Another Year, Another Dia de Independencia!

I'm officially on my second cycle of Costa Rican holidays, which is good. Now that I am more comfortable here, I can take more advantage of these things as they arise!

September 15 is Costa Rica's Independence Day. On Independence Day Eve, families gather at their child's school across the country for presentations and a lantern parade. I missed out on this due to work, rain, and traffic last year. But this year, I was able to go see the festivities at a school near my house. At 6:00 pm on the dot, the entire country stops to sing the national anthem. I remember this breaking into the radio broadcast last year as I drove home from work. This year, I got to hum along with everyone at the school. Then, children run a torch all across the country and light a cauldron at these festivities. This is a tradition that dates back to a woman who went through her town gathering up people to stand outside while government officials discussed the independence. There was no electricity then, so everyone had lanterns. And then others spread the word across the country by carrying lanterns. (Think Paul Revere, it's a very similar history.)

It was a little rainy, but we hung in for the lantern parade. All of the children make lanterns in school and then they carry them as everyone processes a few blocks around the neighborhood. I'm sure lots of people were wondering how some gringos ended up in their parade, but everyone welcomed us. At the end of the parade they had some masquerade dancers that were performing in the street!

 

 Then, on Saturday, I went with my neighbors Anna and Bryson (Peace Corps volunteers) to the parade in Escazu. Every town has their own parade. It's very similar to one of our home town parades - mostly children of all ages marching, dancing, cheering, playing instruments, etc. I really enjoyed the parade because it reminded me of home and also really reminded me just how similar our traditions are to other countries. This was a family-centered day where people lined the streets to watch their children perform. That's what we do!

 Anna and Bryson at the Parade.  

 

 

 Flags were an essential part of the celebrations!

 Tiny paraders dressed in traditional outfits.

 Typical food - a ripe plantain turned into an empanada with beans and cheese inside. Pretty yummy!

 Happy Independence Day Costa Rica! Thanks for letting me celebrate with you again!

-Amber

Another Birthday Abroad

I'm older again today...And, I celebrated another birthday in Costa Rica. I have to say, I wasn't looking forward to it. Things like birthdays and holidays bring out the homesickness better than anything else. But, I truly have amazing friends and family both in the US, here in CR, and across the globe! I've received so many messages and calls - and they have all meant so very much to me. Not to mention the fact that my amigas in the office are always so wonderful to me and take such good care of me! Everyone in my life has made this a really special day. And to that, I say thank you, gracias, merci, salamat, and kia ora! I'm one very lucky girl!

So, here's to another year of adventures and to just going along with whatever life brings me and wherever it wants to take me!

Love,
Amber

Guanacaste

Last weekend I had the opportunity to spend some time on the beach in Guanacaste with my colleagues. Maria has a beautiful house there and was kind enough to share it with us for the weekend!

 

I've spent some time on the Pacific Coast of Costa rica, but further south in Jaco and Quepos. This was my first time in the northern areas. It was a beautiful, but long drive - about 5 hours. There are many farms on the way that raise horses and cows.

We spent the entire weekend just lounging around at the beach, the pool, and on the back porch of the house. It was truly relaxing. The beaches in this area were breathtaking - as are most beaches in Costa Rica. And, I've decided that Costa Rican beaches produce the most amazing sunsets! Below are a few pictures from the weekend. Enjoy!

 There were lots of beautiful birds around!

 One night, we had an univited house guest that Krisya almost stepped on!

On our way home we enjoyed lunch by a river. (From left to right: Daniella, Maria, Krisya, Me)

Now I can check visiting Guanacaste off my to-do list! On to the next adventure!

-Amber

BIG Earthquake!!!

I will never, ever, ever complain again about never feeling an earthquake. EVER...

This morning, at 8:42 am to be exact, I was putting my bags into my car to go to work. (Oops, I was running late today.) I noticed that my car was starting to shake. And then, my brain caught up to what was happening - EARTHQUAKE! I moved out from under the roof of where I park my car into the open and literally rode the quake out.

This is my first experience with a strong earthquake while being fully conscious. I no likey! It is unreal to experience the ground shaking and moving underneath you. This sort of natural event feels 100% unnatural in every way. The shaking lasted about 30-40 seconds - an eternity when everything around you that should be stationary is rocking and rolling around.

Once it stopped, I still felt like I was moving - almost the feeling you get when you first get off a boat. Then, I didn't know what to do, so I went to work! While driving to work I was watching people walking down the street going about their business. I found myself wondering why they all weren't doing what I felt like doing - running around with hands in the air screaming!! I am proud to say I kept myself composed. Once I got to the office, the entire building had been evacuated. So, I'm back at home for the day. So far, no aftershocks have been felt here in San Jose.

According to news reports, this was a 7.6 on the Richter scale. It hit in Guanacaste, towards the Pacific coast of the country. No casualties have been reported, but there are various levels of damage to buildings and roads throughout the country. 

Here's what the US Geological Survey is reporting:
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/eventpage/usc000cfsd#pager

On solid ground for now,
Amber