Nov 11-17: Snow Day(s)

This is a much shorter weekly blog than most, because quite frankly, I didn’t do much this week. Due to extreme weather around the country caused by Tropical Storm Sara, all schools in Costa Rica were closed for the entire week. Since Costa Rica is so tropical, this is probably the closest thing Costa Rican students will ever have to a Snow Day, and that’s what it felt like to me (well, either that or COVID). Additionally, because of the inclement weather, all Peace Corps volunteers were instructed to remain in our respective communities. Unfortunately, because of this, I couldn’t parlay my time off from school into a fun trip or excursion. Rather, I used this time to continue writing my diagnostic report about the existing assets and needs of my community. I also took time to plan a trip abroad during the Costa Rican school break in January. 


Looking ahead, due to another tropical storm forming on the Pacific coast, Costa Rica has already suspended classes in my region for Monday and Tuesday. I’m hoping we go back on Wednesday. Unlike the US where each school district makes its own calls regarding weather-related cancellations, these decisions are made at the national level in Costa Rica. This means that although the rain at my site hasn’t been all that excessive, there are other schools in my region that are more susceptible to floods, landslides, etc. Thus, we still have to follow national guidelines. I’m a bit tired of this Cabin Fever, so fingers crossed for some sunny skies and a full class schedule next week.




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