Poop and other Adventurous Subjects

So one thing that has taken some getting used to is the way the Costa Ricans go to restroom. Not because it's disgusting or dirty but really because it's so similar to the way we do it in America, with one small difference. Here they separate to toilet paper from the "human waste." As you can imagine this can be hard to remember and can result in some unanticipated "fishing." But the other day this simple difference led to an even funnier and, perhaps, more grotesque incident. Me and two other girls were winding down one night sitting outside of out screened in room contemplating boy problems, girl problems, and the surrendering of our vices. At a moment of weakness one of the girls decided to smoke a cigarette to relax and calm down. When we were done outside i went to use the bathroom (it had by then reached the point where we didn't feel the need to close the door, so accordingly i left it open) and one of the girls can in and but the cigarette out in the trash can. In a matter of seconds our trash was up in smoke and i intuitively reacted by sticking my hand in the pile of tissue to put out the fire, but in those few seconds i had forgotten that it wasn't a pile of used tissues but used toilet paper. Upon realizing what i had just done the two girls erupted in laughter. Before i knew it one was peeing in the near by shower (i was still using the toilet) and the other was filling up her hands with water from the sink to put out the fire. Once the fire was out we all continued to laugh for minutes more myself seated on the toilet, another pants down in the shower and another trying to maintain her footing on the tile floor. Needless to say, i washed and sanitized my hands thoroughly afterwords.
The past few days have been packed with seminars applying our knowledge of development and to questions such as "How big is the world?" "Can you live in America without affecting the lives of others?" "What do we assume about ourselves and others?" and "Who is responsible for development?" It's been both rewarding and disappointing that these questions lead to no clear answers but really just a greater number of more directed and specific questions. One thing I can say with confidence is that they are incredibly relevant and vital for every human, "developed" and not, to think about. I really could go on and on about how interesting and stimulating the classes have been but, for the sake of keeping you alert, that will do for now.
Today, as i have done most days, i got up a few hours before breakfast and carried my board to the beach to surf. Me and two other surfer-wanna-bees arrived at la playa and it was super low tide but the waves were huge. After getting beat up by the big stuff we decided to regain our confidence and just catch the white-water. ONce i was ready i made the tough paddle out to behind the where the big ones broke. There were several moments when i was on my board paddling in over a wave and thinking to myself "oh my god, this could be the end." They were huge, but i wanted to catch a big one so i reminded myself of all of the tips Del and Big Mike gave me on my lessons from Hawaii and right then i saw the perfect wave to drop in on. I paddled hard and when self doubt crossed my head i didnt even recognize it, i just kept paddling, stood up, and before i knew i was ripping down the face of the wave. It was the first time ive had a drop that big and it was awesome. A great way to start the say.
Anyway, feel free to email anyone, apparently Wallace is the only one who remembers me...BUT i love the comments! And SUSAN!! thank you and BGs love you. Everyday just gets better and better. Off to Ecuador on Saturday for a briefing in Quito and then we begin our homestays and projects in Bua. More to come. Love you all.