Wednesday highlights - Wildlife, Monteverde, Night Walk

Wednesday began with beautiful sunny weather and a fantastic view of the Arenal volcano.

From Arenal we drove up into the mountains towards Monteverde. Along the way we were treated to more incredible scenery and some exciting wildlife sightings.

Monkeys!

Along the way we stopped at the farm of a friend of our guide. Among other things, we got to try some sugar cane:

Finally we arrived in Monteverde for a lovely walk through the cloud forest reserve:

We capped off the day with our Night Walk, which was amazing! We saw frogs, stick insects, a fox, a snake, scorpions, tarantulas, and even a brief look at a kinkajou!

Thursday - Zip-lining and Beach

Well the internet at our current hotel seems to be very slow - I just tried to publish a larger post but it didn't work. Here is a brief sampling of today's adventures:

Zip lines in Monteverde:

Sunset on the Pacific Ocean at Jaco:

Slow internet...

Unfortunately the internet at tonight's hotel seems too slow to allow me to upload any pictures... For now I'll say that all is well and that we had a fantastic day today. In the morning we experienced the thrill of zip lining in Monteverde, and in the afternoon we enjoyed time at the beach at Jaco. We were treated to a lovely sunset over the Pacific Ocean as we left the beach. The snow piles of Reading seemed worlds away...

Sorry to not have any pictures but the internet is not cooperating! More to come later...

Student Reflections from Wednesday

During our drive from Arenal to Monteverde today, a number of students had a chance to write down their thoughts about the trip so far:

Costa Rica blog Student Reflections Wednesday 

Lydia M:

We went to an amazing German bakery called Thomas Bakery on our way to Monte Verde for a hike. The menu their was in German, English, and Spanish. The food was German pastries such as pretzels and croissants. I tried both and they were awesomely delicious. But the best part was the bakery's animals. All around Costa Rica we have seen dogs walking around alone but they are not always stray dogs. The bakery's dog (a big friendly German Shepard) was able to hang out with us while we ate. We all enjoyed playing with him. They also had three beautiful cats. They may have been skinny but they were some of the prettiest cats ever. I loved being able to pet them. What was funny is how the cats would whack the huge dog on the nose if he was being annoying. This was definitely a highlight of my morning. The food was great and so was the company of the adorable animals. 🐄

Brynn S:

I can't believe the week is already over half way done! This has been one of the most amazing experiences of my life. It was very shocking when we came into the airport in Costa Rica to see and hear everything in Spanish. So far, one of my highlights has been white water rafting. It was not a very warm day, and it was raining, but this made it even more exciting. Because of all the rain, the rapids were very intense, so intense that one of the boys on my boat fell off into the river. (Editor's Note: He was promptly pulled back into the boat!) Another one of my highlights would have to be going to the Costa Rican school. Right when we got out of the bus, all of the kids ran up to us and grabbed our hands and led us to seats before they performed four dances for us and sang. It was fun to listen to their limited English and practice our limited Spanish. One more of my highlights would be the hot springs. Right now we are on a five hour bus ride to Monte Verde to go on our hike and night hike. Tomorrow and Friday we are going zip lining, and to the beach. The bus rides aren't that bad though because we have been able to see sloths, toucans, and a monkey. This has been an amazing experience! 

Declan M:

There isn't snow here, enough said? Well, Costa Rica is much more than just a country near the equator. Although the trip isn't over yet, we have been able to explore so much of this great country. The fact that the first language is Spanish is very interesting to see and hear, yet there is much American/English aspects along with it. On Sunday, we went white water rafting and it was an amazing experience. Standing in the cold rain before it made us hate the rain, but actually doing it in the rain made it a million times better. On Tuesday, we went to a Costa Rican school and we really got to see how fortunate we are educationally, yet the kids love being there, and seem to have just as much or even more fun than we do. Being able to have some of us practice Spanish with them and having them practice English was a really cool experience. In general, the nature and wildlife is unbeatable. You look to one side and you see a rainforest and on the other is a volcano. They really do have it all. To finish off, we have seen so many awesome animals, like monkeys and frogs. No wonder why so many people move here. 

Connor G and Gary S:

The plane waddled its way to the ground of Costa Rica after a 4 hour flight from Houston. A total of about 8 hours stuck in one place for 24 people from Reading Mass. We arrived at about 1 am in San Jose, Costa Rica feeling great that we were "free" from the plane's restraint.  At first we looked around and we expected a giant city but instead it looked like slums. It didn't take too long to realize this little city could produce an equivalent amount of fun as Los Angeles. The first night everyone felt drowsy and were all in negative attitudes. After a long sleepless night we were able to see the city and the hotel as it really was and realized it wasn't that bad, it was great! The first day, the art museum went by like the speed of sound. The second day was even faster because we were flying down the Sarapiqui river on class 2 and 3 rapids. The rest is history and history to be made as we are currently in the midst of our 5 hour drive up to Monteverde and a cloud forest. As we are here in sunny and hot Costa Rica we are enjoying every second but we do not forget what we left at home.

P.s. I love you Mom, Dad, and Allie. How's the skiing? Any fresh powd? -Connor

P.s. I love you Mama, Padre, Nate, Kels, and mi pooches -Gary

Thomas W:

We left school in the middle of the day on Friday it was exhilarating and fun, but once I realized that I would be in an airplane or airport for the next 13 hours, I was not excited. After a long restless flight to Houston, we got off the plane and ran to catch our final flight to Costa Rica. We got on and within 30 minutes I was asleep. I woke up as we commenced our final descent. We got out of the airport and was greeted by our excited and to our surprise awake guide Carlos. He guided us to our luxury coach bus, and we got on. We drove to our hotel and were given keys. We went to our rooms but were told NO WATER. Thankfully five minutes later our heroes the adults brought us water. You must be thinking we went straight to bed but we didn't, we stayed up until 4 and got a nice 2 hours of sleep. We woke up at 6 and we were not happy. The day went pretty slow with the museum and driving, but it was okay. The next day was white water rafting I was excited and so was everyone else. It was sunny in San Jose but as we got driving it got less and less sunny, it started to rain but that wasn't going to mess up my day. When we finally arrived we got out of the bus and into boats. We went fast and in no time it was over. We got back in the bus for another long ride. We got back to the hotel for dinner at Denny's and then to bed. I have told a lot and I want to say more but I must wait and so will you. I make history everyday and am always looking forward. I miss everyone, but also drinkable running water and my phone. I am very happy all day, but am remembering every thing I left back in Boston, see you soon. 🐒🐵

P.S. Mom and Dad, I love you and we should have steak when I get home🐄🍴🍹

Laura M and Brynn L:

Once we landed in San Jose our journey had begun. We were all excited to see the palm trees and grass instead of the snow. Not only were we anxious to experience the life of a Costa Rican but to get the opportunity to visit the wildlife. After we were all settled in our hotel we got to explore the foods and community of the city. Not only was it different than America but it gave us new perspective on how grateful we should be. 6 am the next morning we got ready for our whitewater rafting day. We had so much fun bonding with each other on the river while observing our surroundings. So far for dinner we have been eating rice and beans along with fruit juice that changes everyday. The day after we went to a farm and got the chance to actually milk the cows (we dominated this activity). Soon after we traveled to a volcano and were ready for our hike. At the end of the day our legs were worked to the max so we were treated with a 4 hour bus ride to a new hotel 😉. We ended the day at a hotel that over looks the volcano. Our journey is far from over but we look forward to what happens in the future, and to bring home the memories and story's to share with our family's. 

P.S. I love and miss you so much and hope to have Panera when I get home and be ready for a lot of laundry  ❤️❤️

P.S. I love you mom and dad and can't wait to see you back in the snow infested Reading💓 

Tuesday highlights - School visit and hot springs

Wow, what a day! We began with our much anticipated trip to the Costa Rican school, which was an experience that our students will surely never forget. The school was floored by the generosity of our donation of school supplies. For their part, the students of the school were wonderful hosts for us.

Here we are being welcomed to the school:

Next we were treated to a few traditional dances performed by the students:

 

Here we are engaging in a question and answer session where our students had a chance to practice their Spanish:

Next we presented our gift to the school. One of the teachers there was so overcome by our generosity that she had to step out of the room because she was tearing up. 

The director of the school then shared some heartfelt words of thanks, translated by our guide Carlos:

Then came time for play, with students from both cultures sharing fun in various ways:

We then completed a few volunteer activities to help the school, including cleaning up the school garden:

Finally it was time to say goodbye to the school after an unforgettable experience:

Our fantastic day then continued with an authentic home-cooked Costa Rican meal at the house of one of the local families. The students even got to help make their own tortillas. The food was truly exceptional as we all left satisfied with full bellies and a new appreciation for the hospitality of the Costa Rican people.

The day continued with a stop in the town of La Fortuna (beneath the breathtaking Arenal volcano) for some snacks and ice cream:

Finally, to top off this incredible day we relaxed in the healing waters of the Paradise Hot Springs:

It's hard to believe we did all of that in one day! And we still have 3 more days to go...

P.S. - We also saw a sloth today!

Lauren's account of our rafting adventure

We just had another amazing, jam-packed day! We did get a chance to have one student write about her highlight so far - hopefully we will have many more student reflections tomorrow. For now, here is what Lauren had to say about the rafting trip:

     At 6 am Sunday morning all the students were out and about ready to embark on our white water rafting excursion. For many of us this would be our first time riding through the rapids and maneuvering the raft between all the rocks and vines. For many of us the fear of capsizing or falling was on our minds, not the wonderful wildlife we were to see. After the briefing of all the commands and position we were ready to take to the river. We started paddling realizing how lucky we were to actually get the opportunity for a jungle tour via rafting. Many birds sat atop rocks as if there were no humans disturbing their rest. At most two minutes into the ride and a very rare tiger heron came into view. The second round of rapids came and Jorge our guide yells "Get Down!" We all crouch down into position and feel the strong and powerful waves against our faces. If the raining water weren't enough now our whole bodies were soaked from head to toe. All of us laughing not caring how soaked we were because we were not so much focused on the rain than the wildlife around us. 

     We pull to the side and hop out of the raft and onto the side of the river with a surprise from the tour guides. They lead us to the top of the mini cliff and we get the chance to leap off. Not hesitating for a moment I start running up the hill ready to "take the leap". Third in line I patiently wait my turn and into the air I go. Trying to swim to the side as fast as I can I use all my strength and grab a paddle lifting myself back on shore. As if the ride wasn't fun enough fresh pineapple and watermelon is chopped up and ready to be consumed by all of the hungry children. The pineapple was so fresh and delicious I couldn't help but have at least 3 pieces. After the small break we were back on the raft and into the rapids. We started paddling opposite ways on each side getting to spin around in fun circles while going backwards and sideways through the next patch of water. Many groups had a lot of luck and got to view monkeys and toucans 10 feet away from their faces. Sadly as they say all good things must come to an end and the adventure came to a stop. This was an opportunity I will never forget and always reminisce about. Soon I'll even be able to say "remember that time we went white water rafting?" 

-Lauren S.

P.S. Hi Mom!