| Costa Rica Venture log (2006-06-18 -> 2006-07-08)
Leaders: Molly Weaver, Kayla Applebay and Tony Profeta
Students: Olivia Blackman, Cameron Cann, Taylor Christenberry, Morgan Cox, Bart Farinholt, Grace Foerster, Ladd Hamrick, Courtney Hudson, Colby Kotzen, Dorothy McKay, Pat Morgan, Chelsea Stevenson
June 18, 2006
All have arrived safe and sound and are getting ready for their sea kayaking and surfing sections. Keep posted and we will update soon!
June 24, 2006
Day 1
Our first day in Costa Rica started successfully when we were able to find all the kids at the airport and head off to our hostel. Kayla and Molly got the group started while Tony ran down to the local market to grab lunch for the group. The group had their first Moonup with an amazing view of the San Jose skyline and sunset. Everyone started off quiet and shy but we knew they would open up sooner or later... We packed up for the kayaking and went to bed early, ready to wake up before the sun.
Day 2
We woke up at 4am to a delicious breakfast of fresh pineapple and watermelon, the fruit is amazing. After loading all of our gear (15 backpacks!) on top of the bus we started our drive to Playa Blanca. After naps the group started entertaining themselves with the many games Tony thought to bring along. Pat was an expert at 3 letter words in Scrabble. After driving through beautiful, green Costa Rica we arrived in San Isidro where we were meeting our guides for kayaking. At a delicious local restaurant the students were able to practice their Spanish ordering lunch. Taylor ended up a bit disappointed by a quesadilla that just didn't stack up with quesadillas in the US. Back on the road we began traveling over los huecos (potholes) that seemed never ending. Our driver was an expert at avoiding them! One of our guides Gilberto purchased some of the strangest looking fruit called manzanillas at a bathroom stop. They were small red spiky balls and when you peeled them open there was delicious fruit inside. Ladd was a little hesitant to try them but after ooohing and aaahing from many others on the bus he finally tried one. Despite a long, long drive we arrived at Playa Blanca with high spirits. Our new favorite food expert Gilberto, made a wonderful Costa Rican dish, arroz con pollo. It was a huge hit and Cameron now requests it on a daily basis. We met many dogs along the beach and realized the theme of our trip was going to be strange bugs. Courtney and Grace got in their mosquito net only to discover a giant spider attached to the outside. Tony bravely feed it another bug which caused much screaming before he carried it away from our tarp for the night on a stick. Falling asleep, kids realized this was going to be a battle against bugs and humidity, but well worth it.
Day 3
Day three started with lots of preparations for kayaking. The kids had to practice wet exits and go over kayaking safety. To pick the first kayaking partners, we organized a line game and Colby stepped up as an excellent leader, helping put the group in height order. We set out for our first day of kayaking beneath raining skies that actually refreshed us all and gave us a break from the heat. Mauricio, another one of our guides, pointed out the amazing Sable tree, an enormous tree that grows in the forest and indigenous people believe it carries peoples' souls from its roots to the sky in its branches. The rain returned as we reached our first campsite but the group really came together and got dinner cooked a shelter set up and fell exhausted into bed.
Day 4
A wonderful thing about being in Costa Rica is waking up to the unbelievable sound of howler monkeys. It was also Courtney's 17th birthday and Colby and Chelsea helped create an awesome beach sign using rocks, shells, coconuts and leaves. Setting off for another long day of kayaking, the kids did an awesome job and we reached an island for lunch in no time. Along the way, Oreos motivated us to keep going and pb and j sandwiches made everyone feel warm and fuzzy inside. Our next camp was an amazing area where Bart began to perfect his skills at tarp set up and shelter making. Everyone enjoyed a dinner of spaghetti expect Molly who had a bug in hers before falling asleep to the sounds of the forest.
Day 5
The day started with some lessons on mangroves and tides. Olivia turned out to be quite the expert on both topics. Setting off across Golfo Dulce we were actually hoping for rain to cool us off. And of course, the wish came true!!! It's the amazing thing about the rainy season. Dorothy was a great kayaking partner keeping Tony entertained all day with stories of field hockey. A tough push against the current up a river brought us to an incredible mangrove forest. Unfortunately, few of us listened to Mauricio’s advice to keep to the middle of the river to avoid getting stuck in the mud. After much pushing and pulling everyone freed themselves except Molly and Morgan. Mauricio had to come back and save them after they refused to move from the kayak and screamed non stop because of the large snake they had seen. At camp that night everyone was on top of things and we had an amazing shelter, bathroom and dinner in no time. Guillermo, a local from Playa Blanca who brought his boat along, showed us his amazing fishing skills by catching enough fish to feed the whole group. We feasted on bonito and barracuda before collapsing exhausted again in our sleeping bags to the sound of an ocelot and her baby wandering around the forest.
Day 6
Our last day of kayaking and everyone couldn't wait to change out of their wet Chaco’s. An early morning (four am) wake up call came from the leaders and we got our gear packed up in record time. It was a calm day at sea because we left so early and we were able to watch the sun rise. As we kayaked across open water Mauricio pointed out the hundreds of jellyfish. Morgan and Courtney struggled at first, zigzagging across the water but eventually got a handle on steering and were superstars the rest of the day. Shortly before stopping for a midday snack, we came across an old, dead pelican floating in the water. He had flown out to sea to die, apparently his favorite place to be. Chelsea and Colby soon took over the job of zigzagging. Despite being expert paddlers the entire trip, with a mile left they lost their skills and weaved their way to the beach. Back on land Mauricio caused chaos and excitement with a reward of soda and a soak in the ocean. Exhausted but proud, everyone used the last of their energy to clean all the gear and rinse the absurd amounts of salt of their bodies. This time when the bus came everyone was relieved for the ride to Uvita, our home for the next few days while we surf. So far, it's been an amazing trip and everyone is SO excited!
Pura Vida!
Molly, Tony and Kayla
June 27, 2006 Update
Surfing Day 7
After finishing up kayaking in the Golfo Dulce, we headed off to Playa Uvita, our staging point for our surfing section. It is there that we would spend the next couple of days with a local family, getting our first opportunity to experience what it is truly like to live in a Costa Rican home. The kids were all psyched to learn about the local culture, cuisine, and lifestyle, as well as ride the waves of the Pacific. We arrived at the house with high spirits, ready to experience the true meaning of what locals describe life as ¨Pura Vida¨ (which when translated means a no worries, care free, pure life). We started off our afternoon waiting for the bus to Dominical, which would be where we would be traveling to go surfing everyday. Ladd, Morgan, Dorothy, Bart, Pat, Cameron, and Tony went down the local park to play some soccer and throw the frisbee around until the bus came to pick up the group. At the same time, Taylor, Grace, Olivia, Chelsea, Colby, Courtney, Molly, and Kayla went over to the church to watch a group of kids who were practicing singing and dancing for a school talent show. When the bus arrived, we spread out, one person to a seat to encourage kids to speak with the locals. 15 minutes and many stories later, we were all in Dominical waxing up the boards and listening as our instructor Mauricio taught us how to catch a wave. After a few tries and lots of falls, a few of us were ultimately able to stand up and ride some waves. We headed back to the house that night after a short day of surfing, just enough though to wet our appetites.
When we got back to Uvita, we unpacked our bags and gathered together on the front porch to meet the family whose home we would be sharing for the next couple of days. Ladd started off the introductions, speaking perfect Spanish, while the rest of the kids followed in turn, one by one introducing themselves. Pat made the whole group laugh during his introduction of ¨Me llamo Pat, y no hablo espanol¨ (translated means my name is Pat and I don’t speak Spanish). After our group finished, the family began introducing themselves, starting with Wilson, the father, and then each of the other seven people that lived in the house. We spent the night listening to Wilson tell stories of his life as a fisherman on the Pacific and how each of the seven people that lived in the house was related to him. Tired, but full of smiles, we headed off for another night sleeping under the stars.
Day 8
We woke early to catch the 6am bus from Playa Uvita to Dominical. Fortunately for us the bus driver lived next door to where we were staying, so we did not have to wait long. The 15 minute bus ride to Dominical gave us plenty of opportunities to practice our Spanish with the locals, as well as get a glimpse as to how transportation works in Central America. The beach in Dominical opened at 8am, so we spent the morning eating breakfast, flipping through a few surfer magazines, and watching the many dogs run around the beach until it was time to surf. At 8am, we were out on the water, psyched to catch our first waves. Dorothy and Cameron used their previous surfing experience to help out those who had never surfed before, and within a couple tries everyone was out there paddling and catching waves. Olivia caught on fast and was quick to stand up on her board. Bart and Ladd were quick to follow as well. By the end of the day, Pat was even doing tricks on his board, switching up his feet and doing a 180 degree turn! Overall, everyone gave it their best effort and had a blast surfing on the soothing waves of the Pacific even though we had a close call with Colby and her braces! We spent some time exploring the town and buying souvenirs in the afternoon, and experiencing what a true surfer town is really like. For dinner we tried an amazing ceviche which was made fresh by Wilson himself, and it was absolutely delicious. Cameron was one of the first to try some and experience true Costa Rican cuisine. Morgan and Chelsea spent much of the night hanging out and learning from Maudi, one of the children that lived in Wilson’s house. The boys cooked up an amazing stir fry dinner, and we all went to sleep that night to the sound of rain drops tap dancing on the roof of our tarp.
Day 9
Transportation for our last day of surfing was a true local experience. We rode in taxi trucks to Dominical, and felt every bump of the road on the way. It truly made us appreciate taxis from back home in the states. For the last day of surfing, everyone tried to catch a wave, but by noon only the locals were out on the water due to the size of the swells. Taylor, Grace, Olivia, and Colby were content catching a few afternoon rays on the beach before we took off back to Playa Uvita. When we got back we were surprised to see that the other Costa Rica group had arrived and was sharing the same home with us for that night! We shared a few stories and then headed off to the local beach to go swimming. Cameron and Bart brought their fishing gear to try and catch some fish off the coast, and Ladd brought the soccer ball (which we unfortunately couldn’t use due to the high tide). Fortunately though, the waves were HUGE and we all had a blast swimming and jumping through the water. Eventually everyone got out into the water and Pat, Bart, and Ladd had fun trying to bodysurf the waves. Afterwards, we all played an amazing game of ¨Look down, look up¨ as well as a rhythm game called ¨Big Booty.¨ Refreshed after a day of surfing, swimming, and games, we headed back to Wilson’s home to have one final talk with Mauricio to wrap up the surfing section. Everyone shared one thing that they were taking away from this section of the trip, as well as the things our group needed to do to have a successful last half of the trip. Our outfitters, Mauricio and Gilberto, both discussed the importance of happiness, and how we do not necessarily need material things to be rich in life. The discussion ended with each person in the group getting a necklace with a surfboard carved out of a seashell, representing the balance we need in our own lives to succeed and be happy. Mauricio then surprised our group by telling us that he ordered pizza AND ice cream for an ending celebration. The night was full of both groups sharing stories, laughing, and playing roshambo games, with the sounds of 80´s music in the background. Pura Vida indeed.
June 29, 2006
Waking up to the sound of tunes pumping next door, we packed up our lovely Uvita home in record time. Everyone was on top of it, cleaning, packing and generally impresssing the leaders. Our bus arrived and we once again piled our massive backpacks on top. As a goodbye to the ocean, we stopped at our favorite bakery on the way out of town for some breakfast pasteries. Most everyone fell asleep, still exahusted by the pounding the waves had given us. Arriving back in San Jose, all were excited by the thought of putting on clothes that we actually dry and didn´t smell like mildew. With an afternoon for adventure we decided to head out for our one fast food meal on the trip. Being in Costa Rica, we decided that McDonalds just wouldn´t cut it, so we stopped at a little cafe and feasted. Returning home to our now very familiar hostel, everyone came together as a team and stuffed as many gross, soggy clothes into bags for laundry. Next people ran for the showers, re-appearing as new, clean aliens. Cameron entertained the group with his stylish outfit and the girls ohhed and ahhhed over brushing their hair. Cameron and Taylor led us that night in a fantastic moonup and Courtney was in the hot seat, sharing her greatest secrets. We went to bed, knowing the leaders of the day for tomorrow would be on top of things and wake us up for our bus to rafting.
Bright and early, bags packed, everyone stumbled upstairs for more delicious fresh fruit. Pineapple in the States may never taste the same. Moments later, Antonio, one of our guides from Aventuras Naturales arrived and we again piled on the bus. A short drive later we found ourselves in the misty mountains, at a restaurant perched out on a cliff. Breakfast again!!! The excitement was almost unbearable as we stuffed ourselves with eggs, rice and beans, more fruit and the MOST delicious coffee. Another short bus ride later and we arrived at the Paquare River. Kurt, our guide got us ready in life jackets and helmets. Ladd, Pat, Tony and Molly ended up in some awesome faded flourescent helmets. We started out on the river excited by the beautiful jungle surrounding us. Our journey that first day was short, much to Taylor´s relief. Suddenly, along the river our guides pointed out a unbelieveable green area with bungalows and a large dining area. Was this paradise? Were we really spending the night here? This beat the kayaking tarp... Dorothy and Olivia ran off to their bungalow, as Colby and Chelsea skipped by pointing at flowers and exclaiming over anything that moved. Next came the first of our many feasts provided by the guides. We lunched on a lovely green salad, couscous and fresh fruit before changing into bathing suits and heading out on a hike. Kurt was an amazing guide, pointing out plants and explaining their purpose in the jungle. We even saw giant ants and everyone got lots of pictures. After a short time we arrived at a cascading waterfall with a pool at the base. In no time Bart had leapt into the pool and was followed quickly by Courtney and the rest of the crew. Games were made, diving under the waterfall, trying to touch the bottom and even though she resisted, we got Morgan to come in too. At one point, Dorothy turned around and shouted ¨¨This is my favorite part of the trip so far¨ The feeling was echoed by many. Wearily we dragged ourselves back to our bungalows and cleaned off in our luxorious showers. Gathering back as a group, we started one of what would be many games of Birdie on a Perch. Pat was nearly unbeatable, able to leap on whatever partner he had but Molly and Tony put up a good fight. Ground-Person continued to be a group favorite and we attempted a few rthymless games of big booty. Out of the sounds of birds and insects we were called to dinner. It was an experience most of us doubt we will ever be lucky enough to experience again. In candle light we were served chicken with the best cooked veggies ever and rice. This was only after the first course of butternut squash soup. Our glasses were brimming with fresh fruit juice and spirits were high. Ladd took a picture of everything to show his brother! Thinking we couldn´t fit anymore food in our stomaches, the most beautiful passionfruit mousse was set before us. And if ever in your life you had to make room for dessert, this was the night to do it. Many in the group found it to be the most amazing thing ever and we were begging for extras.
In our bungalows, we were lulled to sleep by the endless downpour outside. Grace recalls waking up and being incredibly thankful for the roof over her head. Bright eyed and bushy tailed, we scurried to see what amazing breakfast awaited us. Banana pancakes! Fresh bread! Scrambled eggs! Fruit, fruit and more fruit! What had we done to deserve this? Before heading out, Kayla and the guides sat us down for a serious chat. Because of the rain, the river had swelled and water levels were high. We were going to have to do some serious paddling and really dig in. We were also on a cheesy word contest and Dorothy wowed us all telling us how ¨amped¨ breakfast made her. We split up into boat groups, Molly, Ladd, Chelsea, Colby, Morgan and Taylor in one with amazing Max guiding. Kayla, Cameron, Bart, Dorothy and Grace piled into their boat with Pascal. Finally Pat, Tony, Olivia and Courtney climed into their boat with our new friend Antonio. We set out on the river with Chelsea repeatedly stating her hope to see a toucan, Taylor´s face frozen in a terrified grin and shouts coming up from the boys over the roar of the river. Using our stellar paddling skills we hit our first rapid Wake Up! And boy, did we ever. From that point on it was serious paddling, lots of screaming and huge rapids. We sailed over the class 4 rapid Bronco and battled through many class 3s. At one point we all heard Taylor scream over the roar ¨I want my Mom!¨ Chelsea´s wish came true when Max pointed out a toucan flying overhead. Pascal kept his boat entertained (as though the rapids weren´t enough!) explaining all the languages he speaks (6!) and all the countries he has guided in. Everyone had sore arms and pounding hearts when we stopped for lunch. The other boat in our group had emptied 3 times but the Moondancers were SUPERSTARS and all stayed in their rafts. Another amazing meal and it was time to load back up. We paddled our final class 4 rapid, one of 5 for the day and had some fun clowning around in the calmer water. Everyone jumped out and swam through a breathtaking canyon that had waterfalls plunging down every nook and cranny. As we came along our last bend in the river, we saw an old railroad bridge ahead. Much to Colby´s terror, small Costa Rican boys came flying out and down into the water. One swam over to Pat and Tony´s boat, guiding it the final stretch. Once on land, they wanted all the boys´ hats, bandanas and anything else they were willing to part with. We spent a long time laughing at pictures and zooming in on some hysterical faces. Dorothy and Cameron may have won for best facial expressions with Courtney in a close second. The short ride back into San Jose was spent discussing the best rapids, tricks we had done on our rafts and generally rating the whole two days as the most amazing part of the trip so far.
In San Jose we quickly dumped our stuff off at the hostel before deciding to explore the city a bit. Everyone was becoming experts at navigating the busy sidewalks and politely asking ¨con permiso¨ (excuse me) or responding ¨pura vida¨ to a wave hello. We found a delicious spot with chicken to fill our tummies and Grace impressed us by eating 5 packets of special sauce. Ice cream cones topped off a perfect few days. Now we are all exitedly awaiting our backpacking section. Rumor has it we will eat well, see unbelieveable things and meet wonderful people. Is it just me, or are we starting to notice a theme here in Costa Rica? !Pura Vida!
July 6, 2006
Once again in San Jose we were able to start our day the best way, with fresh fruit. An early morning wake up call resulted in many sleepy faces climbing on the bus for our trip to the Cloud Forest. After traveling most of the morning our bus driver pulled over and told us if we wanted to see crocodiles, we needed to get out and walk across a bridge overlooking a rocky river. We were skeptical but oh so excited about seeing crocodiles. Sure enough, about halfway over the bridge, we looked down to see about 10 crocodiles basking in the sun. They were HUGE! So that was one animal we could check off our list. Back on the road we continued over potholes and through the heat until we met up with our guide for the forest, Freddy. A short while later and we were putting the final packing touches on our backpacks, strapping on the gaiters and filling water bottles. Our adventure into the forest was beginning. The first day of hiking tested our strength and our ability to deal with the heat. The group really rallied as a team and Ladd, Pat, Grace and Chelsea stepped up to help out a few teammates that we struggling up the steep muddy hill. Molly, Colby, Tony and Dorothy kept everyone entertained creating stories about 4 legged princesses and birds traveling the world by raft. The beauty of the forest around us was extraordinary and Freddy kept us well informed on different plants. With promises of being near our destination, we began a slow descent into a valley. Suddenly in front of us was a beautiful bridge, backlit by the setting sun and beyond that a house. As the sky was splashed with a rainbow of colors we crossed the bridge and approached the Aztua house, our gracious hosts for the night. Watermelon awaited us on the porch and we quickly changed out of our wet clothes and spread out on the beautiful porch. Within a few minutes, we were told dinner was ready and found our whole group seated around a large round table enjoying a gourmet meal. We chatted with the family a bit, played some games, read some books and eventually drifted off to bed.
Morgan and Pat woke the group up early in the morning and we ate a delicious breakfast before heading out for another hard day of backpacking. Our trail was mostly uphill and we found ourselves staying hydrated just to help the boys and Grace lessen the weight of their packs. (We had to carry extra water because there was no source along the way!) Along the way, Freddy pointed out a manzana aqua (water apple) tree and Tony, our expert climber, scurried up the tree and knocked a whole bunch down for us. It was a refreshing fruit almost like a pear. More uphill hiking, singing encouragement provided by Molly and many water bottles later, Freddy informed us we were almost there, just one downhill part to go. Unfortunately, this downhill section was like a giant muddy slip and slide. Olivia and Taylor kept the group entertained by falling over and over again into giant mud puddles. Bart didn’t want to be out done so he made a few spectacular dives as well. I think the only 2 in the group not to fall were Cameron and Pat. Everyone was laughing, discussing the possible skin benefits of the mud and generally loving the craziness. We finally arrived at the house only slightly resembling the people that had set out hiking in the morning. Everyone was literally covered in mud. Luckily, the Fonseca family is very understanding and ushered us into their amazing forest tree house despite the brown ooze dripping from us. We hungrily sat down to a lunch of rice, beans, fruit and salad. After lunch we carried all our gear down to the river for a rinse off and then had some much needed rest time. It gave us a chance to explore this amazing house perched out in the forest, completely open to the sounds of the river and the smell of trees. The kids eagerly joined Rosa (our new mom for a few days) in the kitchen and helped prepare and clean up dinner before we collapsed about the house, exhausted from our climb and many falls.
Bright and early the next morning we woke up to experience Rosa’s amazing pancakes with homemade guava jelly. Coffee and hot chocolate brightened everyone’s faces and we learned how to put on a harness before heading for the waterfall we were going to repel. A short hike from the house was a waterfall that is sometimes roaring but rather tranquil on this day. Kayla bravely repelled first, instructed by Freddy’s dad Alvino from the top and meeting Freddy at the bottom. Bart, Cameron and Grace followed soon after as others watched on nervously. Courtney’s turn arrived and we discovered she was rather terrified of heights. Insisting she couldn’t do it, everyone came together and assured her that she could, she would and she would feel awesome afterwards. Chelsea was an excellent motivator and sure enough, a few minutes later we heard Courtney’s excited shouts from the bottom. Everyone cheerfully wandered back to the house. After more rice and beans with some chicken thrown in, the kids began what was a part of their service project. Using books and the family as resources, they began researching the rainforest and the effects of deforestation. We went for a wonderful swim in the river and enjoyed getting to know the whole family, included Ura, the 7 year old whose favorite word is STINKY!
Bart and Colby had the leader of the day job down no problem waking us up right on time the follow morning. We feasted on more of Rosa’s delicious cooking and the kids were really getting comfortable in their new kitchen. Just a few short minutes from the house was a beautiful, huge tree. Freddy told us that when his family still did cow farming in the area, they had tried many times to cut down the tree. Something had stopped them on their numerous tries, perhaps its sheer size or perhaps their belief that a spirit lived in the tree. Either way, we were psyched because we got to climb it! Again, comfort zones were challenged as each student gave the tree a try. Olivia was convinced that she had reached the highest height she could go, but with much cheering from Molly and Tony amazingly continued going higher. Pat made it up in record time and Chelsea was the fastest girl. After returning for lunch, Alvino took us on a tour of his medicinal garden. Ladd and Dorothy used their awesome Spanish skills to understand but the rest was translated. We were fascinated to find that the family relied almost entirely on forest plants to keep them healthy and safe. Alvino was an amazing teacher, giving us insight into all the different plants uses. Swimming was becoming a favorite activity and we went for another afternoon dip before going home to prepare for our sweat lodge. Alvino made us a delicious tea and Freddy explained the ritual of the sweat lodge to us. We climbed our way over to the lodge where a fire was roaring. Everyone was respectful and insightful during our 3 twelve minutes in the sweat lodge with baths in the river in between. It was a moment few of us will ever forget. Later everyone finish up our deforestation projects. The kids had to present their projects to their families. We were all very impressed with the great poems, skits and creative ways they presented all their new knowledge.
Our final day with the Fonseca family was incredible as all the others. We started our day with a zip line over the river. Everyone had a blast. We returned to the house where we were informed we would be killing a chicken for our dinner that night. Grace wanted the actual job of cutting off the head, while Bart and Pat held it down. Cameron was amazing, catching the chicken after many loops around the barnyard area. Chelsea was an expert plucker and cleaner while others hid from the now dead chicken. Most of the group was enthralled as Rosa taught us all about the parts of the chicken and showed us how little was going to waste (nothing really, extras went to the dogs and the pigs!). After lunch we planted trees as part of our service project, helping reforest the area. The chicken that night was delicious for dinner, although a few decided not to eat it, preferring the nicely packaged chicken in the supermarket.
The next morning we woke up and helped clean some key areas of the house before heading out on the trail. After a very unique river crossing (something resembling a ski chair lift) the kids split up into groups of 3 for the short hike that day. All the groups had an excellent time really getting to know new friends and feeling the independence of backpacking. We arrived at our next destination and almost immediately started our service project, helping clean up around the town and donating all the bottles and cans for recycling to the local school. The leaders presented the students with an exciting photo scavenger hunt. Pat, Colby, Olivia and Ladd were the winners able to find all 20 objects and amaze the leaders with their creativity. Later we wandered over to the futbol field where local kids came to join our soccer game. Dorothy was unstoppable, showing off some very impressive skills. Unfortunately, Mario, a local 8 year old showed us all up and scored most of the goals.
Another night of sleep and we woke up early to the Latino tunes everyone had grown to love. Our trip out of the town of Brujo was bumpy and unlike anything we will ever experience again. Lunch was scarfed down in San Isidro before heading back for a night in San Jose. Packing, evaluations and showers reminded us that we will soon be parting and we know we need to make the most of our last day together.
July 8, 2006
Whoa, it is true, time does fly when you’re having fun. It seems like just yesterday we were at the airport shyly smiling at our new ¨family¨. Upon return from Brujo we packed up, showered up and ate up before gossiping quietly in our beds. The next morning we were up early, feasting on some of our last fresh Costa Rican fruit. Our bus for the canopy tour arrived and we were off. The adventure was unbelievable. We sailed across cables through dazzling rain forests and swung out over a huge ravine on the Tarzan Swing. Whooping and shouting was heard throughout the day and our guides loved our enthusiasm for testing our Spanish and becoming friends with everyone we met. The canopy tour was a perfect last day, just enough adventure and just enough time to be with your friends. At the double cable, we raced across the forest, seeing who had better tuck form for gaining speed. Taylor. Chelsea and Dorothy provided an amazing soundtrack of giggles and screams of joy. Ladd was the group interpreter, helping Grace correctly answer that she doesn’t speak very much Spanish! Pat led the crew, enthusiastically clipping up to every cable and shooting off. Colby and Morgan found time to chat among the green tree tops and get in some last minute jokes and memories with Olivia and Courtney. After all of our exploring the rainforest we headed inside for a delicious meal. We had become quite spoiled, feasting every time food was near and this day was no exception. Cameron could hardly get enough of the delicious juice and Bart of course ate every speck of food on his plate. Climbing back on the bus, kids were quiet and reflective, realizing that while they had only know each other 3 weeks, they were preparing to say goodbye to some of their best friends.
Back at the hostel, Kayla took a group out to pick up some last minute gifts and souvenirs. Then it was off to the banquet. At Antojitos, we ate enough food to keep everyone full until at least 2 days after arriving home. Also, enough Coke and Orange Fanta was consumed that no one should ever need another soda. The table was full of laughter as Pat and Tony kept us very well entertained. Flashes went off constantly as Grace, Taylor, Olivia and Dorothy took picture after picture. Morgan kept us all entertained with her endless supply of stories as Bart and Cameron reminisced on their favorite moments. Ladd helped stuffed friends out, cleaning up their plates as Courtney chatted to us about how much she had opened up during the trip. Chelsea reminded us, in case we had forgot, that this was our LAST night together and Colby gave us a rundown of everything she planned to do when she got home.
Of course there is always room for dessert, no matter how many beans you leave on your plate so back at the hostel we filled our bowls up with ice cream as we enjoyed our last night in Costa Rica. Moon-Up time rolled around and everything was very bittersweet. The leaders were blown away by the insights and lessons the kids were taking away from the trip. Dorothy and Ladd realized their Spanish was awesome and will use it with confidence. Courtney and Chelsea realized what amazing friends you could make in such a short time. Taylor, Olivia and Morgan exclaimed over the new view they had of the world and how lucky they were to have it. Grace and Pat talked about what it was like being the group clowns, and how they enjoyed seeing that being quiet and calm is great sometimes too. Colby and Cameron talked about overcoming challenging and trying to do your best at everything while Bart thanked everyone for making it such a memorial experience. Everyone showed great maturity and deep trust for their group members as we did an activity called ¨Backpack¨. In it, each person drew a name and described what quality they would want from that person’s backpack (personality) and also one thing they would put into that person’s backpack. The answers were thoughtful, showed great connections and nearly brought Molly to tears. Late night chatting went on and Kayla patiently waited for everyone to finally reach that going to bed point.
An early morning reminded us we were off to the airport. Everyone looked clean and spiffy as they signed each other’s group journals. Then hugs, tears and laughter filled the San Jose airport as we said goodbye to our constant companions of the last 21 days. I think so much was learned during this trip and so many challenges were overcome. Everyone went home with a smile on their face and a little more confidence in the amazing person that they are!
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