End of the year

Overall things have been great down here in Costa Rica. Just came back off of a relaxing break in the states for Thanksgiving and I am also ready for another break back home for Christmas time.
Things in my site have been going well, just continuing on with my English classes for the children and adults. As well my marathon training has continued strong. I just got back from a 10 mile training run in the peak heat and I feel great. Now I just need to walk back home 5 miles.

Things in my house are going along well. A chicken and her 4 baby chicks decided to move into our latrine. So everytime I use the bathroom I have the wonderfull company of a 5 lives animals chirping and pecking at me. As well recently I woke up to the sound of a pig getting slaughtered at 5 am with the background beats of the latest reggeaton hits. The pig was killed for a mini fiesta held in my town to benefit the Comite de Deportes. The fiesta was held over two days, 2 weekends ago. It was an overall fun time which included alot of tamales, roast pork, Imperial and Soccer.

This past weekend I went to my friend Bill´s site about an hour down south of me. I had an awesome time chilling with him . We ended up playing poker with his host dad and as well chess on his host dads computer. While we were playing poker the host mom was near the front door and reacted in a startled man. She said there was a large snake at the door. Bills host dad ran to get a large 4 foot rusty machete while Bill went to get a large stick so his host dad could bash it over the head. It turned out to be a Tercia Pelo, one of the most poisonous snakes in Costa Rica.
The snake put up quite a fight, and even after we all thought it was dead it tried to attack us. Just a normal night here in Costa Rica surrounded by poisonous snakes.

The next day I went further down South with Bill and met up with a couple of other volunteers in the town of San Vito. We ended up going to fiestas in Sabalito which were really fun. It is always great to meet up with other volunteers and party it up. There was a rodeo, several dance locations, and many bars up, as well as street vendors. It was a really fun time.

Soon enough I will be back home for Christmas vacation which I am really excited about. I wish everyone well, especially my two brothers whose birthday it is today ! Happy Birthday Carl and Lucas!!!

Tuanis,

Rudy