Right when I got into the taxi on the way to Pochote, "I Guess That's Why They Call it the Blues" came on. I think it's a good omen.
Pochote is incredibly beautiful. I live about 30 yards from the beach at a School of Music. The dorms for volunteers are connected to the extra-curricular music school which is also connected to a run-down restaurant.
The jobs for the volunteers are to clean, organize and do anything else necessary to make this run-down restaurant functional and beautiful by February 14th. We work every morning 8-12 and then have the rest of the day to do anything we want. So there is plenty of time for me to work on a killer tan, practice my Spanish, read, and maybe even play music! I have never wanted to play music so bad! When I saw the marimba they have I felt a wave of complacency come over me because there was something I could spend my time doing and really get in touch with a past self. I also never realized how much of a privilege it is to learn music: to have access to instruments, teachers, sheet music! I have a newfound respect for it now and a true sense of how privileged I have been.
Everything about Pochote couldn't be more perfect. But yesterday I wanted nothing more than to curl up in a ball and wish it all away. It almost felt like a Twilight Zone "There's time now!" I have time to do pursue my interests, to help other people, to suntan on a beautiful beach but yesterday I would've just given it all up to be back in the terrible cold, the snow, the ice, just to be back with my family and friends. I've only been here a week and a half! How did I possibly agree to do this project for 12 weeks! And what possessed me to want to stay in Costa Rica for 6 months?! I slept on it. And I'm feeling much more optimistic today.
I've decided on a routine:
6:00am Yoga on the Beach, every day. (It is one hour after the rooster starts crowing, literally. And it is early enough that it isn't too hot.)
7:00am Breakfast
8:00-12:00 Work HARD! Be the most positive, willing worker!
12:00 Lunch
1:00 Read and tan on the beach
2:30 Do my Spanish workbook. Learn as much as I can!
3:30 Practice marimba.. Maybe. Or just hang out with pals.
6:00 Dinner
After dinner, hang with the crew, play Uno, listen to music, maybe watch movies.
Pretty sweet, right? I know I am soooo LUCKY to be here. Even if I don't always feel it.
There are five other volunteers: 1 German girl, 1 Austrian girl, 1 Belgian guy (Belgish), 1 Belgian girl, and 1 Dutch guy (isn't dat vierd). They are all very nice but they are leaving in about a week and new volunteers are coming! My project lasts 11 weeks but every else's only about 2! So I will have rotating friends and I will be the best host-sister to all the new-comers as ever were one.
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Wow! Both good and bad. Like everything else in life. Good that you have a lot of free time; bad that you have so much free time....
ResponderEliminarI will be jealous of your killer tan when you return. I am currently insanely envious that you get to do yoga on a BEACH every day.
Monica felt the same way during her brief stay in Mexico-- except it was 100 times worse for her. I'm sure she will relate once she reads your blog.
Just to place things in perspective for you: It is 32 degrees in Chicago with cloudy overcast skies. There is intermittent rain/sleet falling. Last night when I came home from work, there was a sheet of ice on the drive way. My Mini managed to get half way up the drive before it started sliding SIDEWAYS down. Almost hit the frigging mailbox!. George was conveniently out of town. So, I had to park the car by the curb, fight my way up the driveway, find the salt, spread the salt, wait 10 minutes and than fetch my car. In other words, it sucked. Can't even go cross country skiing. So, although I'm indulging in a super pity party, Lauren enjoy the sun and warm weather. And I hope I made you laugh-- just a little.
Love you and am certain that the force is with you.
No hay que decirte que tengo muchos celos de tu vida!!! Call me soon, but give me a heads up so I can make sure my phone is set to ring loud so I won't miss it. Love you!
ResponderEliminareee, i totally know how that feels (like my mom mentioned)...
ResponderEliminarbut it sounds like you're trying to keep yourself busy and that's the most important thing! i think that if i had a physical project and a marimba, i would have lasted longer in mexico. also, if i were more like you i would have lasted longer in mexico ;) i have no doubt in my mind that you'll be able to get yourself out of a slump!
and yeah, it's really gross here - cold, wet, dark, and stressful :P the force is much stronger in costa rica, i guarantee.