Day Twenty Five - I'm on a Boat!

It was very hard to focus in class today. Besides the fact it is getting warmer and warmer each day, we were again focusing on gender and number agreement. To add the final slice of ADD to my plate, Kelly and I signed up to go on a 5 hour sailboat tour that included snorkeling, kayaking, and an open bar. Needless to say, whether or not my nouns had the proper article in front of them was not the focus of my mind today. As the seconds slowly ticked away, I began to imagine all the things I would see on the boat this afternoon.

Finally saved by the bell, Kelly and I made our way with about 10 other students to the shore right across the street from the school.  There we were met by our guides and hopped on a taxi boat to our awaiting ship. The Manta Ray was captained by Matteo and he welcomed us aboard his ship. We were greeted by glasses of rum punch and basked in the sun as the crew prepared the boat. As we were chatting and sipping on our beverages, we noticed that we really weren’t moving. Turns out, there was an issue with the transmission on the boat and there wasn’t enough wind for the sails. With a sad face, Matteo told that us that he would have to cancel today’s tour in order to fix the boat. We were devastated.

However, we began inching forward. I thought we were just making  U-turn, but we kept heading out to sea. Then, the sails began to open up and we started moving faster. The crew had figured out a solution and we didn’t need to cancel the tour! The power of good thought definitely came through in this case. With full sails, we made our way to a secluded beach to snorkel and relax.

Once we arrived, I donned my snorkel gear and hoped in the water. Sadly, with the storms of last week, the water was kind of murky. Nevertheless, I am not one to miss an opportunity to explore – especially in the water. We made our way closer to shore and I was able to see some starfish, some reef, and a small school of fish. With the assistance of a pool noodle, I swam my way around the waters near the boat. After awhile, the murky waters just stayed murky and I made my way back to boat to further investigate the open bar.

After awhile, lunch was served – sub sandwiches with chips and “boat-made” guacamole. One of the things I love most about Ticos is the humble welcoming that they seem to offer to everyone. The three members of the crew went above and beyond to make sure we were having a great experience. They wanted to offer us whatever they could and then some. From drinks to beautiful views, the crew made us feel welcome. Also, Kender, the snorkeling expert of the crew, brought back some fish that he caught by hand to show off. He had found three puffer fish – two with the spikes and one that was almost a vivid banana yellow. It was great to see the wildlife in their natural habitat.

After eating and relaxing some more, we started to make our way back as the sun slowly set in the background. I know I have been talking a lot about the sunsets here in Playa Flamingo, but today’s was by far the prettiest one I have ever seen in my life. The colors faded and changed like an artist had a brush in his hand and delicately painted the changing sky. Everything was so incredibly vivid; it was a bit breath taking. With my Kelly right next to me, I got to experience beauty in the sky with beauty by my side.

We returned around 8 – a full hour later than expected, but it was so worth it. I’m sad to say that we only have two more days of classes left. We leave for San Jose on Saturday and leave for home on Sunday. Time is literally flying by. I want to grasp on to every moment…let’s hope it lasts.

Much Love,
Casey