The Circus and Lava

            This as my first weekend actually staying in San Jose and it was quite interesting.  Friday, a small group of us walked around downtown San Jose and ended up watching a street circus perform for a few hours.  It was nice to just go wherever, see whatever, and do whatever Friday.  When we walked past something that peaked out interest we stopped and looked at it.  It’s nice not having responsibilities or time commitments that constrain you.  I think that’s one thing I like about Costa Rica and my time here the most.  I like being able to just relax and do whatever.  I like being to build friendships without having to worry about the “next” item on my agenda or schedule.  I had forgotten what being a friend really meant until coming here.  It’s been nice to remember what friendship is all about – relationships.

            Saturday, a small group of 7 of us met together in the wee hours of the AM and walked to downtown San Jose again.  This time, however, we were catching a bus and just walking around.  The bus was to Poas, one of the active volcanoes here in Costa Rica.  Poas involved a plethora of walking up and down hills but it was worth it.  Plus, I love exercising.  The volcano was pretty cool.  In the middle of the crater was a lagoon.  No lava, sorry.  The lagoon was hard to see because there always seemed to be a cloud in the way.  See a volcano in Costa Rica…check.  We left the volcano at 2 and headed back to San Jose.  It was a nice day trip.  

Looking down into the volcanic crater.  The lagoon was just above that red/orange section of rock.

A close up view

            Today I went to church with Laura, Emily, and Emily’s host sister, Sofy.  It was an awesome experience.  I’ve never sung praise music in Spanish before…but today I did.  It was cool to see so many people so passionate about our Lord and Savior.  I’ve been looking up praise songs in Spanish all afternoon because I want to be able to sing them next time I go.  I was also able to meet some more ticos while I was there.  I just want to learn Spanish so bad.  I’m understanding more and improving a lot but, you know me, I always want to be the best at everything I do.  It’s a bit frustrating but there are more important things in the world to get upset about, right?  Like the 9/10 of a cent you have to pay extra per gallon of gasoline.  Doesn’t that just eat at you too? 

Notice the sign.  The water in the lagoon averages around 105 F.

The paths around Poas were very cool, green, and forest-y.

            I’m going to “get” coffee later with Emily and then watch the Saprissa futbol game on television later tonight.  Tomorrow is the start of a new week that brings more opportunities for me to practice and learn Spanish.  Hasta luego!