Two years! Actually it is a little more than two year commitment. Man, that is a long time. I have a feeling it’s going to creep by in some periods and other times will fly by and I will be wishing I had it back.
Based on preliminary research of Costa Rica, I’m going to do development work in what looks to be a fairly developed country. Stable democracy since 1949. Income per capita around $11,000. Decent health care. Increasingly diversified economy. Not to mention it is absolutely beautiful with what is reputed to be a very hospitable people with a warm culture.
How did this happen? How did I land this? I have no idea, but some things aren’t worth looking into too much. Either way, with about 20% of the population living below the nationally-established poverty line, they still have a ways to go.
"Pura vida" is the motto of Costa Ricans, hence the title of the blog. In most parts of the world people say hello or goodbye - in Costa Rica they simply say "pura vida", or pure life. I'm not sure what la pura vida is right now, but I plan to find out.
My hope for this blog is it will be somewhere you can check-in every once in a while, verify that I am in fact, still alive, and also learn a little bit about Costa Ricans, the country, and the life of a Peace Corps volunteer along the way. Every blog I plan to dedicate to someone out there. This is an idea I picked up from another Peace Corps Volunteer's (PCV) blog. It seems like fun. Also, I’ll try to keep it relatively unprocessed as much as possible…more stream of consciousness than painstaking editing. Holla Stu!...a.k.a. the kid on the couch.
No prediction is ventured at this time regarding how often posts will be made. I have a feeling there will be long lulls in communication as the pains of culture shock set in…followed by rapid fire posts as I get more acclimated - the coffee starts tasting good again, the sun is shining, birds are chirping, etc.
I almost forgot…please post comments!
Here’s the general schedule for the coming weeks:
Feb 11-17
Hang out with friends. Party like a rock star. Enjoy all things American.
Feb18-24
Downsize my life. Anyone need furniture? Clothes? What about a car?
Feb 25, 26
Orientation in DC.
Feb 27 Fly to CR. Feb 28 and Onward
Three months of training, then I truthfully have little to no idea.
This first blog is dedicated to my bro! With an absolute lack of savviness (not sure if that is a word, but it should be) for all things technological, he will most likely never see this and receive no gratification from this dubious honor.
This is truly the most flattering picture I can find of him. Taken after mysteriously being hit with a falling rock while on a hike in Canada, he has not been quite the same since. Matt – wherever you are climbing in some Southeast Asian land – I love you brody!
10 comments:
I look like a russian babushka! (i have no idea how to spell that word) And i am WAY more tech savvy than you know...i just like to keep up plausible deniability for not answering e-mails. ;) I know you are starting an incredible time in your life and wish you all the best. Beun suerte hermano!
Have a great time! Sucks that you'll be in CR during UGA's back-to-back national titles, but them's the breaks!
Blaker,
Great to know you will be in touch with the WORLD. I am envious of your adventures and MATT does need tech help. Keep us in touch and we will follow your adventures. We are proud of you and Becky giving of your time to help others. Even a good republican can appreciate that help.
Keep in touch with Becky, she need support at times. Like all pcv's it seems a down time at the one year or so mark. We will check on your site during our Honeymoon, evenn the ship has internet service. have fun and good luck,
Uncle Barry
Good luck Blake, keep the blog going so we know what you are up to. Regards - Howard Green
Have FUN Blake, we'll miss you but I'm glad you're keeping the lines up and I'm looking forward to following your adventures. We'll keep the bourbon flowing freely in your name during the dawgs awesome seasons!
Blake!!! I just missed you...Wanted to call you before you took off on your awesome viaje...I'll be thinking of times to visit...Buen viaje!
wishing you all the very best...we're all proud of you.
stay safe and use sunscreen.
the blog is a super idea.
cheers!
Naomi
hey blaker,
I just wanted to share that Denise and I jumped the broom in Key West and married life began for us. Sandy and Hal were great to surprise us and made the day even more special.
Hope you are well and send email at your first chance. I am sure you are adjusting well to the new digs and all the villagers and dancing to your tune. have fun
Barry
Blake
Hope you are settling in. The gang sure does miss you and I don't have anyone to share my french fries with. I will really enjoy following you on your journey through this blog. We'll be waiting for your return.
Blake,
Hey, know you are busy, but remember ... you have a Mom who asks your Dad every night "Did we hear from Blake today?" ... give us a call sometime soon or we're coming to see you!? (Smile)
Dad
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