Happy Costa Rican Independence Day!

So today was a school holiday, because it is Independence Day in Costa Rica, which meant lots of parades and drums! It basically left more time for us to study. We did go to the big grocery store (like Sams) today to get a few items. As we were walking home (about 3/4 mile) with our large package of toilet paper and grocery bags, and did I mention umbrellas because it was pouring down rain, I began to think of interesting and fun things that I love about Costa Rica. Here are a few that came to mind:

- It is really fun to take taxis. They are really convenient and we don't have to pay for gas
- There are little grocery stores everywhere, so whenever I have a craving for a snack/treat it is easy to find
- Manzanilla tea from a small coffee shop near our house. It is fantastic
- Best black beans and refried beans that you will ever eat
- A widow maker, which is a small electrical head that heats our shower water. It is a very handy little gadget, and works very well most of the time. Probably will work well in Peru
- I get to spend a lot of time with Nathan, we are having a lot of fun going to school together.

Here are a few pictures from the festival at our school:

Some of the teachers and students doing a traditional Costa Rican dance. I don't think there is any chance that I will be joining the Costa Rican dance team :=)

The teacher on the far right is my grammar teacher. Her name is Graciella. She is really wonderful.