Monday, December 23, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- morning
I'm not even sure what to write about, but I feel that I should write. I'm not sure exactly what I'm feeling right now, but I figure I can get a better idea from what comes out of the tip of this pen. I think I feel listless. I wish I could just pick up and go. I want to walk out the door and go exploring. Since I've been here, my schedule has been determined by everyone but me. Somehow I need to establish my own initiative and leadership. I had gotten used to the feeling of independence while I was in Philly. At any point in time I could just leave my apartment to walk the streets of Philadelphia. But here in San Jose, all the houses have high metal fences and bars on the windows. That doesn't do much to alleviate my feeling caged-in like some kind of a bird with the potential to fly among the clouds. Instead my wings are clipped and I look out at the world from my own little world, knowing that there is so much else out there. I've got to break free. I've got to experience that line from the book, Jonathan Livingston Seagull: "The gull who flies highest sees the farthest." I've got to live life.
Thursday, December 19, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- night
I think it's interesting that I haven't felt lonely or depressed since I've been here. To a certain extent, I'm definitely surprised. On the other hand, though, I've gotten used to feeling solitary since the end of my last relationship.
One of my intentions of leaving my comfortable life in the United States was to embrace that solitude. By doing so, I hoped to find myself, as the cliche goes. I wanted to be comfortable with myself primarily for my own sake. At a secondary level, though, if I ever enter into another relationship, it would only be fair and respectful to that woman that I be centered and confident with myself. That second point, however, I do not expect or anticipate. At that level, I may very well be lonely, but not realize it completely, feeling comfortably numb.
What concerns me most at this point is my direction in life. Although I am not completely aimless, since I have values and dreams, I do feel lost. Unfortunately there are no want-ads in the paper looking for applicants to change the world. Since my primary aim is not to accumulate as much money as possible, my options are not so clearly delineated. I absolutely must maintain faith: faith in God and faith in myself. From that conviction, my first premise must be action, movement. With that action, and the contacts and experiences that will necessarily arise, I will derive a clearer vision of my path.
My philosophy, or outlook on life, has taken a definite turn to existentialism. Perhaps it is for this reason that I am so comfortably numb. Since the future affects me, at best, in a vague manner, it doesn't play much of a factor in my considerations. At this point, my philosophy only gives me a vision to the present and the immediate future.
Here are some lines that I jotted down the other day: "Life consists of the present and an anticipation of the immediate future. The past and the future exist only as a type of imagination, a manifestation of a distorted reality. Therefore, to exist simply and solely as a memory is to be dead in all practical terms, if not also in the present physical reality. For the one holding the memory, the former is a certainty; the latter, from that perspective, cannot be ascertained and is therefore as good as true."
One of my intentions of leaving my comfortable life in the United States was to embrace that solitude. By doing so, I hoped to find myself, as the cliche goes. I wanted to be comfortable with myself primarily for my own sake. At a secondary level, though, if I ever enter into another relationship, it would only be fair and respectful to that woman that I be centered and confident with myself. That second point, however, I do not expect or anticipate. At that level, I may very well be lonely, but not realize it completely, feeling comfortably numb.
What concerns me most at this point is my direction in life. Although I am not completely aimless, since I have values and dreams, I do feel lost. Unfortunately there are no want-ads in the paper looking for applicants to change the world. Since my primary aim is not to accumulate as much money as possible, my options are not so clearly delineated. I absolutely must maintain faith: faith in God and faith in myself. From that conviction, my first premise must be action, movement. With that action, and the contacts and experiences that will necessarily arise, I will derive a clearer vision of my path.
My philosophy, or outlook on life, has taken a definite turn to existentialism. Perhaps it is for this reason that I am so comfortably numb. Since the future affects me, at best, in a vague manner, it doesn't play much of a factor in my considerations. At this point, my philosophy only gives me a vision to the present and the immediate future.
Here are some lines that I jotted down the other day: "Life consists of the present and an anticipation of the immediate future. The past and the future exist only as a type of imagination, a manifestation of a distorted reality. Therefore, to exist simply and solely as a memory is to be dead in all practical terms, if not also in the present physical reality. For the one holding the memory, the former is a certainty; the latter, from that perspective, cannot be ascertained and is therefore as good as true."
Wednesday, December 18, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- night
So it's actually been a while. I'll start by recounting the recent.
Yesterday I went with Carlos to the Museum of Jade in San Jose. Although the museum wasn't very large, it was surely interesting. Jade seems to have been one of, if not the most popular substance of art in pre-Columbian and post-Columbian indigenous culture. The green color of the jade was usually a symbol of fertility. Much of the art was anthropomorphic and zoomorphic in nature, the most common characters being the jaguar, the alligator/crocodile, the bat, the snake/serpent, and of course, the human. Also striking was the predominance of phallic symbols; apparently the indigenous males of the region were very proud.
It was also interesting to observe one skull displayed among the other artwork and artifacts. The front eight teeth of the skull, four top and four bottom, had vertical grooves of perhaps half a centimeter. I surmised that the skull must be that of a male indigenous warrior, as the artificial grooves in the front teeth would be visible in a battle, and would effectively serve to present a wild look to any opponent, thereby instilling fear in him. Interestingly, it was remarkable to see the good condition of all the teeth.
Finally, the Jade Museum should be mentioned for its location on the 11th floor of the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) building. Because of the building's location at one of the lowest points in the central valley, the rest of the valley appears to steadily rise in all directions to the heights of the surrounding mountains. This set-up affords an amazing view of the valley in two directions: the two sides of the building that have windows.
From there, we went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which really had nothing worth mentioning, except perhaps an exhibit of a U.S. dollar bill recreated on a scale of about four feet by six feet. The large dollar was taped to the floor and visitors were encouraged to walk on it. It was the artist's response to dollarization in Latin America, along with the cultural baggage attached to it.
Today, Carlos and I tried to go to the National Library, only to find out that it is closed until June 2003! Absolutely ridiculous. I guess it's fortunate that one can still have access to books by specifically requesting them from a librarian, who then goes to retrieve the books for you, after which time one can peruse them in a special room, but not check them out. With this system, my research method is shot. I requested a couple of books about social movements in Costa Rican history and a book of poetry by the Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario. But in the pressure of the small viewing room, along with the time pressure of keeping Carlos somewhere I didn't think he wanted to be, I wasn't able to do more than just read a few pages. I want to learn about Costa Rica's post-World War II economic development and its apparently weak 1960s and 1970s social movements, to determine why Costa Rica has such a poor record of socialism as compared to other Latin American countries.
Well, prior to these past couple of days, I had been in Pital, near San Carlos, for most of last week. I stayed with Tio Elmer. My reason for not writing, or doing anything for that matter, is that I was quite ill. It was very much inevitable for it to have occurred. First of all, I was run-down when I first arrived in Costa Rica, after several weeks of working late at the office as well as heavy doses of the counter-balancing social activities, which often included late nights. Then upon my arrival here, it was as if I was a politician on campaign, that is, constantly in motion. Again, the nightlife activities continued. But now, the completely unpredictable schedule threw my body for a loop. This, in combination with a brand-new diet, also at unpredictable hours and in an unpredictable schedule, finally gave my body and my health just a bit more than it could handle. I got a fever and a headache, along with a congested nose. It took me a couple rough days and then a few more additional days to completely recover.
Now that I've been back in San Jose, I think I'm as healthy as I'm going to be. Although my last few days have consisted in too much sleep, I'm sure it has helped to bring my health, physical at least, back to equilibrium. My psycho-mental health, on the other hand, has probably suffered. Too much free time without action leads to contemplation, sometimes of the obsessive order. That, however, is another entry for another time.
Yesterday I went with Carlos to the Museum of Jade in San Jose. Although the museum wasn't very large, it was surely interesting. Jade seems to have been one of, if not the most popular substance of art in pre-Columbian and post-Columbian indigenous culture. The green color of the jade was usually a symbol of fertility. Much of the art was anthropomorphic and zoomorphic in nature, the most common characters being the jaguar, the alligator/crocodile, the bat, the snake/serpent, and of course, the human. Also striking was the predominance of phallic symbols; apparently the indigenous males of the region were very proud.
It was also interesting to observe one skull displayed among the other artwork and artifacts. The front eight teeth of the skull, four top and four bottom, had vertical grooves of perhaps half a centimeter. I surmised that the skull must be that of a male indigenous warrior, as the artificial grooves in the front teeth would be visible in a battle, and would effectively serve to present a wild look to any opponent, thereby instilling fear in him. Interestingly, it was remarkable to see the good condition of all the teeth.
Finally, the Jade Museum should be mentioned for its location on the 11th floor of the INS (Instituto Nacional de Seguros) building. Because of the building's location at one of the lowest points in the central valley, the rest of the valley appears to steadily rise in all directions to the heights of the surrounding mountains. This set-up affords an amazing view of the valley in two directions: the two sides of the building that have windows.
From there, we went to the Museum of Contemporary Art, which really had nothing worth mentioning, except perhaps an exhibit of a U.S. dollar bill recreated on a scale of about four feet by six feet. The large dollar was taped to the floor and visitors were encouraged to walk on it. It was the artist's response to dollarization in Latin America, along with the cultural baggage attached to it.
Today, Carlos and I tried to go to the National Library, only to find out that it is closed until June 2003! Absolutely ridiculous. I guess it's fortunate that one can still have access to books by specifically requesting them from a librarian, who then goes to retrieve the books for you, after which time one can peruse them in a special room, but not check them out. With this system, my research method is shot. I requested a couple of books about social movements in Costa Rican history and a book of poetry by the Nicaraguan poet, Ruben Dario. But in the pressure of the small viewing room, along with the time pressure of keeping Carlos somewhere I didn't think he wanted to be, I wasn't able to do more than just read a few pages. I want to learn about Costa Rica's post-World War II economic development and its apparently weak 1960s and 1970s social movements, to determine why Costa Rica has such a poor record of socialism as compared to other Latin American countries.
Well, prior to these past couple of days, I had been in Pital, near San Carlos, for most of last week. I stayed with Tio Elmer. My reason for not writing, or doing anything for that matter, is that I was quite ill. It was very much inevitable for it to have occurred. First of all, I was run-down when I first arrived in Costa Rica, after several weeks of working late at the office as well as heavy doses of the counter-balancing social activities, which often included late nights. Then upon my arrival here, it was as if I was a politician on campaign, that is, constantly in motion. Again, the nightlife activities continued. But now, the completely unpredictable schedule threw my body for a loop. This, in combination with a brand-new diet, also at unpredictable hours and in an unpredictable schedule, finally gave my body and my health just a bit more than it could handle. I got a fever and a headache, along with a congested nose. It took me a couple rough days and then a few more additional days to completely recover.
Now that I've been back in San Jose, I think I'm as healthy as I'm going to be. Although my last few days have consisted in too much sleep, I'm sure it has helped to bring my health, physical at least, back to equilibrium. My psycho-mental health, on the other hand, has probably suffered. Too much free time without action leads to contemplation, sometimes of the obsessive order. That, however, is another entry for another time.
Saturday, December 7, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- afternoon
I have a few free minutes, plus I want to at least appear productive. Therefore, I'll write a few lines.
These past couple of days, I've felt anything but productive. I wake up just to sit around the house. I feel as if I should have grand plans every day, but instead I don't do anything really worth mentioning.
Besides trying to concentrate during conversations to learn new words and phrases, I've also done a good deal of reading. I brought along a hefty tome in anticipation of the opportunity and the need to do a lot of reading; the book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It hasn't much grabbed my attention, but its my only steady form of entertainment so I stick with it. As a book over a thousand pages long, I'll remain patient before it picks up and begins to ascend towards its climax.
Rand is a strong proponent of capitalism, so this book will likely serve to reinforce my own socialist beliefs. But it is my belief that everyone should have an open mind to all theories and beliefs in order to reform or revise one's own beliefs or else in order to reinforce or strengthen one's own beliefs.
Well, I've just been served a cup of coffee by my Tia Luisa. I'm sure I'll return to my writing soon enough.
These past couple of days, I've felt anything but productive. I wake up just to sit around the house. I feel as if I should have grand plans every day, but instead I don't do anything really worth mentioning.
Besides trying to concentrate during conversations to learn new words and phrases, I've also done a good deal of reading. I brought along a hefty tome in anticipation of the opportunity and the need to do a lot of reading; the book is Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. It hasn't much grabbed my attention, but its my only steady form of entertainment so I stick with it. As a book over a thousand pages long, I'll remain patient before it picks up and begins to ascend towards its climax.
Rand is a strong proponent of capitalism, so this book will likely serve to reinforce my own socialist beliefs. But it is my belief that everyone should have an open mind to all theories and beliefs in order to reform or revise one's own beliefs or else in order to reinforce or strengthen one's own beliefs.
Well, I've just been served a cup of coffee by my Tia Luisa. I'm sure I'll return to my writing soon enough.
Friday, December 6, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- night
Although I'm feeling quite lethargic (I've been doing nothing all day but either sleeping or lying around), I wanted to write a bit.
I failed to mention earlier that I have been driving a lot since I've been here. It seems bizarre, but Carlos and Marlen have a car, a white Geo Metro, but neither one has a license. And so, since I'm the only one with a valid driver's license, I have been doing all the driving. It had been a while since I had driven a car, let alone a stick-shift. But thankfully I polished the rust very quickly, even succeeding in starting in first gear on an upward slope. Through all this Carlos has been my navigator. It seems so strange to me that the streets in Costa Rica have no name; very reminiscent of a song by U2. But to give someone clear directions about how to get from one side of the city to the other seems a quite difficult task. Everything is predicated on landmarks, of which there aren't always any on-hand or on-site. For someone not born and raised in this land, who has become familiar with landmarks and directions and geography and distances, the goal of driving with confidence by oneself seems a highly dangerous, Herculean one.
Well, be that as it may, let me now try to quickly re-cap last night. Carlos, Andrea, Marlen, Marlen's boyfriend and I went to a bar/club in the center of San Jose. There was a cover charge of 1500 colones, which is approximately 4 dollars. I paid for Andrea and myself. Marlen became very angry very quickly with Carlos because there was really no one there, yet we had to pay the entrance fee. From my perspective, I really didn't care since I've been to clubs in New York City where the cover charge is $20. But I did understand the principle. And in fact, aside from the money issue, I was more concerned about going somewhere where there would be more people.
Carlos decided we would leave to go to a popular area for clubs, before which time I pounded 3 Imperial beers, the national beer of Costa Rica. I figured it was my birthday and it was a good opportunity to loosen up.
When we arrived at the next club, minus Marlen's boyfriend and plus one of Carlos' friends, I was a bit surprised at the atmosphere. The couple of clubs on this street were both packed with a college-type crowd. I felt like I was back in the United States, and moreso when I went inside and they played a lot of American music, mostly hip-hop. I kept drinking Imperiales and soon began to feel pretty good, to the point where I began dancing and even singing along with some of the songs. I'm sure the latter had to have marked me as a gringo, but at that point I really didn't care; I was looking to have a good time. A little bit before we left there, I bought everyone a round of beers.
From there, we went to a complex of bars and clubs called El Pueblo, which I remembered going to my last time here four and a half years ago. Now it was just Carlos, Marlen, Andrea and me. We were hanging out by the bar. Soon after we got there, Carlos bought me a gin and tonic, presumably as a birthday gift. Somehow, while standing there waiting for the bartender to mix the drink, I spontaneously began a conversation with a girl right there. She was a Tica, so I had to give my Spanish a serious try; our conversation was a good one. She said I spoke Spanish very well but that I had a slight accent and that my pronunciation was a bit choppy. I think the latter had more to do with the alcohol, but who knows. Regardless, our conversation kept rolling along until she invited me to the dance floor. Carlos came along since I had introduced him to her. By the way, her name was Raquel. We started dancing, then she introduced me to her younger sister, Noemi, who had a very shy beauty. I danced with her for a while and was really enjoying it. Then Carlos suggested that we go to the bar where he sometimes works, located in the same complex. We invited the girls and they actually came with us to my pleasant surprise. We continued our conversation, but soon the girls wanted to leave because of the lack of atmosphere, wihch I really didn't blame them. Before leaving, Raquel asked me for my phone number, which I readily provided after getting it from Carlos.
After they left, Carlos had his bartender-friend mix up this blue alcoholic drink. I took one sip and nearly puked from its nastiness. I told Marlen and Andrea to finish it for me. Shortly after that, perhaps empowered from my encounter with Raquel or perhaps empowered by intoxication, I tried starting a conversation with three girls at the same bar. From what I can recall, it went ok but couldn't really develop since the bar was closing. I returned to hang-out by the bar with my cousins and periodically succeeded in making eyes with the girl that was most attractive. Nothing more came of it except for a few smiles. But I was quite content.
We took a cab back home. Next thing I remember is waking up face down, fully clothed on the bed with the bedroom light still on. I got up in my groggy state to close the door, take off my clothes, turn off the light, and get in bed. With that as the final note of the night, I'd have to say it was a good one. I have to say with pleasure that my first birthday spent outside of the United States was a positive, clean experience. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
I failed to mention earlier that I have been driving a lot since I've been here. It seems bizarre, but Carlos and Marlen have a car, a white Geo Metro, but neither one has a license. And so, since I'm the only one with a valid driver's license, I have been doing all the driving. It had been a while since I had driven a car, let alone a stick-shift. But thankfully I polished the rust very quickly, even succeeding in starting in first gear on an upward slope. Through all this Carlos has been my navigator. It seems so strange to me that the streets in Costa Rica have no name; very reminiscent of a song by U2. But to give someone clear directions about how to get from one side of the city to the other seems a quite difficult task. Everything is predicated on landmarks, of which there aren't always any on-hand or on-site. For someone not born and raised in this land, who has become familiar with landmarks and directions and geography and distances, the goal of driving with confidence by oneself seems a highly dangerous, Herculean one.
Well, be that as it may, let me now try to quickly re-cap last night. Carlos, Andrea, Marlen, Marlen's boyfriend and I went to a bar/club in the center of San Jose. There was a cover charge of 1500 colones, which is approximately 4 dollars. I paid for Andrea and myself. Marlen became very angry very quickly with Carlos because there was really no one there, yet we had to pay the entrance fee. From my perspective, I really didn't care since I've been to clubs in New York City where the cover charge is $20. But I did understand the principle. And in fact, aside from the money issue, I was more concerned about going somewhere where there would be more people.
Carlos decided we would leave to go to a popular area for clubs, before which time I pounded 3 Imperial beers, the national beer of Costa Rica. I figured it was my birthday and it was a good opportunity to loosen up.
When we arrived at the next club, minus Marlen's boyfriend and plus one of Carlos' friends, I was a bit surprised at the atmosphere. The couple of clubs on this street were both packed with a college-type crowd. I felt like I was back in the United States, and moreso when I went inside and they played a lot of American music, mostly hip-hop. I kept drinking Imperiales and soon began to feel pretty good, to the point where I began dancing and even singing along with some of the songs. I'm sure the latter had to have marked me as a gringo, but at that point I really didn't care; I was looking to have a good time. A little bit before we left there, I bought everyone a round of beers.
From there, we went to a complex of bars and clubs called El Pueblo, which I remembered going to my last time here four and a half years ago. Now it was just Carlos, Marlen, Andrea and me. We were hanging out by the bar. Soon after we got there, Carlos bought me a gin and tonic, presumably as a birthday gift. Somehow, while standing there waiting for the bartender to mix the drink, I spontaneously began a conversation with a girl right there. She was a Tica, so I had to give my Spanish a serious try; our conversation was a good one. She said I spoke Spanish very well but that I had a slight accent and that my pronunciation was a bit choppy. I think the latter had more to do with the alcohol, but who knows. Regardless, our conversation kept rolling along until she invited me to the dance floor. Carlos came along since I had introduced him to her. By the way, her name was Raquel. We started dancing, then she introduced me to her younger sister, Noemi, who had a very shy beauty. I danced with her for a while and was really enjoying it. Then Carlos suggested that we go to the bar where he sometimes works, located in the same complex. We invited the girls and they actually came with us to my pleasant surprise. We continued our conversation, but soon the girls wanted to leave because of the lack of atmosphere, wihch I really didn't blame them. Before leaving, Raquel asked me for my phone number, which I readily provided after getting it from Carlos.
After they left, Carlos had his bartender-friend mix up this blue alcoholic drink. I took one sip and nearly puked from its nastiness. I told Marlen and Andrea to finish it for me. Shortly after that, perhaps empowered from my encounter with Raquel or perhaps empowered by intoxication, I tried starting a conversation with three girls at the same bar. From what I can recall, it went ok but couldn't really develop since the bar was closing. I returned to hang-out by the bar with my cousins and periodically succeeded in making eyes with the girl that was most attractive. Nothing more came of it except for a few smiles. But I was quite content.
We took a cab back home. Next thing I remember is waking up face down, fully clothed on the bed with the bedroom light still on. I got up in my groggy state to close the door, take off my clothes, turn off the light, and get in bed. With that as the final note of the night, I'd have to say it was a good one. I have to say with pleasure that my first birthday spent outside of the United States was a positive, clean experience. I couldn't have asked for anything better.
Thursday, December 5, 2002
San Jose, Costa Rica -- evening
Well here I am. Today of course is my birthday. Although I'm looking forward to going out for a few beers tonight, it doesn't feel any different than any other night of going out. Except for the fact that I'm in a country outside of the United States and am in a position where I must speak Spanish. I shouldn't over-state the cultural differences, though, since Costa Rica (at least in the capital city) is now quite (North-) Americanized. As I write this I listen to a song by Linkin Park that's being played on a local radio station. Last night, my cousins, Carlos and Marlen, invited me to see the movie Red Dragon in a movie theater connected to a decent-sized mall. Before the movie, we went to the food court for dinner. After checking out choices like Subway, KFC, Taco Bell, and other North American favorites, we finally decided on Burger King. Really, I should say that I had no say in the matter, even though I wasn't necessarily opposed.
Objectively speaking, I cannot say whether my cousins are purposely trying to ease the culture shock or whether San Jose is really that North-Americanized. If I had to roll the dice right now, I'd put my money on the latter. Which is a shame because the national culture and character of Costa Rica is increasingly being co-opted by North American popular culture. In addition to the music and restaurants, I have already seen several North American television programs, including Smallville and Maximum Exposure. At this point, I don't mind so much on a selfish personal level. But really, I'd rather experience a true cultural contact. For now, I'll remain patient.
I look forward to spending some time with my grandfather on the 'finca' in the country. I would hope that the rural areas retain their indigenous roots and national character. But it really pains me when I ask my cousins who the nation's greatest writer/poet is, and they're really not too sure. After a solid minute, Carlos provided me a name, however the response did not seem too confident and certainly not too proud. Nevertheless, to be fair, I should hesitate to use my cousins as true representatives of Costa Rican patriotism.
Now, if I may, I will attempt to quickly re-cap my trip here and the major happenings since. First, to take it back a few days, I had a great couple of days in New York City, most notably the last day on Monday, December 2nd. Paul and I took the subway from Queens into Manhattan. We went to a coffee shop in order to have some good conversation and also so I could sit down to call Verizon Wireless in order to cut off my cell phone service. The latter was such a pain in the ass; I was transferred at least four times from one bureaucratic bastard to the other. I think it was done purposely to dissuade me from actually cutting off my service.
Anyway, from there we crossed the street to go to the Empire State Building. The view from the observation deck was absolutely amazing. Thankfully we had a clear night, and so we could easily see Brooklyn and Queens to the east and New Jersey to the west. While taking a bunch of photos, Paul overheard a girl talking on a cell phone about an interview she had had earlier in the day in which she was interviewed (at least partly) in Spanish. Paul urged me to talk with her since I had nothing to lose, considering my departure in only a matter of hours. So I said 'why not?' I began a conversation with her that ended up lasting nearly an hour. Her name is Ana, and she is half-Mexican, half-Swiss. She was in NYC for an interview at Columbia Medical School. The clutch in the conversation was when I started dropping knowledge of classic literature, including Joyce, Kafka, Kerouac, Garcia Marquez and others. I think she was a bit impressed, and for me, I was happy to meet an intelligent and well-read woman. At the end of our conversation, we exchanged email addresses. I told her that I would surely keep in touch, and she said that she would do the same.
From that pleasant encounter, Paul and I left to get things started. We went for dinner at Carmine's, a nice Italian restaurant near Times Square. Since the wait was about an hour, we went to a near-by bar for a few rounds of Miller Lite. We returned to Carmine's for an extremely filling family-style dinner. I can hardly believe how much I ate, but I'm sure some adrenaline in anticipation of my journey and then the beers really kept me going. When we both started feeling the alcohol, Paul decided to take it up a notch or two by ordering Sapphire-and-tonic's. Broken up only by short yet meaningful conversation with my father, Paul and I had a great time. We joked and laughed quite a lot. With the two of us, though, that goes without saying. It couldn't be any different. It wouldn't be any different.
After dinner, we jumped to a few bars in the Village, but there isn't much to say from there. I think my impending trip began to weigh more heavily on my mind and Paul's too. We returned to Paul's apartment in Queens and he took a nap while I sent out a bunch of emails.
Fast-forwarding to the airport, I got there at about 3:30am for my 5:25am departure. Since my ticket was with LACSA, I should have expected the delay of departure until nearly 4pm. It may have ended up better though since I had a lot of time to sober up and also to rest in order to expel my illness. Now that I'm here in the warmer weather, I'm nearly over the cold.
Well, now that I'm here, I have to think and speak in Spanish. I've been playing it cool so far, but I realize that I must make more effort to communicate in order to learn quickly. I took the same approach when I began as a paralegal at PLA, and quickly 'picked up the trade,' so to speak. I must apply the same philosophy now so that I may be successful. More importantly, I want to be social. I have a lot of ideas to offer; silence will do me no good. For that reason, I'll stop writing now. Time to live life.
Objectively speaking, I cannot say whether my cousins are purposely trying to ease the culture shock or whether San Jose is really that North-Americanized. If I had to roll the dice right now, I'd put my money on the latter. Which is a shame because the national culture and character of Costa Rica is increasingly being co-opted by North American popular culture. In addition to the music and restaurants, I have already seen several North American television programs, including Smallville and Maximum Exposure. At this point, I don't mind so much on a selfish personal level. But really, I'd rather experience a true cultural contact. For now, I'll remain patient.
I look forward to spending some time with my grandfather on the 'finca' in the country. I would hope that the rural areas retain their indigenous roots and national character. But it really pains me when I ask my cousins who the nation's greatest writer/poet is, and they're really not too sure. After a solid minute, Carlos provided me a name, however the response did not seem too confident and certainly not too proud. Nevertheless, to be fair, I should hesitate to use my cousins as true representatives of Costa Rican patriotism.
Now, if I may, I will attempt to quickly re-cap my trip here and the major happenings since. First, to take it back a few days, I had a great couple of days in New York City, most notably the last day on Monday, December 2nd. Paul and I took the subway from Queens into Manhattan. We went to a coffee shop in order to have some good conversation and also so I could sit down to call Verizon Wireless in order to cut off my cell phone service. The latter was such a pain in the ass; I was transferred at least four times from one bureaucratic bastard to the other. I think it was done purposely to dissuade me from actually cutting off my service.
Anyway, from there we crossed the street to go to the Empire State Building. The view from the observation deck was absolutely amazing. Thankfully we had a clear night, and so we could easily see Brooklyn and Queens to the east and New Jersey to the west. While taking a bunch of photos, Paul overheard a girl talking on a cell phone about an interview she had had earlier in the day in which she was interviewed (at least partly) in Spanish. Paul urged me to talk with her since I had nothing to lose, considering my departure in only a matter of hours. So I said 'why not?' I began a conversation with her that ended up lasting nearly an hour. Her name is Ana, and she is half-Mexican, half-Swiss. She was in NYC for an interview at Columbia Medical School. The clutch in the conversation was when I started dropping knowledge of classic literature, including Joyce, Kafka, Kerouac, Garcia Marquez and others. I think she was a bit impressed, and for me, I was happy to meet an intelligent and well-read woman. At the end of our conversation, we exchanged email addresses. I told her that I would surely keep in touch, and she said that she would do the same.
From that pleasant encounter, Paul and I left to get things started. We went for dinner at Carmine's, a nice Italian restaurant near Times Square. Since the wait was about an hour, we went to a near-by bar for a few rounds of Miller Lite. We returned to Carmine's for an extremely filling family-style dinner. I can hardly believe how much I ate, but I'm sure some adrenaline in anticipation of my journey and then the beers really kept me going. When we both started feeling the alcohol, Paul decided to take it up a notch or two by ordering Sapphire-and-tonic's. Broken up only by short yet meaningful conversation with my father, Paul and I had a great time. We joked and laughed quite a lot. With the two of us, though, that goes without saying. It couldn't be any different. It wouldn't be any different.
After dinner, we jumped to a few bars in the Village, but there isn't much to say from there. I think my impending trip began to weigh more heavily on my mind and Paul's too. We returned to Paul's apartment in Queens and he took a nap while I sent out a bunch of emails.
Fast-forwarding to the airport, I got there at about 3:30am for my 5:25am departure. Since my ticket was with LACSA, I should have expected the delay of departure until nearly 4pm. It may have ended up better though since I had a lot of time to sober up and also to rest in order to expel my illness. Now that I'm here in the warmer weather, I'm nearly over the cold.
Well, now that I'm here, I have to think and speak in Spanish. I've been playing it cool so far, but I realize that I must make more effort to communicate in order to learn quickly. I took the same approach when I began as a paralegal at PLA, and quickly 'picked up the trade,' so to speak. I must apply the same philosophy now so that I may be successful. More importantly, I want to be social. I have a lot of ideas to offer; silence will do me no good. For that reason, I'll stop writing now. Time to live life.
Friday, November 15, 2002
[written during a family law unit meeting]
Staying awake must be the goal. Vibrance and vivacity will be the emotions of the day. Despite just a few hours of sleep, we must continue to consciously participate in the world around us. And do so in such a way that our attitude is positive and outgoing. The day is young. Live life to the fullest: every day and every minute of every day. It is important to continue smiling in order to set the ideal example of positivity and vibrance. By writing these thoughts and sentiments down on paper, I can outwardly appear to be engaging myself, while inwardly continuing to utilize my mental capacity. The funniest part of this whole charade is that observers will wonder and ponder what I could possibly be writing. Actually, more likely than not, no one gives a shit. Apathy and social disengagement are wonderful qualities of a personality. If only these qualities could be developed in every person throughout the whole world at the same exact instant. What could then possibly become of the world? Would each human eventually wither away in utter ignorance? And if in fact it did happen, would the world be (at least perceptually) a much better place? If everyone just didn't give a shit. And for that one poor soul observing this worldwide spontaneous mental/emotional stultification, would the event be seen as a complete tragedy or the ultimate comedy? My prediction is that that person would laugh their ass off to the point of choking, and then quickly find a way to commit suicide.
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
Temple commitment
June 18, 2002
Temple University
Beasley School of Law
Admissions Committee
1719 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to inform you that I am committed to being a member of this fall’s entering class at Temple University Beasley School of Law and hope that I will be accepted.
I want to be a lawyer because I want help people. Due to such factors as poverty, racism, and gender inequality, there are many groups of people who are disadvantaged. I have been fortunate to have gained a quality education thus far, beginning at a public high school and then through a scholarship to a respected liberal arts college. Once there, my strong work ethic, coupled with a strong desire to help others, lead me into several extra-curricular endeavors working for and toward the empowerment of less fortunate people. Throughout these experiences, I not only followed the well-beaten path of those who came before me, but also took initiative through both thought and praxis, all the while guided by my moral/ethical imperative to help others. That is to say, I was recognized as the most outspoken student at the college, regarding issues of local community relations (involving the low-income Latino population of Gettysburg) and their larger social causes and implications. Concurrent with my spoken word, I took action in the local community through direct interaction with the community members to identify practical, daily needs and address them as quickly and as effectively as possible. I feel that my quality secondary and collegiate education have provided me with the foundation to be a good lawyer, but it is my zealous commitment to my community that will make me a great lawyer.
My volunteer and work experience with disadvantaged Latino communities in both Gettysburg and Philadelphia provides me with the practical tools necessary to excel in public interest law. However, when all is said and done, it is my passionate commitment and unique sensitivity which will set me apart from all the rest. In this, I have no doubt.
These wider personal goals stem largely from my background as a Latino. As the fastest growing sector of the American population, Latinos are significantly impacting our nation’s culture and social structure. Nevertheless, due to racism, cultural differences and language barriers, much of the Latino community is disadvantaged and under-represented. At Gettysburg, I demonstrated my commitment to addressing these problems faced by the Latino community through various public service endeavors. For example, as Program Coordinator of Latino and Migrant Farmworker Issues at the Center for Public Service, my responsibilities all worked toward the goals of empowering, individually and collectively, an under-represented community and providing opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
Additionally, for the past two springs, I volunteered as a tax preparer at the PLA/VIP low-income tax clinic in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, serving the needs of the large Mexican community there, which had previously been victim to unscrupulous private tax preparers. This experience is included in the enclosed list of public service activities.
With my educational foundation and passion for serving the community, I have applied to Temple University Beasley School of Law in hopes of becoming a great lawyer. I respect Temple’s renowned commitment to public service and community development. The Beasley School of Law has exemplified its commitment to the objective above through its Clinical Programs, including the Center for Community and Non-Profit Organizations and the Temple Legal Aid Office. Additionally, the Office of Public Interest Law Programs provides numerous opportunities, through such programs as Temple-LEAP and VITA. This demonstrated commitment is complementary to my own personal and professional goals, which culminate in becoming a highly-respected and professional lawyer working for the empowerment of disadvantaged and under-represented communities.
Currently, as a paralegal at Philadelphia Legal Assistance, I have used my language abilities and immediate cultural connection to provide more effective legal services to the Latino population of Philadelphia. Through my position, I provide legal services to the low-income, underprivileged communities of our city, of which our clientele consists primarily of Latino and African-American women. In just over a year as a paralegal, I have attained a high degree of proficiency in my field of work and professional responsibilities. However, I have reached a point in my professional development where I feel that my abilities are needed beyond those services provided through my position as a paralegal. Time after time, my clients ask me to represent them in court because of my clarity in preparing them for a conference or hearing.
Substantively, I write complex legal pleadings that many first-year lawyers may not even be expected to write. All in all, I have followed the exceptional example set by the lawyers with whom I work, and I have come to a point where I feel not only prepared, but impelled to take my commitment to my clients and the disadvantaged community from which they come to the next level: as a great lawyer. All that stands between my goals and me is the quality legal education which I hope to receive at Temple University. If I am so fortunate to be accepted into the Beasley School of Law, I am confident that I will demonstrate my abilities as a Temple law student, and with that experience, continue to excel as a Temple lawyer.
If I can provide any other information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [xxxxxx]@philalegal.org or by telephone at (215) 981-3863 during daytime hours. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated.
Most sincerely,
[Frank E. Speaks]
Temple University
Beasley School of Law
Admissions Committee
1719 North Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19122
Dear Sir or Madam:
I am writing to inform you that I am committed to being a member of this fall’s entering class at Temple University Beasley School of Law and hope that I will be accepted.
I want to be a lawyer because I want help people. Due to such factors as poverty, racism, and gender inequality, there are many groups of people who are disadvantaged. I have been fortunate to have gained a quality education thus far, beginning at a public high school and then through a scholarship to a respected liberal arts college. Once there, my strong work ethic, coupled with a strong desire to help others, lead me into several extra-curricular endeavors working for and toward the empowerment of less fortunate people. Throughout these experiences, I not only followed the well-beaten path of those who came before me, but also took initiative through both thought and praxis, all the while guided by my moral/ethical imperative to help others. That is to say, I was recognized as the most outspoken student at the college, regarding issues of local community relations (involving the low-income Latino population of Gettysburg) and their larger social causes and implications. Concurrent with my spoken word, I took action in the local community through direct interaction with the community members to identify practical, daily needs and address them as quickly and as effectively as possible. I feel that my quality secondary and collegiate education have provided me with the foundation to be a good lawyer, but it is my zealous commitment to my community that will make me a great lawyer.
My volunteer and work experience with disadvantaged Latino communities in both Gettysburg and Philadelphia provides me with the practical tools necessary to excel in public interest law. However, when all is said and done, it is my passionate commitment and unique sensitivity which will set me apart from all the rest. In this, I have no doubt.
These wider personal goals stem largely from my background as a Latino. As the fastest growing sector of the American population, Latinos are significantly impacting our nation’s culture and social structure. Nevertheless, due to racism, cultural differences and language barriers, much of the Latino community is disadvantaged and under-represented. At Gettysburg, I demonstrated my commitment to addressing these problems faced by the Latino community through various public service endeavors. For example, as Program Coordinator of Latino and Migrant Farmworker Issues at the Center for Public Service, my responsibilities all worked toward the goals of empowering, individually and collectively, an under-represented community and providing opportunities for intercultural dialogue.
Additionally, for the past two springs, I volunteered as a tax preparer at the PLA/VIP low-income tax clinic in southern Chester County, Pennsylvania, serving the needs of the large Mexican community there, which had previously been victim to unscrupulous private tax preparers. This experience is included in the enclosed list of public service activities.
With my educational foundation and passion for serving the community, I have applied to Temple University Beasley School of Law in hopes of becoming a great lawyer. I respect Temple’s renowned commitment to public service and community development. The Beasley School of Law has exemplified its commitment to the objective above through its Clinical Programs, including the Center for Community and Non-Profit Organizations and the Temple Legal Aid Office. Additionally, the Office of Public Interest Law Programs provides numerous opportunities, through such programs as Temple-LEAP and VITA. This demonstrated commitment is complementary to my own personal and professional goals, which culminate in becoming a highly-respected and professional lawyer working for the empowerment of disadvantaged and under-represented communities.
Currently, as a paralegal at Philadelphia Legal Assistance, I have used my language abilities and immediate cultural connection to provide more effective legal services to the Latino population of Philadelphia. Through my position, I provide legal services to the low-income, underprivileged communities of our city, of which our clientele consists primarily of Latino and African-American women. In just over a year as a paralegal, I have attained a high degree of proficiency in my field of work and professional responsibilities. However, I have reached a point in my professional development where I feel that my abilities are needed beyond those services provided through my position as a paralegal. Time after time, my clients ask me to represent them in court because of my clarity in preparing them for a conference or hearing.
Substantively, I write complex legal pleadings that many first-year lawyers may not even be expected to write. All in all, I have followed the exceptional example set by the lawyers with whom I work, and I have come to a point where I feel not only prepared, but impelled to take my commitment to my clients and the disadvantaged community from which they come to the next level: as a great lawyer. All that stands between my goals and me is the quality legal education which I hope to receive at Temple University. If I am so fortunate to be accepted into the Beasley School of Law, I am confident that I will demonstrate my abilities as a Temple law student, and with that experience, continue to excel as a Temple lawyer.
If I can provide any other information, please do not hesitate to contact me via email at [xxxxxx]@philalegal.org or by telephone at (215) 981-3863 during daytime hours. Your time and consideration is greatly appreciated.
Most sincerely,
[Frank E. Speaks]
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
