Paraiso

I was really sick this week. I had the Montezuma runs as my friend likes to call it. I can honestly say that I have never felt so lonely in my life as I did this week. I think it was because I layed in bed for 2 days practically quarantined. A virus is going around at school, so that´s probably what it was. There have been at least a dozen of us who have gotten sick at school. The healthcare system is intriguing here. You basically are your own doctor here. You prescribe yourself whatever medication you need and go to the pharmacy and request it. The ticos also believe strongly in shots, even shots for vitamins. I personally hate shots, so I opted for the suero(vitamin-mineral water) to regain my strength. I asked the pharmacist what flavor was preffered and was told fruit punch, but I think I would go with grape next time.
On a side note, I love it how everything tastes different in this country. My favorite difference is the Coca-cola. I have asked some ticos about it, and they say it is due to the fresh spring water that is used to make the Coke here. Although I am not usually a coffee drinker, the coffee is incredibe here. The caffeine doesn´t give me a headache, and it has such a smooth texture-unlike the Coke, the coffee is so rica because it is grown on the enriched soil of the volcanic mountains of Costa Rica. The cheap coffee here is just as good as the expensive stuff. Jacquelinda-I sip my coffee and think of you. The fruit here is also out of this world. Like the white pinneapple-never knew it existed before this. I guess there is no market for it in the USA. Usually the big meal here is during breakfast and lunch, and coffee and a roll for dinner. For breakfast there is gallo pinto (black beans and rice) and fruit and always fresh juice for every meal. Buen provecho!