Saturday 9/27/08

Saturday mornings are for sleeping in…right? Unfortunately my body has trained itself so diligently that I woke up at 5:30 and could not fall back asleep. I didn’t go for a run as I had soccer games later in the afternoon, so I started my homework at 6 am (I don’t think I’ve ever done that on a Saturday morning in my entire life) I worked on some homework and then around 8 Mami invited me to go the feria (aka a farmer’s market). It was so bright and colorful, full of mysterious fruits and vegetables we don’t have in the States. Mami and I pulled our cart throughout the market and picked up a wide variety of things. Although Papi had dropped us off in the car, I encouraged Mami that we walk home. Mami was impressed by my “muscles” as I pulled the heavy cart all the way home on the bumpy worn down sidewalks. I did some more homework and then headed out to meet a friend in San Jose around 10:30. I did something that no Costa Rican would believe if I told them….I walked from Tibas (my suburb) all the way to downtown San Jose. It took me about an hour and it just happened to be ridiculously humid and sunny (I was sweating just as bad as I do on my morning runs) I met up with my friend Emily and we attempted to go to a local Butterfly Farm. Unfortunately, just as we go there it started pouring rain and the thunder and lightning made their presence known (to say the least). Luckily, the lady was kind enough to recommend we come back another day rather than just letting us pay with knowing that we would really see much. On our way back to the Central Plaza this huge lightning bolt struck literally about 100 yard in front of us. I’ve never seen such a defined lightning bolt; we could even see it hitting the ground. I also have never jumped more like a scaredy cat in my life. We decided to get some lunch at this nice café. After lunch I parted ways with Emily and made my way to my soccer game in San Pedro. We played with these awesome guys from the UCR (University of Costa Rica). We decided to mix up the Ticos and the gringos and form three teams since Ticos are just flat out better at soccer than gringos. We had three captains and for some odd reason I was the first pick. My team ended up being me and 4 other Ticos (which meant we kicked butt all afternoon). Almost at the end of playing I ran to intercept a pass and managed to do a banana slip on the ball. I fell hard on my lower back and am still feeling the effects, but I’m sure I’ll be fine. I came home exhausted and sore, but was immediately greeted by my sister and little cousins who had me running around playing tag. I told Pamela and Dayana that we could have another “girl’s night” and so immediately when I came home they were ready. It was so cute. They had saved up their money to buy some treats and had even made a little grocery list while I was gone. We headed to the pulperia (a small convenience like store, except you just stand outside the gated window and ask for whatever you need) and bought tons of snacks. We watched High School Musical 2, played Uno, I showed them some magic tricks and we hung out all night. It is so easy to entertain 10 year olds. Goodnight!