By Katie P., Guestblogger from Coronado, Costa Rica Independent Teen program
The scene is unreal. The hustle of the city meets serenity unfolding into mountains topped with los nubes (clouds). The mountains encircle all, from every direction, and immediately I thought, I really like this place.
We drop off the other student at her apartment and then arrive at my house. My host mother looks very, very sweet from the start. This first judgment has thus far proven very true. The house is beautiful, so different from what I experienced last summer when I lived in a poorer area of Nicaragua. This house has tile floors, painted walls, indoor plumbing, my own room, and a full kitchen; it’s awesome!! I find out that I’m living with just Yvette, my host mother, because her daughter just got married and moved out of the house.
After welcoming chatter, I recede to my room to unpack and breathe a little. When I hear voices from the living room I tiptoe out and immediately I can tell I will like her daughter, Marcela. She charged in the door and sprawled out on the mini-couch. Seeing me she quickly sat up and laughed off her embarrassment for not being polite in front of a guest. I met her and her husband’s family as well. As we’re sitting around the living room and I am just trying to somewhat follow the rapid flow of words, they suddenly all stand up and say, “Vamos Kati!” I hesitated a moment to think to myself, (wait, ‘vamos’…like I come too??) I had no idea where we were going but I piled into the car with my new family and we started up the mountains. They explained when we got there that it was some sort of tradition for them to all buy cheese, butter and cream from this certain dairy farmer.
I immediately felt comfortable being surrounded by my new family. They are very funny people and happily accepted me into their lifestyle. I tried different types of cheese, and the man poured cream into our hands. Watching the others I caught on that I was actually supposed to lick it out! The vibes are fresh and fluid and it’s only day one. I am so excited for what is to come.
Click for more information on AmeriSpan’s Independent Teen program in Coronado, Costa Rica.
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