End of the Semester Psychosis

Hermano Pedro, Antigua, Guatemala 2013

As I am grading the last of the research projects, I am finding things to distract me. Like organizing photos in Picassa. This one is from GSL's first trip- Guatemala. Jon Z is on the far left, Diego, Keileigh, Nick, Claudia, and me. The kids had thrown us a secret party in one of the two classrooms. I have fond memories of that trip, the group, the kids, the country. I wish I could find enough willing souls to return. Maybe one day we will.






My trip to CR is shaping. My last informational meeting of the semester was Thursday. About six or seven dedicated souls, three already filled out applications and seem eager to go. But as Claudia and I know, it all comes down to who is willing to commit with money. Last year at this time we had eighteen applications. Only two panned out. So I am gun shy.

I have yet put a deposit on the flights. I am holding off until January. I am tracking the price through Kayak. I think we should be fine.

Final Dinner, Sevilla Spanish School, Antigua, 2013

Here's a shot of our final dinner in Antigua. Instead of a restaurant, we had a BBQ at the school with guacamole, steak, vegetables, beer and wine. It felt like a wedding with dancing, and an MC. I hope to recreate this in Samara this summer.

Looking Back, Forging Ahead

This is a photo from my first visit to Samara in January 2009. I was searching for a place to take my next ECC study abroad program. I went on the suggestion of a volunteer organization which used Intercultura for its participants. I had spent the first few days in Heredia, outside San Jose. I was so unimpressed with San Jose, I escaped early, took a bus to Samara, felt the energy of this small beach village, and never looked back. This summer will mark my 7th visit, most of them for three weeks.

My Costa Rica trip is moving along. I have 12 applications as of today. I don't expect all of them to submit deposits. Last year we had 18 applications and only two panned out.

I have to yet reserve the flights. I am waiting until Janurary. I've been tracking the prices and they seem to be holding. My first quote from Delta was $800, but I think that is too high. I like the direct flight, but if I can get a flight for $200 less, I will suffer with a layover.