My professor was surprised when I referred to Costa Rica as a paradise! Many of my homework assignments are writing compositions (in Spanish, of course). One was a scenario where the embassy told me I had to stay in Costa Rica for an additional month (Please let it be be true! Just kidding Barry!) and I had to write the questions I would ask, the instructions I would give to my family members with me because they don't speak Spanish and how I would react. I concluded my composition with let's look at the bright side, we get to spend another month in paradise. I was surprised that my professor was surprised but people usually don't view where they are from in the same way visitors do. And let's face it, the life of a student is much easier than that of a working person! This past week was interesting to say the least. I went to volunteer at a clinic but there were no other medical professionals there. In that I am not licensed to practice Physical Therpay in Costa Rica, the patients had no charts and the therapist doesn't write notes I chose not to return. It had a nice big gym (see photo-I was bored) but I hadn't planned on getting arrested for practicing without a license while I was here. Not to worry, I checked out a new place today that looks great! I met three of the therapists and the secretary and they seemed on top of the latest techniques. I surprised myself speaking to the director in Spanish the whole time and only had to ask her to repeat something more slowly twice. On the fun side, we toured Teatro Nacional which was incredible! It is a very old building with a lot of history. It had separate smoking rooms for men and women and the ladies were only allowed to smoke one. The widows and divorced women were segragated as well because they were an embarrassment to society. I'm glad I didn't live back in that day! I will be returning to Teatro Nacional this week as my Tica "sister" is in a chorus that will be performing there. My classmate Paul and I visited Volcan Arenal over the weekend. It is huge! The last major eruption was in 1968 but it likes to show off with minor eruptions fairly frequently. We saw some lava run down the side during our evening viewing which was very pretty. We were lucky as many people we talked to said they had gone and couldn't even see the volcano due to clouds. We also visitied some thermal pools but unfortunately our tour didn't include the natural pools or the lagoon which is supposed to be beautiful. We didn't know that when we booked our tour, so make sure if you come get the right tour. My Spanish is progressing and I hope in the three weeks I have left that it continues to improve as well as my confidence! So far my trip has been wonderful and I am trying to get as much out of my classes and experience as much of Costa Rica and its culture as possible. What a way to learn a language! Hola and hugs to all my family and friends! ¡Pura Vida! Mary