Saturday, September 19, 2009

September is a busy month

September started off strong with the dia del niƱo or children's day. I feel like I've fought for a children's day in the states for my whole life and here they have always had it. I mean, it's only fair... theres a mother's day and a father's day so why not have a children's day. So, on September 9th, all of the kids go to school and in their regular clothing instead of their school uniforms. I imagine that in more organized schools, the celebration is different. In my school, though, all the kids are sent to the plaza to play in the sun and get burnt. Then they dance to reggeaton music for a while, eat a hamburger and ice cream, and go home. So we left school around 11am and then headed to the river, had a day of games in English class, and then called it a day.

A few days later was September 15th, Independence Day. The celebration actually starts the night before, at 6pm on September 14th when the whole country sings the national anthem. Then, the children perform their typical dances in typical clothing. In my town, that's a pretty big deal. The children practice for a long time and really enjoy performing the typical dance. Then comes the faroles. Faroles are kind of like lanterns but out of paper or cardboard with a candle inside and then on a long stick. Each child brings their other home-made or store-bought farole and parades them around the salon while music is playing in the background. There are also typical food sales that go to help the school. Then, on the day of the 15th, all the kids have to go to school at 7am in uniform to sing the national anthem and then they can leave. I went with a few friends from my town to the city near us where they were having a big Independence Day parade. A lot of different schools and high schools participate... there are lots of bands and dance groups. So that was really nice too.

So first there was children's day, then independence day, and now new years. I'm in San Jose for the weekend for Rosh Hashana services. Another peace corps friend and I went to services last night and then we were invited to a congregation family's house for shabbat dinner. As always, they were incredibly nice and giving. The food was delicious as well. It always amazes me when I go there because the people there are so educated and cultured. And they have a ton of money. I just forget where I am when I go there. Especially because there is an equal amount of Spanish, English and Hebrew being spoken... Also, getting in to the synagogue is an interesting experience. Ahead of time, we had to send a copy of our passport and information about our home synagogue. Then, once we got there, we had to answer a million questions by a cop with a huge gun and another synagogue. Once we got in, we were to wear visitors passes at all times and weren't allowed to bring any bags in at all. When we were leaving Friday night with the family that invited us to their home, the husband explained the situation a little. He told us that Costa Rica is one of three countries that has recognized Palestine as a country... the other two are Venezuela and Iran. He said that because of that, the situation has been pretty dangerous recently.

Well, I hope you are all having a good September as well. For those of you celebrating the new year this weekend, hag sameach and shana tova. Have a happy and healthy new year :)