Verano (summer) 2009

Everybody knows me. I need to travel. So now its time for some advice- and I need it quick. Two things: Spring Break and summer:

SPRING BREAK: Ireland. Jillian will be there- so why not me? I found a ticket round trip for $654... should I get it, or wait and see if something better comes along. There have been talks of cheap trans-atlantic flights- so I can't decide whether to hold out or take the bait now...

SUMMER: I can't decide what to do next summer. I either want to volunteer, intern, work (boring) or travel (exciting).... so here are my thoughts so far. I'd love some suggestions if anyone hears of any cool opportunities:

~ TEFL certification: Teaching english as a foreign language. It's a one month certification course- to be taken preferably in a Spanish speaking country (a good reason to return to Costa Rica and visit my host family). This could be good for all kinds of stuff, from bumming around the world to working with ESL kids in KC...

~ Intern: I found anything specific but I've got some in mind. Anyone who hears of interns needed for anything from social justice, immigrant work, fair trade, or general semi-biligual abilities should let me know-

~Amigos de Las Americas project supervisor: The deadline was extended until December 1st. So if I get my act together I could potentially lead a bunch of terrified 16 year olds into a Latin American community, drop them off at a doorstep, leave... and check up on them every week. Benefits: FREE travel, resume booster etc; but I don't actually get a host family etc...

~Work/school/volunteer: I could stay in KC and work my butt off- volunteer with some cool establishment, and maybe take a class or two to keep myself from getting crazy bored... boring. but I could use the cash after this semester...

Thats all for now. Your advice would be greatly appreciated!

Árboles, escuela, viajes y más...

Tree planting! We headed to Zaida's house this weekend to become one with the tierra and plant some trees. It was a great time, between exploring the 'bosque misterioso', hacking at the ground with machetes, planting our little arboles and naming them appropriately. Now if only we could get paid through the Pagos de Servicios ambientales program. A little cash for carbon sequestration never hurts...

Escuela: It's the final days. School is so close to being over I can almost taste it... Just one final push to get through the upcoming week and a half of finals and I will be carefree in Osa and Nicaragua. I will be kind of sad when my semester at UCR ends though. Parts of it have been ridiculously challenging- but I really have enjoyed the whole experience.

That's all that is going on for now. The other day my family and I sat around reading spanigh riddles out of a book for a good hour- and telling jokes adn such. I literally had tears in my eyes from all the laughing. Other than that its just school, homework, and trying to squeeze in as much quality time with friends and family as I possibly can. More exciting updates coming soon!