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