My second full week of work here in Costa Rica has come to an end and my third week is starting. The longer I am here the more I feel comfortable. I am really starting to settle in and make some friends. If I had not taken four years of Spanish in school and not been a soccer player my whole life, I feel this experience would be totally different.

Tuesday after work I was invited to play with the company for their weekly supervisors vs employees soccer match. I really shocked everyone with how well I played. They all said they were surprised how good I played for being a gringo.

Thursday after work was a big soccer game. It was Costa Rica vs Uruguay and a rematch from the World Cup. After work we left and headed to a local spot which was owned by the uncle of who I am working with. We watched the game and had some great food. The atmosphere was great and the passion they have for their country is just amazing.

Here at Tech Data I share an office with Jason, who I am working with my entire stay here and Carlos, the IT supervisor. Friday for lunch we headed to a small steakhouse and the food was unbelievably amazing!! To say the least. I had the steak Argentine with vegetables, pureed potatoes, and fried yuca. Grab a napkin for your drool when you see this pic…

Saturday was one of the best days I have had here so far. I was picked up in the morning to head to Volcano Irazu! I have never been to a volcano before so this was an exciting experience. We were high in the mountains so it was pretty windy and cold but well worth it because it was breathtaking!

After the Volcano we headed to an abandoned hospital. This was also an experience to remember. I have never done anything like this before so it was very interesting to see and to imagine how life was there when it was running. And yes, it was just as creepy as it sounds.

It was definitely a great week and I am looking forward to what is ahead of me on this journey! More to come…