Do you have a poncho?

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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