stop by this gem of a shoreline and say "Hi!" to my mom. She quit her stressful job and now works in the Camp Store at Assateague. And on Assateague, the biggest stress is whether to hike with the wild ponies or go jump in the waves.

Costa Rica!

Oh yippee!

I will be heading south soon, but I won't be sitting alone on any Spanish-speaking beaches this summer...

Nope, I will be sitting there with Dizzie Lizzie and K-dog for the first week and A-rod for the remaining weeks. Tickets have been purchased and plans are forming!

Great friends, beaches, bus trips, who knows what else...Don't you want to join the fun?

Oh yippee!

Career's Twisted Path

As many of you know, I often equate my job with an abusive relationship. But, I have been rethinking this erroneous analogy, and even though I have yet to conjure the perfect comparison, I know this is an unfair judgment. I won't ever say that again. Promise.

I mean, that photo up above showing water quality testing happening on the Anacostia River is how I spent last Friday. Worlds collided for me as we boarded the Half Shell with Living Classrooms Foundation DC. There are many days when I long for some gettin' dirty outdoor work, such as my old job on that Chesapeake Bay Buy Boat...

...enough dreaming of previous lives, back to my current job. A few months ago I decided to accept a new position at my school and since have felt a resurgence of passion for teaching at this school. Those other photos up there illustrate one of my school's proudest days so far. Cesar Chavez Public Charter School for Public Policy had its first graduation! Chavez only accepted ninth and tenth graders the first year, and 15 scholars made it all the way to the diploma. As I sat at graduation donning a black robe, I remembered (around March I was wondering...) why I care about Chavez scholars enough to put up with this incredibly stressful and time-consuming career. Next year will be monumental for not only the 2nd senior class, but selfishly for me too, for that class consists of the scholars I worked with when I began working at Chavez. Watching those crazy kids walk and shake on the fact that they broke down numerous stereotypes will produce tears of joy. Lots of tears.

Classes end this Friday and only a few meetings happen next week. And then...


...Summer Fun:
I'm flying to Denver to present at this conference with Simon. This excursion will foster professional and spiritual growth-- for, we will spend 5 days breathing in Colorado air, will present for 2 hours, then will head to Rocky National Park for hiking with Mario. Great.

Then, I am heading south for the rest of the summer. A few months ago I was spending oodles of time researching and applying for "things" to do over the summer weeks off. Coulda spent 6 weeks with rich high school kids in Egypt, coulda volunteered with Ashoka, coulda taught summer school...but, I finally turned all of those coulda's down for some time on a Spanish-speaking beach. I cashed in my travel voucher with Taca Airlines for a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica. I only know that I am flying into San Jose, attending my great friend's and cousin's wedding on August 11th, and flying out of San Jose. The rest is to be determined...

...So, do tell! If you were about to board a plane that would land in Costa Rica, what would you do? I have four weeks and am seeking your first-hand experiences!

Chilean Instruments

Here is our collection of instruments from South America:


The ceramic jugs are drums based on the African udu, the wooden pods shake, the cylinder with holes is a flute-like ocarina, and the 10-string ukelele/guitar is a charango that Aaron is learning to make sing!

Keeping Track

Here is my list of visited countries. I have only ventured to 12 countries, 5% of the world. Only 5% is unacceptable and motivating. What country should be next? (Aaron and I each possess $400 worth of travel vouchers from this generous airline.)

create your own visited country map

Salar de Uyuni Bolivia

This natural hot spring was the beginning of our four day trek to Uyuni, Bolivia from San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. As you can tell from this picture, I was in awe of the mineral bath and the scenery. During this trek we peaked at just about 5000 meters above sea level and climbed 3000 meters in a matter of hours. The altitude change was hard on me (more so than for Aaron), but the landscape and seeing the largest salt flat (Salar de Uyuni) in the world was worth a little agony. We have many amazing photos, but here in the desert of San Pedro it is as it should be...few high speed connections with cyber space. We head south to Santiago in a couple of days. I will upload the amazingness of our four-day trek when we return to the modern world.

Bueno Tarde

¡No worries...we wore helmets all day, just not for the photo opportunities!

Today was a wonderful day in Mendoza, Argentina (we have been here for two days and will leave tomorrow for northern Chile). We rented bikes and cycled through the vineyards and olive tree farms of the arid land of Mendoza. We pedaled for a total of 40 km today in the sunshine and my gringa-ness is shining through my newly-sun-kissed skin. Biking and tasting varietals of wine made for a tired (yet very content) couple. So, tonight (now) we are hanging with the family and friends of our hostel (photos of this wonderful place and family soon) ordering food in and watching a movie. Mendoza is full of smiling people, incredible sunshine, some of the best wine in the world and bike trails...once again, enough to make a girl want to relocate!

¡Los Animales de Peninsula Valdes!

I wish I had the poetic words needed to describe our days on the Peninsula Valdes, but my feeble mind does not allow for such eloquence. These photos capture a mere glimpse of the amazingness living in this area of Patagonia. There are a few more photos on the Flickr site, and many many more still on our camera (when time permits I will upload all of them).
I was rendered speechless for hours when we docked the boat this day. This sensitive area has touched our hearts, for the people living here are serious about caring for the world, preserving its wonder, and educating the public about the animals living near their homes. We spent two nights in Puerto Madryn in an hostel run by three young women who take the whales and the sea seriously. They hooked us up with their friend for the boat ride pictured here. Then we ran away from the world and stayed right in Puerto Piramides for the next two nights. This town´s population of people is near 250 and the population of whales is near 600...the people are very proud of this ratio. We rented a small apartment where, at nightfall, we could hear the whales exhale and stare into the Southern Cross constellation. Need I say more?

Link to photos!

Muchas Gracias Jake!
Scroll down to the LINKS section and click to see some photos from the trip thus far. There will be more when there is more time to sit still...but this is not that time! Love from Esquel, Patagonia!

Learning Truco-Argentine Card Game

See more photos on our hostels website.
Sitting at the hostel, at about 4 am, trying (at least the two gringas (Kelly and I) in this photo are trying) to learn this tricky Argentine card game. The man sitting near me is the hostel owner and was extremely patient with our gringa-ness (a constant joke). The other smiling face is Sergio, a Mexican who speaks better English than Aaron (another reoccuring joke!). Since I descend from an avid card playing family where our bloodline contains Kem Card ink, I had no choice but to drink enough beer and yerba mate and to learn quickly.

In Truco you use this wacky Argentine deck of cards. There are 4 suits like our traditional deck, yet the suits are extremely different from my well-known clubs, hearts, spades, and diamonds (one is supposedly a ¨branch¨ but it clearly resembles a strangely colored and skinned animal leg). Regardless, this game is all about table-talk, cheating, and lying. Needless to say we had a blast this evening, and when the alarmn went off the next morning, a mere 3 hours after I found my way to bed, I was up and chipper to head the mountain for a day of snowboarding with newfound backpacking friends.

Speaking of the mountain, yesterday was EPIC! I have become extremely fond of the sport of snowboarding and we found ourselves riding jar-dropping powder (no joke, waist deep at parts) at the biggest, most impressive resort I have ever seen. We (Amy, Cam, Miguel, Aaron and I) rode all day...well, until our legs were shaking from the incredibly long runs, and our arms exhausted from unburying ourselves from the deepness. Wow, being in Patagonia is everything I have hope, and more.

¡yerba mate!

I just have to write quickly about the past twenty four hours. We are settled in the best hostel in Patagonia (just typing the words ¨we¨, ïn¨, and ¨Patagonia¨ makes my heart smile) and we made some memories last night...in fact, this has to be quick because more memories are being made right behind me in the living room of this, the best hostel in Patagonia. But, we (Kelly, my friend from grad school, Aaron and I) are all staying in the same hostel and we sat with the owner, his girlfriend and a few other cohorts and drank yerba mate for 3 (if not more) hours before we collectively dined over homemade pizza. Turko, the hostel owner, and our newfound friend, taught us the Argentine tradition of drinking mate. I was even fortunate enough to gain the honor of being the ¨server¨. I was only criticized once when the water was a bit too cold (even the temperature of the water has to be precise for acceptance from the Argentines). I will recount this entire tradition when there isn´t so much interesting chatter behind me. Truly, being in Bariloche has been magical every moment, even despite today´s constant rain. I will tackle the photo chore tomorrow, just so we can share in the magic that is Patagonia!

Hitting the Andean slopes

¡Hola!
So, last Sunday we went to El Colorado. Not only did we spend the day snowboarding in the Andes, but this was the final game of the World Cup... So, we were able to take runs in between the championship game. Watching futbol with Latinos has topped my ¨favorites¨ list so far. Every Chilean rooted for Italy, for the French are as popular here as they are in the States. Needless to say, the game was a nail-biter and the ending was full of cheers, screaming, tears, and many joyful last runs on the mountain. The snow was incredibly fluffy powder and it snowed all day. We are headed back tomorrow with other students from school, tomorrow will be memorable without a doubt. The ride to-and-from the resort is SCARY! Imagine a shaky bus without chains, climbing switchbacks that outline heart-pounding drops. We did see the most incredible sunset on the way down. The rays peaking through the clouds under the jutting tips of the Andes...oh my...my words fail.

¿los baños?

I just learned the hard way that it is not common to have toilet paper in the bathrooms...chalk this up on the lessons learned chart. I have been trying earnestly to speak Spanish by trying to order food and drinks, asking for directions, repeating the cost of items and my change, and getting into conversations deeper than the ¨hello, how are you, what is your name...¨ This has been very fun, especially when my normal apprenhensions are surpressed by a few pisco sours. Aaron and I met a couple of amazing Chileans two nights ago. Clarita, Rodolfo, and ummm...I forgot the other guy´s name, but we are going to meet up and they will take us out and about in Santiago. Clarita and Rodolfo are photographers and speak enough English to make our funny circle of friends more than simply smiles and nods. I only brought one pair of pants with me, so it is time to make a purchase (oh, no need to worry, we can do laundry at our homestay!) and Clarita is just the person to take me out shopping.

Today it is raining and chilly. We were going to go on a trip with our school to the Concha y Toro vineyard, but with the rain we decided to wander around the city and watch the futbol game in a few hours. Oh yeah, I had no idea how crazy this area was about their soccer (futbol). A local Chilean team, ColoColo, just won a championship and there were parties in the streets to top all other parties in the world. I have many pictures...but imagine streets being forced to close because of the number of people chanting and dancing in the roads, young men climbing atop the street lights, well-known chats ringing throughout the country (no exaggeration)...it is was quite the cultural experience, for I can´t think of anything in the States that would get Americans that excited. Confetti, chants, songs, dances, smiles...it was a beautiful site!

Oh more thing...today is Anna and Ben´s wedding. Here is a virtual toss to the two of you: May your wedding day be beautifully full of smiles and laughter, and may you both have many, many beautiful years together. I can´t wait to see you both and to hear all about the wedding when I return! I love you!

¡HOLA! de Chile

Ok, this must be short and to the point, for Aaron and our peers are waiting for me amidst muchas cervecas, but...¡CHILE has exceeded expectations so far! We are taking Spanish classes in Santiago. Our classes full of learning, great teachers, fantastic new friends and the best homestay in the world. We are staying in the Provedencia neighborhood of Santiago, and our homestay is a true dream. She speaks English (whew), Spanish and French. So, I am brushing up on the little French I learned in high school, plus we have a private tutor for our Spanish homework. Her boyfriend is a famous Chilean sculptor and he uses recycled materials to create brilliance. ¡Plus! they go to their "farm" for every long weekend. Meaning, we have our own departimento in Santiago for 4 days each week.

It is amazingly difficult to learn a new language. I had a bad day in class today-- a bit tired, a bit frustrated, and I am lagging behind my peers. But, no need to worry I will study tonight (after the party with classmates) and will catch up (keep your fingers crossed for me!)

Ok...I am being happily summoned away from the internet cafe! More soon...please leave comments if you are checking here, for I am not sure if I should send out emails or just post on the blog!
We love and miss you!

South for the Summer

This is our last day in the United States. Tomorrow morning we fly down to South America, landing in Santiago, Chile. From there it will be a wonderous 7 week adventure. Please check here often for updates and pictures, I will try to post frequently!