Apartamento

As was mentioned in my earlier "Birthday Bash" post, July 2nd was move-in day for Meghan and I--the media pinas are now roommates AND co-renters of an apartmento! The location couldn't be any better--we're just 3.5 blocks from the Universidad Nacional, where we are both studying, and within a few blocks radius we are spoiled with a great little supermarket which also has a Musmanni (mmm!) bakery inside, a gym were we thoroughly enjoy morning spinning or Latin dance classes, a Catholic church, a delightful cafe, rotisserie chicken and Chinese restaurants, and best of all, a great view--on a clear day--of downtown San Jose.

We couldn't have been more blessed with how well we were taken care of by our Rotarian and Rotaract friends. Our apartment is almost entirely furnished by these generous folks, which was such an amazing surprise for us! Don Jorge hooked us up with all the major necessities--and to top it all off, the couches and chairs and dining table chairs are a constant reminder of our Rotary support as the colors coincidentally are blue and gold--the same colors as Rotary International!

Thanks, also, to the support of our Rotary friends, we were able to quickly move in all of our belongings and furniture, as well as get the curtains hung with the crafty talent of our good Rotarian friend Sider.

After all of the on-loan donation of furniture and appliances were received, we only had 2 major purchases to make: a gas stove and a used washing machine. Our wonderful Rotaract buddy, Julio, helped immensely in the purchasing and transportation of both purchases. Sadly to say, however, our very economical purchase of a $50 used washing machine tends to leak more and more with each wash!

Come inside for a look at our apartment!

Welcome to our very blue and very well-used living and dining room space. Yes, the walls were painted blue by the previous renters....thus, coordinating very well with our furniture and curtain donations, as well as our Rotary club banners which are, of course, primarily blue in color! (btw: Meghan and I have already predicted that we will most likely stay far far away from the color blue in future home decorating endeavours.) The view from our dining room table, which heavily doubles as our homework zone, is of the Sacred Heart of Jesus church across the street. Countering the high noise level from the busy road below us are the welcome chiming of the church bells on the hour, every hour.
Our kitchen is small, but we manage well, specializing in quick and tasty meal preparation--what else would you expect from busy graduate students?! Yes we do tend to cook "American style," but there is also regular buying and trying of the wide variety of Costa Rican produce! We love all the fresh fruits and funny looking vegetables we find at the market.

Below is the view from our kitchen window. Unfortunately, this was taken on a not-so-clear day, so you can't see our view of downtown San Jose. But really, it's nice. You can see a bus passing on the busy road below us--if you come and stay with us, as a precautionary warning, it may take a few nights to get adjusted to the noise level! But remember, there are lovely church bells, too! And here's (part of) my bedroom---lots of bright and lots of light! And see how there are not one, but two beds in the room? Come and visit!

Just for kicks, here's my new physical address: 350 north of the National University, In front of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Iguazu Building, Apt. 4, Heredia Costa Rica

However, my MAILING (ooh, I looove mail!) address is:

Megan Nelson

Programa de Intercambio-UNA

c/o Paula Vargas

Apartado 2598-3000

Heredia, Costa Rica

America Central