That Which Makes Up My Immediate Surroundings

What feels like a couple weeks ago,
  was actually a couple months ago.
  Idioma Internactional,
  the English company I work for in San Jose took part in a local “job fair.”
  We sponsored the online English tests for individuals to test their English skills
  and receive a score that is recognized all around the world.

Since this occurrence
  came about shortly after arriving,
  I signed up for all possible shifts,
  Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
Initially,
the curiosity of my involvement stemmed from wanting to see community events and  job fairs here in Costa Rica.
As in the Sates,
I took part in so many over the years with PBS.

As many things in life,
along with all the experiences and discoveries
that come along with living abroad,
that weekend,
was more than just working the booth at a local job fair.  
That weekend enabled me to explore that which makes up my immediate surroundings
and truly get to understand a part of this community previously unknown to this soul. 

Each morning,
  I woke,
rising as the sun rose.
I put on my running gar and went for a morning run around one of my favorite parks, La Sabana.
When satisfied with my morning gust of fresh air,
I returned home to prepare for my adventures to the fair. 

This adventure could have easily been a 15 minute bus ride from the main street by my home. 
But, 
of course, 
I wanted to walk. 
The sun was so divine at this time in the morning 
and there was so much these eyes had yet to discover. 

So instead, 
I left an hour before my shift started 
and slowly made my way toward my destination. 

Along the way, 
I was surrounded by that of people doing their normal morning duties. 
Auctioning lottery tickets on the streets, 
screaming about the days specials on fruits and vegetables 
but not actually so special as those are the prices everyday. 

Cats waking up on the front step on what may or may not be their home 
as in Costa Rica you can never tell if an animal has owners 
or just roams the streets as a constant explorer. 
I would stop, 
capture, 
stop, 
capture, 
move forward, 
stop 
and just stare 
not acting upon the equipment around my neck. 

Before realized, 
I was walking into my destination to start my days work. 

Eating trail mix, 
you know that kind you get from Costco in the States? 
Yea, the good stuff! 
We got bags of that everyday. 
I talked to most in English, 
some in my broken Spanish 
And encouraged all I could to truly shine their English skills. 

The moments in-between were spent talking with new colleagues, 
eating and walking around 
exploring the companies making up the job markets in Costa Rica. 

This country, 
the companies within this country truly invest in their people. 
They spend money developing their English skills 
simply to advance their careers. 
Although, I don’t know how I feel about high school students being encouraged to work as a professional 
versus encouraged to continue their education through college.  

What I can say is 
that it’s great to see that opportunities do exist 
and investment in the people is a priority. 
With the communities and society as a whole benefiting from their investments.  

Each day, 
the time would come to adventure back to the place that I call my home. 
As done on my way to the fair, 
I took my time. 
This time walking towards the setting sun. 
Creating just a beautiful glow, 
glisten, 
tint 
to the city. 
Making its beauty shine even brighter. 

I stopped, 
got my weekend treat of a fancy vanilla latté 
and continued on. 

Living in such a busy, 
fast,
dirty 
and 
energy filled city 
most definitely takes a toll on my sensitive being. 
But its moments such as these where I can truly embrace, 
submerge 
And appreciate all this city does have to offer. 

The possibilities are endless. 
The people are in abundance. 
And at the end of the day, 

I go to sleep sending my daily gratitude to my love in South Africa 
reflecting on the moments that make up my daily realities. 

As always, 
Thanks for sharing my journey with me. 

These photos are some of my immediate surroundings here in San Jose, Costa Rica that are just a hop, skip, jump and quick bus ride away.