I love my long walks and hikes throughout the mountainous wilderness of Jerico, Costa Rica during training. And during Semana Santa the Peace Corps gave us Thursday and Friday off in addition to the weekend for descansado (rest), or in my case, finally time for long hikes and runs. Well Thursday I began with this in mind. I took a nice long run around town, pushing myself up a few hills and finishing with a mild jog around the soccer field a few times. Then at about mid-morning my Tica twin sisters and Tico cousin Roberto said they were going on a hike to the “arbol con waco” or “tree with hole.” I had heard much about this local gem from my family and others, so of course I was on board. It was a pretty rigorous uphill hike over one of the mountains. Some of it was on a windy dirt road and when it got too steep, there were paved sections. Then we broke off of the road and into a thick forested area and onto a narrow path that shot steeply downhill on the other side of the mountain.
It was on this steep, narrow and rocky path that I rolled my ankle terribly. The spot was only a few meters from the magnificent tree and I could hear the laughter and mingling of the many visitors. As my left ankle rolled out onto the outer side of my foot in a small crevice of the path, I nearly fell to my knees in agony. I was able to remain upright, balancing on my right side and leaning heavily onto a tree, but I was hit with a strange and foreign sensation. It is best described as a very strong head rush. My vision clouded and darkened, and it sounded as if I were in a wind tunnel. The sounds of voices and wind and birds became faint and distant. I felt dizzy. One of the twins later told me my lips went totally white and I was wavering in balance. I think this must be what it feels like right before you pass out. Luckily, I didn't experience the full effect.
Strangely, I didn't have the urge to cry out or release tears of pain, it was simply nauseating. After regaining composure I was able to limp my way to the grand gift of nature. It was the most enormous tree I have ever seen, with giant protruding roots making up its trunk. People were climbing through its interior as the roots left a “hole” at its base. Others climbed high into the branches of the magnificent work. I obviously did not partake in this climbing expedition, but I sat, resting my incredibly swollen ankle and gazed up into its high reaches. Now was the going back part. Roberto fashioned me a handy walking stick and we began the trek back to Jerico and the house. Although going down was much easier on the lungs, it was actually more difficult on the ankle and I proceeded to tread very slowly, often shuffling sideways like you would do on skis if you were trying to make sure you didn't slide straight down the mountain. The others were very patient with me. I think they were nervous after seeing me turn ghostly white and nearly pass out. I felt so foolish and stupid. Here I was, in good shape, wearing my hiking boots, and I roll my dumb ankle. The others were in converse sneakers with no tread on the bottoms and they gallivanted easily down to the tree. I suppose you could say they know the terrain better, but I honestly think it was just a freak accident. And sometimes that just happens. It is a super bummer though, as it kicked off my four days of freedom as a gimp. Wonderful. So much for soccer and running this week.
We attended mass and other church festivities from Thursday through Sunday in celebration of Semana Santa, Good Friday and Easter (or here, “Resurrecion”). I also went to mass last Sunday, Palm Sunday and was fascinated by the ritual of it. The mass began outdoors and we were all given palms. We then processed into the church following the children as they gave a sort of skit. It was interesting to note the similarities and differences from my experiences of Palm Sunday in the States. I folded my palm into a cross as my friends and I used to do at St. Francis Cabrini, and everyone was fascinated by the idea. The twins wanted me to teach them how to do it. Semana Santa also brings out some unique types of food. I have been served a variety of meals this week that include a type of fruit called chiverre. It is sweet and has a strange, stringy texture, but when broiled (and my Tica mother broiled it for 24 hours), it becomes soft and delicious, especially when baked inside a pastry. The other favorite of mine that has been dished out this week is arroz con leche. It is amazing and has the texture of oatmeal. It is made with several types of milk and then boiled on the stove. It has totally become my comfort food. My Tica mother thinks it's strange I want it for breakfast... it is mainly just a dessert here.
Last weekend was a blast. About 15 of the RCDers took a trip to Jaco Beach, about three hours west of Jerico. On a map it looks like it should take about 40 minutes to get there, but you have to go through the mountains on the dilapidated narrow roads of Costa Rica. So we left at 5:30am to travel by bus to the popular and touristy Playa Jaco. I visited this beach in the summer of 2006 when I was staying in Flamingo, so it was very familiar. We spent the entire day battling some super strong waves, tanning in the soft sand, and playing beach soccer with my newly purchased soccer ball. (I figured this would be a good investment for my stay in Costa Rica). Check out my pics of the day on Facebook:
Peace Corps Orientation Retreat:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2082426&id=11600518&l=38ca3ad338
PC Training thus far in Jerico, CR:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083400&id=11600518&l=7763d9f759
RCD Jaco Beach Trip:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083827&id=11600518&l=a181a13954
PCV Visit: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2083481&id=11600518&l=0778e909fd
We are steadily approaching the midway point of training. Only 48 more days before swearing in as a true Peace Corps volunteer!
No comments:
Post a Comment