Right now it is a beautiful sunny Friday here in the Central Valley. But I can see a layer of clouds creeping slowly over the Poas and Barva Volcanoes to the north. My guess is that we can expect rain in the afternoon, but hopefully not in the evening since my group will be going to Noches Tipicas, a really cool dinner and show in Escazú (Escazú is where all the rich folks live in CR, if you didn´t know!). The location is beautiful, halfway up the mountains that ring the Central Valley, and when the night is clear it is a spectacular view! They also have an amazing buffet of typical food, and afterwards they have a special showcase of typical Costa Rican music and dance! Then the dance floor opens up and...!! Everyone can get thier groove on. I hope that the weather is good and that the students enjoy! I always do.
Today though they have a fun task that the profesor and I came up with yesterday afternoon. Instead of doing another chapter of University homework, they have to work in teams and do a treasure hunt at the local farmer's market this morning before class. I came up with the questions with a few suggestions from my Jefa, and then we divided the whole group into teams and they are going to have to find all sorts of new fresh fruits and vegetables today at the market! It will be interesting to hear the comments and experiences they have, and see how well everything goes using thier Español!
One of the things that I absolutely love about this country is the availability of so many delicious fruits and veggies. I have been introduced to so many new flavors and textures since being here, and I continue to discover new things and to find new ways to eat and enjoy the produce found here.
Some new things I have found include: yucca , pejibaye , mango, mamon chino, guanabana, and so many other things!
Have I mentioned how cheap most of the fruits and veggies here are?? It is amazing! A whole bunch of cilantro is only 75 cents. 2 kilos of mango is only $1.90! A whole kilo of tomatos is just a little more than a dollar...! I go back to the USA and am floored at how expensive fresh produce is. No wonder it is so difficult to eat healthy, when a Big Mac is cheaper than a salad...!
I could eat sweet red peppers and tomatoes every day and be a very happy camper. And being here in CR makes that much more feasible.
Oh by the way, maybe you are wondering about my cleanse. Today is day 4, and I think I will go ahead and stop Sunday. Cleansing is good, and I can definately feel the difference in my body. Mylimbs feel lighter and my headache is totally gone, and I am not as hungry as I usually am. This morning I just had some piña and a cup of tea and that was my breakfast! (Oh, I forgot to mention how cheap piña is here...$1.30 for one and sometimes 3 or 4 for $2 if you find a good deal!) I also really like how I have had to start eating more fresh fruits and veggies. I had forgotten how much I love eating tomato with a little salt, or how crunchy a good cucumber can be. And lime water has grown on me! I can drink glass after glass of lime water, and it never gets old.
SO! While I did not adhere strictly to the cleanse (there were quite a few weak moments, mostly involving eating out) I can definately feel the difference, and I wouldl ike to try this again when I have more down time and the affects of the firt few days won't get to me quite so much.
It's like I'm a new persona!
PURA VIDA
No comments:
Post a Comment