Sunday 10/12/08

Today was my last day in San Jose/Tibas as tomorrow morning I’m leaving for Nicaragua! It was also a day of food (as you will soon see). I ate some much food, I probably will be satisfied for the next 2 weeks (which is good, since I’ll be living in poverty) I woke up, started packing up my stuff in one small backpack (as that is all I’m allowed to bring) and we had a family breakfast of eggs and bread (food #1 of the day). I finished my packing, did some reading and made my final phone call home for then next few weeks. While I was on the phone Papi brought me a bowl of Neopolitan ice cream (food #2 of the day). I went to “the wall” (my real family’s term for the ATM) and took out a minimal amount of money for the next two weeks. When I came home it was lunch time and we sat down for another family meal (food#3 of the day) of rice, beans, and egg-covered pasta shells. After lunch, I was told to get ready to go because we were going to my great-aunt and uncle’s surprise anniversary party. We of course were fashionably late as my family decided to stop and buy Pamela some new shoes (I tell you, these people have such a strange since of time and priorities sometimes). We made our way to the party. Immediately upon arrival I was given a full plate of food (food #4 of the day). Unfortunately as stuffed as I was, I couldn’t refuse the food because we were late and therefore everyone was already done eating so all eyes were on me, watching me eat. A little while later, cake was served (food #5 of the day). Unfortunately, I did not like it one bit and had to find a way to toss it without being caught. I picked at it while everyone scarved it down and managed to sneak mine in the trash by offering to take some other plates to cover up for mine. As we got in the car to leave, I jokingly said to my family, “so, were are we going to eat, I’m hungry”. Everyone in the car started cracking up, especially my Mami, since she could knew I didn’t really want the food I was given at the party. She told me that I’m a little birdie when it comes to eating, but that for today’s sake, I was a good sport. We then joked about it being a good thing I’ll be living with the poor for the next two weeks so I don’t have to be concerned about having to accept food served to me. When we got home I did the required pre-trip reading and let my stomach recover from the difficult day. As I was reading, the loudest roar of thunder I’ve ever heard shook our house a little and the rain poured so loud it was difficult to hear anything else. I spent my last night watching Disney with Pamela, made one last Skype call and went to bed.