Manuel Antonio

Today the students were excited to finally go to the beach.  We went to Parque Nacional de Manuel Antonio which is a tropical forest and a beach.  We walked the trail for about twenty minutes before arriving at the cove-like beach.  Even though it was a bit overcast, students enjoyed about two hours in the water and on the beach.  They begged to stay longer but we had to get on the road.  On the trail back, we got to see some squirrel and capuchin monkeys.

We went back to the hotel for lunch where we got to see even more monkeys.  Then it was time to board the bus again for a two hour ride to Jacó for our crocodile tour.  Jon, our tour guide, pointed out egrets, herons, pelicans and red macaws among other birds.  The captain showed us various crocodiles and was able to draw them out of the water so we could get a good view.  And of course, since it is the rainy season, it started to rain after we got on the boat which was fortunately covered.

Then we loaded back on the bus for another two hour ride back to El Rancho where we are spending the last night.  Students are sad to be leaving since they have had such a good time here.

See you tomorrow.

Monteverde

Today after breakfast we went on a horseback riding excursion through the Monteverde cloud forest.  Students saddled up and were given instructions on how to ride western style.  The paths were windy and steep in some areas.  The horses loved to stop and eat the coffee plants.  Their  personalities were apparent, often matching their names! About halfway through the two hour tour it started pouring rain, common for summer months.  Students returned soaking wet but happy to have had such a unique experience.

 

 

 

Then it was an uncomfortable wet ride back to the hotel for a quick shower and time to pack up for our next destination. José deftly navigated the steep, unpaved roads through Monteverde.  After two hours we stopped for snacks and souvenirs and a little bit of the USA vs. Belgium World Cup game.  Then it was back on the bus for another two hours to get to Manuel Antonio.  Tomorrow is a beach day so we are hoping for some sun!

Hasta pronto.

Zip line

Today was the highly anticipated zip line tour.  Unfortunately it was pouring rain.  Students and Ms. Kaneda suited up in their harnesses and helmets for the adventure.  After a safety explanation, they climbed the tower of stairs to clip onto the cable that led them through the canopy tour of 11 platforms.  At first they thought the rain was going to be a problem but in the end they thought it made it more fun and faster. Overall everyone came back soaking wet but super excited from their adventure. (Thanks to Jen Rowan and her GoPro for photos)

After a change of clothes, we boarded the bus for Monteverde.  The roads were rough and windy but our driver Josė negotiated them with ease.  Along the way, we stopped for lunch at a local restaurant. Then it was back on the bumpy road to the hotel in Monteverde.  En route, we saw a a family of howler monkeys climbing a tree.  (Thanks Lindley for the amazing photo)

 

After settling into the hotel and of course accessing wi-fi, we made a brief stop in town for snacks and souvenirs.

Then it was back to the hotel restaurant for dinner.

¡Hasta luego!

Maleku + Baldi hot springs

After breakfast at the hotel, we got on the bus to go to the Maleku Reserve. Our guide, Elias gave us the history of the Malekus and the measures they take to preserve their culture and the environment.  As with all our tours, students have been able to understand the presentations in Spanish and even learned a few words in Maleku Jaíka. Elias gave us a tour of the rain forest and instructed us on various plants and how they are used for health or medicinal purposes.  During the tour we got to see a few howler monkeys.  Thank goodness for bug spray because we also encountered loads of mosquitos!  After the tour, they prepared lunch for us and then a Maleku traditional ceremony.  The ceremony was followed by a brief presentation in Maleku Jaíka then translated into Spanish about the philosophy of the tribe that we are all united as one family and there are no differences and that we are all the same in our hearts.

Then we got back in the bus for Baldi hot springs which are naturally heated by the local volcano, Arenal which we can see from our hotel.  The hot springs have multiple pools and water slides that students can enjoy.  Many students watched the Costa Rica vs. Greece World Cup match from the various pools.  Everyone was elated when Costa Rica won in penalty kicks!

Then we went to the restaurant at the hot springs for an all you can eat buffet.  We stopped in the town of La Fortuna for some souvenir and snack shopping.  Now students are hanging out at the pool or playing pool at the hotel.

Kapi kapi (hello, goodbye, etc. in Maleku Jaíka)