Manuel Antonio

Located directly south of San Jose, Costa Rica, you will stumble across the countries most gringo infested areas. However, Manuel Antonio is often considered a favorite spot by many travelers because of it's ability to connect a national park forest right up to the beachfront. This along with very vivacious wildlife are the reasons why this beach is so great.

La belleza de la playas aqui en Manuel Antonio son brillante. La agua es el mas claro que he visto en este paiz. No sabia si hubiera serpientes en esta playa, pero tuve un sentimiento que me dijo que esta playa fue seguro. Lo que es que fue muchos personas en este lugar, bastante y por causa de esto la viaje era poco dificil, y no estuve tan relajado que lo quiseira. Aunque, en total a mi megusta mucho Manuel Antonio, y tengo algunas historias de la playa.

First off, I should mention the monkeys. They were black faced monkeys and they could be found hoping around everywhere with a random glance of a sloth here and there. There were lizards everywhere, big ones too. These aren't just little geckos, these looked like komoto dragons in south africa. Anyways, I didn't hassle them too much other than the time I grabbed one of their tails.

The beach here was probably one of the most beautiful, like i said above. The best part about the ocean down here is how warm it is, its like bath water. You're sweating from being out in the sun all day and so you decide to hop in the water, BUT its so warm that it doesn't really make too big of a different. Im not complaining.

I played beach soccer all day here too, and picked up a nice tan. I should let you guys know that i'm using the spf 50 and sometimes I bring out the big guns with the spf 75. However, since my skin is getting back to its dark mexican complexion, I usually just spray on some waterproof spf 30 and surf for the day. But enough about my sunscreen, lets talk about soccer.

Costa Rica is CRAZY about soccer (futbol). Ever since I arrived, I've been keeping in fantastic shape playing soccer everywhere, like Manuel Antonio for example. I'm not so great compared to my Tico counterparts, but I hold my own in a pickup game in San Jose's "Parque Sabana" 4 times a week after school. I'm glad I found something to keeo me even more occupied than I am already.

Along from soccer, school is probably something I should discuss, because after all it is the reason why I'm down here.
Intermediate II was the level that I placed into when I got to Veritas, and last month was a great 4 weeks of learning. My teacher was awesome, and she really connected with us students very well. After it was all said and done, I pulled out a 91% in the class to snag the A-.

However, Advanzado II has been a struggle. Its the first time that i've felt overwhelmed with the language. Its even more frustrating when I am giving 110% effort in the class, putting school before everything here, and then having the teacher digest my work and spit it out. The first week of class has been tough, but I am confident that I will grasp the new concepts and earn a good grade. It's just going to be hard with hours of homework every night and test every other day.

And as far as my host family, they are awesome. I feel like they've adopted me as one of their own. The only complaint I have is after my two new roommates came, we've been speaking more english at the table and our conversations are much more superficial.

I miss all you guys, and I send you my bet wishes and appreciate all your support. I couldn't have done this whole trip by myself and I pray for you all.

Pura Vida,