EARLY MORNING

Well...I tried to sleep in and catch up on lack of sleep these past weeks...I did okay. However the buses started moving down the street, honking and screeching their brakes at 5am...

I am actually feeling pretty good this morning. It is foggy and rainy outside (which is strange, because we are not supposed to be in the rainy season right now).

My only complaint is the bed...it is VERY firm. I have found another use for it though. Since the floors are tile, I was able to do my push-ups and sit-ups using it as a surface (not joking, that is truly how firm it is).

Anyhow...LONG day ahead...more posts tonight!

Pura Vida!

Costa Rica Claims me Again!!

We made it...the flight was pleasent, bags were waiting for us when we got through customs and our host and personal driver, Rodrigo Duran, was waiting for us when we stepped out of the airport.

Why am I back again, 3rd time in less than a year?...

WELL....(and before I tell you why...yes, that is me at Steak and Shake before we got on the plane for Costa Rica).

Back to my story....

Through a student proposal at FSU, my packet was chosen for the Promising Artists of the 21st Century Recital Tour in Costa Rica. So I have returned for a 9 day quasi ambassordship with my friend and colleague and SUPERB pianist Melissa Loehnig.

I did not think I would have returned again so soon, as I was also here in November for the Santa Ana Baroque Festival.

Anyhow! Here I am and I am thrilled to be back. This program focuses on bringing in artists from the USA to work with costa rican students and give recitals throughout the week.

Our day tomorrow starts at 8am and will end at 10pm. We start with a wonderful breakfast here at our bed-and-breakfast hotel and then off to a rehersal at the theater than 2 master classes, 2 hours each. I am excited to here the voices and work with the students. We will work with college students at the University of Costa Rica first and then to a small opera company to work with some of their singers.

Melissa is getting upset with me as I keep threatning (joking of course) to leave her stranded in the streets of San Jose...as she doesn't speak Spanish. I am going to have to pull a prank on her at SOME point, or I just wouldn't be me :) HA!!!

Well.. need to get some rest...more tomorrow, along with pictures.

Ciao for now!