Living with Jeanette

I´ve been staying in Guadalupe these last few days, at the house of a lady named Jeanette... It is a typical latin setting in the midst of a noisy neighborhood, full of animals, plants, and many colorful decorations. She cooks great food, and is very friendly... she reminds me of my grandma, Ofelia.

As for the other roommates, they are all German and Norwiegen girls. They are very friendly and warm to me, even though I am the only American guy in the house. We´ve gone out both nights since I´ve been here... the other night we went to a Jazz club, which was pretty cool yet also a little expensive for my taste...

The ¨Tico¨way of life, is already very interesting to me... very similiar to Venezuela, mostly because everything is so loud... from the streets, to the people, to the music, to the animals all around... San Jose is definetely no glamourous city, quite dirty to say the least... and the traffic is simply obsurd! I would never want to drive here... yet the people are very friendly... and the women are simply gorgeous! I feel that I can blend in for the most part, yet is impossible to do when I go out with the Germans... but then again, this is a very big city, and quite diverse, so it´s not much of a problem to stick out a little... I´ve already begun to adapt to the city, and I think I´m already growing acostum to it... overall it´s just a liberating way of life... as if people make their own rules here, and yet it all seems to work out...

This weekend I´ll be visiting my cousin Queta, which should be fun to be able to take in some inside ¨Tico¨culture... I start working at the art museum on Monday... not sure exactly what I´ll be doing, but I already saw the museum, and was pretty impressed...

Greetings from San Jose

The weather is amazing, the people are friendly, and the coffee flows like water... I've been staying at this hostel for the past few days, and it has already been quite an experience. There are people here from all over the world; Germany, Cuba, America, France, Asia, all with different stories... The first night felt very wierd, sharing a room with like 8 other people, but the 2nd night was not a problem... It reminds me of the dorm life back in college... with living quarters outside of the rooms; people out sitting by the pool, in the computer lab, watching TV, reading, drinking coffee, and just laying out... there is music constantly playing... It's like a little family here all on spring break or something, a great mesh of cultures.




I flew in late Monday night, and found my shuttle easily, yet was unable to find my cousin, Queta. As you can imagine this lead to a whole ordeal of drama and panic within the family. I was finally able to call them the next day and let them know I had made it fine. Yesterday I met Ernesto, the program representative of OTEC, and he was very friendly. I have decided to stay with a host family, so that I can take in more culture. I begin working on Thursday. This hostel was a good jumping start, yet now I'm ready to take in more of Costa Rica...

ATB in Concert

I'm here at Lauren's right now, writing what may be my last blog in the states for some time... I'm off to Costa Rica tomorrow, and I gotta say I'm pretty excited! I really hope things work well, and that within a few weeks, I can meet some cool people, and possibly find a part-time job... nonetheless, I know it still will be quite a life-experience, which is exactly what I am ready for right now...

So to leave with a final bang, I decided to hit up an ATB concert in Chicago with my brothers. As I wrote in my Top 50 Musicians, ATB is not only my favorite electronic group, but also my 9th favorite music artist. They were first introduced to me several years back by Philip, and ever since I have always found them ideal for chilling, running, reading, dancing, or just all out partying.... the concert itself was at the Congress Theater, and it was an all out rave. My first rave ever... It was non stop high octane dancing... heavy beats with a phenomenal light show... it was a giant arena full of ENERGY! it came and went in waves, but for the most part, it was non-stop moving and dancing... the people there were all very friendly; either amped on power drinks, drunk, high, or tripping on some king of drug... they were all nicely dressed, metro, emo, gothic, all sorts, and the majority of the girls there were stunning!

Gabriel and I, managed to make our way to the front in the midst of the madness... We were practically in the 2nd row, and had a great front row view at the DJs. ATB didn't come out till around 12ish, and he played lots of new stuff, blended with his older stuff... All in all I'd say we were out there for a solid 5 hours, just lost in the music with the rest of the people... It was quite an experience, and ATB really knows how to work a crowd... Though I have to say, I don't think I could ever be a seasoned raver... I'd much rather just listen to the music...

This past weekend, I've been all over the Midwest... Starting with a visit to see Philip, in Indianapolis. We then drove to West Lafayette to visit his girlfriend Shawna... We went to Gabriel's track meet on Saturday, where I actually talked with Mr. Draper, my much-hated old track coach. He was actually very friendly with us, and we talked for a while, mostly reminiscing about the old days. After the track meet we drove to Chicago to go see the concert. We caught a limo, to the concert, which was nice, yet very unnecessary and expensive, and it took us to the wrong place to make matters worse... we got there a little late, and managed to sneak Gabriel in, even though he was underage... I got here to Lauren's this morning, where I plan on taking a taxi out to the airport tomorrow! So that's it for now... Big day tomorrow!

The next blog will be coming from San Jose, Costa Rica..!

Greatest Hero of All Time

It was the first DVD I ever bought, and surely there was a reason why... Everything about this movie was awesome, from the story, to the soundtrack, to the special effects, to the acting... and if there was one thing that really made it stand out, it was the heroism of the Gladiator himself. To this day, it still remains my favorite movie of all time, much thanks to Maximus, the greatest hero in cinema history!

1. Maximus Decimus Meridius
Movie: Gladiator
Year: 1999
Actor: Russell Crowe

Why: Maximus plays the ultimate hero of Rome in this epic story of a general turned slave turned gladiator. He begins as a cunning General of the Roman Army who has led a successful 3-year campaign against the Germanic Tribes. After refusing to accept Commodus' as the new emperor, he is ordered to be executed. Although he is able to escape his execution, he is unable to save his family from being crucified. At this point, he loses all desire to live, is collected by traveling merchants, and is sold as a slave. At first he does not wish to fight, yet when he is put in the arena he decides he is not ready to quit yet. As a gladiator, Maximus grows popular within the arena, and becomes the defying voice against the evil emperor. In the end, after he has already been stabbed, he still manages to defeat Commodus. His last dying order is to give Rome back to the people, the way his good friend, Marcus Aurelius wanted it. He dies a happy death, and unites with his family in Elysium... His leadership, strength, and defiance against an entire empire make Maximus the iconic hero of movies.

Key Line: "My name is Maximus Decimus Meridius, commander of the Armies of the North, General of the Felix Legions, loyal servant to the true emperor, Marcus Aurelius. Father to a murdered son, husband to a murdered wife. And I will have my vengeance in this life or the next."

Quick Recap:

50. Lt. John J. Dunbar (Dances with Wolves)
49. Richard Rick O'Connell (The Mummy)
48. Norma Rae (Norma Rae)
47. Amsterdam Vallon (Gangs of New York)
46. Sgt. Elias Gordon (Platoon)
45. El Mariachi (Desperado)
44. Officer Jack Travern (Speed)
43. The Boondock Saints (The Boondock Saints)
42. Rorshach (Watchmen)
41. Benjamin Martin (The Patriot)
40. Ironman (Ironman)
39. Pvt. Roland Bozz (Tigerland)
38. John Creasy (Man on Fire)
37. The Mariner (Waterworld)
36. Captain Steven Hiller (Independence Day)
35. Forrest Gump (Forrest Gump)
34. The Bride (Kill Bill Vol 1)
33. Theo Faron (Children of Men)
32. Legolas (Lord of the Rings)
31. John McClaine (DieHard)
30. Zorro (The Mask of Zorro)
29. TE Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia)
28. Captain John H. Miller (Saving Private Ryan)
27. Cameron Poe (ConAir)
26. Achilles (Troy)
25. Captain Jack Sparrow (Pirates of the Caribbean)
24. Obi Wan Kenobi (Star Wars)
23. Harry S. Stamper (Armageddon)
22. Paul Rusesabagina (Hotel Rwanda)
21. Harry Potter (Harry Potter)
20. Luke Skywalker (Star Wars)
19. Gandalf (Lord of the Rings)
18. Mahandas K. Gandhi (Gandhi)
17. Wolverine (X-Men)
16. Rocky Balboa (Rocky)
15. Samwise Gamgee (Lord of the Rings)
14. Spiderman (Spiderman)
13. Han Solo (Star Wars)
12. James Bond (Dr. No)
11. Spartacus (Spartacus)
10. Leonidas (300)
9. V (V for Vendetta)
8. Moses (The Ten Commandments)
7. Neo (The Matrix)
6. Batman (Batman Begins)
5. Aragorn (Lord of the Rings)
4. William Wallace (Braveheart)
3. Oskar Schindler (Schindler's List)
2. Indiana Jones (Indiana Jones)
1. Maximus Decimius Meridius (Gladiator)

Honorable Mention

-Rick Deckard (Blade Runner) Harrison Ford
-Jack Dawson (Titanic) Leonardo DiCaprio
-Rudy (Rudy) Sean Astin
-William Turner (Pirates of the Caribbean) Orlando Bloom

Pending Potentials to see:

-Atticus Finch (To Kill a Mocking Bird) Gregory Peck
-Frank Serpico (Serpico) Al Pacino
-Jimmy Popeye Doyle (The French Connection) Gene Hackman

Interesting Notes:

Lord of the Rings had 4 heroes on the list, Star Wars had 3...
These actors were on twice with different roles; Harrison Ford, Mel Gibson, Kevin Costner, Keanu Reeves, Bruce Willis, Tom Hanks, and Antonio Banderas

Top 50 Heroes: 10-2

10. Leonidas
Movie: 300
Year: 2006
Actor: Gerard Butler

Why: Based on the true historic Battle of Thermopylae, King Leonidas takes an army of his best 300 Spartan warriors to defend his nation against the Persians. Although they are greatly outnumbered by the armies of Xerxes, Leonidas never waivers or shows any fear. He along with his other Spartans, work together as a deadly unit, and manage to withstand many bombardments. Leonidas gives his life for Sparta, so as buy time for his people, and rally his armies to face the Persians head on. It is an incredible tale of heroism and courage in the face of destruction.

Key Line: "Children, gather round! No retreat, no surrender; that is Sparta law. And by Spartan law we will stand and fight... and die. A new age has begun. An age of freedom, and all will know that 300 Spartans gave their last breathe to defend it."

9. V
Movie: V for Vendetta
Year: 2005
Actor: Hugo Weaving

Why: As the masked vigilante, V develops a master plan for revolution and liberation from the dictatorship in Britain. He brings truth and reason to the people, through means of anarchism. He begins by destroying the Old Bailey, as the ultimate sign of revolution and as a call to the people to unite with him against the totalitarian regime. In the end he gives his life for the revolution, on board the train that destroys the Parliament.

Key Line: "People should not be afraid of their governments. Governments should be afraid of their people."

8. Moses
Movie: The Ten Commandments
Year: 1956
Actor: Charlton Heston

Why: In this ancient religious epic, Moses becomes the chosen prophet of God to free the Israelites from the Egyptians. After spending years in exile, Moses returns to Egypt to deliver his demands to the pharaoh, Ramses. Moses claims that if Ramses does not free the Israelites, he will suffer the wrath of God. After days of plagues and tribulation, Ramses is finally forced to grant them freedom. Moses later leads his people through the desert for 40 years, serving as the voice of God.

Key Line: "Let my people go."

7. Neo
Movie: The Matrix
Year: 1999
Actor: Keanu Reeves

Why: Set in a futuristic world where robots use humans for energy, Neo awakens from the Matrix, and enters the real world. He realizes that he is the chosen one, and must save humankind. He quickly adapts to the setting and grows a knowledge of the Matrix far superior than any other. The only one that can match him is Agent Smith, and in the end Neo gives his life to stop this deadly virus.

Key Line: "I know you're out there. I can feel you. I know that you're afraid... you're afraid of us. You're afraid of change. I don't know the future. I didn't come here to tell you how this is going to end. I came here to tell you how it is going to begin. I'm going to hang up this phone, and then I'm going to show these people what you don't want them to see. I'm going to show them a world without you. A world without rules and controls, without borders or boundaries. A world where anything is possible. Where we go from there is a choice I leave to you."


6. Batman
Movie: Batman Begins
Year: 2005
Actor: Christian Bale

Why: He is the masked crusader of Gotham City, fighting crime and corruption. As the billionaire Bruce Wayne, he is able to create a highly advanced arsenal of weapons and gadgetry. He believes in justice, and has a very short-temper for those who operate above the law. Whether it's fighting against The Joker, Scarecrow, Two-Face, Penguin, Riddler, or any other villain, he always manages to save the day.

Key Line: "People need dramatic examples to shake them out of apathy and I can't do that as Bruce Wayne, as a man I'm flesh and blood. I can be ignored, I can be destroyed, but as a symbol... as a symbol I can be incorruptible, I can be everlasting."

5. Aragorn
Movie: Lord of the Rings
Year: 2001
Actor: Viggo Mortensen

Why: He begins as a ranger, who stumbles across a hobbit with the ring of power. He takes it upon himself to lead the hobbit to Rivendell, so as to have a council of what to do with the ring. He then becomes a leader of the Fellowship next to Gandalf. Once the hobbits are out of his reach, he becomes the hero of mankind, leading his people against the Orcs and Uruk-Hai. His leadership and courage is what makes him the ultimate heroic king.

Key Line: "I see in your eyes the same fear that would take the heart of me. A day may come when the courage of men fails, when we forsake our friends and break all bonds of fellowship, but it is not this day. An hour of woes and shattered shields, when the age of men comes crashing down. But it is not this day! This day we fight! by all that you hold dear on this good Earth, I bid you, stand, Men of the West!"

4. William Wallace
Movie: Braveheart
Year: 1993
Actor: Mel Gibson

Why: Set in the awful times of Prima-Noctra, angered by the rape and death of his wife, William Wallace unites the clans of Scotland to fight for their freedom from England. He is able to amass a great army and pose a serious threat to the British Empire. He is later captured and tortured by the British, yet instead of pleading for mercy, he gives a final cry of Freedom. His death becomes the symbol of courage and unity amongst the Scots, and they are finally able to win their freedom in the end thanks to William Wallace.

Key Line: "Aye, fight and you may die. Run, and you'll live... at least a while. And dying in your beds, many years from now, would you be willin' to trade ALL the days, from this day to that, for one chance, just one chance, to come back here and tell our enemies that they may take our lives, but they'll never take... OUR FREEDOM!"

3. Oskar Schindler
Movie: Schindler's List
Year: 1993
Actor: Liam Neeson

Why: This real life hero, portrayed in Steven Spielberg's masterpiece, saved over 1,200 Jews from the Holocaust. In the film he began as a sly, crooked business man, exploiting free Jewish labor. He then comes to a sudden realization of the horrid tragedy that is occurring and becomes sympathetic towards the Jewish. He uses his factory as a safe-haven for many Jews, and in the end he spends his last dime to purchase as many as he can, so as to save them from being shipped to Auschwitz. He risks and loses everything to save others, making him an everlasting true hero.

Key Line: "I didn't do enough! This car. Goeth would have bought this car. Why did I keep this car? Ten people right there. Ten people. Ten more people. This pin. Two people. This is gold. Two more people. He would have given me two for it, at least one. One more person. I could have gotten one more person, and I didn't... I didn't..."


2. Indiana Jones
Movie: Indiana Jones
Year: 1981
Actor: Harrison Ford

Why: He is the epitome of heroism; smart, adventurous, and as tough as they come. With his leather coat, brown hat, and whip he is the ultimate adventurer always in search of ancient secrets or relics. Whether its facing off against Nazis, Soviets, or Demonic Cultists he always manages to save the day, preserve the treasure, and get the girl.

Key Line: "I hate snakes, Jock. I hate 'em!"