A Bit of This and That

My first professional soccer game...I'm slightly embarrassed that I lived in Honduras for two years and never attended a soccer game at the stadium, but in any case, I couldn't let the opportunity to attend a pro game in Latin America slip by while here in Costa Rica. So last Sunday I ventured out with Kim, Tricia, and Kate to the Saprissa stadium for a futbol game. Because Saprissa had lost to Honduras' Maraton the weekend before, the team was offering a promotion to get people to the game: women got in free if wearing the team colors. The other girls had already purchased jerseys, but I found one for sale outside of the stadium and pulled it on over my t-shirt. I had a news camera in my face during this episode which was slightly awkward, and I really hoped that they wouldn't put film of the gringa putting on a shirt on TV. Anyway, when we got to the boleteria or ticket office, we found out that we actually only got in free to the game with a man who had purchased a ticket. Fortunately, there happened to be four quite accommodating Ticos standing there very willing to serve this purpose. We followed them into the stadium and up to seats with a great view of the field. As it turned out, these guys happened to be youth group leaders at a church in San Jose, so they were great company and we had plenty of practice speaking Spanish. The game was an easy win for Saprissa: 5-0, and I was able to follow the action pretty well. (Soccer doesn't seem too complex...or maybe they just make it look simple.) Although it just can't compare to the atmosphere at a Michigan football game (I wish I could be join my family in Ann Arbor this weekend!), it was still a thoroughly enjoyable experience and cheap, to boot!

Me, Kate, Tricia, and Kim (we're laughing about something)

To eat or not to eat... Ok, so the question really isn't whether to eat or not to eat period, because of course, I'll eat (I promise, Dad, so you can stop asking me.) but whether to eat that fried fish that Marivel made with me in mind. First, let me describe the general food situation here. I basically have a very simple diet: cornflakes with bananas, bread, and coffee in the morning (I grab the bread on my way out the door). Lunch: rice, black beans, and sometimes an egg or potato mixture, or salad (salad means lettuce and tomatoes) Cafecito: coffee and bread or pancakes. Dinner: repeat lunch menu. (It's usually been sitting on the stove all day and is warmed up in the microwave.) Now, I'm not complaining about the food here because it is fairly sufficient; although, I do buy fruits and veggies and milk or yogurt on my own. Occasionally, Marivel will make meat, however, and it just looks and tastes funny to me. Marivel thinks that I'm practically a vegetarian because sometimes I offer my meat to Rudolfo (Although I do like the chicken.) The problem is just that the cuts of meat are really tough and usually very fried. So anyway, Marivel thinks that she is doing me a favor when she cooks fish. And I really appreciate the effort, but once again, it's so heavily fried that I can hardly stomach it. Last time I ate fish, I forced it down with a smile on my fish and then completely regretted it later because my stomach hurt the rest of the night. This week Marivel made fish again, but "unfortunately" I was going to a friend's house for dinner and couldn't partake of this special fare. She expressed her disappointment and assured me that she would save it for tomorrow. I thanked her. The next night I came back to an empty house so I helped myself to the rice and beans on the stove. When I opened the microwave to heat the plate, there sat the fish. Oh my, to eat or not to eat? Not to eat. I removed the fish, inserted my plate, and then enjoyed my dinner. When the family returned, Marivel was disappointed that I had missed the fish in the microwave. Yes, how regrettable. But I got another opportunity Saturday afternoon; I just couldn't escape it, so I ate half of the fish and put the rest back in the micro--not the fridge--you've got to wonder how healthy it is to eat fish that has been sitting around at room temperature for a few days. I think my immune system is pretty strong...

fish, rice, and yuca (also notice the Christmas placemat)

Running, running, running...I've continued to do a lot of running this week: 33 miles or so is my best guess. Rather than being a burden, these runs are often the high point of my day. It is so beautiful outside at 5:00 in the morning! The city is quiet and the sun is peeking over the mountains. I've been running near Parke de la Paz lately, which has a pretty lake, and really, to see the mountains, the lake, the sunrise--it's just good to be alive at moments like these. It's so natural to praise God when surrounded by the beauty of his creation and using that strong body that He's given us. The other thing that I continue to love about my running is that it gives me so many opportunities to see different parts of the city and meet people, especially Costa Ricans. Today I met a group of Ticos at 7 A.M. for a 20K run through Zapote, Curridabat, and Tres Rios. The first hour was a gradual incline the entire way, but the views were beautiful and the breezes refreshing (which was much needed in light of the bright, hot sun). I love how they keep a steady watch on our pace, watch out for me while crossing roads and stop at all the water faucets that I would have never found on my own. After we finished up today, Gerardo grabbed his camera to get a picture of us (all hot and sweaty, of course) and then invited us into his house for something to drink. Then of course I got to see all his race medals and family pictures. How cool! Sometimes I can hardly believe how God just drops these perfect opportunities in my lap for getting to know people and really experience life here. I am not just a tourist, not just a student, not just a gringa. And I'm lovin life.