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It is hard to believe that we have spent two and half
weeks here in Orosi at Montana Linda. We have been
taking Spanish classes and checking out the many
outdoor activities in the area, and slowly but surely
this place has stolen its way into our hearts. The
people are so friendly here and they have lots of
patience with gringos. One morning I hiked high up
the side of mountain to what I thought was a secluded
spot for studying. Within minutes, a boy came riding
up on his bike and very slowly and carefully asked,´Que
estas estudiando? Si,´ I replied happily and he smiled
and rode away. It is so easy to feel integrated into
the community web of this small town and we are
finding ourselves reluctant to hit the thick tourist trail once again. In fact, we decided to spend our
last week here before our friends Brandi and Steve fly
in next Monday. This will make an even eight weeks of
Spanish and at last I am entering into the subjunctive
tenses.
Our first weekend here, we went Class III white-water
rafting with a small, local company called Locos. I
don't know how to describe the experience without
sounding like an ad for the company, but it was just
great. We were on the Pacuare river, well known for
its beauty, and there was a good mix of
crazywateradventuring and smooth tranquilo stretches
where we would jump off the raft and float alongside
in the current. The guides were friendly and helpful
and experienced, and the food they served for lunch
was some of the best we've had in Costa Rica. It was
my first time rafting, and I am hooked.
Last week, we hiked up to Nano's coffee farm, which also
has a pretty waterfall on the property. Nano is a
local Orosian, born here with several generations
behind him. At the waterfall, we found several rocks
with the fossils of shells in them, a surprising sight
considering we were in the middle of the country and
high up a mountain. How long had those been there?
We feel really fortunate to have found Orosi and have
the chance to make the connections with the community.
One of the many instances happens every Friday. Margot, one of the spanish teachers at Montana Linda, offers her living room and her talented relatives to teach dance classes. Very informal and lots of fun, we spend two hours happily stumbling through the basic steps of salsa, merengue and the cumbia. Our first time in her house, we brought beer and gave her one and, with a kiss, she puts the rest in her fridge without a word. I felt like I was visiting one of my favorite Aunts. After the dance classes, the party continues including more dancing and karaoke at the local bar. I am so excited for our third and last time at Margot´s house. It will be fitting ending to our wonderful time in Orosi.
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