Week 1: Arriving and Settling In

Personal Journal: Week 1

It was a long but exciting process of traveling from Denver International Airport (DIA) to San Jose. I am in a small barrio outside of San Jose called Santa Anna where the language institute I am studying in is located. The institute is called Conversa Linguistico and more information about this beautiful facility can be accessed in my links to the right.

On Monday our language skills were assessed and we were divided into groups. My wonderful language instructor this week is Professor Grace . Another student in my course is Marie who is a 16 year old twin from North Carolina. She is a bright young student and represents the diversity of students here at Conversa. I have interacted with elders, other educators, college students, American Latinos wanting to learn the language of their cultural heritage and middle schoolers from Oregon. The facility is well prepared to meet the unique needs of this diverse population. Most of my time during this first month will be spent in classes (6 hours/day 5 days a week) and on homework.

I am living with a wonderful host family in Santa Anna. Christin and Ana Traña Sibaja are a couple about my age with three bright children ranging in ages from 12 to 17. You will learn more about their stories as I spend more time with them.

Several interesting events occurred this week. On Thursday a major power transformer blew near my house knocking out our electricity and creating quite a buzz. During the same time two ladrones (thieves) were caught by a crowd of people in front of my house as well. There was no violence directed against these chicos (youths). The adults were lecturing them and telling them to remain calm while waiting for the police (which took quite some time). Some of my neighbors think the electrical short and the thieves are connected but I think it was a coincidence.

During the weekend a group of students headed into La Selva y El Rio (the tropic forest and a river) to explore, zip line, ride horses, and descancar (relax). There are many fotos (photos) of my experiences in the slide show area.


More next week!


Michael