Back with blisters, stitches and muchos muchos itches.

Hola mi Amigos,

We are finally back from our month of water fun and ready to start learning Spanish again. This last month has seen us fight Crocodiles, 10 foot waves, the fear of death by drowning upside down in a pre built coffin aka "the Kayak" and mild dysentry. So much has happened in the last month that I will not put the details here all at once, but write them in as I can when I get computer access.

Today I think that I will just do a quick rundown of the last four weeks.

Week one - This was the Surf Phase. We all went round to the pacific side of the country and learnt to surf. I found this phase the most difficult as I have been born with little or no coordination. Lack of coordination combined with trying to go from a lying position to a standing position while standing on an ironing board and having a wave move both you and your board in an unpredictable fashion, you might have some idea as to why surfing was a little bit hard. So hard in fact I, in one of my more controlled moments, raised my two middle fingers, pointed them towards the ocean and said something along the lines of "F*@k you and F*@k surfing, you stupid f*@king piece of s*@t. I can't wait until you (the ocean)are so polluted nobody can use you, you stupid f*@king ocean. I then completed this well thought out sentence with it's subtle nuances with a sound that is similar to a cry of anguish and the war cry of the Maori.

Weeks two and three -  This was and odd ball time where we spent a few days at base and learnt the Red Cross's version of First Aid and then went to the river border of Nicaragua and Costa Rica and  Kayaked (the inflatable kind) to the Caribbean side of Costa Rica. We spent some time in Nicaragua and then headed back to home. This trip was a very physical trip with paddling up to 44 kms in one day. I also got the coolest nickname I have ever received - Captain Glenaarrr after I launched a few well timed and often explosive attacks on other boats, plundering their booty and stealing their paddles.

Week four was the hardest week in terms of pure fear. Whitewater Kayaking in proper kayaks is scary, terrifying and death inducing all at the same time. Not all of us made it out alive. Sandra, on the second last day cut her chin open on a rock that she face-planted when she tipped her kayak and had to get 4 stitches. When I say it was scary, Yo no hablo bajo (I don't speak bullshit).

But we are back, away from base and living on our own with our new tico family during the Home-stay section of the course. Sandra and I can now have freedom to spend time by ourselves and do what we want without the group being involved. I will give more of a description of what I mean when I get to write some more.

As always I am missing everyone and I cannot wait until I am in contact with you.

Muchas Muchas Amor.

Comments

[Julie]

Glad to hear you are safely back. I hope Sandra's wound has healed well. Everything is ok here - although we have had a few tummy wogs in sympathy with you guys.

Lots of love from MUM

[Lauren Meneghello]

Hello my world travellers,

I miss you guys so much. It was the Melbourne Cup today and I won $9.00!!
Sandra I read you are going to have war wound. I hope you hit the rock back amd smashed it.
I love you both and am so happy you are safe and well.
Speak to you soon
Love Lauren