¡Bienvenido a Costa Rica!

Hola y Pura Vida!

Walking around campus at Universidad Veritas. "Costa Rica. Expand your senses. Study abroad."

I have successfully finished my first week in San Jose! Ever since I arrived in San Jose on January 2nd, it has been nothing but non-stop fun and excitement!

Although I arrived at my homestay family's house very late on Saturday, I was still greeted with hugs and kisses. I immediately felt like part of the family.

My beautiful home for the next three months!

The next morning, my roommate and I were up bright and early ready for our first day of orientation at CEA. Our momma tica made us pancakes served with some fresh pineapple and a banana, as well as freshly brewed coffee! Talk about a great way to start the day!

During orientation, we took a walking tour of Downtown San Jose. I think it's so nice that pretty much everything you need/want to do are only a short walk away from your house.

Downtown San Jose is full of neat architecture!

Our tour guide showed us some parks where we can hang out!

Inside Parque Nacional is a really interesting statue that is full of history.

While we walked downtown, our tour guide pointed out fun things to do and places to visit while we're here. Downtown San Jose has so much to offer and I can't wait to explore!

San Jose is a very colorful city full of artwork all around town!

Castillo Azul (The Blue Castle)

After we finished our tour, we all got on the bus to go get a traditional Costa Rican lunch! We headed up near the Poás Volcano to a town called Fraijanes  to eat at Freddo Fresas. The restaurant is right next to a huge strawberry field, so everything they serve that has strawberries in it is super fresh.

Freddo Fresas!

We were all served a strawberry smoothie, which was just ice and blended strawberries. It was SO fresh and tasty!

Casado. A meal that consist of a meat, beans, rice, vegetables, salad, and plantains.

our dessert that included a cookie with a strawberry whipped creme topping.

After stuffing ourselves full of delicious food, we headed home for the day. It was a beautiful day full of sun and a slight breeze. I couldn't have asked for a better first day!

On Monday, we had our second and last day of orientation at Universidad Veritas!

Universidad Veritas

Universidad Veritas at night!

Welcome students to Veritas!

The whole campus is so open and nature is a big part of the design too!

Outside one of the buildings at Veritas.

We all split into groups and took a tour of the gorgeous modern campus and then met back in the auditorium for a welcome presentation. Our presentation included information about clubs and fun things to do on campus, as well as places to eat around campus, and many other tips to succeed!

Finally we were served a delicious meal of pizza...and then a surprise came along...

These dancing men in costumes showed up along with a band!

Let the dancing begin!

I don't think there could have been a better way to say "Welcome!"

The characters danced to the music and led a conga line which was full of students! I am so thankful to attend such a fun university!

Needless to say, my first two days in San Jose were extremely exciting. I felt so welcomed and loved from the very first moment I landed in San Jose! I can't wait to see what the rest of my study abroad holds!

Until next time, pura vida!

 

Kendall McKee is the Spring 2016 CEA MOJO Blogger in San Jose, Costa Rica. She is currently a Junior at the University of Memphis.