Protests

Well we finally found out what the protests were about after passing them twice a day for over a week. The so called "squaters" have no land to create their makeshift houses as the Government has been cracking down on this practice. In the past families have made houses on any open land, especially government land but now they are out of places and have nowhere to live. There are probably 30 people living in the makeshift tents on the sidewalks now, and there has been an increase of security around the president's house. At least they now help us cross the street when we need to :)

Classes have been really interesting this week, we have had two different physicians talk with us about the health care system, and a historian as well. It is interesting to hear the citizens view on the so called universal health care system (it only helps 80% of the country). It boasts amazing statistics, but the people using it experience long waits and other issues we have been learning about.

Every day at school we get to try a new natural drink. Fresh fruit is squeezed and mixed with water and sugar to make natural fruit juice. It is delicious, and the star fruit has been my favorite so far.

This weekend is going to be an adventure, but I will be without communication for 4 days. We are going to visit two EBAIS or medical clinics in rural towns. we will also be visiting the active volcano, Arenal and hope to see the lava at night. The lava warms hot springs we will swim in, and we will also swim at the base of a waterfall. the next day we will go to Monteverde, the cloud rainforest to walk through the hanging bridges and zipline through the canopy as well as rafting down a river...hopefully I will have some amazing experienes to share on Tuesday.

Love to everyone back home! Talk to you soon