La Cadena Magazine - September 2014 Edition

L A
C A D E N A
september 2014“TED”

1. After a long day of meetings and
miscommunications, you come home and…
a) Eat a steaming hot plate of rice and
beans
b) Power-watch all 5 seasons of
Walking Dead
c) Head straight to a neighbor’s house
for a cafecito
d) Go for a long run
2. The time has come to pick a
destination for a well-deserved weekend
getaway. Which is your top spot (assuming
issue)?
a) Panama City
b) Jaco Beach
c) Corcovado National Park
d) Playa Uvita
3. You are craving fast food. Where do
a) Kentucky Fried Chicken
b) McDonalds
c) Taco Bell
d) Subway
4. Which of the following do you miss
the most about your pre-Peace Corps life?
a) Comfortable beds
b) Ben & Jerry’s ice cream
c) Nothing! I prefer my Peace Corps life
style.
d) Access to organic fruits and
vegetables
5. Of the following climates, which do
you prefer?
a) Cool and dry
b) Hot and sunny
c) Rain is nice
d) Rain, snow, sleet, sun – variety is
key
6. Which of the following is your
favorite Tico Dicho?
a) ¡Tuanis!
b) ¡Qué pereza!
c) ¡Que dios la/lo acompañe!
d) ¡Pura vida!
7. What is your favorite music genre?
a) Whatever’s on the radio
b) Club music
c) Salsa, bachata, merengue, etc.
d) Indie
8. You were just asked out on a date,
but your date wants suggestions of where
to go. What do you say?
a) Go for a walk along the nearest
beach
b) A nightclub in San Pedro
c) Share a casado at your local soda
d) Go for a hike
9. If you had to choose one of the
following jobs post-Peace Corps, which
would it be?
b) Jobs?
c) Language consultant
d) Environmental educator
10. Which is your drink of choice?
a) Beer
b) Rum
c) Guaro
d) Red wine
What’s your spirit animal?
Answer each question truthfully to discover your inner animal!
Photo: Adrienne Ostrove
TICO 28 CED
2

La Cadena is a newsletter published in paper and online, tri-an-
nually, by and for Peace Corps Costa Rica Volunteers. We aim to
provide a venue for information exchange between and among Peace
Corps Costa Rica volunteers, staff and other PCVs and staff around
the world. Any opinions expressed within the newsletter are those
of the authors themselves and are not necessarily shared by the La
Cadena staff, the Peace Corps, or the United States Government. La
Cadena welcomes all pieces of the professional or creative genre,
but all articles are subjected to censorship by Peace Corps staff.
In addition, articles may be edited for reasons of clarity and
space. All staff members are responsible for the selection of ar-
ticles published and/or not published in each issue. La Cadena
whole-heartedly acknowledges the assistance of Peace Corps Costa
Rica in publishing this newsletter. We are grateful for the use
of the Peace Corps ofﬁce, the equipment, and for the special as-
sistance of the staff in placing copies in PCV cubbies and mailing
copies to Peace Corps headquarters.
Submissions
Any piece may be submitted to lacadena730@
gmail.com. Hardcopies will be put in the La
Cadena mailbox which is located in the Peace
Corps ofﬁce and online copies will be pub-
lished on the La Cadena website. Original
works physically submitted will be returned
upon request.
DISCLAIMER
Volcán Poás
Tom Marren - Tico 25
3

Photo:YesseniaProdero
TICO25TEFL
What’s your spirit animal?
Here are your results!
If you chose mostly a’s, you are the SHEEP.
The sheep symbolizes innocence and vulnerability, and represents your inner child.
For those whose spirit animal is the sheep, the tendency to conform to social norms
and you are comfortable with others making decisions for you.
If you chose mostly b’s, you are the HUMMINGBIRD.
The hummingbird symbolizes joy and playfulness. For those whose spirit animal is the
hummingbird, enjoyment of life is more important than productivity. Hummingbirds are
known for their speed and ability to travel great distances for their size, and similarly,
you are known to seek the thrills in life.
A
If you chose mostly c’s, you are the DRAGONFLY.
If you chose mostly d’s, you are the OWL.
The owl symbolizes wisdom and intuition. For those whose spirit animal is the owl,
yourself observing others rather than mingling with the crowd.
4

What is your spirit animal? ..............................................................2
Disclaimer ..........................................................................................3
Editors’ Note ......................................................................................6
Horoscopes ........................................................................................7
A Petal ..............................................................................................10
Ask TED ...........................................................................................12
Letter to Curlies ...............................................................................15
FitCorps ............................................................................................16
Regional Leaders .............................................................................17
TEFL Website ..................................................................................26
Be Anonymous Random and Grateful .........................................30
Tico ...................................................................................................32
5 Minute Interviews ........................................................................34
Chef TED...........................................................................................40
VAC....................................................................................................41
GAD...................................................................................................44
Scuttling ...........................................................................................46
Time is Time is Mine ......................................................................48
Did you know that? .........................................................................49
TED Pics ...........................................................................................50
The Common Thread .....................................................................52
Fun Facts ..........................................................................................54
TED Jokes .........................................................................................55
Word Games ....................................................................................56
Table of Contents
5

Dear Reader,
We are pleased to bring you the second issue of La Cadena 2014. During
our editing process we were decided on a theme for this issue. As volunteers, we
all go through an emotional rollercoaster during our service. Some of you may
remember clearly during your PST, IST and MST, the puma and the cub and how
we reacted upon seeing the puma chasing the cub. Those common sounds that
emerged from the room: awww, hmm, woah, ahh, no and oh. Each of us share this
experience in our own ways; whether you are the puma working towards a goal, or
the bear trying to escape dangerous situations. Well, for the Animals edition of La
Cadena, we thought about bringing out the animal in you. Inside this newsletter,
you will find your astrological animal sign, fun recipes, awkward moments and situ-
ations, and much more. The use of animals in this issue is to help us reflect on our
emotional selves and how we cope with the stressors of our service. Peace Corps
equips us to live in all different types of environments and we firmly believe that
your animal instincts will help you navigate the challenges that you face in the cam-
po, the bosque, the cafetales, and the potreros. We hope that you enjoy reading
and you discover whether you are the puma or the cub; but remember, you create
your own experience in your habitat.
- The Editors of La Cadena
Editors’Note
6

WHAT’S IN STORE
FOR YOU?
HOROSCOPES
BY CLAIRVOYANT OLIVE MORPHIAS
beginnings. It is a time for solitude, for peace in darkness. The
editors of La Cadena have reached out to world-renowned
clairvoyant, Olive Morphias, to share with us her prophecies.
Photo courtesy of www.cambridgeblog.org ©
Aries (March 21 - April 19)
Your creativity and openness to change will be on
season. Be on the lookout for tension
between those who you care the most about – the
the universe has given you. Towards the beginning
in some negative energy patterns – but do not fear!
This is your moment: your spontaneous, energetic
nature will drive the darkness away and guide you
towards new beginnings.
Look out for sparks of romance during the week of
October 19-25, but don’t allow your volatile
nature to rush to conclusions too quickly. During the
unlimited free rides on the Emotional Rollercoaster,
so enjoy the highs and lows but remember to take
rests in between.
Famous Aries are Lady Gaga (March 28), Emma
Watson (April 15), and Jackie Chan (April 7).
Taurus (April 20 - May 20)
mystery, but your natural strength and resilience
will help you to solve it. Taurus, be wary: you have
yourself in the midst of many important deadlines.
Dear Taurus, now is not your time for love.
the beginning of November; stand your ground! The
stars have great successes in store for you, so stay
true to your solid and practical nature and do not be
distracted by your whim.
Famous Taureans are George Clooney (May 6),
Penélope Cruz (April 28), and Al Pacino (April 25).
Gemini (May 21 - June 20)
to shine: your unpredictable and dichotomous
nature is synched with the instability of the stars.
yourself leveling out, and once-hard-to-make
decisions will begin to come easily to you. Be
cautious of getting overly involved with new
projects – your predisposition to inspire others may
cause you to push others to take on more than they
can handle.
You may win some hearts this month with your
charisma, dear Gemini. Be especially aware of
7

may catch you off guard, leaving you
unprepared. Be open to it, however, as you may
see doors open that lead to surprising places.
Famous Gemini are Johnny Depp (June 9), Mary
Kate & Ashley Olson (June 13), and Marilyn
Monroe (June 1).
Cancer (June 21 - July 22)
mark the only times during which day and night
are equal in length. Allured by traditions and
symmetry. You may see this manifested in your
work: someone may soon offer to pick up some
loose ends that had previously been worrying
you, and you will be relieved by a new sense of
comradery in team projects. Be careful not to
allow your moody nature to get in the way of
new opportunities.
that your solitary nature brings you close to
someone new. Take particular note of who you
meet in the third week of October – your loyal
disposition will be noticed by someone about
whom you care a great deal.
Famous Cancers are Robin Williams (July 21),
Nelson Mandela (July 18), and 50 Cent (July 6).
Leo (July 23 - August 22)
perfect for the Leo’s analytical character. You will
leadership in both work and at home. Try not to
someone who challenges your assumptions. At
threatening your authority – but when you step
into her/his shoes, you will see that she/he is
only trying to help you.
Your generosity will be rewarded this month by
a once-secret admirer who showers you with
gifts. But take heed: don’t overanalyze the
Learn to let go of your need for control, and go
along for the ride!
Famous Leos are Barack Obama (August 4),
Madonna (August 16), and Usain Bolt (August
21).
Virgo (August 23 - September 22)
Enjoy this time of year, Virgo: your
light-hearted and charming nature will win you
the sun’s journey from the northern to southern
hemisphere, which is mirrored in the
human psyche. This means that many people
are undergoing their own personal
transformations, and your ability to connect
with different personalities will be received well.
attention to your actions. You have a tendency
to focus too much on yourself, and your friends
You are skilled at identifying traits in others, so
-
maker this month. Your heightened sense of
intuition will leave you in the perfect position to
put your own priorities aside and play Cupid.
Famous Virgos are Beyoncé Knowles
(September 4), Michael Jackson (August 29),
and 2 Chainz (September 12).
Libra (September 23 - October 22)
astrological sign of Libra; this is your month!
you will soon be aided by the sun’s power. In
worry. Your caring and understanding nature,
coupled with your faith in justice, will make for a
speedy resolution.
Ruled by Venus, you tend to surround yourself
with beauty. In the third week of October,
someone will catch your attention – but
remember: all that glitters is not gold, so be
careful not to take your passions too far. Be true
to your quiet temperament and do not act too
hastily.
Famous Libras are Lil Wayne (September 27),
Snoop Dogg (October 20), and John Lennon
(October 9).
Scorpio (October 23 - November 21)
impact you in surprising ways, Scorpio. Like
your astrological animal, the scorpion, you draw
your energy from the sun. Because of its
8

movement to the southern hemisphere, your
challenged to withdraw. Accept these urges! Now
within yourself is even more stimulating than the
world outside.
You tend to be misunderstood as a result of your
brash, but meditative personality. Do not take this
to heart, and pay attention to your interactions
in the end of October: someone who means very
Famous Scorpios are Bill Gates (October 28), Anne
Hathaway (November 12), and Leonardo DiCaprio
(November 11).
Sagittarius (November 22 - December 21)
Take advantage of the changes that are taking place
in the stars, Dear Sagittarius. You have a knack for
understanding the details of things, and the shift
in balance between day and night will tickle your
philosophical fancy. Be cautious of your tendency to
for yourself that you won’t be able to reach. Pace
yourself, and you will be rewarded.
Normally, you shy away from commitment. In
energy that allows you to defy your old ways. You
smothered long ago by your capricious habits.
Famous Sagittarians are Nicki Minaj (December 8),
Walt Disney (December 1), and Nicole Snooki Polizzi
(November 23).
Capricorn (December 22 - January 19)
yourself overwhelmed as you struggle to maintain
stability and order in your world. You are highly
organized and structured, but this month, try to
loosen the reigns – you have some surprises in
store for you. Pay close attention to the children
around you, as they have something important to
tell you. You have a penchant for taking on others’
problems as if they were your own. This is
admirable, but remember: all heroes must die, so
be careful to balance your act with self-care.
someone will offer you powerful advice in the area
of relationships. Accept this advice as truth, and
special.
Famous Capricorns are Elvis Presley (January 8),
Michelle Obama (January 17), and Martin Luther
King Jr. (January 15).
Aquarius (January 20 - February 18)
darkness. This means that more people will fall
victim to vices, and you, Aquarius, will notice: you
yourself searching for new ways to help those in
need. Others tend to view you as simple and
unassuming, but do not take offense. Your
honesty and loyalty will bring you some new friends
with the respect that you deserve. Do not forget,
however, that you sometimes struggle with
motivation. Try to counter your appeal to idleness
of an admirer this month. Be mindful of a friendly
November; what you initially perceive as innocent
reciprocate the coquettish behavior, but be careful
not to do so at too great an intensity.
Famous Aquarians are Oprah Winfrey (January 29),
Bob Marley (February 6), and Abraham Lincoln
(February 12).
Pisces (February 19 - March 20)
Pisces, you are a quiet one. Bask in the darkness
enemies disguised as friends during the second half
up in a game that you do not wish to play. You are
determined and intelligent, however, and these
qualities will help you overcome some obstacles
that are in store for you.
You are passionate for principles, but be careful not
to confuse them for the truth. During the week of
November 2-8, you will be put to the test: you will
learn that someone about whom you care deeply
is not who you thought, and at the same time, you
to be arrogant and self-absorbed has a deeper
character than you had believed.
Famous Pisces are Albert Einstein (March 14),
George Washington (February 22), and Rihanna
(February 20).
9

What is left is a petal
Crushed into pieces
Nothing left
Life with an open wound
Forget the beauties
The birds sung
Leaving softness
Unbelievable but true
A petal
10

Little creepy crawlers are a part of every volunteer’s life. They existed long
before us and they will most likely exist long after we are gone. We moved
into their homes and they are putting up a fight to hold their ground.
11

Ask TED...
Got a question I gots the answer. Need
advice, I got you. Wanna tell me something;
I’m all b-ears. Just submit it to:
lacadena730@gmail.com.
John Lee
TICO 26
Why does your nose run and your feet smell?
Nose Run
Your nose runs because you ate some hot spicy
sauce, peppers or salsa and your mouth is so
hot that your nose takes the counter-measure
of melting your boogers and directing them to
your mouth as a way to alleviate the heat, usually
a salty taste, if you eat lots of fruits before hand
taste is sweet.
Smelly Feet
Bacteria forms in your feet, specially when you
use shoes a lot. A way to avoid this is to air your
shoes, clean your feet daily; usually a bath of hot
water and vinegar does the trick or maybe your
bed is made of cheese and you rub your feet in
cheese when you sleep. We will never know...
Why is it that rain drops but snow falls?
I believe it has to do with the physical form
and weight of the element. I THINK rain drops
because it’s heavy enough to drop and snow falls
because snowflakes are so light they float in the
air, meaning they fall. But I think you should
Google it if you wanna find out the truth.
Dan Seal
TICO 26
DS: What is the best type of bird?
I like Toucans, so Toucans are the best type of
bird.
DS: What wins in a fight, a crocodile or bear (Ter-
rain= Riverbank)?
Duhhh a BEAR! It would drag the crocodile to
dry land and snap his jaw. Boom!
DS: What is your best pick-up line?
TED: Did your head hurt?
Girl: Why?
TED: When you fell from heaven....
Works 70% of the time, all the time.
Stacy Kelley
TICO 26
SK: Best hotel you’ve stayed in San Jose?
I’m gonna go with the Radisson Hotel San Jose, I
stayed once with a couple of volunteers in the Ex-
ecutive Floor; meaning FREE drinks (cappuccino
machine, water, sodas, liquor, beer), FREE snacks
(real meat sticks, wings, sushi), awesome swim-
ming pool, hot tub, FREE Breakfast and Sleep
Number beds. Felt like heaven for 24 hours and
then reality stumbled upon me once again. For
the amazing price of 15 mil! Say whatttttttttt....
Fernando “TED” Botello
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SK: Favorite TICO recipe and why?
N/A.
SK: The secret to life....
is to do whatever makes you happy (doing what
you love). Love your life, your family and your
friends.
SK: Most interesting insect experience?
Haven’t had one I consider interesting. But I’ve
had spiders in the corner of my PST room and in
my current home and I name them, sometimes
we talk, sometimes we don’t, sometimes we just
stare at each other and they die (circle of life).
Ramona Dowdell
TICO 26
RD: What’s the difference between Diet Coke and
Coke Zero?
Diet Coke tastes dietity and Coke Zero tastes like
actual coke with the benefit of Zero calories and
lots of sodium. I love Coke Zero.
RD: Would an adoption agency most likely permit
an adoption to a single person or a throuple?
I’m gonna go with a single person, throuples are
frowned upon still. I wish I was in a throuple...
What’s the most used app on your phone?
Tinder. No hits yet, just nibbles...
Anonymous
What is the difference between dating and hooking
up?
Dating is going on “Dates” usually activities that
include dinner, movies, concerts, etc. with anoth-
er person with the goal of forming a relationship.
Hooking up to my understanding is when you
throw a hook into a crowd of people and catch a
person and if you like that person you have sex
with them. (People sometimes die).
-TED
13

Tom “Tranquil Turtle” Marren
Tico 25 - TEFL
Fernando “Growling Teddy Bear” Botello
Tico 26 - CED
Christelle “Silly Goose” Domercant
Tico 25 - TEFL
David “Dances with Lizards” Duesing
Tico 26 - YD
Adrienne “Spider Whisperer”
Ostrove
Tico 26 - CED
EDITORS’ TOTEM POLE
14

Hello Curlies!!
the hair care series that I will be writing about in La Cadena.
Women, I am talking to you, yes you with the curls, waving back and forth letting it spring up and down. Ok
so you are a Peace Corps volunteer with minimal capital and wonder, what on earth am I going to do with my
hair? My stylist is not here, hair products in San Jose are expensive, and I still want to look good. This budget
is just not cutting it. The list goes on and on. Don’t worry; there are alternative ways to keep your hair healthy
and growing without hurting your Banco Nacional account.
YOU must Know that …
There are these natural product shops all over Costa Rica called microbiotica. Your microbiotica has all the oils
in the world so if you get a horrible conditioner, go to your microbiotica and buy oils. Mix the oil of your choice
with an inexpensive conditioner and there you go! You can even make your own pomade or leave in condition-
er. Be creative ladies!
Enjoy,
Christelle Domerçant
GENERAL INFORMATION
For you curlies in general both loose
curls or tight curls
#1. Keep your hair hydrated. Never be
afraid of going in that shower and just
wet your hair. No need for shampooing
and conditioning today, just let water
works its way down those strands.
#2. Keep your hair conditioned- uncon-
ditioned hair feels rough and dry so keep
it smooth.
#3. Keep your hair clean – shampoo is
necessary to take out the dust in Gua-
nacaste, salt residue from limon’s beach-
es, the smell of coffee from los santos or
that everyday sweat that you make from
hiking those hills under the sun.
#4. Never sleep with wet hair.
#5. Stop bothering it. Let it be free and
don’t wear ponytails every time.
For curlies with tight curls
If you feel that manageability, styling and growth is an issue, I rec-
ommend the following.
#1. Co-wash every time you get a chance but also wash your hair
with shampoo at least 2x a month to prevent buildup in your scalp.
#2. Use leave-in conditioner very often.
#3. Leave your hair alone. Stop touching it! Stop brushing it!
Definitions: co-wash- is washing your hair with conditioner instead
of shampoo.
Be free and long live curlies!!
Background: Christelle started a hair-consulting firm in New York City before joining the
Peace Corps. She hopes to provide volunteers with free information on general hair care and
maintenance including organic based recipes.
15

FitCorps seeks to gather and share resources provided by PCVs for all things
regarding healthy living in mind, body, and spirit
www.FitCorpsPCV.wordpress.com
Facebook Page: “FitCorpsPCV”
#FitCorps
”So as we all know staying fit in site can be a hassle; from lack
of time, lack of space, lack of equipment, all the way to the
wonderful heat of Costa Rica (and if you live in Guanacaste,
even worst). Three months after arriving in country I discov-
ered my clothes where fitting tight, I was feeling tired, and
without energy. When I got to site I made a commitment to
myself that I will do all I could to stay active. No surprise,
I failed. It was too hot to do anything or it was raining too
much and I have a very tiny house so working out inside is
always a hassle. A couple months ago I decided to start run-
ning as it’s probably the best option for me in my site. I have
a nice paved road and all I need is my shoes. On August 23, I
participated in the 2nd Annual Nicoya Colonial Race (5km).
I decided to participate because it’s a way to see the progress
I’ve made, stay motivated, and at the same time help out a
good cause. I am far from reaching my goal, far from calling
m self a runner, and far from being dedicated enough to go
for a run EVERY single day. However, I am motivated enough
to make the change in my life and stay healthy. So no more
excuses because ‘when there is a will, there is a way’.”
Montserrat Celalla, Tico 26
How do you maintain a healthy lifestyle in site?
Share your experiences, ideas, recipes, and tips with other
PCVs through FitCorps!
E-mail: LaurenLH3@gmail.com
16

Regional Leader
[ree-juh-nl · lee-der]
noun
on-demand, just-in-time support to
volunteers in their regions.
The Regional Leader position was recently created to
build a partnership between volunteers and Program
Staff based on open and honest communication. The
goal is to foster a welcoming, supportive, and positive
attitude among Peace Corps volunteers.
17
Photo:AmandaBryson
RLGuanacaste

Central Valley
Eric Wilson
Stretching from San Ramon of Alajuela to
Paraiso of Cartago, the Talamanca
mountain range to the Central
Mountains of the north is the Central
Valley. Volunteers who call this region
home reside in the provincias of
Puntarenas, Alajuela, Cartago, San Jose,
and Heredia. The region is 7,062 square miles and covers nearly 1/5 of
the surface area of Costa Rica. The central valley is arguably one of the
most diverse regions with its many attractions and naturaleza including
mountains, beaches, highlands, cloud forests, rain forests, lowlands, and
volcanoes like Poas and Irazu. When you are in the most populous city
and capital of the country, Chepe, you should check out some of these
happening places: Galeria Namu, Museo Nacional, Children’s Museum, Mu-
seo de Jade, Mercado Central, Barrio Amon, Museo de Arte y Diseno Con-
temporaneo, TEOR/eTico, and Cafe Mundo.
A little about the volunteers’ projects:
JUMPstarts, youth camps, recycling projects, art projects, murals,
groups, biodigesters, tourism
Males Females
18

Super Sur
Bradford Branch
Where to go: Playa Uvita (pictured above)
How to get there: Tracopa buses leave San Jose daily
at 7:30 am, 10:15 am, 11 am, 12 noon, 3:30 and 4:30
pm.
Must do: Walk out onto the whale’s tail during low tide
Where to stay:
gmail.com
Why go:
the sun.
19

The Zona Norte is composed of 11 CED
volunteers, 3 TEFL volunteers and 2 YD. 6
of our volunteers are from Tico 26 and 10
of our volunteers are from Tico 27. Yes,
we have a grand total of 16 PCVs!
E l C hoyin
If Zona Norte ran the world, this is
what it would look like: Women would
hold 51% of leadership positions,
both in governments and
organizations. There would be free
education for all. Everybody would
care about everyone. Every square
mile would have its very own ice
cream shop. Actually, the whole world
would just be made of ice cream and
everyone would have a pug.
~~this is how we do~~
Aside from having amazing PCVs, Zona Norte has amazing sites! La Fortuna is about
4 hours from San Jose. While in La Fortuna not to be missed is the Fortuna Waterfall
(great hike and Beyonce was here, too!), El Choyin (free access to a hot water river),
Cerro Chato & the Green Lagoon (‘challenging in a fun way’ type of hike- at one point
you have to hoist yourself up with a rope), and Zip lining (you can view the waterfall
from up above and it’s just a blast to go through the jungle at top speeds!).
Colon to Terminal San Carlos (as it is in the red zone). Buses to La Fortuna pass through
Naranjo, Zarcero, and Ciudad Quesada. You can also take a bus to
Ciudad Quesada and from there to Fortuna.
La Fortuna Lodging: La Choza Inn; # 2479 - 9361. Hotel Dorothy;
# 2479 - 8068. Gringo’s Pete; # 2479 - 8521.
DISCLAIMER: 84% of the PCV information on this page is applicable to only 63% of PCVs in the
region. And most of the titles used on this page come from songs and books.
21

Guanacaste
Amanda Bryson and Victor Pimentel
Guanacaste is made up of 11 can-
tons and 59 districts. The total area
of Guanacaste spans 3,679² miles
and has more than 434 miles of
coast line. The name of Guanacaste
derives from the náhuatl (native
tribe) word cuauhnacaztli, which
means “place of the ear tree.” The
tree of Guanacaste is a
distinctive tree in the region with a
seed pod shaped like a human ear;
this tree also has the honor of being
Costa Rica ‘s national tree.
The city of Liberia ranks #5 for be-
ing one of the most populated areas
in Costa Rica (45,380), while the
-
nacaste goes to #33, Canas (20,306). The top honors for the lowest crime
rates in Costa Rica go to #1 Hojancha and #2 Nandayure, both in Gua-
nacaste.
Photocourtesyofwww.eattheweeds.com©
22

Although residential construction in Costa Rica fell by about 4 percent in
the province of
school, while Guanacaste’s unemployment rate stands at over 11%. In
turn, the lack of jobs means that over 30% of the region’s population lives
in poverty.
Here is the breakdown of our amazing Peace Corps
Volunteers:
Tico 24- 7%
Tico 25-31%
Tico 26-10%
Tico 27-52%
3 Peace Corps Response Volunteers
2 Regional Leaders
62% Female Volunteers
38% Male Volunteers
CED-20%
YD-10%
TEFL-70%
YIIIIIP YIIIIP YIIIIIP!!!!!!!!!
23

Limón
Anna Ferris
Atlantic Coast to the Panama border in the south. The majority of
Caribe volunteers are located in the province of Limón, although
we also have volunteers in Sarapiqui de Heredia and Turrialba de
18% of the land area of Costa Rica. Limón is the most
culturally diverse province, with important afrocarribean,
indigenous and Chinese populations. There are currently 16 PCVs
in Limon: 4 YD, 2 CED, 9 TEFL and the RL.
Some neat things to see: Tortuguero, Alto Talamanca,
Gandoca, Día del Afrodescendiente en Limón, Carnaval, the
international festival in Earth University and the Guapiles Expo.
Some projects done by Caribe PCVs: Camp Glow, recreational
camps, JumpStart Camps, Spelling Bees, water sanitation
projects, murals, art camps and classes, a jump rope team and
24

-
dena, we will begin publishing details
about projects that PCVs in your re-
gion are working on! We hope this will
need. Stay tuned!
(hold your horses!)
25
Design a
Peace Corps Costa Rica
Tank Top!!
VAC is accepting submissions to
put your design on a tank top. The
winning design will recieve a free
tank top with their design on it.
Email submissions to
Pim903@yahoo.com
Pim903@yahoo.com
Photo:UrsulaWright
Tico24YD

INTRODUCING THE TEFL
WEBSITE AND DRIVE
Your (ever growing) one stop shop for all you’ll
ever need to teach English in Costa Rica
The desire to learn English is something
that volunteers encounter on a daily basis. Even
if you are not a TEFL volunteer, the fact that you
speak English makes you valuable in the eyes of
Costa Ricans who want to learn English for var-
ious reasons. Whether it is to get a job, commu-
nicate with a gringo, or just enjoy what Pitbull is
yelling about in his recent feature, English is ex-
tremely prevalent throughout Costa Rica. This
leads us to become constant English teachers
whether we want to be or not. I have spent the last
year scouring the web for resources only to find
resources that are not exactly what I am looking
for or require me to pay for their worksheets. And
volunteers know that we are always trying to avoid
any extra expense when we can.
Therefore, we have decided to create our
own collection of resources, completely free, and
completely relevant to the MEP curriculum and
what Ticos consistently ask for help with. While it
is still in its infant stage we hope for it to grow ex-
ponentially. The only way for this to happen is with
the help of all of you. Anytime you find yourself
searching through dozens of TEFL websites only
to be met with a “Start your Monthly Subscription
Now!,” why not check the Google Drive, and if you
still can’t find what you’re looking for and wind up
making your own, upload it to the Drive and pay
it forward to the next volunteer.
We hope you will use this collection of
resources and help it grow.
Resources on the Google Drive
TEFL in the Classroom
-A collection of resources grouped by topic
Game Shows
- Templates for Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune,
and Who Wants to be a Millionaire?
Model UN
Reader’s Theater
Spelling Bee
Bachillerato Prep Course
TEFL with Ticos
- An entire curriculum for a community class
TEFL for MEP
- A collection of lesson plans for every grade
from 1st - 11th.
Curriculums
- Learning Center, PC Nicaragua, MEP
Information about Teaching English
- Articles and books about TEFL
ABC
26

HOW TO USE THE
DRIVE
HOW TO USE THE
WEBSITE
pcteflcostarica.wordpress.com
When you arrive at the site you will be on the Home page. At the top there are three tabs:
The Home page is just a short bio written by Kevin. The Projects has short descriptions of various TEFL projects
that you may want more information about. The Resources tab is where all the resources are. When you click the
Resource tab you will be taken to a page with various titles and links to the Google Drive.
Each blue link will take you to the Google Drive. The bullet points below each link are a list of the contents
contained in each folder. “TEFL in the Classroom” is full of general resources which includes: games (G), lesson
plans (LP), worksheets (WS), and Powerpoints. (PP) Each link will take you to the Google Drive where you can
navigate each folder to find whatever you are looking for.
drive.google.com
The website is the easiest way to access the Drive (without having to log in) if all you want is it to look for materi-
als or information. However, if you would like to upload something to the Google Drive you will need to log in:
email: teflcostarica@gmail.com
password: kevinbrown
Once you have logged in to the Google Drive, you can search for materials like you would having arrived from
the website. In order to upload something click the arrow on the left....
For uploading one or more files
For uploading an entire folder
Browse your computer in order to find the file/folder you want to upload. Feel free to navigate to the appropriate
folder in order to directly upload the file to it, otherwise just upload it to the main Drive and someone will move
it to the appropriate folder.
*If you have any questions/comments/suggestions
please email me at tmarren2090@gmail.com
27

¡Bienvenida, Ana María!
Ana María Umaña Cubillo is the
new TEFL Assistant and SSA at
Peace Corps Costa Rica. She
graduated from Universidad de
Costa Rica with a Bachelor’s
Degree in English. She is
currently working on her thesis
to obtain a Master’s Degree in
Translation (Universidad
Nacional de Costa Rica). Ana
María is also studying
International Relations –to be
graduated in 2016. Moreover, in 2013 she served as a volunteer in
Bahía, Brazil with an American NGO (One World Center) where she
developed several community development projects. Before that, she
worked as an English and Spanish teacher within public and private
Costa Rican institutions, English tutor for beginners, and freelance
translator.
28

YesseniaProdero
TICO25
TomMarren
TICO25
29

BE
ANONYMOUS, RANDOM, AND GRATEFUL
By Amanda Rabinowitz
Our days, especially as Peace Corps Volunteers,
are filled with tiny struggles and triumphs, successes
and trials, smiles, sweat and tears. Amidst this whirl-
wind of emotions and experiences, it is easy to forget
to say thank you or to commit random acts of kind-
ness. Each of you possesses enduring kindness, or you
would not be where you are. Committing to Peace
Corps is testament to this kindness that you all bear.
I challenge you to make a conscious effort to commit
random acts of kindness; to go back to those people in
your life (both past and present) who have made you
unique and say “thank you”; and to make a point to
show people their value to you and to the world. “Re-
member there’s no such thing as a small act of kind-
ness.
Think back, what was the last thing someone
did for you that was selfless and kind?
What made it so special? How did it make you feel?
Wouldn’t it be great if you told them – today - how
much it meant to you? Do it. Telling them will not only
brighten their day, but encourage them to keep doing
random acts of kindness for others. We are all givers
in so many ways (especially PCVs), but oftentimes we
don’t see the fruits of our kindness, to know that we
have indeed made someone’s life better or more mean-
ingful, even if it is just lasts long enough to bring a
smile across one’s face. Wouldn’t it be nice to give that
gift to someone else?
Challenge Yourself for One Month:
START A HABIT OF KINDNESS
Make a commitment in your mind that for one
month you will focus on expressing gratitude, in small
but significant ways, to those who have made your life
what it is and to the stranger on the street. On a daily
or weekly basis do something for someone with no
hope for reciprocity; be anonymous with your kind-
ness and do it when people least expect it. For example,
spontaneously do a chore in your host family home
when no one is around before they figure out who was
responsible; walk someone to their destination instead
of just giving them directions; send someone a post-
card, an email, or a gift out of the blue and tell them
how much they mean to you and exactly what way
they have made you a better person. Decide for your-
self how many times a day/week or month you will do
a random act of kindness and commit to doing it. You
will find that it feels exhilarating and it will lift your
spirit and theirs! Then when you are finished with your
1 month challenge, sign up for another...it’s contagious!
ACT NOW
There is no time like the present
1. Think of two people prior to joining Peace Corps
that have made a great impact:
Name: ____________________
Name: ____________________
What was it specifically that they did to impact your
life? A conversation you had?
An experience you shared? What makes that person so
unique and important to you?
Find a creative way to share this information with
them and do it today!
“Every act creates a ripple with no logical end.”
-Scott Adams
“I’ve learned that people will forget what you said,
people will forget what you did, but people will nev-
er forget how you made them feel.”
-Maya Angelou
30

2. Think of two people within your Peace Corps Ser-
vice that you’d like to surprise with a random act of
kindness.
Name: _________________
Name: _________________
What could you do that would be a unique way
of making them feel appreciated, either anonymously
or personally? DO IT! Show them that you paid atten-
tion to the essence of who they are and give them an
unexpected gift, words, or gesture of gratitude.
Remember, our greatest teachers in life can be
those who have pushed us into uncomfortable places
and personal struggle, we may even have a visceral and
negative reaction to them, but they too can be treated
to kindness.
“I have learned silence from the talkative, tolerance from the intolerant, and kindness
from the unkind; yet, strange, I am ungrateful to those teachers.”
-Kahlil Gibran
Considering Grad School
after Peace Corps?
If you are considering graduate school after Peace
Corps service, you may find the following tips useful:
1) Graduate Exams: Most graduate and professional schools
require applicants to take entrance exams, (GRE, GMAT,
LSAT, MCAT, etc...). Determine which exam is required for
the programs you want to pursue and arrange to take the
exams. GRE and GMAT are offered in Costa Rica. The GRE is
paper-based and only offered three times a year. The GMAT is
computer-based and is offered on-demand, all year round by
appointment. Research the testing centers and options early
to ensure you meet registration deadlines. If you travel to the
US at your own expense to take a professional exam, PC/CR
will allow you to take three days of administrative leave (they
do not count as vacation days) for this purpose. To achieve
competitive scores, most people have to study – hard! There
are several study guides available for you to borrow in the PC
office. Take advantage of this resource to prepare for the exam.
Find a place at site conducive to studying and schedule your
down time to prep for the exam.
2) Geography: Consider climate, proximity to family/friends
or any other support network, size of the city (urban versus
rural), and cost of living when initiating your search for the
right graduate program.
3) Field of Study: Investigate what kinds of careers people pur-
sue with the degrees you are interested in. Determine whether
those careers match your interests and skill set. If not, identify
what you want to do, find someone who does it and request an
informational interview with that person to learn more!
4) Finances: There are very few Master’s Programs that provide
full scholarships (except some of the hard sciences). You are
likely going to pay out of pocket and/or take out student loans.
Looking for funding (grants, scholarships, stipends) for grad-
uate school can be a full time job. You should be looking into
this at the same time you are applying.
5) PC Fellows: Investigate options through the PC Fellows Pro-
gram at www.peacecorps.gov/fellows . Most Fellows Programs
offer some kind of tuition reduction, scholarships, or credit
for Peace Corps service that help reduce overall costs, while
also facilitating internship/practicum opportunities in the field
of study. There are no time limits for applicants. Once you
successfully complete service you will be eligible to apply to a
Fellows program for the rest of your life – and new programs
are affiliated each year.
6) Internships, Work Study, Work & Study or just Study: De-
termine whether you will need income during your studies or
whether you can afford to be a full-time student. Investigate
whether the program facilitates internships, offers work-study
options or has a course schedule that would enable you to
work and study.
7) Visit the campus: Would you buy a house or a car without
seeing it first? Remember, graduate school is a big investment.
Just because the school has strong name recognition and a
solid reputation, you need to be sure it feels right
for you. Arrange to visit the campus to make sure it’s a good
fit.
8) Interview the Dean of Admissions, ask to sit in on a class,
meet with students and/or alumna: Get your questions an-
swered before you accept an offer. Remember, the school went
through a process to accept you; now it’s your turn to decide
whether you accept the school.
31

First things first I’m the chillest
Laid back, running late like it’s my business, what
I’m still sippin cafecito
Eight sugars in, drinking liquid diabetes, what
You should wanna mad crib like this
No doorbell, barbed wire on the fence, yeah
No hot water, gotta mattress made of foam
Prepago, Kolbi, no saldo on my phone (on my
phone)
Always thankin God, don’t forget that (never)
Rollerskating like we bringing ‘68 back, what
Saprissa winnin, where la Liga at?
Nah the Sele tica ya can’t beat dat
I’m so tico, you already know
I’m in the fast lane from Chepe to Cartago
I’m so tico, sippin’ my fresco
Got rice and beans but no queso-oh
TICO
By David Duesing
An homage to our host country to the tune of Iggy Azalea’s “Fancy”
I said chiva, not chido, now get with the lingo
Tuanis, pichudo, don’t pronounce it like a gringo
Got Luis Guillermo, Keylor, portero
Crazy bland tamales, spice ‘em up with some Lizano
Just hangin out like a mae
Don’t gimme none that diay
Lathered up in dat cologne
So much that it might make you cry
Just hangin out like a mae
Don’t gimme none that diay
Pouring ketchup on fideos
But don’t ask me why
Now say it - Tico, Tico
Ay que rico, rico
Got them beaches from Flamingo to Uvita-ita
I be that T-I-C-O, from Tiquicia
Got no army, but damn proud of democracia
32

I’m so tico, hookers in Jaco
Palmares, gonna watch toro-ohs
Pop the guaro
Let’s get drunk off Imperial
Shout que dicha
Irazú, Poas, Arenal
Yeah beaches, Guanacaste
Monteverde, got that cloudy bosque
Queque with my café
Casado, chifrijo, down it with cacique, ow
Sad Jesus, why ya cryin man
Gotcha face slapped on every bus and minivan
Got milk, ice cream, Dos Pinos
5:00am I start my day with gallo pinto
La Negrita in Cartago, huh?
Good Catholic, gonna walk the Romeria, huh?
Shouting wassup macho?
Natilla run, slowly strolling to the chino
Yo soy tico como gallo pinto
Got rice and beans but no queso-oh
Costa, Costa R-I-C-A
33

Abby Taylor
TICO 25
TEFL
Hometown:
Education:
PC Site:
Time in Country:
Who do you live with?
Favorite Spanish Word:
Current Projects: Spelling Bee, girls soccer team, community exercise class.
3 Words that describe….
1. Your site:
Your transportation situation:
3. Your relationship with your community:
4. A typical Saturday night in your site:
What you miss most from back home?
Would you ever do Peace Corps again?
5 Minute Interviews
34

Finish these sentences!
Peace Corps is like...
I don’t remember the last time I...
As long as I live I will never again...
What do you do when you are bored?
What keeps you sane?
Lessons learned:
Favorite place in Costa Rica:
Favorite thing to do in San Jose:
Go-to drink:
Food you miss the most:
Dream job:
Currently reading:
Currently listening to:
Last Movie you watched:
Give us a haiku! (3 lines of 5 syllables, 7
syllables, 5 syllables)
35

36
Chris Bair
TICO 26
CED
Hometown:
Education:
Work Experience: -
PC Site:
Time in Country:
Who do you live with?:
Current Projects:
Your site:
Your relationship with your community:
“Oh hey, I didn’t see you down there”

Dream job:
Currently reading:
Currently listening to: -
Last Movie you watched: -
Give us a haiku! (3 lines of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables)
Would you ever do Peace Corps again? -
Peace Corps is like….
I don’t remember the last time I
-
As long as I live I will never again…
Fun fact about yourself:
Lessons learned:
Favorite place in Costa Rica -
Favorite thing to do in San Jose: -
“As a young man, a photograph of Chris’ trademark lifeless, glassy-eyed
stare briefly garnered him something of a cult internet following in
Japan, for reasons still unknown to both him and the greater Japanese
public”.
Would you trust this face?
37

Desirae Suggs
TICO 27
CED
Hometown:
Education:
PC Site:
Time in Country:
Who do you live with?
Current Projects:
1. Your site:
3. Your relationship with your community:
Post PC Plans:
Would you ever do Peace Corps again?
38

Peace Corps is like...
I don’t remember the last time I...
As long as I live I will never again...
What do you do when you are bored?
Lessons learned:
Favorite place in Costa Rica:
Favorite thing to do in San Jose:
Go-to drink:
Dream job:
Currently reading:
Currently listening to:
Last Movie you watched:
Give us a haiku! (3 lines of 5 syllables, 7 syllables, 5 syllables)
39

CHEF TED...
Guacamole a la TED
Ingredients:
1 avocado
1 cucumber
1/2 lime
1/2 cup of water or milk
salt & pepper (al gusto)
1 panamanian or jalapeño pep-
per (optional)
Directions:
Peel cucumber and chop in four pieces.
Remove avocado fruit, add water or milk, pepper
(optional) to blender and blend. If its too thick
add more water or milk. The more you add the
creamier it will be, but don’t add to much oth-
erwise you lose the avocado flavor. Once it’s all
blended add lime, salt and pepper al gusto, blend
again and taste. This will be around 1-2 cups.
Provecho!
Roasted Salsa a la TED
Ingredients:
6-8 panamanian or jalapeño pep-
pers
3 cloves of garlic
1 tomato
1 onion
1/2 bushel cilantro
1/2 lime
1/4 olive oil
salt & pepper (al gusto)
Directions:
Roast everything either in a pan or a comal (peppers,
garlic. onions, tomato) once everything is roasted. Add
roasted ingredients, olive oil (you can use any oil), ci-
lantro and lime to blender. Leave a small opening when
blending, the vapor might make the lid pop up and
explode in your face and make your face burn for the
rest of the day.Add salt and pepper. Fry sauce on pan
till it reduces to your liking.
Provecho!
lacadena730@gmail.com.
40

VAC News
Peace Corps is by definition an organization in transition. With volunteers arriving and departing the
country at intervals, our time together is fleeting. To our newest colleagues in Tico 28 - Welcome to
Costa Rica. And we sadly bid farewell to most of our friends from Tico 24. As humans, when we find
ourselves in an environment of change, we look for a constant. In our case, that constant is the Volun-
teer Advisory Council (VAC). The PCCR VAC has represented you, the volunteer throughout much of
the time Peace Corps has been in Costa Rica.
Now, even the VAC is changing. With the introduction of the Regional Leaders program in Costa Rica,
we in the VAC find our roles to be changing. And since the universe rewards change, we welcome the
challenge to be the change we want to see. To that end, your VAC has taken on new responsibilities
while helping the Regional Leaders to settle into their new roles.
So, what can VAC do for you now? Our greatest role has been and continues to be the voice of the Vol-
unteer in country - both with staff and with other volunteers. One of the greatest parts of being a Vol-
unteer is the relationships we build with other volunteers. While we do our work in community, it’s the
sounding board of our co-workers and colleagues that keep us grounded (sane) - whether it’s a skype
call in English to vent, or help on a particularly prickly project, we are each other’s greatest resource.
In many ways, it is the relationships we have with other volunteers that help us succeed in our service
and often in life after Peace Corps. To that end, our goal in the VAC is to help build those relationships
through activities that encourage interaction. Welcome VAC is designed to introduce the newest Tico
group to their regional colleagues on the day they learn their new site assignment. And it’s an oppor-
tunity for the volunteer community to gather, reinforcing existing relationships and building new ones.
Beyond Welcome VAC, look for other activities (Super Bowl Party) that will give us an opportunity to
strengthen this sense of community between all of the volunteers in Costa Rica.
Another communication goal is to facilitate the clear and accurate communication between the volun-
teer community and PCCR staff. We meet three times a year with staff for formal communication, but
it’s the ongoing dialogue with staff that gives VAC the ability to get things done in the name of the vol-
unteer community. If something is bugging you or you think of a better way to accomplish your goal as
a Volunteer, work with your VAC rep to bring about the change you want to see.
Finally, we want to make the volunteer experience richer by getting the information you need, when
you need it, in a way that is meaningful and useful. The VAC newsletter is an example of our com-
mitment to keep you informed. And we’re always looking for new and innovative ways to make your
volunteer experience rewarding. We’re here to help you and represent you!
41

And, just in case you don’t know, here’s a list of
your VAC reps -
Kiara Feliz -
VAC President
feliz.kiara@gmail.com
Brittany Stromko -
Guanacaste
brittany.r.stromko@gmail.com
Christopher Bair
Central Valley
bairchristopher1@gmail.com
42

Gabe Cuadra -
Zona Norte
gjcuadra@yahoo.com
Morjan Mohamed -
Limón
Pim903@yahoo.com
Rishi Khalsa -
Zona Sur
riship@khalsa.com
James Christopoulos -
Zona Super Sur
christochicago@gmail.com
V
A
C
Z
O
O
43

Scuttling
Adrienne Ostrove
The rounded weight of my bottom
on the bottom of the ocean propels me
up into the sand dune and I see:
it’s not sand
knowledge—
this is not a world where eyes are worth eyes
but one where eyes are worth blood.
I brush the golden dust off my nose
and ride the wind—
my belly sprouts eyes and with all four
I watch the ground pass under me,
a kaleidoscopic collage of shapes and colors
that I piece together into meaningful wholes:
Mrs. Mother Mary May I
not balls but bodies on top of bodies rest,
I think therefore I am not
bound by the same nightmare
as all the souls left buried under the rocks
but my privilege chases me into my own
and as I drink cold water I suddenly
have no throat
and it all just rushes out into the sea
until I sink.
46

Javier comes to Peace Corps
with extensive experience in sup-
porting international exchange
programs. Javier has a Master’s
degree in Organizational and In-
dustrial Psychology from the Uni-
versidad Latina de Costa Rica
and a Bachelor’s degree in English
from the University of Northern
Iowa, as well as studies in Con-
flict Management, Program Man-
agement and Multicultural Train-
ing. Javier was Program Director
for AFS Costa Rica (internation-
al youth exchange program) for
nine years and worked for various
NGOs in Washington DC includ-
ing nine years experience working
with civic participation and mi-
grant worker education programs.
Bienvenido Javier!!!
Safety and Security Manager
Javier is a firm believer that diversity is a great source of synergy and ef-
fective team work, both in the workplace and the community. In his free
time, he loves to work out, fix stuff around the house, watch movies and read.
He can be reached at 8913-2553 (BB/cell number previously used by
SSC Christine Raine). Javier’s email address is jchacon@peacecorps.
gov. His office is Christine’s old office on the second floor and his of-
fice extension is 121.
47

Time is Time is Mine
Ramona Dowdell
Hey there lonely girl, lonely girl
Just under 200 days in
Distressed or overjoyed
Advising and lending a shoulder
We’re hesitant
48

DID YOU KNOW THAT...
By Nicole Carrell
…the most common letter in Spanish is A, while in English, it’s E?
…there are only two words in English that end in “-gry”? They’re “hungry” and “an-
gry”.
…there are almost 250 words in English that have Spanish origins?
…at least 25% of the English vocabulary was originally derived from French?
…over 400 million people use the English as a mother tongue and over 700 million
people speak it as a foreign language?
…In English, there are no other words that rhyme with the word “orange”?
…the following sentence contains all the letters in the English alphabet?: “The quick
brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.”
…in English, the longest one-syllable words contain nine letters? Five are past tense
verbs (screeched, scratched, scrounged, scrunched, stretched) and two are plural
nouns (straights and strengths).
…there are 101 two-letter words in English?
...the English language is more than 1,500 years old?
NOW YOU KNOW!
S
O
M
E
I
N
T
E
R
E
S
T
I
N
G
F
A
C
T
S
A
B
O
U
T
E
N
G
L
I
S
H
49

TED PICS APRIL - AUGUST 2014
Playa Nosara...Goodbye Tico 24
Student CHEATING in my English
class, where’s the respect...
Mickey D’s; my addiction when I’m in
Chepe
When I feel like a Loser, I wear WINNER Cologne
“THE FACE” English Course II - TELF For Ticos
50

Eve & Joseph <3
Kiara’s Beautiful Face
Jo :)
BFF - Chris Bair
51

I’m quite sure that all of us volunteers,
whether we admitted it or not, had some kind
of preconceived idea of what Peace Corps
service would look like, what life in the Peace
Corps meant. I don’t know about the rest of
you, but I pictured something like a quaint
little hut with a thatched roof in a tiny town
with a one room school house and a group of
friendly neighborhood women who welcomed
me into the group to wash our clothes in the
river every Saturday. I’m only sort of joking.
Our reality in Costa Rica is significantly more
developed than the cliché image of Peace Corps
style life—the majority of us have cell phones,
at least some access to internet, running water,
modern toilets, electricity, paved roads and
supermarkets. I know I know, some of you have
to travel an hour before you see a paved road,
longer to use the internet, and many of us have
scheduled shut off times for water or electrici-
ty. Bear with me, my point is that Peace Corps
lives can be as much at odds with each other
as fans of Saprissa and La Liga. It is a far cry
from my PCV Madagascar friend burying her
poop in the yard to PCV Costa Rica friends
with HBO and hot water in their host families’
homes (you know who you are).
Being a Peace Corps volunteer is such an
enigma to most of our countrymen back home
that we all have a kind of bond through this
shared experience, even if our experiences are
nothing alike whatsoever. I have read stories,
books and blogs, I have emailed, facebooked
(because that is a verb now) and spoken with
volunteers all over the world, trying to learn
about experiences in different countries and
trying to relate mine with theirs to feel that
bond and common thread of our shared expe-
rience. Sometimes I hear something that makes
me say “ooh me too! I totally feel that way!!”
and other times I find it a bit disconcerting how
little I have in common with other PCVs. Sure
you can say that we all share the common ex-
perience of moving far from home, leaving our
friends and families and struggling to invent
for ourselves our own job and place in a com-
munity, but that just isn’t what I wanted to find.
I wanted tangible, concrete aspects of life that
we could all chat about at some hypothetical
social gathering years from now, so we could
look at each other with that knowing smile, roll
our eyes and say, “oh yeah, I know exactly what
you mean,” while other, non-PCV Americans
looked confused.
I thought long and hard about what we
in PCCR and volunteers in Madagascar, Mala-
wi, Thailand, Peru, Cambodia and Kyrgyzstan
could possibly all have in common. I thought
for days. I read blogs, I watched youtube vid-
eos, I made lists, I crossed out everything on
those lists. I slept on it. I thought some more.
Finally, I came up with exactly one thing that
I believe PCV’s across the world can all relate
to, or at least as near to all of them as I could
get. One thing, to link all our experiences. That
thing was…bus windows.
I think it is safe to say that (almost) every
PCV has had the excruciating, aggravating to
the point of adrenaline pumping, soul-crush-
ing, stifling experience of riding on a bus in
throat-closing heat with every window kept
stubbornly closed. I’m not sure why this seems
The Common Thread
By - Alyssa Dinsmore
52

to be a universal phenomenon the world over,
but it is. I believe we can all relate to the shared
stages of grief on those fateful bus rides.
First comes denial: “Someone is bound
to open a window any second, I’m sure of it.
There is no way ALL of these people are just
going to willingly sit here in heat that is 25
degrees higher than it needs to be, wallow-
ing in the BO of 60 strangers. There’s no way.
Someone will open a window. Any second. Any
second now.”
Then comes anger: “What is WRONG
with you people?? Open an f-ing window al-
ready!!!! I don’t know which one of you I hate
more—the oblivious guy pressed up against my
side in the aisle who smells like chickens and
is dripping sweat like Charlie Sheen his first
day in rehab or the dude in front of me wear-
ing a pound of hair gel and a whole BOTTLE
of cologne, which, by the way, he finished off
ON THE BUS. That guy. I definitely hate the
cologne guy more. ‘Hey MAE! The chicken guy
smells better than you! ENOUGH ALREADY!’
Do all you people on this bus have gills I can’t
see? Because there is so much sweat and hu-
midity in here it has become a terrarium! AM-
PHIBIANS would thrive here!! AAGGHH!!!!! I
am going to die on this bus.”
Next comes bargaining: “I swear, if you
just open a window I would be more grateful
than any person has ever been to another per-
son. I have some cookies in my bag, you want a
cookie? You can totally have one if you open a
window. You will be my new best friend. I will
give you all my cookies. I would give you pea-
nut butter if I had any. I would do degrading
things for a few minutes of fresh air. There is
almost no limit to the things I would be will-
ing to do if you would just open that window a
little bit.”
Then sadness: “Please, please, kind
stranger, I’m begging you. You look like a nice
person, an empathetic person. Help out a des-
perate soul? This can be your good deed for the
day—give back to humanity, please? I know you
don’t want to see me cry, I don’t have any tis-
sues for the snot. Just open it for a minute? Just
a crack? Please?”
Finally, we reach acceptance: “Fine. At
least no one can judge me for reeking because
we all smell the same now. And on the plus
side, I have already sweat enough that I can
pretend I have exercised today. Only 2 more
hours to go.”
And in the end, we get where we are go-
ing. You peer anxiously over the heads of your
fellow passengers, willing them to hurry up and
navigate the stairs so you can at last step onto
solid ground. You jump off that last step, close
your eyes, and breathe. That first breath of air,
be it hot and dusty, humid, cool, pouring rain
or anything else, becomes the sweetest breath
you’ve ever taken. You fill your lungs, relish in
it, thank the world for bringing you this far,
feel the anxiety start to dissipate, then maybe
cough a little because the exhaust just hit you
and someone bumped into you from behind.
Then you open your eyes, move because there
are 30 people behind you still waiting to dis-
embark, and you get on with your day, putting
the memory of that bus ride behind you as one
of a thousand just like it. The destination may
be different, the bus itself may be different,
the passengers, the climate and the internal
dialogue may be different, but the feeling of
that first breath is the same whether you are in
Malawi, Cambodia or Costa Rica. And that my
friends, is, I believe, the common thread.
Photo: Fernando Botello
Tico 26 CED
53

Fun Facts
Oh I wish I knew how to....!
Use your Banco Nacional card online for purchases or online payments will help you accumu-
late points that you can use to go to selected movie theaters.
If you have prepago on your phone and you spend more than 10mil on average per month,
postpago will be better for you in the long run. Getting a plan for 10mil a month from ICE
gives you 3mbps for unlimited internet (use WhatsApp to send msgs), 60mins talk and 700
SMS.
AutoMercado gives reward cards and stamps if you make purchases there. With the card,
you save on your purchase and with 30 stamps you get a free wine glass.
Trivago.com - searching for hotels online.
Dailybeast.com - your cheat sheet on world news.
Fiverr.com – pay only $5 for a variety of services
Peacecorpswiki.org/volunteer_discount - all types of discounts for volunteers
Online Courses:
coursera.com
khanacademy.org
codeacademy.com - computer programming
Got a fun fact you want to share?
Send it to us at lacadena730@gmail.com
54

TED Jokes
Había una vez una rubia y tenia mucha prisa
para llegar a su vuelo, llego al aeropuerto y le
pregunto aun empleado de la aerolínea: “¿Señor
creo que voy a perder mi vuelo hay algo que
pueda hacer?”. El empleado le contesto: “No
se preocupe el vuelo esta demorado” la rubia le
contesto “Ah que bueno ese es mi color favori-
to...”
¿Que le dijo que un semáforo a otro?
- No me mires cuando me estoy cambiando.
¿Que hace la vaca en la calle?
-Va caminando
¿Que le dice un toro a otro toro?
-Todo bien.
¿Que le dijo un pato a otro pato en un carrera?
-Vamos empatados.
¿Cuantos árboles se necesitan para hacer leche?
- Dos Pinos.
Estaba una pizza llorando en el cementerio,
llega otra pizza y le dice:
- ¿Era familiar?
- No, era mediana..
- Hola ¿te llamas google?
- No, ¿por qué?
- Porque tienes todo lo que busco, nena.
- ¿Y tú te llamas yahoorespuestas?
- No, ¿por qué?
- Porque haces preguntas estúpidas...
- Mamá, tengo dos noticias, una buena y una
mala
- Primero la buena, hija
- Pasé una prueba
- Muy bien, ¿Y la mala?
- Que era unTest de embarazo...
- Oye, dile a tu hermana que no está gorda, que
sólo es talla “L” fante...
- Cariño ¿tengo la nariz grande?
- No, tienes una nariz común.
- ¿Ah, sí?
- Sí, ¡como un tucán!
Entra una señora en la carnicería y dice:
- Deme esa cabeza de cerdo de allí.
Y contesta el carnicero:
- Perdone señora, pero eso es un espejo
- Perdona, ¿estoy bien maquillada?
- No, todavía se te ve la cara.
- ¿Por qué se suicidó el libro de matemáticas?.
- Porque tenia muchos problemas.
- Mi amor, estoy embarazada. ¿Qué te gustaría
que fuera?.
- ¿Una broma?.
- Amor, de ahora en adelante te llamaré Eva por
ser mi primera mujer.
-Vale cariño, pues yo te llamaré dálmata por ser
el 101.
Una empanada anda en bicicleta y se cae. Una
banana pasa y le pregunta a la empanada:
- ¿Esta mal?
- No soy empanada.
55

ABEJA
ALACRÁN
ANT
ARAÑA
AVISPA
BEE
BEETLE
BUTTERFLY
CATERPILLAR
ESCARABAJO
FLY
GRASSHOPPER
GRILLO
GUSANO
HORMIGA
LOMBRIZ
MANTIS
MARIPOSA
MOSCA
MOSQUITO
SCORPION
SPIDER
TERMITE
WASP
WORM
Billions of Bichos!
56

57
Back cover: Jaleel Johnson - Tico 27 TEFL

La Cadena Magazine - September 2014 Edition

La Cadena Magazine - September 2014 Edition

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La Cadena Magazine - September 2014 Edition