Author: Farah
Location: Tortuguero, La Selva Research Station
Waking up to the agonizing symphony of nature's most valued insects did not prove to be the most convenient or efficient way of getting all of us out of bed. After what seemed like hours of Robin (the jefa of the day) exerting her utmost effort to drag us out of bed and across the wet ground of the rainforest we arrived at the breakfast table. However, the pain and torture of the morning's ordeal seemed to be succumbed by the variety of food prepared for us by Willis' trusty teammates. Once we started feeling the elastic on our shorts tighten to the extreme we thought it would be best for both our health and our schedule to start packing and board the boat. Finally, when we were all ready and once our bodies starting going numb from rocking back and forth on the lodge's hammock, we got on the boat.
Due to the smoothness of the boat ride on the way there, the group was deceived in thinking that the way back was going to live up to the excitement of the first one. However, this immediately changed as soon as the rain started pouring down. Honestly, my sympathy goes to those that were sitting on the front of the boat and therefore brutally attacked by the rain. Thankfully, I was blessed with a seat towards the end of the boat, which at the time seemed to be bad enough. Through it all, we still managed smiles; after all, we were wet, but on a canal boat ride in Costa Rica. After what seemed like hours of continuous torture and numerous attempts of trying to sleep, we arrived at 'The Turtle Relax'. The place successfully lived up to its name, and offered us sufficient amenities to 'relax'. While waiting for Enrique (our new bus driver) the group dined on what has to be the most delicious Caribbean chicken ever, which was clearly evident through the amount we all devoured in record time. After playing with all the dogs at the restaurant and having what can only be described as an interesting conversation, with an extremely patriotic man from Jamaica who was insisting on taking us to the beach, we got on the bus and headed to 'La Selva Biological Research Station'. After a much needed and anticipated two hour rest on the bus while we subtly stole Ethan's and Austin's Chikys (Costa Rica's equivalent of Oreos), we arrived. While some were hesitant about the upcoming nature walk amongst the snakes and poisonous spiders, the group was relieved by the Station's provision of rubber boots. Lets just say for those who aren't as athletic as one hopes, the walk didn't seem to be that challenging, or at least we were too busy focusing on lizards and guard ants victoriously attacking both Nick and our guide. After witnessing a once in a lifetime's chance of an iguana 'pooping' (according to Kenneth, our guide) on a kingfisher bird, we started heading back to the bus. After a full packed day our counselors delivered the much awaited news, that we were going to the hotel. Once we arrived, got our rooms, and were mesmerized by the high-class facilities of the hotel the group was thankful for the rest hour granted to us. After an attempt to shower and scrub off the rain stains embedded on us from the boat ride, we met at the restaurant. I can confidently state that tonight's dinner overpowered any five-course meal prepared by world class chefs, which again was apparent through the rapid rate the group seemed to clear off their plates and every single plate on the buffet table. By this time, it was hard for us to keep our eyes opened, however, this immediately changed as soon as the group laid eyes on computers, yes COMPUTERS and FREE internet. After, what seemed like hours of us fighting over the computers and mounting ourselves on the chairs for dear life, we decided it was time for bed.
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Monday, June 30, 2008
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Is it true that Turtle Eggs…?
Author: Ethan
Location: Tortuguero
After a wake up call of 8am in the morning, followed by a short quick breakfast at 8:30, we were on our way to Tortuguero. Following a short bus ride to the riverboats, we all boarded a small blue boat and were on our way. The boat ride was supposed to take four hours, but by the amusement of all the sights and sounds of nature, along with the dazzling creatures that are native to the waterways, the trip did not actually take that long. The name Tortuguero literally translates into LAND OF THE TURTLE. This translation comes from the season of the year that several species of turtle come to lay their eggs on the shore in the dark of night, cover the eggs up with sand, and promptly return to their homes on the bottom of the ocean floor. Now, for those who wish to know, if the sand is colder than a certain temperature, all the eggs will have male embryos, and if the sand is warmer than a certain temperature, all eggs will carry female embryos. With that said, we arrived in Tortuguero in the middle of the day, and after getting settled into our respectable insect-infested rooms (Rainforest, HELLO). After some shopping after a light dinner, we went back to our rooms to change for the turtle sightseeing. Actually, I would call it walking in the dark and hope you don't step on something smaller than you are, that is squirming towards the ocean. Ignore the sarcasm, it's just how I work. We all enjoyed it. Walking around the beach on what appeared to be some bleak coast that wouldn't end, we saw three sea turtles. For what seemed like hours, we, along with several other groups of tourists, saw these turtles bury, then hide, then bury another hole to divert attention from the actually resting place from predators of the eggs. Then slowly, arduously, arm stroke after arm stroke, these beautiful, magnificent creatures that have been on this planet for more than 225 million years make their way back to the gentle flowing sea to go on with their periodic lives. Until next time, AWKWARD TURTLE.
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Location: Tortuguero
After a wake up call of 8am in the morning, followed by a short quick breakfast at 8:30, we were on our way to Tortuguero. Following a short bus ride to the riverboats, we all boarded a small blue boat and were on our way. The boat ride was supposed to take four hours, but by the amusement of all the sights and sounds of nature, along with the dazzling creatures that are native to the waterways, the trip did not actually take that long. The name Tortuguero literally translates into LAND OF THE TURTLE. This translation comes from the season of the year that several species of turtle come to lay their eggs on the shore in the dark of night, cover the eggs up with sand, and promptly return to their homes on the bottom of the ocean floor. Now, for those who wish to know, if the sand is colder than a certain temperature, all the eggs will have male embryos, and if the sand is warmer than a certain temperature, all eggs will carry female embryos. With that said, we arrived in Tortuguero in the middle of the day, and after getting settled into our respectable insect-infested rooms (Rainforest, HELLO). After some shopping after a light dinner, we went back to our rooms to change for the turtle sightseeing. Actually, I would call it walking in the dark and hope you don't step on something smaller than you are, that is squirming towards the ocean. Ignore the sarcasm, it's just how I work. We all enjoyed it. Walking around the beach on what appeared to be some bleak coast that wouldn't end, we saw three sea turtles. For what seemed like hours, we, along with several other groups of tourists, saw these turtles bury, then hide, then bury another hole to divert attention from the actually resting place from predators of the eggs. Then slowly, arduously, arm stroke after arm stroke, these beautiful, magnificent creatures that have been on this planet for more than 225 million years make their way back to the gentle flowing sea to go on with their periodic lives. Until next time, AWKWARD TURTLE.
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Saturday, June 28, 2008
Are you making faces at the chicken?
Author: Hanna
Location: Los Primos Restaurant, Cabecar Indigenous Reserve, Limon
This morning we woke up at 6:30 and after a quick breakfast of toast and fruit, we got on our new bus and took a drive to Hilary's favorite breakfast stop. (Our new bus has the most comfortable seats that recline, thus making everyone's favorite bus activity sleeping.) When we got to Los Primos Restaurant, everyone got a taste of empanadas, corn bread, and agua dulce before boarding the bus again and driving to the Cabecar Indigenous Reserve. Once we got there, the Cabecar women presented their trades, including natural dyes, peeling banana-like fruits, and ornaments made from dried tree bark. After shopping around for a while, we went on a small hike to the local elementary school. However, we had to pass over a suspending bridge to go on our way, and a total of four lifeworkers were "deadbugged" in the process: Hilary, Ethan, Austin, and Nick. (Deadbug: verb; to get down on one's back and squirm around and make dead bug sounds. One is allowed to make someone "deadbug" once a day, and one is allowed to be "deadbugged" only once a day. (To be used at only the most opportune moments.)) After getting properly muddied and sharing life stories on the walk, we reached the school and experienced another level of poverty. We learned that most students have to walk two hours or so to school, and came to the realization that life moves much more slowly for the Cabecar Indigenous people. We came back to the reserve for a quick lunch, and engaged in a spirited discussion about the possibility of buying a baby chick as our mascot for the rest of the trip. This lead to Nick capturing a baby chick while a mother hen taught him why it is never a good idea to mess with a mother's young ones. After releasing our would be mascot we got back on the bus to drive to the Caribbean side of the island, to Limon. We checked into Hotel Maribu Caribe, and after dropping our bags and changing into our bathing suits, we all jumped into the pool and played various games such as Chicken, Categories, and Sharks and Minnows. Dinner at the hotel was very nice and filling, and afterwards we all crashed in Hilary and Richard's room for a Lifeworks Forum about Creative Realization. Everyone branched off from there to their respective rooms in preparation for the boat tour tomorrow. Hasta la vista!
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Location: Los Primos Restaurant, Cabecar Indigenous Reserve, Limon
This morning we woke up at 6:30 and after a quick breakfast of toast and fruit, we got on our new bus and took a drive to Hilary's favorite breakfast stop. (Our new bus has the most comfortable seats that recline, thus making everyone's favorite bus activity sleeping.) When we got to Los Primos Restaurant, everyone got a taste of empanadas, corn bread, and agua dulce before boarding the bus again and driving to the Cabecar Indigenous Reserve. Once we got there, the Cabecar women presented their trades, including natural dyes, peeling banana-like fruits, and ornaments made from dried tree bark. After shopping around for a while, we went on a small hike to the local elementary school. However, we had to pass over a suspending bridge to go on our way, and a total of four lifeworkers were "deadbugged" in the process: Hilary, Ethan, Austin, and Nick. (Deadbug: verb; to get down on one's back and squirm around and make dead bug sounds. One is allowed to make someone "deadbug" once a day, and one is allowed to be "deadbugged" only once a day. (To be used at only the most opportune moments.)) After getting properly muddied and sharing life stories on the walk, we reached the school and experienced another level of poverty. We learned that most students have to walk two hours or so to school, and came to the realization that life moves much more slowly for the Cabecar Indigenous people. We came back to the reserve for a quick lunch, and engaged in a spirited discussion about the possibility of buying a baby chick as our mascot for the rest of the trip. This lead to Nick capturing a baby chick while a mother hen taught him why it is never a good idea to mess with a mother's young ones. After releasing our would be mascot we got back on the bus to drive to the Caribbean side of the island, to Limon. We checked into Hotel Maribu Caribe, and after dropping our bags and changing into our bathing suits, we all jumped into the pool and played various games such as Chicken, Categories, and Sharks and Minnows. Dinner at the hotel was very nice and filling, and afterwards we all crashed in Hilary and Richard's room for a Lifeworks Forum about Creative Realization. Everyone branched off from there to their respective rooms in preparation for the boat tour tomorrow. Hasta la vista!
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Friday, June 27, 2008
Double Duty
Author: Austin
Location: Picagres/San Jose Market
Today we woke up and enjoyed a wholesome breakfast of rice and beans alongside eggs and ham. Afterwards we got on the bus and headed to Picagres, where we finished digging the last of our holes, which are soon to become the sites of newly erected posts. Although we were forced to take a break at midday due to a downpour, we considered the time well spent since we were able to join Taylor, Hanna and Mary's dance class in the high school. After our dancing exertions we had a wonderful lunch and returned to the worksite where we finally finished the last two holes. After the social budding of our dance class we were joined at the worksite by many of our new friends. The conversation quickly turned to giggles as we all learned more about each other. Richard swelled with pride as he overheard the lifworking boys appropriately insert "Mi Amor" into their conversations; peals of delighted laughter followed. The group then headed back to San Jose, where the lifeworkers were able to spend some time at a local market. The lifeworkers looked at everything from pink Pumas to puppies (Nick) and soon found themselves saying goodbye to our bus driver Jorge and packing for the upcoming weekend trip.
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Location: Picagres/San Jose Market
Today we woke up and enjoyed a wholesome breakfast of rice and beans alongside eggs and ham. Afterwards we got on the bus and headed to Picagres, where we finished digging the last of our holes, which are soon to become the sites of newly erected posts. Although we were forced to take a break at midday due to a downpour, we considered the time well spent since we were able to join Taylor, Hanna and Mary's dance class in the high school. After our dancing exertions we had a wonderful lunch and returned to the worksite where we finally finished the last two holes. After the social budding of our dance class we were joined at the worksite by many of our new friends. The conversation quickly turned to giggles as we all learned more about each other. Richard swelled with pride as he overheard the lifworking boys appropriately insert "Mi Amor" into their conversations; peals of delighted laughter followed. The group then headed back to San Jose, where the lifeworkers were able to spend some time at a local market. The lifeworkers looked at everything from pink Pumas to puppies (Nick) and soon found themselves saying goodbye to our bus driver Jorge and packing for the upcoming weekend trip.
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Thursday, June 26, 2008
Zipping Through the Forest
Author: Robin
Location: Canopy Tour
After waking at 8am and eating cereal for breakfast, we all boarded the bus to go on a zipline tour. The zipline facility was beautiful. If felt like a camp. Since we arrived early we had time to play games on the lawn out front. Then we put on helmets, gloves and harnesses and got instructed on how to zipline. After this introduction we were allowed to start the canopy tour. It was tremendously fun and the views were gorgeous. We returned to the hotel after eating lunch at the zipline place and making a pit stop at Mas o Menos, a local supermarket. After a two-hour rest at the hotel we headed to Ana's Rancho for dinner, which was seafood rice, beans and pineapple. We then watched Voces Inocentes, a video about young boys and the civil war of San Salvador. It was a powerful, emotional movie that left everyone speechless. Tomorrow we will return to Picagres to continue work on the lunchroom. Today was a VERY fun day.
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Location: Canopy Tour
After waking at 8am and eating cereal for breakfast, we all boarded the bus to go on a zipline tour. The zipline facility was beautiful. If felt like a camp. Since we arrived early we had time to play games on the lawn out front. Then we put on helmets, gloves and harnesses and got instructed on how to zipline. After this introduction we were allowed to start the canopy tour. It was tremendously fun and the views were gorgeous. We returned to the hotel after eating lunch at the zipline place and making a pit stop at Mas o Menos, a local supermarket. After a two-hour rest at the hotel we headed to Ana's Rancho for dinner, which was seafood rice, beans and pineapple. We then watched Voces Inocentes, a video about young boys and the civil war of San Salvador. It was a powerful, emotional movie that left everyone speechless. Tomorrow we will return to Picagres to continue work on the lunchroom. Today was a VERY fun day.
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Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Caffeinated Dancing in the Streets
Author: Katy
Location: Picagres, Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation, Pizzeria Gino, Casa Santana
Today was the hottest day of the trip so far. As we woke up and headed to breakfast many of us felt the aches and pains from the last couple of days work along with some itching from tumor-sized bug bites. Breakfast consisted of the usual gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs, fresco (juice) and toast. During the trying task of hole digging, two groups of three were able to teach in the schools. I went to the elementary school to teach basic words and numbers through coloring, while the other group went to the high school to share Journey's "Don't stop believing" with our Costa Rican teen friends. After completing 30 of the 32 holes for our cafeteria construction, we headed out to lunch. On the bus ride to our next stop, some of us grabbed a much-needed nap while others learned the lyrics to Enrique Iglesias's cong "Escapar." We arrived at El Espiritu Santo Coffee Tour with little energy, but quickly they gave us cups full of coffee. We had a tour and at the end bought coffee and chocolate covered espresso beans for ourselves and our families. Full of caffeine, we jumped on the bus, ready to get back to our Casa Santana to shower. Hilary and Richard surprised us by taking us out to pizza for dinner. Everyone was still in high spirits from the caffeine, and eating pizza put us in even better moods! We ordered seven large pizzas for 14 people and successfully finished every last crumb! On our way back we stopped and watched a local soccer game. We are now continuing our salsa lessons at the hotel and are headed to bed. Everyone is very excited for the zipline and our day off from digging tomorrow!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Picagres, Espiritu Santo Coffee Plantation, Pizzeria Gino, Casa Santana
Today was the hottest day of the trip so far. As we woke up and headed to breakfast many of us felt the aches and pains from the last couple of days work along with some itching from tumor-sized bug bites. Breakfast consisted of the usual gallo pinto (rice and beans), eggs, fresco (juice) and toast. During the trying task of hole digging, two groups of three were able to teach in the schools. I went to the elementary school to teach basic words and numbers through coloring, while the other group went to the high school to share Journey's "Don't stop believing" with our Costa Rican teen friends. After completing 30 of the 32 holes for our cafeteria construction, we headed out to lunch. On the bus ride to our next stop, some of us grabbed a much-needed nap while others learned the lyrics to Enrique Iglesias's cong "Escapar." We arrived at El Espiritu Santo Coffee Tour with little energy, but quickly they gave us cups full of coffee. We had a tour and at the end bought coffee and chocolate covered espresso beans for ourselves and our families. Full of caffeine, we jumped on the bus, ready to get back to our Casa Santana to shower. Hilary and Richard surprised us by taking us out to pizza for dinner. Everyone was still in high spirits from the caffeine, and eating pizza put us in even better moods! We ordered seven large pizzas for 14 people and successfully finished every last crumb! On our way back we stopped and watched a local soccer game. We are now continuing our salsa lessons at the hotel and are headed to bed. Everyone is very excited for the zipline and our day off from digging tomorrow!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Sweet Sugar Cane
Author: Nick
Location: Picagres, Sugar Cane Plantation
We woke up at 7am this morning. Most of us were sore from the previous days work. When we arrived in Picagres we kept on digging the rest of the holes. By 11:30 we had finished half the holes and were almost done with the other half, so we decided to finish early to go play Ftbol with the local kids. The "friendly" game quickly became very serious with us holding our own against a group of students that amazed us with their soccer skills. After a delicious lunch of rice, broccoli, potatoes, and pineapple, we headed on over to a sugar cane processing site. At this hut in the jungle we saw and helped with all the various systems of creating sugar from sugar cane plant. We also got to sample all the different types of candy made during the process. This sounded like a good idea at first, but we soon couldn't stop eating the sugary goodness and some of us got slightly sick. When we came back to the hotel to rinse off the layers of sweat and mud, before heading off to dinner and salsa lessons. After our hour or so of the intense and very cool hips swaying that is known as salsa we ended our night with a quick Spanish lesson and then rode back to the hotel and our comfy beds.
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Location: Picagres, Sugar Cane Plantation
We woke up at 7am this morning. Most of us were sore from the previous days work. When we arrived in Picagres we kept on digging the rest of the holes. By 11:30 we had finished half the holes and were almost done with the other half, so we decided to finish early to go play Ftbol with the local kids. The "friendly" game quickly became very serious with us holding our own against a group of students that amazed us with their soccer skills. After a delicious lunch of rice, broccoli, potatoes, and pineapple, we headed on over to a sugar cane processing site. At this hut in the jungle we saw and helped with all the various systems of creating sugar from sugar cane plant. We also got to sample all the different types of candy made during the process. This sounded like a good idea at first, but we soon couldn't stop eating the sugary goodness and some of us got slightly sick. When we came back to the hotel to rinse off the layers of sweat and mud, before heading off to dinner and salsa lessons. After our hour or so of the intense and very cool hips swaying that is known as salsa we ended our night with a quick Spanish lesson and then rode back to the hotel and our comfy beds.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Monday, June 23, 2008
1st Day of Construction
Author: Madeleine
Location: Picagres
Waking up at 7am this morning we all felt rejuvenated and excited to start our first day of work on the site. We had a bountiful breakfast of fruit and cereal and headed off at 8am to the school at the top of a mountain, what a wonderful sight! We began to dig holes in order for poles and cement to be inserted to build the new cafeteria. The holes needed to be 25cm wide and 90cm deep. This was not an easy task and all of us were sweating a great deal after a short time. After a while we came up with a good system of digging the holes, even a few of the natives joined in on the fun. After working hard and completing about 8-10 holes we ate lunch and continued immediately to play games with the local children. We played red rover and an intense game of soccer or "futbol", ending with a score of 2 to 2. After it started to rain we all shouted "hasta maana" to the locals. We traveled to the healer Juan Sanchez. He told us about cleansing and healing the spirit rather than the body and showed us multiple medicinal plants. We enjoyed smelling, tasting, and rubbing the plants on us. The sacrificial locations, spiritual temples, and animal bones were interesting, and even a bit startling. Juan Sanchez also had 2 adorable dogs! We then returned to the hotel, swam, had a great dinner, and contemplated what animal we hoped to be. Now we're all off to bed, tired from yet another long day.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Picagres
Waking up at 7am this morning we all felt rejuvenated and excited to start our first day of work on the site. We had a bountiful breakfast of fruit and cereal and headed off at 8am to the school at the top of a mountain, what a wonderful sight! We began to dig holes in order for poles and cement to be inserted to build the new cafeteria. The holes needed to be 25cm wide and 90cm deep. This was not an easy task and all of us were sweating a great deal after a short time. After a while we came up with a good system of digging the holes, even a few of the natives joined in on the fun. After working hard and completing about 8-10 holes we ate lunch and continued immediately to play games with the local children. We played red rover and an intense game of soccer or "futbol", ending with a score of 2 to 2. After it started to rain we all shouted "hasta maana" to the locals. We traveled to the healer Juan Sanchez. He told us about cleansing and healing the spirit rather than the body and showed us multiple medicinal plants. We enjoyed smelling, tasting, and rubbing the plants on us. The sacrificial locations, spiritual temples, and animal bones were interesting, and even a bit startling. Juan Sanchez also had 2 adorable dogs! We then returned to the hotel, swam, had a great dinner, and contemplated what animal we hoped to be. Now we're all off to bed, tired from yet another long day.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Sunday, June 22, 2008
Fun in the Sun
Author: Mary
Location: Playa de Manuel Antonio, Santa Anna
Today we got to sleep until 8:00am. We ate breakfast at the hotel. We then set off for a hike in the rainforest. We saw white-faced monkeys and sloths and iguanas! The monkeys were very interesting to watch since they were jumping all around us, only 2 feet away. Then we went to the hotel to shower. We then went to lunch at an excellent restaurant. We all had our pick of meat, chicken or fish served alongside delicious rice and beans. We then set out on o the long bus ride back to Santa Ana. After about 4 hours of bus fun and games we arrived backing Santa Ana. I think we are all happy to back and excited to start work tomorrow.
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Location: Playa de Manuel Antonio, Santa Anna
Today we got to sleep until 8:00am. We ate breakfast at the hotel. We then set off for a hike in the rainforest. We saw white-faced monkeys and sloths and iguanas! The monkeys were very interesting to watch since they were jumping all around us, only 2 feet away. Then we went to the hotel to shower. We then went to lunch at an excellent restaurant. We all had our pick of meat, chicken or fish served alongside delicious rice and beans. We then set out on o the long bus ride back to Santa Ana. After about 4 hours of bus fun and games we arrived backing Santa Ana. I think we are all happy to back and excited to start work tomorrow.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Saturday, June 21, 2008
Beach Fun
Author: Riley
Location: Bus, Manuel Antonio
This morning we got an early start by waking up at 6:45. We ate a fine breakfast of pancakes and started our day by loading ourselves onto a bus for 3 hours. Half way through this ride we stopped for a bathroom break and walked over a bridge to see some giant crocodiles chilling below us. We spent the rest of the bus ride eating lunch and learning impossible fast lyrics to an awesome Shakira song. Once at the beach, the majority of us practiced our body surfing and real surfing skills. We also played a friendly game of Frisbee that ended with a few tackles. When we left the beach we continued onto dinner at a nearby restaurant where we were served watermelon juice. We ended the day hanging out together and telling stories of embarrassing memories and our worst/best injury stories.
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Location: Bus, Manuel Antonio
This morning we got an early start by waking up at 6:45. We ate a fine breakfast of pancakes and started our day by loading ourselves onto a bus for 3 hours. Half way through this ride we stopped for a bathroom break and walked over a bridge to see some giant crocodiles chilling below us. We spent the rest of the bus ride eating lunch and learning impossible fast lyrics to an awesome Shakira song. Once at the beach, the majority of us practiced our body surfing and real surfing skills. We also played a friendly game of Frisbee that ended with a few tackles. When we left the beach we continued onto dinner at a nearby restaurant where we were served watermelon juice. We ended the day hanging out together and telling stories of embarrassing memories and our worst/best injury stories.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Friday, June 20, 2008
Orientation and More!!!
Author: Taylor Palank
Location: Gail's Rancho and Picagres
We woke up this morning to a delicious breakfast at the hotel to fuel us for a busy day. After loading up the bus we arrived at Gail's Rancho for our orientation. It was straightforward and not as boring as anticipated, since we able to sit with our feet in the pool! By the end of orientation we were all ready for a wonderful meal (including the most delicious rice ever) at Picagres. We got to see the school with the children where we will work. Kids of all ages came together on the field to play various games such as tag and red rover, therefore getting to know one another better. We finished our time at Picagres by seeing the site where we will be building a dinning hall for high schoolers. Upon returning to the hotel, many of us put on our bathing suits to enjoy a relaxing time at the pool nearby. We ended the day with a terrific dinner cooked by Anna and a very heartfelt conversation with all.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Gail's Rancho and Picagres
We woke up this morning to a delicious breakfast at the hotel to fuel us for a busy day. After loading up the bus we arrived at Gail's Rancho for our orientation. It was straightforward and not as boring as anticipated, since we able to sit with our feet in the pool! By the end of orientation we were all ready for a wonderful meal (including the most delicious rice ever) at Picagres. We got to see the school with the children where we will work. Kids of all ages came together on the field to play various games such as tag and red rover, therefore getting to know one another better. We finished our time at Picagres by seeing the site where we will be building a dinning hall for high schoolers. Upon returning to the hotel, many of us put on our bathing suits to enjoy a relaxing time at the pool nearby. We ended the day with a terrific dinner cooked by Anna and a very heartfelt conversation with all.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, June 19, 2008
Arrival!!!
Author: Mia
Location: Casa Santana, Ana's Rancho, Santa Ana
Arrivals to San Jose this afternoon went smoothly... or rather mine went smoothly! The group flight from Miami suffered a small delay, and our last companion from Cairo, Egypt has yet to arrive. Her flight was delayed even further and we were all disappointed to find out that some of us will not meet her until tomorrow. Once all of our bags were in the bus, we drove a short way to our hotel Casa Santana, and began to settle in and get to know each other. We had some snacks (plaintain chips with lime and salt and famous chocolate bathed costa rican chikys!), introduces ourselves and took turns calling home. At 6, we loaded into our bus and went to Ana's ranch to eat dinner and play some get to you know you games. these included organizing ourselves by our birthdays and middle names without speaking, which proved to be only a little difficult as there was much giggling involved! We then took time to write down some of our goals for the next three weeks, and read them aloud to make them attainable for everyone. Overall, a very exciting and exhausting day for everyone. Pura vida!
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Casa Santana, Ana's Rancho, Santa Ana
Arrivals to San Jose this afternoon went smoothly... or rather mine went smoothly! The group flight from Miami suffered a small delay, and our last companion from Cairo, Egypt has yet to arrive. Her flight was delayed even further and we were all disappointed to find out that some of us will not meet her until tomorrow. Once all of our bags were in the bus, we drove a short way to our hotel Casa Santana, and began to settle in and get to know each other. We had some snacks (plaintain chips with lime and salt and famous chocolate bathed costa rican chikys!), introduces ourselves and took turns calling home. At 6, we loaded into our bus and went to Ana's ranch to eat dinner and play some get to you know you games. these included organizing ourselves by our birthdays and middle names without speaking, which proved to be only a little difficult as there was much giggling involved! We then took time to write down some of our goals for the next three weeks, and read them aloud to make them attainable for everyone. Overall, a very exciting and exhausting day for everyone. Pura vida!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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