Winding down

It's been a while since I've written but things are moving quickly as usual! A group of friends and I celebrated our last weekend by staying in on Friday night, some much needed rest. Then we visited Cartago, the same city I walked to for Romeria, Saturday morning. Finding the bus stop was a pain but once there, the basilica made it all worth it. I couldn't even compare this church to anything I had seen in Europe. I love how churches are always so quiet. There is this atmosphere of great faith and respect no one cannot appreciate. La Negrita, the virgin Mary, was presented in stained glass windows, plastic bottles to carry holy water, and in her original stone form. People were kneeling and praying, crawling their way to her alter, counting out prayers on rosaries, and I joined them for a moment. Then we went to the basement and saw something interesting that I still don't quite understand. All this silver behind glass. Clearly valuable items, trophies and metals and gold necklaces. A friend told me it was so he church would pray for someone's family, correct me if we are mistaken, that you give the church this token, with a prayer, and they pray for you. There were little silver legs, arms, eye balls, even internal organs that we found you can buy next door. Possibly to heal your ailments? Very interesting. Deeper into the church was the holy water. Said to have healing powers, because it is were La Negrita was originally discovered. There was quite the crowd filling bottles and washing their hands, feet, and faces. We took our drinks and went on our way. Found a coffee shop to pass the time before catching our bus.
There was a dubstep show in San Jose that night we had planned to go to. Planning ahead, we also decided to simply get a hostel for the night just two blocks away from the show. It was a blast to get all girl-ed up and have a few drinks. Although, I don't think the show was anything any of us were expecting. By the end of the night, we were the only women in there and it was so time to leave. The hostel was awesome, just $11 for a pool, kitchen, our own room, practically our own bathroom, a balcony, it even came with a pillow, pillow case, top and bottom sheet and a freaking blanket! Best hostel for the best price I'd ever stayed in. Ate breakfast a favorite cafe before heading home to do homework.
And now it is Tuesday. Day 2 of 5 remaining class days. Two test tomorrow, presentation Thursday, final exam Friday, and then it's almost over. What an interesting new emotion this is. We're going to try to get to the beach one last time Friday after our exams. Most of my friends leave Saturday so I'll have plenty of time to pack up all my belongings. My plane leaves at noon on Sunday. What a wild ride it's been.
So excited for Boston! Can't wait to see my mom, brothers, and Irene! And then sweet sweet Washington.

Adios for now!