We love having a car, and our 4Runner has been very reliable for the most part. However, every once in awhile we cannot start it, no matter how many times we try, and this can be rather unnerving. Muncho, our night guard, has worked on trucks a lot, so he has been able to mess with our battery and get the car to work in the past. This Thursday we are driving to Playa Brasilito, which is about five hours North West of Escazu. We knew that we would not have Muncho to save us on our trip, so we decided it would be wise to take our car into a mechanic to get checked out.
After school we went to the Autopits near our house, which is like a Latin version of Jiffy lube. After talking with one of the mechanics for awhile, we agreed that he would change out our fuel filter a.k.a. filtro de gasolina. The procedure was only supposed to take about a half hour, so we walked to Bagelmans to get an afternoon snack. We had delicious cream cheese and lox bagels, as well as some relaxing tea to drink. Unfortunately, this would be the last relaxing thing about our afternoon.
When we returned to Autopits, they were still working on the car. They said it was taking a long time because everything was so dirty. They showed us the old fuel filter a little while later, and it was very filthy indeed (the mechanic then proceeded to pour all of the gunk into the storm drain).
We waited inside the office for quite awhile longer, before we were finally summoned with the good news that everything was done. One of the mechanics started up the car, and that was when the trouble began.
Before we go into any more details about the alarm going off, let's explain the special alarm that came with our 4Runner. This 4Runner is unlike most cars in the US because it has several secret, very important buttons on the driver's side, hidden underneath the steering wheel. One of these buttons must be pushed before the car can be started. It is some kind of anti-theft device that we have not had any problems with so far. The other buttons that are hidden near the pedals activate the car alarm. We have not used these buttons before. The guy who sold us the car told us it was better not to mess with the alarm.
Back to Autopits. The mechanic tried to find the right secret button and started pushing every button he could. He finally started the car, and all of a sudden the car alarm started going off. We had no idea how loud our alarm was, but we soon found out. It was one of those alarms that changes between different, but equally loud noises. The whole garage was staring at us, as well as all of the people that passes by on the road. We tried turning off the alarm with the device on our keychain, but that did nothing. Finally, after a lot of pushing secret buttons, it finally stopped.
We thanked the mechanics, started the 4Runner, and drove out of the garage. 10 feet later the engine stopped and the alarm started again. Our anti-theft equipment was working well...a little too well. We frantically pushed different secret buttons, trying to get the unbearable noise to stop, as did several different mechanics, but with no success.
We even called the guy who sold us the car from Herredia. He told the mechanic some secret trick to stop the alarm, and we thought we would finally be able to leave. No such luck. The alarm had been sounding for about 45 minutes straight. The only way to stop the alarm was to disconnect the battery, but this made driving home difficult.
Autopits turned off their lights, and the employees started heading home. All thoughts of our Thanksgiving trip to Guanacaste began to fade. Another disturbing issue was that we were parked at the bottom of a steep driveway, outside the doors of the garage. Since it was impossible to start the car, it seemed that our 4Runner was destined to spend the night outside of Autopits. We could picture the windows getting smashed in and all of the parts stripped.
A couple of the mechanics stayed with us, but they seemed worried too. It was pitch black at this point, and were ready to leave a long time ago. The fact that this whole situation was all occurring in Spanish made it more stressful. Plus, the pleasant alarm kept blaring to add to the ambiance. Finally, after another call to the old owner of the car, and some more fiddling around near the secret buttons, one of the mechanics pulled out a fuse and the sound stopped! He turned the key and the car started up immediately. The old owner of the car told us that he would call later and tell us how to reactivate the alarm, but we are not going to do that.
Tuesday, November 20, 2007
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Mold
Costa Rica has a very humid climate. We really noticed the difference in the humidity when we first arrived from California. However, now that we have been here for a few months, it does not seem like such a big deal.
The rainy season is coming to an end and Costa Rica's summer is beginning. The weather has been colder lately, and even though the rain is lightening up, we have not been seeing much sun. Also, it is starting to get really windy, and there have been nights when the doors in our house have been slamming open and shut all night from the draft.
Even we don't notice the humidity at much these days, there are still times when we are reminded of it. For example, a lot of kids have been sick at school lately, and the cleaning ladies swear that it is because of "la clima humida." Another thing that makes you very aware of the climate is the green mold. We have a few leather belts that we have not worn much, and they became extremely moldy. One of the belts almost looked like it had miniature alfalfa sprouts growing out of it. The mold has also attacked shoes, sweatshirts, jackets, and more. There was a tupperware container in the sink that had a little bit of rice in it. We were pretty busy with school, so it sat in the sink for about a day before it was washed out. Once it was opened, we saw that it had grown a very hairy looking mold that filled up the whole container. Today we went to the store and bought a bucket with some chemicals in it that is designed to dry out the air. Maybe this will solve our problem.
The rainy season is coming to an end and Costa Rica's summer is beginning. The weather has been colder lately, and even though the rain is lightening up, we have not been seeing much sun. Also, it is starting to get really windy, and there have been nights when the doors in our house have been slamming open and shut all night from the draft.
Even we don't notice the humidity at much these days, there are still times when we are reminded of it. For example, a lot of kids have been sick at school lately, and the cleaning ladies swear that it is because of "la clima humida." Another thing that makes you very aware of the climate is the green mold. We have a few leather belts that we have not worn much, and they became extremely moldy. One of the belts almost looked like it had miniature alfalfa sprouts growing out of it. The mold has also attacked shoes, sweatshirts, jackets, and more. There was a tupperware container in the sink that had a little bit of rice in it. We were pretty busy with school, so it sat in the sink for about a day before it was washed out. Once it was opened, we saw that it had grown a very hairy looking mold that filled up the whole container. Today we went to the store and bought a bucket with some chemicals in it that is designed to dry out the air. Maybe this will solve our problem.
Sunday, November 4, 2007
Guy Fawkes Weekend in Jaco
Last weekend we went to Playa Jaco for Guy Fawkes day. We met up with about a dozen other teachers at 6:00 AM, piled into a van, and headed off to the beach.
The event is put on every year by a some British families at Country Day School. All of the families and teachers stayed at a big resort right on the water. There were many events scheduled, including darts, cricket, and horseshoes. Allie hung out by the pool for most of the day Saturday, and I took a taxi a few km south to Playa Hermosa. There were some really good waves at Hermosa, and I surfed until I arms went limp.
That afternoon we watched people play cricket. Cricket seems like baseball, but much slower. It was kind of neat to watch because the game took place on the beach at low tide. There were scarlet macaws flying overhead, and Allie saw a tucan as well.
At night there was a beautiful fireworks show to celebrate the holiday. After the fireworks, we went down to the beach for the burning of Guy Fawkes.
For those who don't know about Guy Fawkes, here is a brief history. In 1605 a group of people tried to blow up King James and Parliament. However, people found out about the plan, and most of the conspirators decided not to go through with it. When they searched parliament, they found Guy Fawkes in the basement with 20 kegs of gunpowder. He was hung, and shortly after that, people started setting bonfires all around England. Since then it has been a tradition to burn effigies of Guy Fawkes.
The effigy of Guy Fawkes was placed on top of a huge bonfire of palm frawns. It was a giant fire and very hot, but after Guy Fawkes' head burned off, it pretty much looked like a cross that was on fire.
Our resort was located on the outskirts of Jaco, but that evening the teachers went into town. We ate a restaurant called Taco Bar, which has any kind of seafood taco you can imagine, and also giant batidos (smoothies). Taco Bar was really cool because instead of chairs, you sit on swings while you eat. We did not want to hang out in Jaco that long, so we headed back to the hotel. Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, so it is a pretty seedy place.
The next day we had breakfast by the pool. After that there was a horseshoes competition, but my partner and I were eliminated in the first round. I took that opportunity to go back to Playa Hermosa for more surfing, and Allie soaked up some more sun at the pool. The waves were not quite as good as the day before, but the crowd was much thinner.
That afternoon we loaded up our things and headed back home. We stopped at the bridge in La Caldera, where there are many crocodiles in the river below. The hills nearby were also filmed in the movie Jurassic Park.
We had a really good trip. I was stung by a jellyfish, and we both got pretty sunburned, but it was nice to get away and have fun.
The event is put on every year by a some British families at Country Day School. All of the families and teachers stayed at a big resort right on the water. There were many events scheduled, including darts, cricket, and horseshoes. Allie hung out by the pool for most of the day Saturday, and I took a taxi a few km south to Playa Hermosa. There were some really good waves at Hermosa, and I surfed until I arms went limp.
That afternoon we watched people play cricket. Cricket seems like baseball, but much slower. It was kind of neat to watch because the game took place on the beach at low tide. There were scarlet macaws flying overhead, and Allie saw a tucan as well.
At night there was a beautiful fireworks show to celebrate the holiday. After the fireworks, we went down to the beach for the burning of Guy Fawkes.
For those who don't know about Guy Fawkes, here is a brief history. In 1605 a group of people tried to blow up King James and Parliament. However, people found out about the plan, and most of the conspirators decided not to go through with it. When they searched parliament, they found Guy Fawkes in the basement with 20 kegs of gunpowder. He was hung, and shortly after that, people started setting bonfires all around England. Since then it has been a tradition to burn effigies of Guy Fawkes.
The effigy of Guy Fawkes was placed on top of a huge bonfire of palm frawns. It was a giant fire and very hot, but after Guy Fawkes' head burned off, it pretty much looked like a cross that was on fire.
Our resort was located on the outskirts of Jaco, but that evening the teachers went into town. We ate a restaurant called Taco Bar, which has any kind of seafood taco you can imagine, and also giant batidos (smoothies). Taco Bar was really cool because instead of chairs, you sit on swings while you eat. We did not want to hang out in Jaco that long, so we headed back to the hotel. Jaco is the closest beach to San Jose, so it is a pretty seedy place.
The next day we had breakfast by the pool. After that there was a horseshoes competition, but my partner and I were eliminated in the first round. I took that opportunity to go back to Playa Hermosa for more surfing, and Allie soaked up some more sun at the pool. The waves were not quite as good as the day before, but the crowd was much thinner.
That afternoon we loaded up our things and headed back home. We stopped at the bridge in La Caldera, where there are many crocodiles in the river below. The hills nearby were also filmed in the movie Jurassic Park.
We had a really good trip. I was stung by a jellyfish, and we both got pretty sunburned, but it was nice to get away and have fun.
Monday, October 29, 2007
All Hallows Eve (sorta)
I went out for Halloween (on Oct. 27) with some ladies from work. I was the youngest by 12 years, but still had a great time. I pulled an outfit together last minute by using stuff I had at home and buying some cat ears to transform into an Allie Cat.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
fun weekend
This week we were busy finishing up report cards and having parent conferences. Friday was United Nations Day at Country Day School, and that was fun but time consuming as well. Last week we noticed a flyer advertising an Oktoberfest on Friday, so we decided to check it out. The Oktoberfest was held at the Costa Rican Country Club, which is only a few blocks from our house. It was a benefit for a German school here called Colegio Humboldt. The street outside was packed with cars, and when got inside we found the line to get in just as crowded.
The main hall inside was set up just like a beer hall. Blue and white Bavarian streamers and balloons were all over the dimly lit hall. Long tables and benches were also set up with tablecloths adorned with the Bavarian colors as well. Huge pots of Vienna sausage and sauerkraut were cooking, and dark German beer was on tab. The only thing that did not seem German was the band playing Salsa music on the stage. The band was really talented, however, and they also played meringue and reggaeton music that was great for dancing. A little bit later the school band took the stage. The band was really good, and they even had a conductor, a tuba, and an accordion player to make it all seem very authentic.
The Oktoberfest also had a magic show and the magician was pretty entertaining. It was clear that he was Argentinian by his thick accent, and we were glad to be able to understand a lot of the jokes that he told in Spanish. We ended up staying at the Oktoberfest for hours. The salsa band started playing again and everyone was dancing. There were a lot of traditional outfits, Deutsch land soccer jerseys, funny hats, and giant beer steins. When we left there was still a big crowd outside trying to get in.
On Saturday morning I went to a students birthday party, which took place at the pool of a big high rise apartment building overlooking the city. There were lots of kids and parents swimming and playing games. Actually, I was the only adult who swam because the pool was a little cold, but it was still fun. They also hired hot dog, snow cone, and popcorn vendors to help cater the party. It was supposed to be a surf party, and there were lots of cool decorations, including pinatas that resembled the birthday child on a surfboard. It was really funny watching the kids hit the pinata because they kept running up to punch it, even when it was not their turn. It fell down at one point, and the poor guy who picked it up and tried to save it got mauled by about 40 kids, some of whom were armed with little toy daggers that they had won. Everybody received plastic coconuts with Quiksilver hats in them for party favors.
Allie went out with some of the women from Country Day School at night. They all dressed up for Halloween, and Allie was a black alley cat. The other ladies dressed up as a peacock, a biker, and a tooth fairy. They had a fun time going to club and checking out the costume contest.
Saturday, October 27, 2007
United Nations Day
Last Friday was United Nations Day at CDS. It is a special day for our school since there are students from about 40 different countries enrolled there. The kids came to school dressed up in clothes from their countries. There were flags around the school from all of the different nations, in alphabetical order. The students went to their flags, and then marched to the gym. It was really neat because each they played traditional music and announced the names of each country as the students marched out. Costa Rica, Mexico, and the United States seemed to have the most representatives.
Each grade also studied a different country for UN day. Third grade studied Germany, and Fourth grade studied Eretria. The kids practiced dances from the different countries for a few weeks and performed them at the assembly. Our students danced the Waltz and a traditional Eretrian dance. Also, we were recruited to perform a hip-hop dance in front of all of the students and parents. We danced to one of the songs from "High School Musical 2," which is a really popular movie and soundtrack with the students. We spent a few lunch periods practicing the dance with a choreographer, and on Friday we all wore red shirts, jeans, and baseball hats. The dance went well and the kids thought that it was really cool. We even taught them the moves when we got back to class. Rumor has it that we will reprise the dance for an assembly at the end of the year too.
Each grade also studied a different country for UN day. Third grade studied Germany, and Fourth grade studied Eretria. The kids practiced dances from the different countries for a few weeks and performed them at the assembly. Our students danced the Waltz and a traditional Eretrian dance. Also, we were recruited to perform a hip-hop dance in front of all of the students and parents. We danced to one of the songs from "High School Musical 2," which is a really popular movie and soundtrack with the students. We spent a few lunch periods practicing the dance with a choreographer, and on Friday we all wore red shirts, jeans, and baseball hats. The dance went well and the kids thought that it was really cool. We even taught them the moves when we got back to class. Rumor has it that we will reprise the dance for an assembly at the end of the year too.
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