Where Does The Time Go??

Per usual, I feel like the time is just flying by! I can´t believe that it´s already the middle of July!!
So far, so good, and I am settled in quite nicely. My days are pretty busy but tasks differ, and the students, my professor, and fellow teaching assistant are all awesome and really fun to work with. In the mornings I usually accompany one group to their service learning placement, either to observe or to do some translation and clarification if there is a need. So far I have been to about half, and will hopefully hit all of them this coming week, and next. I´ve helped out at the municipality where our students are working with Costa Rican high school students who want to learn more english, and will ultimately create a database with the University of Costa Rica, to help assist the teachers. I´ve also gone to an organization called Un Hogar Para Ser Feliz (A Place/Home to be Happy), which works to assist physically disabled and/or mentally handicapped adults. It´s been really interesting, the projects are awesome. And its nice to be on the other side of these trips, as opposed to the one doing all of the direct service. As Julie (the other TA) nicely put it, we get to ¨get our hands in the pot¨ and be involved where needed, but without the full committment or expectations. And its really nice to watch the students brainstorm and problem solve for themselves, with just a little prodding and input from me. And I get to see so many cool nonprofits and NGOs, which is always fun and eye opening for me.
There have also been lectures on some interesting topics, such as healthcare in costa rica, economic and social development, mental health, and related issues.
We do other activities geared towards cultural awareness too--and some just for fun! Last weekend we went to Volcan Poas, which is beautiful, and the coffee plantation that I visited last time. SO delicious, SO much caffeine, SO much money spent on coffee. but worth every penny...!
Sunday was not so cultural, as I went to watch the last game of the world cup with a bunch of my students, and we ended up going to a Fridays! But it was fun...we had a good time, ate tons of food, and it was a nice, non educational way to get to hang with and get to know more people in the group.
Today we went to EBAIS, the main public health institute that has clinics all over Costa Rica. It was interesting, we got to see a clinic and talk to a doctor there, and it complimented some of the health-related lectures really nicely.
This weekend we are going to Punta Leona, a beach in Guanacaste. I am so excited to chill out and do nothing...we just hope that there is finally some sunshine!! Keep your fingers crossed for nice weather and no rain!

Thats it on my end...looking forward to having some time in New York (and Boston for a few days) in August. But for now, I´m enjoying my second home!