BINGO!

October 22, 2009

We’ve reached two half-way points; half-way through our time in Costa Rica, and half way through our volunteer project in San Gerardo. We’ve finally settled in and are a bit more accustomed to life here, and I’m enjoying it more than ever. We had to just shed our old habits and comfort zones for new ones. I walked down the street (and by the street, there is only one in town) at dusk on my way home from teaching a great class, the river was rushing loudly, coyotes were starting to howl on the other side of the mountain, the few houses in view were glowing against the green, lush landscape. Colorful, exotic flowers lined the roads, as a man passed me on horseback, taking his child home from school. Costa Rica, especially the countryside, lives for the day light and accepts that when its pouring rain, cool, or dark, that you stay inside, have a big meal, and get in bed!

While we’ve grown more accustomed to the tranquility of San Gerardo, we’ve also been busier, which is great. This past weekend was the celebration of the patron saint of the village, San Gerardo. They celebrate with daily mass, soccer games, tons of food, and bingo games. Friday morning at 7 a.m., I was in the community kitchen with about a dozen women making tamales. I was in charge of putting a sliver of carrot, red bell pepper, and a green bean in each one of the 300 we made. The morning was full of banter and laughter from the women, and although I do believe my Spanish continues to improve, when there are a dozen women in the room, there is really little hope.

Saturday evening was the big town Bingo game. I’d say there were about 150 people there, nearly half the village. Men, women and children gathered, ate a big plate of rice and beans, and fiddled with their piles of dried corn (the bingo markers). There were 4 rounds, the second’s rule was to make an “O” on the board. Some kind of beginner’s luck stroke me as I heard Cinquenta-y-siete called, the last number I needed. I WON! If people didn’t know me as the only blond girl in town before, they sure do now. Although I’m not exactly sure if they were happy for the “gringa” or more disappointed for themselves. Either way, the 20 dollars will help me pay my rent for the monthJ

It was a busy week, including a squirrel and small tarantula making their way into our bedroom (!!) and the biggest rainstorm yet, turning the soccer game into a game of water polo. I’m thankful for the activity, and for the entire experience here so far. An adventure I’ll remember forever.