Yesterday morning, around 3:30 am (EST), my mom and I left our house for the airport. When we got there, I checked in right before 5 am, met up with Xavier shortly after, and together we went through security, until we found our gate. After making a quick stop to grab some breakfast, we sat waiting for our flight to board. We were the third group to board a full flight headed to Atlanta. Only two hours later, we landed and had to run (and by run I mean walk to the shuttle) to our second flight that was already boarding. We made it just in time, boarded the plane, found our seats, and prepared for the departure. That's when we heard the words, "This is your captain speaking."
I make it out to sound worse than it actually was. Our plane ended up having something wrong with a fan, propeller, or something and take-off was only delayed. While the air wasn't working super well on the plane while we waited, the little tv screens in front of us were! I started watching a movie and, in no time, we were off! We went over some really beautiful areas of the United States and Central America; Key West and Nicaragua's coast to name only two. After seemingly quick plane ride, we were flying over the beautiful, mountains of Costa Rica! These mountains are not the same kind of mountains I am used to seeing in Virginia. Never before now have I wanted to describe mountains as "majestic," but for these, I know no other word. After landing in the capital, San Jose, we waited for an hour to go through customs, but had the chance to be in conversation with some great people off to do great things--shout out to the student group from High Point University and the ladies from New York City on a yoga retreat. After going through immigration and security, we walked out of the airport to find Angela holding up a sign with mine and Xavier's names written on it, just like you'd see in a movie. She greeted us with open arms and we were off...to find food. My first Costa Rican meal came from a cute little restaurant.I had beans and rice and chicken--all delicious! |
When I fell asleep last night, I remember thinking one thing and one thing only; I can't speak Spanish, and it's going to be a huge problem. Well, after today, crawling into bed right now, I can confidently say that it's not as big of a problem as I thought. I've been here one day and I've already learned so much! As a quick preview, and to keep everyone on their toes (and reading my posts), here's a little joke Angela told Xavier and I today to help with our Spanish:
¿Qué hace un pez cuando se aburrió?
You'll have to tune in tomorrow for the answer! Thanks, again, to everyone for their love, prayers, and support. It is because of all of you that I am here and able to share my experience with the world.
*Tico tips are little things I learn from the locals, Tico being the name Costa Ricans call themselves.