January news
Trip Start
Jun 26, 2006
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31
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Trip End
Aug 14, 2008
Naranjo,
Costa Rica
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Game 1: A bow is attached to the forehead of a bull and spectators (young and older men, women are smarter, we know to stay out of the pens) run up to the bull and try to wrench it off. Entertaining to watch the people climb over the fences every time the bulls so much as turned their heads. I honestly do not understand how spectators are allowed to climb into the ring in the first place.
Game 2: (Not done by trained professionals.) The people that were in the ring spread out a net between themselves and other people climbed on and they were tossed into the air. I donīt think Iīd entrust my limbs to the strength of strangers already half imbibed with beer.
Superbowl Sunday- Way to go Colts! Yes, I watched the Superbowl. Felt a bit unreal to be in Costa Rica watching it. We caught it on satellite and so missed out on the commercials, but several cable news channels felt compelled to show the best ones as a "news report" so I didnīt miss out. We were all disappointed with Prince, though. The two things that make the Superbowl worth watching didnīt even come through for me this year. But the game was at least interesting, me not being a football fan.
Our hostess, a Costa Rican, was not the least bit interested and during a break, put the tele on mute and said, "And now we will listen to the silence!" Unfortunately, one of the guests had just left for the restroom and we listened to the silencio of a flushing toilet. Ever gracious hostess, she put put the volume back on and said, "I changed my mind, the game is more intesting."
Peace Corps stuff- a new group of rural community development volunteers arrive at the end of the month. We will finally cease being the freshmen. 7 months have gone by in a flash!
Projects- I am planning a workshop for Intl Womenīs Day in March with the center of nutrition in my town. I would like to cover self-confidence and gender roles, but weīre not sure which topics we will do yet.
Believe it or not, Junior Achievement is an international program and is offered here in Costa Rica. For those of you not familiar with JA, itīs a business training program for students. Professionals volunteer to go to schools and teach basic business classes. I remember JA from 7th grade... Anyhow, I hope to start teaching at the local high school after school gets underway. (Classes start this week.)
Feliz dia de amistad! (Feb 14)
Comments
festivals
Festivals are always fun. It seems like they differ with every culture (even they always have food and games). The one I attended in Japan had a parade, fireworks, and different types of performances, and it was a time where friends and family get together. Then you've got the TX State Fair over here (which I've never actually been to). It's just interesting to see how different cultures like to celebrate.
Good luck with your workshop. It's definitely a cool idea.
Happy Valentine's Day!
~Jen