One Year on

I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s a year since we first came to Costa Rica. Wednesday was the anniversary because we arrived here on 5th April. It’s unbelievable how the year has flown. And I know that the next year is going to be even quicker.

So this week’s email is a little reflective, as I look back on the year that was.

Travels
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We’ve had a wonderful time travelling around the country. We’ve gone from the Caribbean coast to the Pacific. From the hot coastal regions to the colder mountain districts. From the laid back village of Manuel Antonio on the Pacific to the positively horizontal Puerto Viejo on the Caribbean. Highlights for me have included the volcano at Arenal, the Hot Springs, and the National Park at Manuel Antonio. But the number one experience would have to be watching the turtles laying their eggs at Tortuguero.

Heredia
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Having been unimpressed with San José as a city, it was great to find Heredia so close, and yet a much nicer place to live. Don’t get me wrong. It’s dirty, it can be very noisy and it has no interesting architecture to speak of. But it’s more relaxed. It’s smaller. And being in the Central Valley it’s got a beautiful climate. It’s never cold enough to need heating. And it’s never too warm too need air conditioning. Unless I’m working I’m rarely in anything other than t-shirt, shorts and flip-flops!

Intercultura
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I think the biggest stroke of luck however, was getting a job in Intercultura. I was just lucky. I sent my CV by email to about eight schools, and Intercultura was the first to get back. They offered me a job virtually straight away. And then it turned out to be a stone’s throw from our new apartment. I’ve met wonderful friends through the school. I was nervous teaching at first, because it was all so new to me. But now I’ve got used to it I’m very relaxed.

The Life
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I suppose that the best part for me of the past year has been the relaxed life over here. The mornings are so beautiful, even through most of the rainy season. And I don’t work in the morning. I have the best part of the day to do whatever I like. Sometimes I take the free Spanish lessons in the school. Sometimes I write. Sometimes I potter around Heredia or do the shopping. Sometimes I just read. Then Monday to Thursday I have work. But it doesn’t begin until 4pm, and I’m finished at 9. I work half my Saturdays too, but that’s only until 3.30, and pays extra!

The Apartment
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We were also very lucky getting the apartment. In fact, looking back over the year, I feel that we’ve had more than our fair share of luck! It was the first ad we saw for an apartment in Heredia. And we didn’t know that I’d be working around the corner when we took it. It’s spacious and over the year we’ve made it more homely. It’s also got a spare room for would-be visitors! And we’re the only ones I know living in Heredia that have a balcony! Which is great for sitting out in the cool evenings having a drink.

The Future
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While I’m loving my time here, I’m also aware that it’s not permanent. I’m already the 8th longest-serving staff member out of the 23 in the English Department. I’m certainly planning to spend my next semester in the school, which will bring me up to December. But after that we’re toying with the idea of moving to the coast for our last six months, with me probably teaching privately. After that we’d like to travel through Central America and Mexico up to the US. Then travel a little in the US before coming home for a little while. After that, maybe some time in Spain to broaden my Spanish! Who knows.
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I hope you’ve enjoyed the mails over the year. It’s been great being able to keep in contact with so many of you, and I hope you’ll be interested in reading about life in Costa Rica for another while.