My Experience Living In Costa Rica Part 3

Things were beginning to look up, as I moved into Hostel
Bekuo. My first perception of it was, a laid back environment, but at the sametime, it made you feel as if your were at home, and over the span of time,getting a chance to get know the people who worked there, made me feel even more so at home. The best part of it all, I had just landed a job, at a calledplaced institute called Ingles Empressial. Just in time, to make things right again, and turn over a brand new leaf, but reality was about to strike me a third time , before realizing I had to grow up fast, and ensure the lessons that will help me into the future, which would answer the question of why I came to CostaRica in the first place. I had moved into the hostel. From the start, I got achance to know the entire staff. Stephanie was from Costa Rica, but we connect easily, we both shared a Jamaican heritage, which help us connect even better,my first impression of her was, she was one of the nicest and sweetest person I had ever met. I considered her my sister, but like any relationship in a
household, we went through some ups and downs. Secondly, there was Brian, he was from Tampa, he was very polite and friendly person, who was very passionate
about things that were going on in the world, from the way he carried himself,
I knew he wanted to be a boss or leader of some establishment someday, just
wasn't sure what it would be, but I realized as time went on, and the more time
we got to know each other, we had more in common, than what I originally had
thought. As time went on, I saw him as an older brother, who at times, had our
little scuffle, but he was also a person to learn things from .Then there was
Matt, He was from Minnesota, whom I knew from prior months, from the Maximo
Nivel program, but the times we saw each other, we only exchanged three words
between us. I found him a little odd, and strange, but as we spend time hostel,
he turn out to be a pretty funny guy. He was very studious person, always
working on something, relating to Science or Physics, but I honored his
dedication He never cared too much about the hype or the nightlife, but as I
got a chance to know him, I found out, there was more to him than what meets
the eye. Finally there was Stephan, from Russia, who didn’t speak much, but
when he spoke, it was memorable, and you had to hang on every word he had to
say. He was a visual artist, with a great understanding, of how to draw and
illustrate the perfect woman. The only thing I had a hard time understanding,
was his ability to conversate in public, but in all the same. He had a great
heart and understanding of the world. As I got a chance to adapt to my new
surroundings, things were about to take a turn for the worse, as Rohan's
situation living situation with his girlfriend, didn't work out as he had
anticipated, putting a damper on his spirits, of wanting to stay . For me, I
felt the same he did, but at the same time, something told me to didn’t give in
just as yet, even though my best friend wasn't here, especially being what we've
been through for 7 months. I had to gut it out, and finish the journey I had
started. After Rohan had left, I felt down, not too familiar with anyone at the
hostel as of yet. I turn to the only other friend I knew. The Bottle of Vodka I
purchased on a daily basis, to escape the reality around me. After month of
being there, I somehow landed a job working there, to this day I still can't
see why they hired me, because my performance wasn't something too pleasing ,
but they kept me anyways, from the perception, I knew then they were good
people. We shared laughs and jokes. Every night was a different experience in
the hostel, especially having bag packers from different walks of life, share
their stories and experience with us. We found local venues around the areas to
party and have fun. Roots, where they played reggae music, as we made sure it were
our number 1 spot. It was easy going, and the people there were really friendly
and mellow, for the most part. As the months came and went, so where the people
in the hostel, some, I found interesting, to the degree, I wanted to talk to,
and get to know better. but then I started to smoke, to escape reality, which
made me feel more depressed at times, because I still didn’t know anyone well enough
yet, besides Travis, who I would soon later connect with again at the hostel,
to confine in,through the hard times. During the times, I smoked so much to escape
reality, and sometimes didn't even feel like being a part of it. Then there
came The Random Crew, which I soon call us, because each person had their own
purpose and reason to why they came to Costa Rica. Helped me through some
really tough times. Two months later into the Hostel, I had some really neat
friends that would become a part of my inner circle. There was Florent,
Producer from Paris on the rise, He loved Dance hall music, and he was open to
many things. Love the hype and the night life. When we got together, we made
sure we brought the place down. Then there was Florian,  from Austria, who was one of the chilliest
person I ever met, we share laughs, and moments, and interesting stories about
life. He had his own principals, even though at times I didn't agree with. I respected
him, because he at least had a opinion. They were the first two, besides the
staff that was initiated into the Random Crew circle. Along the way, I found
others to fit the mode. There was Ximena, sweet and very down to earth girl,
who was fun and adventurous. Life of the party! Then there was Jane, who was
very sweet and caring, who was very open minded. Didn't make much get to her,
and she you can tell she appreciated the company of her friends Then there was
Travis, my partner in crime, who've I known since the beginning of time In
Costa Rica. He represented the true American motto, I love my country and I
will die for it, which I loved and respected about him, also, he was very smart
and a good person to learn things from, most importantly a good friend,
whenever you were in trouble he was there to help you out some way or another.
There was Diego, the taxi driver, who was the funniest guy you ever met. There
would be more later on. But we all became like a tight family over the course
of time. We went out to various places, exposed our deepest and darkest
secrets, and really look out for each other. As times past, I realized that even
though my family was millions of miles away. I had a family here that looked
out for me. Even though, there were bumps along the roads, such as,
disagreements and resentments, they were doing the same things I did
with my family,  which made me see  recognize more so, sometimes the people we  fight with the most, are the ones we  care for you the most. Later on, I had a chance to meet James,
who was from Chicago, who was one of the most laid back and easy going person
that I ever met, he had the mannerism of Barack Obama, didn't let anything get
to him, but he was a good person to talk to and learn things from. Then there
was Matt, a really down to earth kind of guys, who was very opinionated and
always about his friends. Then there was Rubi, one of the kindest souls I ever
met, she had a spirit about here, that made you feel like giving her a big hug
or kiss every time you saw her, Then there was Anne, who was the one the most
carefree persons I ever met, sweet as can be, with a kind heart and very gentle
soul. Then there was Leah was kind of shy, but once you got to know her, you can
see the radiant spirit within her, Finally, Amanda, an extreme chick, who loved
adventure, the outdoors type, that loved anything fun associated with it. We
made up the Random Crew, Random people in Random places, doing Random things. As
I got the chance to get acquainted with each member of the group, I realized
they in the journey of life, One is never alone, if they open their hearts to
people they may not know, because there is where the fulfillment of the journey
makes it rewarding, the people they guide you along the way, which was the
valuable lesson I learned when I was in Costa Rica. There were two memories
that stuck out in my mind, when I left Costa Rica, The Thanksgiving supper we
shared, for the first time ever, I was without a family, then I had a chance to
reflected and realized I was with my family, just a extended version of them.
Then there was the last hike I took with the boys, As I stood up there on the
cross, overseeing Costa Rica, I realized I came a long way, and even though I
was without my best friend in the world, I gain four more in the process. Along
with Matt, Travis, Brain, and James, I realized I didn't need to depend on my
friends and family back home, who weren't with me at the present moment, because I
will always gain more friend  and family in my inner circle along the way.
That is the lesson and that I learned the year and three
months I was there. Most importantly, I can depend on myself, and give myself
credit when it’s due, because in tough times, I realized I was stronger that I
thought, mentally and spiritually, thanks to the Random Crew. Random People, In
Random places, doing random things, bonding together for a moment in time,
to help each other out, to full fill or quest, and find ourselves, to arrive at our ultimate destinations....Thanks you all for the memories. Love you guys.... :)

Limitless-Movie Review---- Grade B

I'm sure many of you, one time or another in your life, has faced this difficult decision, when it comes to the dream or prize you're seeking, which will allow you to come to grips with your past and still present, which will allow you to advance to your untimate destination, but what if that future you are seeking, cost you  your life? would you still want to advance to the next level? In this latest film, Limitless, one mans choice towards his long life dreams, of becoming a writer,  leaves him wondering, if everything he risk, worth all the success and fame he was seeking? In this latest film, one man's quest for greatest, leaves him in paradox, as he has now has  to allude the problems that comes with fame. A super human drug, that he discovered through a friend,  allows him to become rich beyond his wildest dreams, allowing him to become incredibly fast pace and is soon to be  employed by powerful businessman. He gets the lady he has been seeking for the longest, and the book he's always wanted to published, but the downside of the drug is, Eddie's character in the  movie has to keep moving forward or he feels physically and mentally restless, and starts having memory lapses, in which his mind appears to be oblivious to the actions of his body. Along with the affects comes trouble knocking on his door, wanting outsiders a piece of the action, but is Eddie choice to keep using the drug, smart of his part, or is having all he wanted worth dying for? I won't tell you anything else, but let me assure you, its  a very relateable film, which can cause one to question life's loopholes,  Whether or not, is the fate we chose, worth the trouble and heartache that comes with it? If you didn't  have a chance to go see it. Please do..

My Experience Living in Costa Rica part 2

I was about to undergo changes, not from a setting standpoint ,but from a mental and physical aspect. As Rohan, Travis, and myself would  soon find out, sometimes, the battle we seek to conquer, sometimes requires a price
and a personal sacrifice within its self, as well as headaches, decision and tough choices, we make in the end. We decided to move into another host family, taking the notation ,we would not get too comfortable ,because we neededour own space. From the start, we were welcome into their home, and they try tomake us feel as a part of the extended family, in every possible way. We danced to different styles of Latin music, eat all sorts of food, and interacted witheveryone we saw in the community. We were taken in and love as if we were there own, but soon, we found out, we over stayed our welcome. During the time, we got to know different parts of their extended family, going on family outings with them. Talking and joking with the neighbors on a everyday basis, as webecame a part of their daily interaction. On the other end, work was beginning to pick up, and we felt good about the impact we were making on our students. At times, it was difficult, because there were some students more advance than others on otherlevels, but it was a comfortable environment, so the studentswere patient with the process. They found the class interesting and funny, everytime they came to class, I could tell the look forward to learning and being entertained, because for me, I always believed no matter what project or profession you take on, you should make it fun, for the interest of others,because only then, they can see you enjoying something you love to do. As faras the nightlife, it remain the same, from work, we felt we owed it to ourselves to stop at the local bar and have a beer or two, and listen to some reggae/Latinmusic. As time went on, it became our routine, Along with Rohan, Travis, Romain and I we began making friends with the locals, as they showed us a great deal of love. The ladies were also beginning to admire us as well, but for me, the few months of being there, I was still kind of unsure the reason behind their motives, because at times, I felt like I was walking with a dollar sign over my heads. In the back of my mind, we were Americans, with a cloud hanging over our heads, which signified we had money. I approached everything situation differently, believe it or not, I don’t believe in using people for the interest of others, but I still had fun regardless, as I needed to be free; and at ease with myself. What made the beginning of that period difficult, I had personal issues at home to deal with, and it weighed heavily on me, which resulted in excessive drinking at times, to take away from the fact I wasn't in the position to help them. Rohan was discovering his own personal virtues, as he and I became really good friends with Travis, who we met through the TEFL program. We were living with him prior, with the other host family. We were the three musketeers, within the short time; we became closer than the Osmond’s or even the Jack sons. Doug was the only other person left in the TEFL group that we hung out with.The others either went back to the states or had teaching position in other countries or teaching elsewhere in Costa Rica. As time went by, we became really close, but adversity was about to question rather or not we were closer than what I had thought. As time went by, we sense we were no longer welcome in the home, and the stress mounted. As pressure came upon us to find an apartment, but I Travis was back was against the wall, and decided to go off first, leaving Rohan and I between a rock and a hard place. During that time we found out something about ourselves and how others can change on you when you least expect it, but we still stuck together like how best friends should, and handled it to the very end. We eventually found a place, thanks to our boss,who we were working for at the time, but things were about to take a turn for the worst, as we were about to find out. We stayed a total of three months with the host family, even though I was happy to leave. As time went by, I reflected on the situation, as they helped us out momentarily, so there were no personal grudges, other than, we became lazy and content, even though I didn't hold any personal feelings, but I still felt we were taken advantage of, because we were gringos with money. We moved into a motel that our boss Romain recommended for us, he was looking out for our best interest, until we had enough money scraped up, to find an apartment of our own place. The first impression of the place, we thought to ourselves, it fit us well, and we got the space and relief that we were looking for. At least for the moment, as we were about to find out, adversity sometimes has a way to hitting you, which makes you hit rock bottom, with no vision or point of return. We still found a place of residency, for the moment thanks to Romain. We were in the heart of the city, constant honking, people shouting, bus and cars passing. That was the only fault we had, but as the saying goes, beggars and can't be choosers. Things were beginning to make sense again, as for Rohan; he was starting to find faith again, as he fell for love quickly, which was written all over his face. He was a chick magnet, everywhere we went, woman would be drawn to him, but from his point of view, it wasn’t so, because he was shy and calm individual, that didn't seek attention. He found a girl, just before we moved out of our second host family. which alter his feelings both good and bad, as the transition would affect him later on. I was happy for him, but at the same time, she more time he spend with her, the more time I had to myself, which made me feel alone at times. I tried to stay busy and active, exploring other parts of the city, and connecting with other locals, that I had a chance to know. Time past, and tension was beginning to build in the motel, the ladies that work at the motel were getting on our last nerve, pressuring us to pay money that we told them we would pay. Advising us, we were not allowed to have people at motel at a certain time. They became noisy, snooping around our room, when we weren't there, and finding ever excuses in the book to get us out. Rohan and I were beginning to question rather or not, coming to Costa Rica was a good idea, because everywhere we went, drama followed us. We told Romain about the situation,but he addressed it as a matter of us leaving, because the owner of the motel,no longer wanted us living there as well. I was beginning to question things,people's loyalty and motives, as I began to think, who was the enemy and who was the friend, especially when Romain came to us, and said, the institute was going to close down, because he no longer had funding to keep it going. We had asked him for solution, and he had none, we were still living in the motel with no means of income, and we were pressured to leave, because we no longer had the funds to pay them. We had asked Romain, to ask his father who associated with the person who owned the motel, to cut us a break, until we found another employer, but we felt we out to dry,so Rohan and I became really depressed, as we no longer had a job or a place to live... What to do now, I ask myself, but give it one last try. Rohan had asked his girlfriend, if he could move in with her, but for me, I did not anyone, except Doug. Travis was the only other person I knew, but I haven’t seen Travis since the last place we lived. From that point, the stress accumulated, resulting in me losing 30 pounds. My back was against the wall, and I had to do something quick! I ended up finding a jobelse where 2 week after the institute closed down, but I still needed a place to live, thanks to Doug; I stayed at his place for a few days. Doug was a true friend, lending me a helping hand, until I figured out what to do next. I finally got a hold of Travis, who helped me, by making him stay at his place or a night. I had no place to live at this point , and I had to do something, I went around San Jose, looking for hostels, that would accommodate me, I was basically homeless at this point , but I remembered seeing this place Rohan and I had saw months earlier. The place was called Hostel Bekuo, I remembered going there months before, and seeing  a very nice lady working at front desk. I recalled her telling me, her name was Stephanie,  she was very helpful and very nice, I thought I would give it a try, by this point, I had no other option,  other then to throw in the towel,  and go home, which I wasn’t about to do  just yet, upon going back,  I met a guy by the name of Brian, who was working there at the time. I had no impression of him at first, other than he was friendly and very helpful person. I told them about my situation, and they decided to take me in, which was going to be the  the start of a  something , but  not before a little turbulence along the way. but soon reality will hit be once again, as I was about hit the bottom, rock bottom, but I was about to learn  an valuable lesson, thanks to a set of people that  took the time to understand me and let me into their world.

The Price For Oil?

What's taking place in Libya, comes from the understanding of why I call this, politics at work, world leaders around the world, doing whatever needs to be done, ceasing oil barrels and invading  other nations, that have large quanties of  the oil, without any remorse of negligence, of what this might signify for its citizens. Allies are now coming together, to fight against extremest in the middle east. What the public needs know Libya has 2% of  petroleum, natural gas, gypsum, remaining on earth, so we must tweak or minds and come to a conclusive understanding, of what the media is really trying to project to us, providing the evidence they are giving us. Its this really democracy at work? or another ploy to distract the masses from finding out the real truth, which is, oil. The French, Italy,  British  and United States among other nations  are coming together, to fight against the evil that affecting our world . To be honest, If the reason was written in clearly in stone, to why these nation are going after communist nation that are doing bad to their people, but for leaders to say their is evil in the world, and not go into specifics of why they are taking military action, without any other tactics, leads me to believe they are not taking the people seriously, and there doing whatever needs to be done, to fill their agenda, while the future of this world is at stake, if we don't focus on finding out the real truth, instead of putting politics over the heads of people, and feeding the people infromation they want to hear. From me, its hard to define the ethics of why we are going to war, because for one thing, the country is in economical downfall, educational programs are being cut left and right, but yet we have money to go to war? The situation in Libya  makes me think from what point of view, is the media injecting us with all these information, that war is just, when its clear the objective far exceeds the objective that there are other possibilities at work. We the people have a right know the real truth or else history will repeat itself, because as the old saying goes, "if you don't stand for something,  you will fall for anything". One Love....

Remembering Hip Hop Pioneer Nate Dogg

For those of you who grew up in the 90's, today's lost is more than  just another passing solider, but its a big lost when it comes to the hip hop game. A hip hop fan, Nate Dogg put a stomp on many tracks he work on or artist he collaborated alongside, in the early 90's, working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry.  Blessed with a distinctive voice, whenever you needed a hit song, Nate Dogg was the Robin that everybody wanted. In the Death Row days, He worked along some of the best, such as Warren G, Dr Dre, Snoop Dogg, 2pac, amongst others. The biggest tracks to feature Nate Dogg, include The Next Episode, Area Codes, Questions Shake That, and my favorite track to date, Regulate.  A four-time Grammy nominee, his choruses will not go unnoticed, when it comes to true legends in hip-hop and R&B. As one rapper once quoted, "It ain't a hit till Nate Dogg spit". True words spoken. Hip Hop will miss you homie....

Reflective Times... Japan tsunami

As another country comes to the devastation and wrath of mother natures fury, we are reminded of how precious life is, and how it can be taken away in an instant. We much reflect on the times, and the catastrophic things that are going on around in the world. Awoken this morning, that Tokyo Japan spawned by one of the largest earthquakes on record in Japan, we must take from the situation, to learn, grow, and reflect on life itself. As hundreds are dead, leaving many without a home or a place to go. This comes a month after a similar event was repeated in New Zealand. As I come to grip of what is transpiring around the world, it makes me think, How much more consciously aware we must be. As the earth crust is becoming more active in  these days, causing the fault lines to rupture and causing world wide phenomena. Just something to think about. My heart goes out to citizens of Japan. One Life. One Love. One Guidance

Is Creativity On The Decline?

Immgination and creativity has alway been an asset,  which allows an individual to think outside of the box, that brings fourth complex ideas, but in these current times  is creativity on the decline ? Many can say the economical crisis is  to blame and contributing factor, because all across the country, art programs are being cut left and right, which now spells a problem for the youth. I have always been a firm believer that creativity should be taken out of the art room and put into homeroom?  Creativity has always been prized in American society, but it’s never really been understood.

Creativity isn’t about freedom from concrete facts,Creativity requires constant shifting, blender pulses of both divergent thinking
and convergent thinking, to combine new information with old and forgotten
ideas.

Highly creative people are very good at marshaling their brains into
bilateral mode, and the more creative they are, the more they dual-activate
While our creativity scores decline unchecked, the current
national strategy for creativity consists of little more than praying. The problems we face now, is simply for the hope of a artisitc future, which will irriadicate many problems we have today. I believe strongly, we owe it to ourselves and our community,  to invision a future where countries around the globe can swap ideas, which will bring them closer together through the creative  and visual arts. This will intell the everyday struggle and happiness we all share, bringing us closer together in  a world where people wont be afraid to express themsleve, and feel comfortable being themsleves, because you know, otherwise feel the same way you do.

Its been said, children who spend more time in role-play acting out
character shave higher measures of creativity: voicing someone else’s point of
view helps develop their ability to analyze situations from different
perspectives. When playing alone, highly creative children may act out
strong negative emotions: they’ll be angry, hostile, anguished. The hypothesis
is that play is a safe harbor to work through forbidden thoughts and
emotions. It’s also true that highly creative adults frequently grew up with hardship.
Hardship by itself doesn’t lead to creativity, but it does force kids to become
more flexible—and flexibility helps with creativity. Is technology currently to blame for this? We can point fingers and say whatever we want to say, but the youth need a place to vamp, so they can release tension and emotion they have bottled up, which allows them develop solutions to figure out world problems... We need more art programs for children, otherwise the future will be dim and dark when it comes to artistic expression.