Date: 2009
Costa Rica: Located in Central America, bordering both the Caribbean Sea and the North Pacific Ocean, between Nicaragua and Panama
Day 1 – Arrival into San Jose International Airport
I was met at the airport by one of the volunteers’ team leaders, and taken to the Alajuela Backpackers hostel, where I spent the first 2 nights in Costa Rica. We had a tasty welcome dinner and the rest of the time I spent it meeting some of the other volunteers and exploring Alajuela city.
The Volunteers Project Leader
Day 2 – Orientation
At 8:30am a member of the in-country team picked us up from the hostel and took us to their offices for orientation. They gave us a good insight into Costa Rica - the culture, things to do and see, what to do in case of an emergency and much more! It was also a good chance to meet the rest of the volunteers.
Day 3 – Transfer to the project
Transfer from Alajuela hostel to San Ramón project took approximately 1 hour. When we arrived, our host families were waiting for us in the parking lot of the only shopping mall in San Ramon. Spending time with a Costa Rican “tico” family was a great chance to experience a different culture and lifestyle, and a fantastic opportunity to practice my Spanish (which is none) ! Next it’s on to the building project to meet the team for an intro.
Day 4 – 6 Get my hands dirty!
Now is the time to get stuck into work at my building project! my work schedule is from 8am to 4pm and I got involved in all aspects of the building. From laying floors, digging trenches, putting on roofs, preparing metal ties and metal framework for the foundations, mixing cement and concrete and carrying materials to the building site.
Day 7 to 8 – Tico Time!
It’s the weekend and time to explore! San Ramón is incredibly beautiful and full of things to do. It is also conveniently located to beaches and other tourist-friendly areas. I spent a lot of time with my Tico family and especially their daughter who used to take me out all the time showing me around the city though the only language we had incommon was the sign one. We checked out some hiking trails around San Ramón, explored the Farmer’s Market, and the best of all… tried an exhilarating, zip-line canopy tour! During the evenings we used together in the only shopping mall in town or relax in a restaurant or the park.
This video is done right after I left Costa Rica. You will see Megan my roommate and friend and you will meet my Tico family, the Lopez. Just watch how amazing they are! The thing that puts tears in my eyes is junior lopez… he is wearing the sweater I bought him before I leave… the day I left, he made me a thread bracelet to remember him and his family by.. Unfortunately, I lost it on the airplane and that put me in depression for a few days… I love them to death and I will go and visit them soon.
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