It's like...jelly soup.

Happy (almost) Independence Day!

The picnic today was corny, to say the least. You had to have a United States passport to get in! Everyone was wearing red, white and blue; however, I chose to wear a fuschia shirt. I figured it was close enough to red without being tacky. There were lots and lots of gringos and free food and drinks for everyone. They even had a semi-decent band.

We walked around for most of the time. There were picnics races (I guess potato sack racing never goes out of style) and pick-up volleyball games. They had a presentation of the colors and a cheesy Independence Day ceremony. There were hotdogs, sodas, ice creams, cotton candy and popcorn galore. Natalie's boss even put on a juggling act for a group of bilingual toddlers and children. I felt a little silly, in all honesty. I don't know why. It was just so tacky. I know I'm supposed to have pride in my country, and I do, but we're in Costa Rica! Yankee Doodle and Uncle Sam don't fit here.

Later today, Natalie and I went to the gym. I had an amazing workout. There was a nice breeze coming in the windows (remember - no air conditioning), and Natalie had really cool workouts that she found. We did them together, and I am already sore.

Afterward, Natalie and Amy were napping, so I spent some quality time with Patri. We talked for a long time. I told her how frustrating it is that I still need to ask people to slow down when speaking. We talked about my sister coming and all about our families. I tried to teach Patri a few English words. "Fish" turned into feesh, fitch, fesh and every other variation of those sounds. Patri can barely read or write in Spanish. Anytime we ask her for help with directions or reading, she tells us to ask Juan Carlos or Karen. I can't imagine being illiterate in the 21st century.

Patri made broccoli with tuna for dinner, along with the usual beans and rice. There was so much salt in the broccoli. I could barely stomach a few bites. I always make sure to eat some of what she cooks; she is easily insulted when it comes to her cooking (sounds like someone else I know - just kidding!). She also made some kind of pineapple dish for dessert. As Natalie described it, "It's like...jelly soup." It looked like apple sauce but tasted like smooth warm jelly. In short, no me gusta.

Tonight, the girls are going to Castro's. Yay! I can't wait to dance all night.

I'm off to get ready. Ciao!

Pura Vida,
Lauren