Some Costa Rican History

Life has been good over here. Nothing too out of the ordinary...just trying to enjoy my last few weeks. It's amazing that I leave in a month! Because I am leaving so soon, Cory and I have been trying to take some day trips around San Jose.

Two weekends ago we went to Braulio Carrillo, a nearby rainforest. It is the largest area of protected land in Costa Rica (about the size of Rhode Island) and only 45 minutes from the city! We spent 3 hours hiking and exploring....and getting ridiculously wet and muddy. Some parts of the trail were nothing but mud and at one point we had to cross a stream that ran into the nearby river! It was worth it, though, as the jungle was beautiful. No animal sitings...just a millipede, which was disgusting.

This past weekend we went to the cultural center of Costa Rica...Cartago. Cartago was the first capital, but after a volcano eruption and two bad earthquakes it was moved to San Jose, a geographically safer area. Cartago is still a good sized city but it is home to several beautiful churches and even some ruins. Take a look:

Las Ruinas de la Parroquia- built in 1575, destroyed by earthquakes in 1841 and 1910. Now only the outside walls remain and the center was turned into a garden.
Basilica de Nuestra Senora de los Angeles- An absolutely incredible church. Originally built in 1635, but underwent a massive makeover in 1926 after near total destruction in the 1910 earthquake.
We also went to the large fruit market in the center of town...we bought some apples and mangoes and had a picnic in the park. After seeing all that we could see in Cartago (there were a couple other churches, an old library, and a school) we hopped on a bus and headed to Orosi, a small pueblo about 40 minutes away. There is no tourist draw to Orosi, except that it is beautiful and has hot springs. When you think of a little pueblo in Central America, it is probably what you picture...small town, friendly people chatting in the streets, soccer game going on in the middle of town, rolling green hills with streams and waterfalls, etc. We spent about an hour there just walking and talking to the locals and soaking up the "tranquila" attitude.

We did find a little church- Iglesia de San Jose Orosi, the oldest church still in use in Costa Rica (built in 1743).

After following a random dirt trail in search of a good look at the mountains and river we discovered a suspended bridge that was made for pedestrians to cross the river more easily. An old Tico man told us it was an "hamaca" or a swing. So we began to venture across and quickly realized why it was called that....the thing started to sway over the rushing river! I was slightly terrified. We decided not to cross it, but turned around and went back as quickly...and carefully as possible. :)

It was fun to see more of the quaint, historic Costa Rica for a change (not that I don't love the beach and rainforests). This country has so much to offer and, ironically, my list of places to see here is longer now than when I started! I will be coming back often, for sure!

In other news-
My sister is coming to visit in few weeks!
I went to get a hair "trim" yesterday and ended up with hair shorter than I have had in years...I am going to have to get used to it, but it's not too bad.
Only 4 more weeks left of school.
Us girls have discovered a jazz cafe nearby that has incredible concerts- latin jazz = awesome.
Still no job for when I return home....please be praying for me!