Even a teacher can be taught...

On this day in Orosi, I learned what it feels like to be the non-native speaker who is trying really hard but, in reality, making a mountain of silly mistakes. Last Saturday was family day at the plaza, the centerpiece of every Costa Rican town: the soccer field. (For all of my soccer playing friends out there, I envy you. But I still think swimming is the best sport. =) ) I participated in the games along with several of my host sisters. We didn't win any games, but we played hard and walked away with some skinned up knees to prove it. Just when my knee was beginning to heal, it broke my fall on the indoor soccer field tonight as I attempted to stay on my feet and kick the ball at the same time. (which, as it turns out, is very difficult for me) Sitting with my host sisters after the game, we were commiserating over our skinned knees. I looked to Geocanda and said, "Are your knees healthying?" And, her response was the same confused look that you are now making. I quickly realized my mistake and broke the silence, "I sound funny a lot of times, don't I?" She cracked a smile and nodded shyly.

Later on, as we were preparing for bed, I said, "Duerma bien." She paused for a second, but then simply replied, "Hasta mañana." (See you tomorrow) Not one minute later, she peeked her head around the corner to gently correct me, "que duerma bien." "Oh," I said, "May you sleep well." That she cares enough to correct me means so much to me.

But, I've been doing more than keeping the TIcans entertained with my language malfunctions. On Sunday, we went on a hike up the high hills surrounding Orosi with a spirited man named Nano who passes the time taking tours to see the waterfall (see picture) and to visit his bungalow atop the hill. Once we reached the top, Nano treated us to some freshly brewed coffee, play time with the newly born puppies, and a host of crazy antics including a "phone call" to the White House on his red dial up phone.

In the afternoon, I went to a birthday celebration with my host family in a nearby town called Palomo. The scene is as follows: 30-40 Ticans young and old, a small wooden house with a great view sloping down to the houses below and up to the high hills beyond, latin music, birthday cake, games, dancing, a piñata, and an American girl amusing the little ones with a card trick. It was an event to be remembered, one not at all unlike those I have enjoyed frequently back home in Indiana. At the end of the evening, my host uncle promised, "When you return to the States, you will remember Costa Ricans as a colorful people." If by colorful he means lively dancers, animated speakers, opinionated but open-armed, then I think I am beginning to know what he means.

We begin our practicum next week! Basically, we are putting on a one-week English summer camp for any 1st through 6th graders in Orosi. This might be messy at first, but it's going to be so fun!

Side note: It turns out that serving ice cream and Jello together makes a great combination! Don't take my word for it, give it a "goer!"