Of course, there is also a kitchen, dining area and a small living room as well, but there is no TV (oh no!!). I find that not having a TV is fine because being outdoors is quite the treat. I am also staying with a Costa Rican family of four who has welcomed me into their family as one of their own.
My family is a sweet, kind and generous family of four. The father Allen works as a Spanish teacher (to visitors), a translator (to visitors) and a guide in a nature reserve with waterfalls. The mother Silvia works in a community center helping the local community with their various needs, as well as keeping our home clean and tidy. They have two sons Alejandro (age 8) who has tons of energy, loves jokes, and collects rocks and bird feathers, and Adrian (age 13) who likes to ride his bike, as well as play volleyball for his school. Everyone speaks both English and Spanish, so that has made transitioning into their culture much easier for me. They also help me with my Spanish and try to explain more to me about their culture and the area. Everyone is very knowledgeable, and they make sure to take good care of me. They prepare meals for me, offer me plenty of snacks and drinks and make sure that I am comfortable and happy here.
Getting around town and to the Institute is easy, as it is all within walking distance. This is one side benefit to staying here: you get to stay fit as walking is the main way to get around. A small marketplace, coffee shop and restaurant are all within a few minutes' walk of my home.
