Well, my final session is halfway through and I´m nearing the end of my Costa Rican adventures. It´s crazy to think I´ve been here for almost 10 weeks!
I´m back at Leadership this session, but I´m definitely finding new adventures with the old routine. On our white water rafting trip, I had the best guide I´ve had all summer - we ´surfed,´ rowed backwards, went spinning through rapids, sat on the front to ´ride the bull,´ and many other crazy things. However, the best part was when Ricardo (the rafting guide) quickly explained to me how to steer the boat, and before I could ask questions, he jumped out right before a series of class 3 rapids. It went well until the final rapid where I literally FLEW to the front of the boat. Needless to say, I think the bruise on my nose should be gone before the wedding. :)
I also watched a golden orb spider catch, wrap and eat a fly passing by. Golden orbs have amazingly strong webs - a local told us that some Army´s are starting to use their web material in their bullet proof vests.
As my time winds down, it´s crazy to look back at all the adventures I´ve had this summer. Not only have I experienced the amazing Costa Rican culture, landscapes, and people; but I´ve improved on my Spanish and had some crazy adventures. Some of these adventures have included ziplining, horseback riding, rapelling down a 150 foot waterfall, swimming in volcano warmed springs, climbing a formerly active volcano, kayaking, white water rafting, surfing, and climbing a 400 year old strangler tree. I´m only missing bungee jumping - but I guess that just gives me a reason to come back! :)
As much as I´m going to miss waking up to the river sounds and hearing the volcano errupt each day, I´m excited to be in touch with my family and friends. It´s been an awesome summer, but I´m thrilled to get back to a routine and my ´real life´ back home. :)
Miss you all. Talk to you soon! Thanks for following my random blog!
me
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
Saturday, July 24, 2010
Yep, I scratched a monkeys back.
My two weeks in Heart of the Jungle has come to an end and I must say that it was incredible! I love leadership because of what we do for the Tico kids, but it was a nice break to get out and see and experience more of what Costa Rica has to offer.
We wrapped up the program with a 3-day kayaking trip around Gulfo Dulce. We set up our camp each night on secluded beaches with the ocean in front of us and the jungle behind - amazing. I was also awoken each morning with a band of hollar monkeys passing through. We went to a Wildlife Refuge on the 2nd day where a monkey walked up to me and wanted me to scratch his back. Needless to say, Flat Stanley has some stellar pictures from his adventures this summer! The morning of the 3rd day, before we set out, we witnessed a complete rainbow across the gulf. How absolutely amazed I continue to be at the pure, natural beauty of this incredible country!
As we set back on our 8-hour trek from the Osa Peninsula to San Jose, I decided to make a random list of adventures/ experiences/ tid-bits that I may not have made in the blog... so, I hope they provide some chuckles and insight into my life for the last 2 months!
- I literally RAN into a jaguarundi (small jaguar) on an early morning run on the Osa Peninsula. I´m not sure who was more terrified, me or him!
- I have read a plethora of books this summer, including For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingingway. I´m going to miss reading ´fun´ books when I start grad classes!
- Sloths really do exist!
- One never really grows out of camp games - they´ve come in handy!
- It is possible to lose students on a 1-path hike with a guide at the front AND the back.
- Costa Rica holds 2.5 percent of the worlds´ biodiversity.
- Coconuts fall out of trees. Frequently.
- Although rice and beans are served at every meal, I still can´t stomach the texture of beans.
- Due to my high intake of fresh pineapple, bananas, and mangos, I may come home with a yellowish hue. :)
- I´ve made friends from all over the world: Quebec, Hungary, Columbia, Spain, Costa Rica and all over the states. :)
- Any river, big or small, can be forged as long as the driver is willing.
- I have put machetes in the hands of 15 year olds and gracias a Dios, we´ve all survived!
- Showers and clean, dry clothing are far and few between, but it is still possible to live semi-comfortibly out of a backpack for 10 weeks. :)
- Before any Tico ever tells you they don´t know the answer to your question, they will make something up.
- Trashy novels in Spanish are just as rediculous as Spanish soap operas.
SO, with that, I´ll sign out. I´m on my final session and am down to 10 days before I leave Costa Rica. I can´t believe the summer has gone so quickly!
I´ll be in touch - Hope all is well back home!
All my love,
me
We wrapped up the program with a 3-day kayaking trip around Gulfo Dulce. We set up our camp each night on secluded beaches with the ocean in front of us and the jungle behind - amazing. I was also awoken each morning with a band of hollar monkeys passing through. We went to a Wildlife Refuge on the 2nd day where a monkey walked up to me and wanted me to scratch his back. Needless to say, Flat Stanley has some stellar pictures from his adventures this summer! The morning of the 3rd day, before we set out, we witnessed a complete rainbow across the gulf. How absolutely amazed I continue to be at the pure, natural beauty of this incredible country!
As we set back on our 8-hour trek from the Osa Peninsula to San Jose, I decided to make a random list of adventures/ experiences/ tid-bits that I may not have made in the blog... so, I hope they provide some chuckles and insight into my life for the last 2 months!
- I literally RAN into a jaguarundi (small jaguar) on an early morning run on the Osa Peninsula. I´m not sure who was more terrified, me or him!
- I have read a plethora of books this summer, including For Whom the Bell Tolls by Ernest Hemingingway. I´m going to miss reading ´fun´ books when I start grad classes!
- Sloths really do exist!
- One never really grows out of camp games - they´ve come in handy!
- It is possible to lose students on a 1-path hike with a guide at the front AND the back.
- Costa Rica holds 2.5 percent of the worlds´ biodiversity.
- Coconuts fall out of trees. Frequently.
- Although rice and beans are served at every meal, I still can´t stomach the texture of beans.
- Due to my high intake of fresh pineapple, bananas, and mangos, I may come home with a yellowish hue. :)
- I´ve made friends from all over the world: Quebec, Hungary, Columbia, Spain, Costa Rica and all over the states. :)
- Any river, big or small, can be forged as long as the driver is willing.
- I have put machetes in the hands of 15 year olds and gracias a Dios, we´ve all survived!
- Showers and clean, dry clothing are far and few between, but it is still possible to live semi-comfortibly out of a backpack for 10 weeks. :)
- Before any Tico ever tells you they don´t know the answer to your question, they will make something up.
- Trashy novels in Spanish are just as rediculous as Spanish soap operas.
SO, with that, I´ll sign out. I´m on my final session and am down to 10 days before I leave Costa Rica. I can´t believe the summer has gone so quickly!
I´ll be in touch - Hope all is well back home!
All my love,
me
Friday, July 16, 2010
Termites and Monkeys.
Heya!
I´ve been MIA the last couple weeks as I have been out on a different program - quite literally in the Heart of the Jungle. It's been great to get out and experience some new and different parts of Costa Rica!
We spent the first 4 days about 20 minutes outside the surfing town of Dominical (where the world surfing competition took place last year). We stayed at a little Inn on the top of a mountain where we awoke to the ocean line meeting the skyline over a smaller set of mountains. And at night, we watched the most beautiful sunsets on the beach. I can't even begin to explain how absolutely breathtaking the natural beauty of Costa Rica is! We spent our days doing community service in a local school putting up a fence for the one-room schoolhouse as they are trying to keep thieves out of the classroom vegetable garden (not sure who'd steal from a school, but I guess it happens!). Even though the kids were on 'vacation,' some showed up to get chat and play some soccer. :)
Speaking of soccer, I put my money on Spain about 4 weeks ago - it has been really cool to experience the World Cup with the Ticos, whether listening on the bus or watching at a local restraunt. :)
On our final day in Dominical, we went repelling down a 150 foot waterfall. I can't even begin to explain how absolutely exhilarating it was! It's funny how I wasn't nervous to go myself, but rather for the 17 children we are in charge of this week. I finally understand why my mom used to get so nervous when we'd lean into the bear cage at the zoo when we were little. I think this was my payback!
We left Dominical and headed south toward Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula. It was definitely an interesting trip. We took the bus as far as we could, then hopped in 4 4X4 vehicles where we forged rivers and worn away roads, and finally walked the last 45 minutes on a secluded beach to arrive at our glorified tents for the next 3 days. We spent our days doing beach clean-ups, painting a nearby ranger station and trekking deep into the jungle for a 10 mile hike. I quickly learned to identify the 4 different types of monkeys in Costa Rica, saw Macaws and parrots, and had a supposed Puma sighting. I even tried some termites along the way - they actually taste quite minty!
Continuing north, we set up camp at another Eco Lodge where we prepared for some more adventures - surfing in the morning and climbing a 400 year old stranger tree (the climb is about 75 feet) in the afternoon. I'm still trying to convince myself that this is really my summer job. :)
We have now ventured back to Corcovado where the students are currently doing some community service (I have the afternoon off). We head out on our 3 day kayaking trip early tomorrow morning...
It's funny how as I write this, I feel as though I'm leaving all the best parts out. Like how I wiped out in the middle of the street today or how some of our students didn't sleep for 2 nights because we told them that a science experiment gone bad had left human monkeys in the middle of the jungle at our campsite. I can't wait to get back and share all the crazy details and the gazillion pictures I have been taking! :)
I suppose I better head out and go pick up laundry (yay for clean, DRY clothes!). Hope all is well back home and I'll see you all in about 3 weeks!
Pura Vida,
me
I´ve been MIA the last couple weeks as I have been out on a different program - quite literally in the Heart of the Jungle. It's been great to get out and experience some new and different parts of Costa Rica!
We spent the first 4 days about 20 minutes outside the surfing town of Dominical (where the world surfing competition took place last year). We stayed at a little Inn on the top of a mountain where we awoke to the ocean line meeting the skyline over a smaller set of mountains. And at night, we watched the most beautiful sunsets on the beach. I can't even begin to explain how absolutely breathtaking the natural beauty of Costa Rica is! We spent our days doing community service in a local school putting up a fence for the one-room schoolhouse as they are trying to keep thieves out of the classroom vegetable garden (not sure who'd steal from a school, but I guess it happens!). Even though the kids were on 'vacation,' some showed up to get chat and play some soccer. :)
Speaking of soccer, I put my money on Spain about 4 weeks ago - it has been really cool to experience the World Cup with the Ticos, whether listening on the bus or watching at a local restraunt. :)
On our final day in Dominical, we went repelling down a 150 foot waterfall. I can't even begin to explain how absolutely exhilarating it was! It's funny how I wasn't nervous to go myself, but rather for the 17 children we are in charge of this week. I finally understand why my mom used to get so nervous when we'd lean into the bear cage at the zoo when we were little. I think this was my payback!
We left Dominical and headed south toward Corcovado on the Osa Peninsula. It was definitely an interesting trip. We took the bus as far as we could, then hopped in 4 4X4 vehicles where we forged rivers and worn away roads, and finally walked the last 45 minutes on a secluded beach to arrive at our glorified tents for the next 3 days. We spent our days doing beach clean-ups, painting a nearby ranger station and trekking deep into the jungle for a 10 mile hike. I quickly learned to identify the 4 different types of monkeys in Costa Rica, saw Macaws and parrots, and had a supposed Puma sighting. I even tried some termites along the way - they actually taste quite minty!
Continuing north, we set up camp at another Eco Lodge where we prepared for some more adventures - surfing in the morning and climbing a 400 year old stranger tree (the climb is about 75 feet) in the afternoon. I'm still trying to convince myself that this is really my summer job. :)
We have now ventured back to Corcovado where the students are currently doing some community service (I have the afternoon off). We head out on our 3 day kayaking trip early tomorrow morning...
It's funny how as I write this, I feel as though I'm leaving all the best parts out. Like how I wiped out in the middle of the street today or how some of our students didn't sleep for 2 nights because we told them that a science experiment gone bad had left human monkeys in the middle of the jungle at our campsite. I can't wait to get back and share all the crazy details and the gazillion pictures I have been taking! :)
I suppose I better head out and go pick up laundry (yay for clean, DRY clothes!). Hope all is well back home and I'll see you all in about 3 weeks!
Pura Vida,
me
Friday, July 2, 2010
Monos!
After 4 and a half weeks in the rainforest, I´ve finally seen monkeys!! We had an awesome horseback ride yesterday at Rancho Margot and there was an entire family of monkeys (babies included) in a tree right next to the path! Yay!
Tuesday, June 29, 2010
Piña y bananos.
Heya!
Well, we´re officially one week into the second session, which means I have a month under my belt in Costa Rica! I haven´t updated in a while, so here´s a quick recap of what I´ve been up to:
Now that we´re on round 2 of the students, I feel like a pro as we zipline through the rainforest, go horseback riding near the volcano, and white water raft on the Pacuare River. It has definitely proven to be some rough days in the office!
I´m really enjoying the Leadership program. It´s very unique in the fact that our kiddos leave an everlasting impression on the Tico children they work with. They create an 8 day camp for the Ticos - and the really cool part is that as a guide, I not only see the effects this camp has on the Tico children who may not have ever had the opportunity to leave their village let alone go to a swimming pool, but also the 16 American teenagers whose lives are normally filled with fancy electronics and and a never ending supply of clean clothes. :) AND to top it all, we get it all - language, adventure, community service and exploration!
It´s been really neat to see how environmentally friendly Costa Rica is. Recycling is HUGE here - and there are signs by sinks that encourage turning off the water while using soap or brushing teeth. But at the same time, I´m purplexed at all the garbage that is left on the streets...
Just for the record, flies the size of golfballs and spiders the size of my fist really do exist. We saw a tyra (jungle cat of sorts) while swimming under a waterfall on the Pacuare. And a 4-foot long lizard ran through camp the other day.
I was finally able to climb Cerro Chato after a couple rainy morning attempts! Sammy, Justin (a photographer for RP) and I awoke at 4:45 and set off to climb the previously active volcano. Sammy set the pace and was practically running up the mountain. Justin dropped out before we even hit the treeline (nevermind that Sammy took a wrong turn and we ended up back at the car 20 minutes later). Slow and steady, I arrived at the top to find the most amazing view of the sun rising over La Fortuna. We took a quick swim in the lake (the rain water filled crater) before heading back down to find Justin. However, Justin, who had regrouped and started climbing up, heard us talking and decided to hide and scare us while taking a video on his fancy phone. SO, he popped out roaring like a bear (apparently bears exist in the rainforest?!). I was startled, but took about two more steps. However, I then decided to lean against a tree, which turned out to be a vine and I completely toppled over. Needless to say, many laughs were had by ALL and I´m sure it will soon make it´s appearance on Facebook, lol.
It´s been super neat to be in Costa Rica during the World Cup. We listen to games when we´re on the bus and at our base camp and we´ve even brought our students in to watch a couple games with the locals. Athough I´m working on improving my soccer skills with the Ticos, I´m beginning to think I may be a lost cause!
Well, I suppose I better head out, but just wanted to touch base and wish you all an early Happy 4th of July! Light a sparkler for me!
GB
jb
Well, we´re officially one week into the second session, which means I have a month under my belt in Costa Rica! I haven´t updated in a while, so here´s a quick recap of what I´ve been up to:
Now that we´re on round 2 of the students, I feel like a pro as we zipline through the rainforest, go horseback riding near the volcano, and white water raft on the Pacuare River. It has definitely proven to be some rough days in the office!
I´m really enjoying the Leadership program. It´s very unique in the fact that our kiddos leave an everlasting impression on the Tico children they work with. They create an 8 day camp for the Ticos - and the really cool part is that as a guide, I not only see the effects this camp has on the Tico children who may not have ever had the opportunity to leave their village let alone go to a swimming pool, but also the 16 American teenagers whose lives are normally filled with fancy electronics and and a never ending supply of clean clothes. :) AND to top it all, we get it all - language, adventure, community service and exploration!
It´s been really neat to see how environmentally friendly Costa Rica is. Recycling is HUGE here - and there are signs by sinks that encourage turning off the water while using soap or brushing teeth. But at the same time, I´m purplexed at all the garbage that is left on the streets...
Just for the record, flies the size of golfballs and spiders the size of my fist really do exist. We saw a tyra (jungle cat of sorts) while swimming under a waterfall on the Pacuare. And a 4-foot long lizard ran through camp the other day.
I was finally able to climb Cerro Chato after a couple rainy morning attempts! Sammy, Justin (a photographer for RP) and I awoke at 4:45 and set off to climb the previously active volcano. Sammy set the pace and was practically running up the mountain. Justin dropped out before we even hit the treeline (nevermind that Sammy took a wrong turn and we ended up back at the car 20 minutes later). Slow and steady, I arrived at the top to find the most amazing view of the sun rising over La Fortuna. We took a quick swim in the lake (the rain water filled crater) before heading back down to find Justin. However, Justin, who had regrouped and started climbing up, heard us talking and decided to hide and scare us while taking a video on his fancy phone. SO, he popped out roaring like a bear (apparently bears exist in the rainforest?!). I was startled, but took about two more steps. However, I then decided to lean against a tree, which turned out to be a vine and I completely toppled over. Needless to say, many laughs were had by ALL and I´m sure it will soon make it´s appearance on Facebook, lol.
It´s been super neat to be in Costa Rica during the World Cup. We listen to games when we´re on the bus and at our base camp and we´ve even brought our students in to watch a couple games with the locals. Athough I´m working on improving my soccer skills with the Ticos, I´m beginning to think I may be a lost cause!
Well, I suppose I better head out, but just wanted to touch base and wish you all an early Happy 4th of July! Light a sparkler for me!
GB
jb
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Fotografias.
I´ve tried uploading some pics, but they´re too big. I´ll try uploading some to Facebook for those of you who have me on there! Sorry!
Campamento Chiquiticos.
That´s the name of the camp that our campers created for the local Costa Rican children - literally translated as ´Camp Little Costa Ricans.´ It´s been awesome to watch how the kiddos have completely come together to create an experience that these local children will never forget!
I took a group ziplining last night - it´s definitley going to be rough having to do that several times this summer! At one point we were 600 feet up in the air and reached 80 kilometers per hour and the views of Volcan Arenal and the largest manmade lake in Costa Rica were indescribable.
I have the morning off today, so I walked into town (about 30 minutes) to find a random parade going on. They´ve now crowded around the park in the center of town, so I´ll have to go check it out in a bit. I love the random Central American lifestyle!
Well, I suppose I better head out. I´m in search of a libreria - a books store to find some books in Spanish.
Hope all is well back home!
Miss ya!
me
I took a group ziplining last night - it´s definitley going to be rough having to do that several times this summer! At one point we were 600 feet up in the air and reached 80 kilometers per hour and the views of Volcan Arenal and the largest manmade lake in Costa Rica were indescribable.
I have the morning off today, so I walked into town (about 30 minutes) to find a random parade going on. They´ve now crowded around the park in the center of town, so I´ll have to go check it out in a bit. I love the random Central American lifestyle!
Well, I suppose I better head out. I´m in search of a libreria - a books store to find some books in Spanish.
Hope all is well back home!
Miss ya!
me
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)