Another person in my program was mugged yesterday morning. Sam was walking near Veritas around 8 a.m. on her way to work, when a man (similar description to David's) held her at gunpoint and took her money. I am so scared.
Eric sent out a huge e-mail with specific instructions. We're not to walk anywhere alone anymore, we should take a taxi directly from our houses at all times, we shouldn't carry around a lot of money with us, etc. etc. I just can't believe Sam was mugged in daylight. Last night, I had a nightmare about a man with a gun. It's obviously on my mind.
I did notice yesterday walking back from the gym that there were more cops and security guards on the streets than normal, so that is slightly comforting.
Last night, Amy and I helped Karen straighten her hair for a birthday party she was going to. I like spending time with Karen. She's paying her own way through university to become a speech pathologist. She takes night classes and works as the secretary for her dad's business during the day. She and I practice our English and Spanish together all the time. She speaks in English, and I correct her mistakes and vice versa. We have a good system going. Right now, she's a little upset because her boyfriend, Billy, is in Zarcero. His sick grandfather is most likely going to pass away soon, and Karen can't miss any of her classes to be with his family because she is going to Mexico next week.
I successfully stomached the most disgusting dinner I have ever eaten in Costa Rica. Patri made her usual rice, beans and cabbage salad with tomatoes. The main dish, however, was tilapia cooked in some kind of creamy, white disgusting sauce. It tasted fatty and salty and all wrong. It was just...bad. Bad, bad, bad. Latin women are very sensitive about their cooking. They take it extremely personally if you don't like their food. Natalie, who has been having some personal problems this week, didn't have much of an appetite last night. Without fail, Patri asked, "What's wrong, Natalie? Do you not like the food?" Of course, we all respond with, "Que rico, Patri! Me gusta mucho esta comida. Gracias!" Ugh, I could vomit.
We had plans to go out last night, but given the recent crime in the area, we weren't in the best of moods. Instead, we piled into my room and watched an episode of a T.V. show that Amy has on DVD. It's called "The Comeback." It's an HBO show starring Lisa Kudrow. She's supposed to be an ex-sitcom star who is trying to make a comeback in the industry by having her own reality show. It was amusing, but the filming was very rocky. You were supposed to feel like you were actually the camera crew filming her. I don't always do well with that kind of filming. I was nauseas in United 93. No es bueno. It was nice to just relax and hang out at home, though.
I slept horribly last night, probably because of the mugging situation, and maybe because my neck has been killing me for weeks because of my cement mattress. This morning, Natalie and I (both late, as always) rushed to get ready. We woke Patri up by accident (we can never win with Patri when it comes to sleeping). I had slept in an oversized T-shirt and boyshorts underwear, and Patri exclaimed that I was a gringa chinga! A naked gringa! It was so funny. Don't use that phrase in any other Latin American country, though. "Chinga" is the most vulgar word of all vulgar words in Mexico. Patri made us eggs for breakfast, along with fresh bread, of course. We got taxis together. I don't want to get mugged! I told the taxi driver what has been happening. He couldn't believe it happened in the early morning.
Today, Natalie and I are executing our master plan to see Harry Potter 6 tonight. Harry Potter really is a global success. Contacting movie theaters has practically consumed my entire week. First, I Facebook messaged her the movie times for the Multiplaza Escazú theater. Natalie is going to go there during her lunch hour and buy tickets. Natalie Facebook messaged me directions to Aerocasillas, her work. I will take a taxi directly from Summa and meet her at her building to get the movie tickets. Then, I will go to the mall and futz around until I meet Natalie at a designated location. Most likely, I will get to the theater early and save seats for us. By the time Natalie gets off work and meets me, it will almost be time for the movie! I can't wait. I hope the plan runs smoothly.
I've also been spending time trying to plan Ila's visit. After great debate, I think I want to go to Tamarindo. It's in Guanacaste, the most beautiful region of Costa Rica, and everyone keeps telling me I have to see it. Hillary recommended an adorable place she stayed when she went there, and the pictures look fantastic. Travel takes so much coordinating, though. I have to figure out transportation, lodging, meals, plans...everything! I think I want to take a snorkel and turtle tour. Apparently, leatherback turtles gather in Tamarindo to lay their eggs and you can travel by boat to see where they all live. I want it to be perfect. Ila is only staying for a long weekend, so we don't have much time. She's going to meet my host family and my bosses. I keep warning them that she is crazy. No one understands...
Tomorrow, the whole group is going to Hacienda Pozo Azul, and adventure tourism place about 90 minutes outside of San José. I chose to go white water rafting and zip lining in the canopy. We're also supposed to be camping out, but our tents look more like hotel rooms. Either way, it's going to be another memorable weekend.
Amy volunteered last Wednesday to make a slideshow for our final dinner with pictures from the whole summer. I volunteered to help her, so I need to compile my best photos and send them to her. I hope we can make it really creative and funny.
Fabulous weekend ahead!
Pura Vida,
Lauren
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