At the moment, I am in Costa Rica in a lovely hostel called In and Basic. I leave for Honduras tomorrow morning, but I stop overnight in Managua.
This has been an interesting adventure. I knew that the bus rides (8 hours plus 9 hours, and another 5 hours of delay, delay, delay!) would be rough, and they were. And the taxi rides. . . .uy. Que feo.
But I got to see a friend! It was awesome. His name is Erasmo and he is a violinist for the Heredia Orchestra. I met him 10 years ago exactly when the Utah Youth Symphony Orchestra played for the 2002 Olympics. Pretty cool, huh?
We went dancing and he taught me how to Salsa. Finally. Someone who could teach me how to salsa! The next day, we went to Heredia so I could watch him perform with the Orchestra. It felt so amazing to hear classical music again, to see people with violin and cello cases, and to listen to the classically constructed chords of Mozart and Haydn. I have to admit. I was playing air-violin during the Haydn. It felt good. I can't wait to play with an orchestra again, and to listen to concerts of classical and other styles. I was also introduced to the sounds of Berny Siles Loaiza. Oh, contemporary classical music! How I've missed you so!
Erasmo gave me a copy of his Duos and Trios of Costa Rican Chamber Music. I look forward to listening
to it in Juticalpa.
During this trip, I also checked out Finca Amanecer in a random, out of the way place called Londres. It's 10 miles east of the beaches of Quepos. I only spent a few moments at the beach, but on the farm, I relaxed, sketched, and wrote. I have drawn quite a bit on this trip, and think that I have improved. I felt really whole and engaged while drawing. I observed the nature and colors, questioned every shape and form that was given to me, and came up with some drawings that I am satisfied with.
I did a few more things on this trip, like checking out San Jose, seeing The Lorax in the cine, and taking a walk in Los Yoses. I think I will be coming back in June or July, after I spend some time in Nicaragua. It looks really good for that, and I'm glad to know my way around Costa Rica now!
to it, andto it and
