Hola mi amigos!

Arrived in Costa Rica late Monday night to be greeted by Fernando from the itoi project team. After driving to the Maleku Hostel in Alajeula I was introduced to my room and roomates for the night. The next morning I caught the bus to Palmares where I met my homestay mother, Rafaela, who welcomed me with open arms (much appreciated as a foreigner in a non-english speaking country).

After a short walk to her home, I met Hernan her husband, and Luna, thier little dog (who is soooo cute "amable"). A quick tour around the familia casa revealed the most breathtaking view "vista" of the mountains and tropical garden from the balcony. (Photos will soon be posted).

One of the highlights of my first day was visiting Rafaela´s sister and her talking parrot "papagaya", who taught me a bit of Spanish and the traditional Spanish folk song: ...

"La Cucaracha...La Cucaracha...ya no peude caminar...porque no tienen, porque le faltalas dos patitas de atras."

"The Cockroach...The Cockroach... can´t walk anymore because it doesn´t have it´s back two feat."

Later, Rafeala took me to the orphanage, Hogacito, where, upon entering, I was imediately greeted with hugs and kisses from the children "los ninos." It was such a heartwarming experience that the children could show so much love to someone they had barely met and, I think, perhaps a testament to the warm nature of the Costa Rican people.

• arrival first impressions costa rica palmares