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