2 for 1

We went to sleep early last night. We had the idea that spending all day on a plane had exhausted all of our energy. While that was true, going to sleep at 5 pm was not the best idea. A good sleep on a great plane makes up for a lot of energy loss. I had a difficult time staying asleep. I slept, but only for a few hours at a time. The heat definitely got to me. I would continuously wake up in a dry sweat ready for an adventure of some sort. That adventure eventually turned into watching the rest of The Terminal. Chelsea and I began watching it on our wait for the Atlanta plane. I'd never seen the movie all the way through. I laughed. A lot. I hope I didn't make her stir too much.

After waking up at about 7:40, we quickly prepared ourselves for our first Costa Rican breakfast. Sadly, it was a disappointment. It consisted in eggs and toast. Any person could order the same plate in any American Diner. But not to worry, the day was young. And we had a bit of exploring to do before our bus took us to the Caribbean side of the country. After making a few toiletry purchases in a local "tienda," we made our way back to our hotel. Because The Hotel Inca Real is in the heart of San Jose, there are plenty of security measures. For instance, there was a metal gate at the entrance to the structure with an electronic opening mechanism. After the store, we found ourselves locked outside the metal gate. No one around to buzz us in. This was especially frustrating considering our bus was scheduled to leave not 20 minutes after discovering our dilemma. Eventually, after much yelling, in both English, Spanish, and Physical gestures and noises, a Maid-of-sorts came to our rescue.

After finally getting to the bus station, still on time for our 10 a.m. bus, we find that it is full and we have to wait for the 12 p.m. Bull shit. Fuck that. We wait despite our prostest. In an attempt to kill time, we both read and explore the bus station, as it is filled with many little gift shops. I bought a Ben 10 watch, but Chelsea just looked around. As the time passed, I couldn't help getting more and more enthralled with the book I picked by it's cover. Grave Surprise. I forget the author, Bridget will know, but I forget. And while it is just on the bed next to the one Chelsea and I are resting, but as you can tell, I am far to lazy. I suppose the drunk is to blame. Oh, by the way, the bus took us to a town on the Caribbean side called, " Puerta Viejo." This translates to Old Port, not too dissimilar to New Port. Regardless of its meaning, we are having a blast. Much less scary and confusing than San Jose. I wish our School was here. The language barrier is minuscule in comparison. The tree's, ocean, and general scenery is much more better.

We checked into our awesomely beach-like hotel called Casa Verde (Green House). This place resembles the Swiss Family Robinson's interpretation of a good nights sleep in this day and age. The beds are a different bread, and Chelsea feels confident that her sleep will be infinitely better than the last. I fear the beer tower she made will disturb us in our slumber. That won't be very conducive to our sleep, but as they say, "When in Rome, build a tower of beer. Local beer." We had dinner at a restaurant called Stahus: it proved very difficult to find considering it recently changed its name from El Loco Natural. We wandered the streets in search of a lost name. Luckily an English speaking German lady was kind enough to help. God bless Germany. I ordered vegetarian tacos, and Chelsea sea bass shit. Both delicious in our respected opinions. I also ordered a beer called Imperial. It is brewed here in Costa Rica. Delicious. It is the equivalent to Bud. Considering the amount of dark beer that I've ingested lately, simple and delicious is refreshing.

After our confusing predicament of the bill (we didn't know what the hell we were supposed to do; we were Costa Rican restaurant virgins,) we searched the streets for our longed intoxication. We deserve a good drunk; navigating a foreign country isn't easy. We found a Cantina with all-night-Happy-Hour. Best. Invention. Ever. Our buzz led to the purchase of a small bottle of local rum. Which, in turn, led to our underwater secrets in the (possibly) closed hotel pool. Our relationship is strong. And it is only getting stronger. I love this girl very much. We're sitting here, on her bed; she gets the bigger bed because I got the last one. I'm going to stop writing now, she's growing sleepy. A drunk, sleepy Chelsea is not as much fun as a giggly, drunk Chelsea.

Again,
Derek Williamson

XOXOXOXO

Not Till the Sky. Again.

Well, here we are. San Jose, Costa Rica. Chelsea and I caught the Red Eye flight out of SLC to Atlanta after I rode the Front Runner down to SLC. We began our international trek as soon as her TBS concert was complete. Being all sweaty for a flight out of the country was not her most brilliant move, but she made it none the less. We just barely made it on that flight. You see, we are flying standby and it is all about what is available. And because we were at the bottom of the list, it was a great possibility that we would spend many hours in the airport. Luckily, that was not the case. It was confusing, but we finally got our seats. Unfortunately we did not sit next to each other, instead we were a few seats apart and on different rows. She appeared to be sleeping the entire way, but I couldn’t get a single dream in. I sat in between a man who may have been dead (he didn’t move the entire flight) and a lady who moved like her seat was burning her ass. It was annoying. I hate middle seats.

As soon as we landed in Atlanta, we were on a quest to find our gate for our connection to Costa Rica. We found a weird in-port train that took us just a few gates away from ours. Once at the right gate, we just waited until something happened. Luckily, the list of Standby flyers was lower for this flight. After taking a little terminal nap on a few connected seats, we awoke to the sound of our names being called. It was the Delta man and he wanted to approve our travels. When the plane finally began to board, we were confused on where we were to sit. Turns out, we got first class. I’ve never been so excited to fly. We were quickly greeted with a mimosa, a little pillow, and a collection of comical flight attendants.

The second flight was a much more smooth process. I decided to take some Dramamine for my restless tummy that kept shifting and contorting on the trip before. It probably would have worked better had I not participated in the complimentary booze. The take off was just as frightening as the first, except this time I was ready for what was to come, and knew what to expect. I didn’t have to repeat to myself, “You know why? Because I had my training table up, and my seat back in its full, upright position,” or “Destination. Determination. Deliberation.” I like to think that those two phrases help fearful flyers survive.

With the luxury of first class at our hands, sleeping was no feat this time. I slept through most of it and only woke to eat he delicious pasta dinner they placed in front of me. First class kicks ass! What was (is) a challenge, however, is San Jose. It is scary here. The taxi driver was trying his hardest to communicate with us, but he eventually gave up and turned on the radio. The bank tellers are even more confusing. “Mas poquito colones, por favor.” This is the phrase used to get smaller bills. Learning!

Well, I’m exhausted. I feel as though there has been too much flying for one day. It’s good I don’t still have the trace on me otherwise the ministry would be pissed. Sleep well, America. And I’ll try to do the same.

As always,
Derek Williamson
XOXOXO

Falling Apart or Coming Together.

It was my brilliant idea to wait until the day I leave to pack. This way I can wash all the clothes I've worn over the week and put them in my zipped bag. Bad idea. We're out of laundry detergent. Who's idea was this??? I'm terrified I'm going to forget something. Something big like my passport, flight bullshit, or my insanity. Who ever invented packing is a dick.

I've spent some time with some of the people that are important to me (definitely not all of them)these last few days. I'm getting to the point of not wanting to go. I know it is only a month, and I know with all the fun I'll be having it is them who envy me, but I cannot help but feel like it's their life I want. They get to stay around each other. And more importantly, they get to see Harry Potter at the premier! I want that. More than anything.

I met a girl named Chloe at the orientation the other day. Which by the way, for something as exciting as Costa Rica, the orientation was fuck-boring. Like, really really boring! And they didn't even provide us with food. Those bitches. Just kidding, Professor (if you're reading...). Regardless, Chloe said she loved Harry Potter and I instantly latched onto her hand in desperate desperation. I needed to know how much. We're in the clear as far as that goes. She's in Gryffindor ~!COUbandwagonGH~! We'll be seeing the premier in Costa Rica if they show it. I sure as hell hope they do. I will not be bringing my Hufflepuff threads for nothing.

Alright, well that's all I have for today. Wish me luck on my flight tonight. I probably won't write back until Sunday or so.

Derek Williamson
XOXO

A Lot Like Them.

In Costa Rica, and a lot of surrounding countries, Pura Vida is a common phrase. It literally translates to "Good Life." Of course, because of this translation, the Costa Rican people use it as loosely as we would say "Right on," or "Cool beans." Or maybe a bit more considering it is the 90's no longer...

Some Costa Rican facts are sure to be in order. Note: I am just going to cut and paste them from our Abroad Facebook page because I think that will be considerably easier.


Did you know that Costa Ricans have a life expectancy of 76 years. The literacy rate is almost 97% making CR one of the highest in Latin America if not the highest. The length of the Pacific coastline is about 650 miles and the length of the Atlantic (Caribbean) coastline is about 135 miles. Costa Rica is among the countries with the highest amount of protected land in the world; 25% of the national territory is dedicated to the national park system or biological, marine and land reserves, as well as other natural wildlife areas. Pura Vida!


Did you know that Costa Rica doesn't have a military and is the only country in Latin America that does not. Now that's pretty cool. They do have a national police force that acts as a para military force but very, very small and with no visible presence. Costa Rica uses money and resources, that it would otherwise use for a strong military force, to support lots of social programs like medicine, education, the environment and other infrastructures. Imagine how we could help, strengthen and support other agencies here in the US if we could use our military budget to do so!!


Did you know that Oscar Arias, who was President of Costa Rica two times, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1987 for his efforts to bring harmony and stability to all the Central American countries. His award and medal are on display in the National Museum in San Jose. He is recognized as one of Costa Rica's most important and influencial men in Latin America. We will visit the National Museum on one of our excursions.


Did you know that Costa Rican coffee has been recognized as among the world's finest for over 150 years. It is not, however, native to Costa Rica. It was introduced to the country when arabica seeds were brought over by the Spanish from Africa and the Middle East in 1808. The temperate climate and fruitful volcanic soil of the Central Valley proved to be the perfect environment for coffee's infant stages in Costa Rica, and it swiftly became the country's main export. As we now know, coffee is no longer CR's main export but figures in the top 5. You coffee drinkers are going to just love being in CR for a month! Pura Vida.


Did you know that the Patron Saint of Costa Rica is a Black Madonna known as "La Negrita", a sacred black stone of the Virgin Mary. And, every August 2, in a land of 4,000,000 people, hundreds of thousands (some estimates reach 2,000,000) pilgrimage---many on foot---from across the country to a Catholic church in Cartago, Costa Rica containing this ancient relic.

Every second day of August, in a country of a little over four million, hundreds of thousands of the faithful make a pilgrimage to the Basilica de Nuestra Señora de Los Ángeles, considered by the Vatican so holy that a visit would expiate all sins. Follow the following link to learn more about "La Negrita". http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.costarica-discover-it.com%2Flanegrita.html&h=3a424

Did you know that on many a street corner in Costa Rica "pipas" are sold. They are from the coconut family but aren't the coconuts that we eat in the USA. You buy a "pipa" to drink its nutritional "agua" which is great to quench your thirst and great for its overall health benefits. When you buy a "pipa" the vendor will cut off the top of it and then give it to you with a straw to drink. Great stuff. I hope you will try some while you are in Costa Rica. Here's a link to learn more about the "pipa".

Did you know that your family will probably serve you a plate of fresh fruit every morning for breakfast. Some of the fresh fruit will be pineapple, mango, bananas, cantaloupe, watermelon, star fruit, papaya and other tropical fruit that's in season. You will also see lots of different fruits being sold on the street stands that you have never eaten before. I recommend that you try the "mamón chino" which is a pinkish-reddish fruit that is round like a jawbreaker and has small tentacles growing on the outside of it. It looks creepy-crawly! Yummy.

Did you know that one of the most popular and nutritional dishes in Costa Rica, and one that you will probably eat a lot of and really enjoy, is called the "casado". Casado means marriage or married and it gets its name for the perfect marriage/combination of all of the ingredients. It consists of rice and beans, meat or fish, fried plantains, and a carrot, tomato, and cabbage salad served with a fresh fruit drink. This basic and well-rounded meal strikes a perfect nutritional balance. ¡Qué delicioso y sabroso! The cafeteria at our language school will prepare this dish every day for those who want it.

Did you know that Costa Rica has 112 volcanoes and 10 are still active. Wow! We will see one of the most active volcanoes called Arenal. Hopefully we will be able to feel it burp or erupt a little. We will be soaking in the thermal hot springs that originate from this active volcano. Pura Vida!

Did you know that Costa Rica's seasons are defined by how much rain falls during a particular period and not by the four seasons here in the USA. The year can be split into two periods, the dry season known to the residents (ticos) as summer, and the rainy season, known locally as winter. The "summer" or dry season goes from December to April, and "winter" or rainy season goes from May to November, which almost coincides with the Atlantic hurricane season, and during this time it rains constantly in some regions. We will be there during the winter or rainy season!! Plan on buying a good umbrella in CR.

Did you know that Costa Rica is divided into seven (7) provinces for social and political purposes. They are: San Jose, Heredia, Alajuela, Cartago, Limon, Punta Arenas and Guanacaste. Government officials are elected every four years during the month of February and Costa Ricans have to be 19 years old or older to vote. Costa Ricans celebrate their national independence from Spain on the 15 of September of each year.

Did you know that the name of the current President of Costa Rica is Laura Chinchilla and she was elected on May 8, 2010 (first woman President of CR). The population of CR is 4.5 million and the majority of these inhabitants live in San Jose. Costa Rica is bordered on the north by Nicaragua and on the south by Panama. The major roadway that traverses CR from border to border is the Pan- American Highway (actually, the highway starts in Alaska and end in the southern part of Chile!). Review these facts so that you can talk about them with your families.

Did you know that the national flower of Costa Rica is the Guaria Morada, a beautiful purple orchid. The national bird of CR is the Yiguirro, a clay colored robin whose melodious calls signal the beginning of the rainy season. The national tree is the Guanacaste tree which means "tree of the ears" because its fruit looks like human ears. Costa Rica lies between the Pacific and Atlantic oceans so it's no wonder that CR is known for its beaufitul, prestine beaches. Knowing these facts about Costa Rica will endear you to your families with whom you will be staying. Pura Vida! (which, by the way, is the national motto of CR).

Did you know that you just completed all the facts in this post? Thanks for bearing with me. You're a trooper. Anyway, as they say, Pure life!

Don't Panic.

In the event that you were nervous that you wouldn't be hearing about my adventures abroad, chill the fuck out. I'll be posting shit here about 5 times a week. That way you can read up on all the adventures I'm having and how much I hate when people speak different languages to me. But it's all good, at least I can bargain my way out of risky business [insert tube socks].

The time is nearly here and the packing is about to commence. I will probably wait until Wednesday to pack; I want to continue wearing all my awesome clothes before putting them in sealed bags. Speaking of bags, Bridget and I shopped for a good seven hours today looking for a cute messenger bag that was perfect. Despite our diligence, we were not successful. We did however find some really cool books. I find it pointless to say, but I will none the less: I judge books by their covers and I found pretty covers to read the pages within whilst flying from place to place.

On the subject of flight... We're flying standby. Risky, yes. Adventure, yes. Winner? Adventure. We have a flight that we're likely to catch on Thursday morning (one A.M.). If we don't catch it, we'll find another way to get to Atlantic City. Once we're there, flying to Costa Rica will prove much more simple. Hopefully.

I'm really looking forward to this trip, but I'm also scared shitless. Wish me luck.

Pura vida!

A Baby Solves All of Life's Problems.

Here's the scoop: Brother gets divorce, brother gets girl friend pregnant. But not in that order... Regardless of how it went down, it went down. Honestly, I laughed when I was told he was pregnant. I thought it was hilarious. Then I started thinking about the baby. My usual baby thoughts aside, I began to feel bad for her/him. He/she would be brought up in a shotgun family. No one likes that idea.

Things actually are better than I thought they would be. When I moved out in the fall, the couple commandeered my bedroom in the house--making it their own. Immediately painting the walls grey after having them Red/Green/Yellow/Blue for so long, moving in their shit, and even decorating with stupid flowers, etc. They made a space for their new family, inside a family that already existed. I'm a bit surprised to say that it is working. The baby has since been born, and is now going on two months of age. She's a quiet baby, which is exactly what I was hoping for, but not expecting. The only time she bothers me is when someone wakes up at what-ever-the-fuck-in-the-morning and rocks her back and forth in their arms. The swaying from side to side makes the floor above me creak. Fuck that shit-I hate it!

My feelings on children are generic. They're stinky, loud, and they don't contribute anything to society. Lilee poops a lot, but I'm told it doesn't stink yet. She hardly ever cries, and when she does I can usually calm her down by just moving around a little bit. Although, It proves more challenging to relax her when she's hungry. Hell hath no fury like a baby who's hungry. It is true, however, that she just sits there. To be fair, she isn't old enough to get a job and bring in some real family income, so I guess I can't recent her for that. I actually like that she doesn't move around a lot. It makes it easier to hold her. Speaking of which, I love to hold her. She's so goddamn cute! She watches me watch cartoons, eat cheese, and make silly faces at her. But mostly she just watches which ever light bulb is closest to her.

I have to say, I love that she lives here. I love being able to hold my pretty pretty Monkee every day. She's one beautiful baby girl.

Working together to make me me. Chapter 1.

1. Peanut butter must be put on the bread first. Bridget likes to put the jelly on before, but I find that dumb.

2. I like my hangers to all be made of plastic. But not the ones that you get for free with new shirts, but the ones that come in different colors. If they have a top that spins, it is double no good. Sometimes I even match the hanger to the color of shirt.

3. I get upset, apparently, when a slow pitch soft ball team isn't wearing matching uniforms. This makes me uncomfortable.

4. My biggest pet peeve is when some asshole flicks their cigarette butt out the window of their car. This drives me to contemplated murder.

5. I cannot dry my freshly washed hands with the towel on the kitchen counter. It must be clean and in the drawer. After using it, I fold it and put it back; it is still clean.

6. I correct grammar on signs and billboards out-loud. I'm sure people get annoyed by this, but the annoyance I create for them is minor to the bother I feel for peoples lazy ignorance.

7. I have a shit-ton of ties. I wear maybe 5 of them.

8. I can't go into certain stores because I have no willpower once I cross their threshold. Even if I have a budget.

9. My favorite things are sometimes the plainest. For example: My favorite ice cream is Vanilla Bean.

10. If I see people moving their toes, I must move mine. If I see people not moving their toes, I must move mine. The latter reactions is to secure the notion of their existence, and the former is competition to see who's toes are more dexterous.

11. I spray my cologne in three different places on my body. One on the lower part of my neck in the front, one in the same spot in the rear, and one on my crotch. I heard somewhere that it makes your crotch more appealing...

12. Sometimes I obsess over cute boys to the point of depression. For example, in Denver this past weekend, we saw a very attractive man driving a bicycle rickshaw. We named him Rick. I cannot stop thinking about him, and yet, he will never grace my vision again.

13. I once conditioned myself to get into the right lane when a certain road split in two. And although I no longer live in the direction the right lane would take me, I still manage to make a loud noise of a random sort, and do a body gesture that one could only describe as crazy.

14. I played house by myself at age 16 because no one would play with me. That was the same age that I decided to stop playing. Worst decision ever.

15. Sometimes I pretend to be more masculine than I am to fit in. I fear that people won't accept me if they know what/how/who I really am. I don't want to do this, and I feel shamed after doing so, but sure enough, I do it none the less.

16. I'll go anywhere for the adventure. Just say the magic word.

17. I use the idea of me being an alcoholic to drink more. Drinking is fun.

18. When presented with a costume opportunity, I work too hard on what I want to look like. Especially considering no one else EVER puts that much effort into an impromptu costume. I usually look the best though. A friend once said, "It's a weird day when you have to dress like a pirate because you're afraid you won't fit in if you don't."

19. I HAVE to make it to #20 before finishing this post. If I don't, I'll feel incomplete. And if I get to #20 and think of more, then it will become #25 or #30.

20. Made it! I connect most everything in reality to something from Harry Potter because I'm just that awesome.



I'm sure there is more, but it will just have to be for another post.