The relationships that were made on this trip are ones that have emotionally impacted our lives. Not only the friendships we built with each other, but those within the community as well. The wonderful people who housed us and cooked for us, their children, those who gave us tours and showed us their home on land and on water, and those who we met along the way are all people with beautiful character and energy. I think we honestly felt sad when we left not only because we were leaving warm weather and a tropical atmosphere, but we were also leaving friends that we don't know when we will see again.
On our last day in Manzanillo, Joseph thought it would be a great idea for us all to go to an animal observatory. This is a place that houses animals for rehabilitation that both can and cannot be released back into the wild. Everyone thoroughly enjoyed this, as we got to see some animals up close and personally. They actually let us into the monkey habitat, and the monkeys crawled and jumped all over us. One fell asleep in another guests arms, and it was so precious to watch. What was cool is that we were able to see some animals that we never would have seen in the wild otherwise. It was also great that some of the animals we can actually say we saw in their natural habitat previously on our nature hike.
Being our last few hours here, after this we were given some free time before our final dinner together. Some of us napped, some explored the beach and went for walks, some went to the local restaurant and ice cream place, and another few were able to see the Macaws. It was great to spend our last hours in Manzanillo relaxing, reflecting, and taking it all in before we had to say goodbye.
We then went into Puerto Viejo (the closest port, only a half hour away) for some shopping and ended our night at, of what we've been told, one of the nicest restaurants in Costa Rica. It was outdoors, with high canopies, and was very intimate.
We sat within the rainforest, eating meals, sharing stories, and feeling good about how we helped the community, and also how they helped us.
Pura Vida <3
Photos of Day 7: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day7
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Monday, January 16, 2012
Day 6
What has no head, but has eyes? CRABS! -Omar
Today was a day full of information and education. We began our morning at 6am with a very long hike through the jungle. Our tour guide Omar is seriously amazing. He is so full of information about the area, and could probably have his own survivor man TV show.
Within the first 10 minutes of our journey, we experienced a number of tastes and smells. We were shown a papaya tree, and we smelt and tasted lemongrass, cinnamon, bay leaf, clove, peppermint, citronella and tonic. We saw a starfruit tree, breadfruit, and nonis. A noni is a type of fruit that honestly tastes like blue cheese, but has many medical remedies within it...including helping to cure skin cancer. We tried coconut water, and the actual coconut and it was amazing. We were also shown a cacao tree.
As for animals, we saw a beautiful toucan, a sloth, and many spiders. These spiders are HUGE, and probably would make any of us pass out if we saw them in our homes. These spider's webs are strong enough to pull an airplane...and are called golden webbed spiders. We were shown many bats, that hide inside long overlapped leaves, an eyelash viper, and millipede. I also saw a yellow viper snake later in the day.
The only way I can explain what this hike was like, is if you think back to the George of the Jungle movie. we were literally walking through the jungle. Sometimes on a path, and sometimes not. There were many plants and trees that we couldn't touch, but Omar made sure we knew what was okay and what wasn't. Many of the trees actually covered in spikes, and they are camouflaged and you probably wouldn't know they were there until you punctured your skin with them.
We were under a canopy of trees, and also encountered any steep slopes that were up to our shins in slippery mud. Not only was today so amazing because of what we learned and experienced about the wildlife and habitat here, but we also learned a lot about teamwork. I would say that was the theme of the day for many reasons. Although many of us are athletes, and some would commonly go hiking and do outdoor types of activities, nobody could have prepared us for the steep muddy hills we had to go down and up. A lot of what made it difficult was that at types throughout the hike it was pouring rain, and also when falling and slipping we could not grab on to many types of trees or vines, or put our hands down in fear of gigantic fire ants. Therefore, we relied on the encouragement and help of each other to make it over these obstacles. I think some of us might have gotten very frustrated without each other's insightful words and 'cheering.'
Omar brought us to some great viewing points of the ocean as well. I think some of what we experienced to day is hard to put into words, so hopefully when I get a chance to put up some of the pictures you will get a better feel for it. All I know is this hike is an experience that none of us will ever forget. Thanks to Omar, we have such a stronger respect and admiration of the rain forest and all of its beautiful creatures.
After the hike, we cleaned up a bit (by the end we were COVERED in mud...and who knows what else), and then we headed over to the other bus stop, which is much smaller, to clean it up and paint it. Everybody did this project together, and worked extremely hard and efficiently so we were able to finish it today! :) While we are doing the work, it is so great to see people drive/walk/bike by and give us a thumbs up and say Pura Vida!
After this, Pablo brought Aubrie and I out for a once in a life time experience. We were brought to the ARA project center, to learn about the release about the Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica, Not only did we get to speak with the volunteers, but we were able to view the beautiful birds in their natural habitat. The Ara project is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that breeds Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in captivity for the sole purpose of being released into the wild. The project has been successful with releasing 100 Scarlet Macaws in three locations over the past 15 years, and this year they were successful with their first ever Great Green Macaw release. Once previously very prevalent throughout the entire Caribbean side of Costa Rica, their range has decreased as much as 90%. The Ara project is extremely exciting, and 10 birds are the first of their kind to be bred and raised specifically for release. This is a wonderful new chapter for this highly endangered species.
Because this is so new, and these birds are highly intelligent and get attached very easily, Aubrie and I were insanely lucky to get this opportunity. This is a historical effort to save a species, and is the first of its kind to be successful. The birds are beautiful amazing creatures, and I cannot wait to share the pictures with you all. I am so happy to have been a part of this experience, and It is something I will take with me forever.
If you would like to help with the project in any way, make donations, or just learn more, you can contact Colline Emmanuelle, the Education and Community Outreach Manager, at colline@thearaproject.org or visit the website at http://www.thearaproject.org/
I cannot believe that we only have one day left here. I think we might all cry on the plane ride home. Life here in paradise seems so much better than going back to Jersey and ordering books!!!
Pura Vida!
Photo's of day 6: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day6
Today was a day full of information and education. We began our morning at 6am with a very long hike through the jungle. Our tour guide Omar is seriously amazing. He is so full of information about the area, and could probably have his own survivor man TV show.
Within the first 10 minutes of our journey, we experienced a number of tastes and smells. We were shown a papaya tree, and we smelt and tasted lemongrass, cinnamon, bay leaf, clove, peppermint, citronella and tonic. We saw a starfruit tree, breadfruit, and nonis. A noni is a type of fruit that honestly tastes like blue cheese, but has many medical remedies within it...including helping to cure skin cancer. We tried coconut water, and the actual coconut and it was amazing. We were also shown a cacao tree.
As for animals, we saw a beautiful toucan, a sloth, and many spiders. These spiders are HUGE, and probably would make any of us pass out if we saw them in our homes. These spider's webs are strong enough to pull an airplane...and are called golden webbed spiders. We were shown many bats, that hide inside long overlapped leaves, an eyelash viper, and millipede. I also saw a yellow viper snake later in the day.
The only way I can explain what this hike was like, is if you think back to the George of the Jungle movie. we were literally walking through the jungle. Sometimes on a path, and sometimes not. There were many plants and trees that we couldn't touch, but Omar made sure we knew what was okay and what wasn't. Many of the trees actually covered in spikes, and they are camouflaged and you probably wouldn't know they were there until you punctured your skin with them.
We were under a canopy of trees, and also encountered any steep slopes that were up to our shins in slippery mud. Not only was today so amazing because of what we learned and experienced about the wildlife and habitat here, but we also learned a lot about teamwork. I would say that was the theme of the day for many reasons. Although many of us are athletes, and some would commonly go hiking and do outdoor types of activities, nobody could have prepared us for the steep muddy hills we had to go down and up. A lot of what made it difficult was that at types throughout the hike it was pouring rain, and also when falling and slipping we could not grab on to many types of trees or vines, or put our hands down in fear of gigantic fire ants. Therefore, we relied on the encouragement and help of each other to make it over these obstacles. I think some of us might have gotten very frustrated without each other's insightful words and 'cheering.'
Omar brought us to some great viewing points of the ocean as well. I think some of what we experienced to day is hard to put into words, so hopefully when I get a chance to put up some of the pictures you will get a better feel for it. All I know is this hike is an experience that none of us will ever forget. Thanks to Omar, we have such a stronger respect and admiration of the rain forest and all of its beautiful creatures.
After the hike, we cleaned up a bit (by the end we were COVERED in mud...and who knows what else), and then we headed over to the other bus stop, which is much smaller, to clean it up and paint it. Everybody did this project together, and worked extremely hard and efficiently so we were able to finish it today! :) While we are doing the work, it is so great to see people drive/walk/bike by and give us a thumbs up and say Pura Vida!
After this, Pablo brought Aubrie and I out for a once in a life time experience. We were brought to the ARA project center, to learn about the release about the Great Green Macaws in Costa Rica, Not only did we get to speak with the volunteers, but we were able to view the beautiful birds in their natural habitat. The Ara project is a Costa Rican non-profit organization that breeds Scarlet and Great Green Macaws in captivity for the sole purpose of being released into the wild. The project has been successful with releasing 100 Scarlet Macaws in three locations over the past 15 years, and this year they were successful with their first ever Great Green Macaw release. Once previously very prevalent throughout the entire Caribbean side of Costa Rica, their range has decreased as much as 90%. The Ara project is extremely exciting, and 10 birds are the first of their kind to be bred and raised specifically for release. This is a wonderful new chapter for this highly endangered species.
Because this is so new, and these birds are highly intelligent and get attached very easily, Aubrie and I were insanely lucky to get this opportunity. This is a historical effort to save a species, and is the first of its kind to be successful. The birds are beautiful amazing creatures, and I cannot wait to share the pictures with you all. I am so happy to have been a part of this experience, and It is something I will take with me forever.
If you would like to help with the project in any way, make donations, or just learn more, you can contact Colline Emmanuelle, the Education and Community Outreach Manager, at colline@thearaproject.org or visit the website at http://www.thearaproject.org/
I cannot believe that we only have one day left here. I think we might all cry on the plane ride home. Life here in paradise seems so much better than going back to Jersey and ordering books!!!
Pura Vida!
Photo's of day 6: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day6
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Day 4 and 5
There are lizards everywhere here, inside and out. Aubrie just walked into the bathroom and there were three of the friendly creatures awaiting her! Little things like that make this place so much different then home, yet we are somehow adapting. At home, something like this would freak most of us out. Yet, in this type of environment, we let them be and just observe. PURA VIDA!
Yesterday, Day 4, we started a different type of project. We began the morning with a beach clean up. We started right by our Cabina, and ended at the Twomey residence. The Twomey's are retired FDU professors who began trips to CR years ago. For 18 years they brought students down here to experience what we are experiencing right now, and now Dean Mauro is helping to keep their legend and mission alive. They have a beautiful home in Manzanillo.
The clean up was such a success. We filled multiple bags of trash, including lots of plastics that are very harmful to marine life. After about a mile and a half down the beach, we followed a little path through the rainforest that lead to the Twomey residence. They kindly invited our entire group over for lunch, and showed us their beautiful home. The homes here are truly amazing. They are like the tree house you have always dreamed of as a kid...but...in the middle of the rainforest. Waking up here every morning would be truly breathtaking.
Conversation and relaxation at the Twomey's was very inspiring. They have some awesome stories to tell, and are just truly kind people. They were so interested in what we have gotten out of our trip, and also about ourselves in general. I am so glad I got to know them a little better, and also glad to be apart of what they started in CR many years ago.
On the way back to our Cabina, we collected beach almonds for the Macaw rehabilitation center and ARA project.
Today, before lunch we were able to learn a bit more about the ARA project here in Costa Rica because Colleen, a volunteer at the center, came to talk to us. This center is making history, because not only are they rehabilitating hurt Macaws, but they also have finally successfully bred them and have released around eight-ten birds into the wild. They are an endangered species, and this center is the only one who has had success breeding Macaws as well as successfully releasing the babies around age seven into the wild. It was a great thing to hear about, and is such a great cause. We might actually be able to go to the center to see the Macaws, but we aren't quite sure if it will happen before we leave. I hope we are able to make it work!
The rest of the day we spent collecting more almonds to donate for the Macaws, and then spent evening watching the sunset at the beach and swimming in the Caribbean. I am telling you, it is more beautiful then pictures on a post card here.
In Katie Rolwood's words (she seems to be quite the inspirational one this trip) "It is so interesting how at home, we all think something like the Empire State building is amazing and wonderful, but here, nature creates its own wonders."
PURA VIDA! <3
Photos of Day's 4 and 5: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day4
Yesterday, Day 4, we started a different type of project. We began the morning with a beach clean up. We started right by our Cabina, and ended at the Twomey residence. The Twomey's are retired FDU professors who began trips to CR years ago. For 18 years they brought students down here to experience what we are experiencing right now, and now Dean Mauro is helping to keep their legend and mission alive. They have a beautiful home in Manzanillo.
The clean up was such a success. We filled multiple bags of trash, including lots of plastics that are very harmful to marine life. After about a mile and a half down the beach, we followed a little path through the rainforest that lead to the Twomey residence. They kindly invited our entire group over for lunch, and showed us their beautiful home. The homes here are truly amazing. They are like the tree house you have always dreamed of as a kid...but...in the middle of the rainforest. Waking up here every morning would be truly breathtaking.
Conversation and relaxation at the Twomey's was very inspiring. They have some awesome stories to tell, and are just truly kind people. They were so interested in what we have gotten out of our trip, and also about ourselves in general. I am so glad I got to know them a little better, and also glad to be apart of what they started in CR many years ago.
On the way back to our Cabina, we collected beach almonds for the Macaw rehabilitation center and ARA project.
Today, before lunch we were able to learn a bit more about the ARA project here in Costa Rica because Colleen, a volunteer at the center, came to talk to us. This center is making history, because not only are they rehabilitating hurt Macaws, but they also have finally successfully bred them and have released around eight-ten birds into the wild. They are an endangered species, and this center is the only one who has had success breeding Macaws as well as successfully releasing the babies around age seven into the wild. It was a great thing to hear about, and is such a great cause. We might actually be able to go to the center to see the Macaws, but we aren't quite sure if it will happen before we leave. I hope we are able to make it work!
The rest of the day we spent collecting more almonds to donate for the Macaws, and then spent evening watching the sunset at the beach and swimming in the Caribbean. I am telling you, it is more beautiful then pictures on a post card here.
In Katie Rolwood's words (she seems to be quite the inspirational one this trip) "It is so interesting how at home, we all think something like the Empire State building is amazing and wonderful, but here, nature creates its own wonders."
PURA VIDA! <3
Photos of Day's 4 and 5: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day4
Friday, January 13, 2012
Day 3- "Laughter, the language everybody can understand."
"Laughter, the language everybody can understand." -Katie Rolwood, this morning on the boat when we encountered a boat full of only people who spoke Spanish.
Once again, sunny skies, warm weather, and smiles helped us to have an out of this world kind of day.
Today we were able to finish the bus stop, finish most of the cement barriers, work on the school fence, and begin cleaning up a second bus stop. But before our work day began...Wacho brought us out on his boat to go dolphin watching. Wacho really knows what he is doing, and is a legend in the area. He was kind enough to take us out on the water for about two hours to look for dolphins, and show us some beautiful sights.
We had a blast on the boat, except for Ralf who became a tad bit sea sick. It was his first boat ride, and luckily was in the front for the first 15 minutes taking it all in.
The color of the water out there was indescribable. It was a shade of aqua that none of us had ever seen before. We had a little pit stop in a cove, where we got to swim and Wacho showed us some red poisonous frogs and others looked for sea shells and coral. Before reaching this spot, we were all tired on the boat and sleepy and barely paying attention to the dolphins. But something magical happened to all of us in the cove. It rejuvenated and re-energized us. It was something about the color of the water, and the rocks and tropical rainforest surrounding us, that made us all stop and truly appreciate life. It is kind of hard to explain, but we all felt it and it gave us inspiration for the continuation of our work for the day.
While working, we met a little boy named Joshua. He helped the girls with the hand prints and coloring the turtle stencils on the benches. Other kids joined in as well, and I think they enjoyed helping just as much as we did. Megan brought up an interesting point. While Joshua was helping her paint the volleyball net posts, they were both trying to communicate with each other. Joshua does not speak English, and Megan does not speak Spanish, yet they were able to talk through actions, smiles, and laughter. Today was a long day of work, but we made some serious improvements and cant wait to start some new projects and continue working on the second bus stop. Everyone is working very hard, and working together very well. It is so pleasing to all of us.
It is so interesting how in three days, we are adapting to the Pura Vida lifestyle.
I am off to a bonfire on the beach, since it is now dark so we cannot continue working. So, I will leave you with this thought. At the second bus stop today, that is quite far down the road, Aubrie, Leslie, Mike and I received some very wise works from a local. He had told us he has been to Europe, but would not change his lifestyle for anything. He said...
"We may not be millionaires, but we are still rich."
Photos of Day 3: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day3
Once again, sunny skies, warm weather, and smiles helped us to have an out of this world kind of day.
Today we were able to finish the bus stop, finish most of the cement barriers, work on the school fence, and begin cleaning up a second bus stop. But before our work day began...Wacho brought us out on his boat to go dolphin watching. Wacho really knows what he is doing, and is a legend in the area. He was kind enough to take us out on the water for about two hours to look for dolphins, and show us some beautiful sights.
We had a blast on the boat, except for Ralf who became a tad bit sea sick. It was his first boat ride, and luckily was in the front for the first 15 minutes taking it all in.
The color of the water out there was indescribable. It was a shade of aqua that none of us had ever seen before. We had a little pit stop in a cove, where we got to swim and Wacho showed us some red poisonous frogs and others looked for sea shells and coral. Before reaching this spot, we were all tired on the boat and sleepy and barely paying attention to the dolphins. But something magical happened to all of us in the cove. It rejuvenated and re-energized us. It was something about the color of the water, and the rocks and tropical rainforest surrounding us, that made us all stop and truly appreciate life. It is kind of hard to explain, but we all felt it and it gave us inspiration for the continuation of our work for the day.
While working, we met a little boy named Joshua. He helped the girls with the hand prints and coloring the turtle stencils on the benches. Other kids joined in as well, and I think they enjoyed helping just as much as we did. Megan brought up an interesting point. While Joshua was helping her paint the volleyball net posts, they were both trying to communicate with each other. Joshua does not speak English, and Megan does not speak Spanish, yet they were able to talk through actions, smiles, and laughter. Today was a long day of work, but we made some serious improvements and cant wait to start some new projects and continue working on the second bus stop. Everyone is working very hard, and working together very well. It is so pleasing to all of us.
It is so interesting how in three days, we are adapting to the Pura Vida lifestyle.
I am off to a bonfire on the beach, since it is now dark so we cannot continue working. So, I will leave you with this thought. At the second bus stop today, that is quite far down the road, Aubrie, Leslie, Mike and I received some very wise works from a local. He had told us he has been to Europe, but would not change his lifestyle for anything. He said...
"We may not be millionaires, but we are still rich."
Photos of Day 3: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day3
Thursday, January 12, 2012
Day 2 "I Love Salt"
The water here is very, very salty.
But beautiful and warm of course! :) I had my first swim in the Caribbean today, as did many of us!
We woke up this morning with a sunny skies and warmer weather than yesterday. Although we lathered sun screen, we are quickly learning that the sun here is quite strong. After a once again, delicious breakfast full of fruit and a type of homemade donut that people fell in love with. Dean Mauro looks forward to them all year long.
Five people in our group went on a fishing trip for a few hours with the local, Wacho, and learned so much. They traveled almost all of the way down to Panama! Joseph, Mike, Nick, Victoria, and Katie all had a wonderful time this morning, and still put in double the work this afternoon.
Today we continued to work on the bus stop, and the barriers to the beach. All day we painted, and some local workers helped us replace the roof on the bus stop as well. We worked non-stop until lunch, and then continued after that until a bit before sunset. We have finished almost all of the barriers, panted a bridge, and are so close to completing the bus stop!!! We have some great stencils that Victoria and Katie designed to decorate with, and we heard that the locals are looking forward to some fun designs.
I had a great brief chat with the dean today, and we enjoyed some Mango con leche and Mango con l'agua at Maxi's. That is fresh mango smoothies with milk or water!!! It is great that as a faculty member, he is trying to spend a little time with us each individually to grasp how our experience here has been so far, and get to know us a little better!
Victoria, Mike, and Aubrie all were able to get some local kids to help them paint!! They were very interested in helping us. I have some adorable pictures of all of it. Coach Car brought some basketballs for the local kids to play with, and Levar is working on teaching them some moves.
Coco took Joseph on a very long, snorkeling trip far out into the reef. Joseph said it was an unforgettable experience, and they even brought back a little lobster that they caught. They let it go of course, but not before bringing it back to show us all and explain their adventure!! :)
After dinner back at Something Different, we all moseyed on over to the Ice Cream Garden to enjoy each others company, and some fabulous milkshakes and smoothies. The shop owner is still sitting with us (he is originally from France) and another local.
I must say, we are all starting to really grasp the Pura Vida life style. It means, 'The good Life.' You say Hola to the locals, and the respond Pura Vida. Its a lifestyle here, and not only are we doing great work to help the community here, but we are also really getting to know the locals and engaging in every opportunity there is here. Many come up to us, and Thank Us, and say they are so happy we are here to improve the town and its colorful atmosphere. Not only that, but within our own group, we are really making some lasting friendships. There has been no conflict, no laziness. We all do things as a group, and get along so well! Katie put it a good way when she said she doesn't this she has ever laughed as much as she has in the past two days.
Tomorrow will be a fun filled day, along with finishing up the bus stop and perhaps a new project to start. Can't wait to tell you all about it.
Until then, Pura Vida! :)
Photos of Day 2: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day2
But beautiful and warm of course! :) I had my first swim in the Caribbean today, as did many of us!
We woke up this morning with a sunny skies and warmer weather than yesterday. Although we lathered sun screen, we are quickly learning that the sun here is quite strong. After a once again, delicious breakfast full of fruit and a type of homemade donut that people fell in love with. Dean Mauro looks forward to them all year long.
Five people in our group went on a fishing trip for a few hours with the local, Wacho, and learned so much. They traveled almost all of the way down to Panama! Joseph, Mike, Nick, Victoria, and Katie all had a wonderful time this morning, and still put in double the work this afternoon.
Today we continued to work on the bus stop, and the barriers to the beach. All day we painted, and some local workers helped us replace the roof on the bus stop as well. We worked non-stop until lunch, and then continued after that until a bit before sunset. We have finished almost all of the barriers, panted a bridge, and are so close to completing the bus stop!!! We have some great stencils that Victoria and Katie designed to decorate with, and we heard that the locals are looking forward to some fun designs.
I had a great brief chat with the dean today, and we enjoyed some Mango con leche and Mango con l'agua at Maxi's. That is fresh mango smoothies with milk or water!!! It is great that as a faculty member, he is trying to spend a little time with us each individually to grasp how our experience here has been so far, and get to know us a little better!
Victoria, Mike, and Aubrie all were able to get some local kids to help them paint!! They were very interested in helping us. I have some adorable pictures of all of it. Coach Car brought some basketballs for the local kids to play with, and Levar is working on teaching them some moves.
Coco took Joseph on a very long, snorkeling trip far out into the reef. Joseph said it was an unforgettable experience, and they even brought back a little lobster that they caught. They let it go of course, but not before bringing it back to show us all and explain their adventure!! :)
After dinner back at Something Different, we all moseyed on over to the Ice Cream Garden to enjoy each others company, and some fabulous milkshakes and smoothies. The shop owner is still sitting with us (he is originally from France) and another local.
I must say, we are all starting to really grasp the Pura Vida life style. It means, 'The good Life.' You say Hola to the locals, and the respond Pura Vida. Its a lifestyle here, and not only are we doing great work to help the community here, but we are also really getting to know the locals and engaging in every opportunity there is here. Many come up to us, and Thank Us, and say they are so happy we are here to improve the town and its colorful atmosphere. Not only that, but within our own group, we are really making some lasting friendships. There has been no conflict, no laziness. We all do things as a group, and get along so well! Katie put it a good way when she said she doesn't this she has ever laughed as much as she has in the past two days.
Tomorrow will be a fun filled day, along with finishing up the bus stop and perhaps a new project to start. Can't wait to tell you all about it.
Until then, Pura Vida! :)
Photos of Day 2: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day2
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Day 1
I am clearly a tourist.
But that is okay, because I am realizing the people down here not only appreciate what we are doing here...but they are very welcoming and want to get to know you!
Today was our first day of work, and I think I can say on behalf of all of us, we are proud of what we have done so far and can't wait to do more.
We were downstairs at Something Different at 8am for breakfast. Breakfast was AMAZING. Sorry to everyone reading, but the fruit you just bought at Stop and Shop for an afternoon snack cannot compare to what we were served this morning. Fresh banana, watermelon, mango, papaya, pineapple, cantaloupe, and freshly squeezed juice. I could eat this stuff all day every day. The mango was to DIE FOR. My neighbor Tina in New Hampshire, buys mango every week trying to find the perfect one. Tina: you have to come to CR to get what you are looking for. I cannot explain the tastiness.
We then walked into town, with Pablo and our local helper Coco. Coco is a recent 18 year old high school graduate, and signed on to help us with whatever we need throughout our time here.
Our main task today was to work on the bus stop area, near the entrance to the town. We needed to clean it, and re paint it. There is also cement cylinders lining the beach, so that cars do not drive onto it. Over the past year, the paint on them has worn off and they are sinking into the ground so we need to dig many of them up, re-position them, and also repaint them adding reflective paint so they can be seen in the dark. It is important to this community that people do not drive onto the beach, so we are helping any way we can to improve the sight and look of these barriers.
It was in the 80's today, sunny. Many locals and tourists alike were out on the town and on the beach today. While we worked, many people came up to us to chat. Not only about the work we are doing, but anything in general. It is seriously just a different kind of life here. It is sort of like, time isn't the main factor. Right now is the school vacation months, so many people are taking time off and are out and about. The locals are so relaxed, honest, and happy to say hi and welcome!
Right now I am sitting in a cute little ice cream/coffee shop with Aubrie, and the man that works here is with us chatting away trying to help Aubrie get her IPhone to work. Its not an inconvenience to them, they are actually interested in helping and getting to know us. Most of the others are either back at the house taking a breather, or are snorkeling and on the beach. It is sunset right now, and the view is breathtaking. I am sure that by Tuesday, we will all have different perspectives about life in general...and the concept of priorities.
There is much volunteer work to be done, and tomorrow will be a long hard day of work. Some of the group went to do some painting at the school today (I am hoping to get some pictures of that tomorrow). I will soon attach a link to Flickr- a photo sharing website- with all of the pictures I took today! I'll try to post some to the blog too for everyone.
We will be eating dinner tonight at Maxi's with some former FDU professors who now have a home down here. They spent 18 years taking FDU students down here, to experience what we are right now.
I will try to update as often as possible, for all you worrying parents out there ;) don't worry your children love you but we are just having too much fun to be on our phones 24/7. THAT IS A GOOD THING!! Be proud of them.
Photos of Day 1: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day1
But that is okay, because I am realizing the people down here not only appreciate what we are doing here...but they are very welcoming and want to get to know you!
Today was our first day of work, and I think I can say on behalf of all of us, we are proud of what we have done so far and can't wait to do more.
We were downstairs at Something Different at 8am for breakfast. Breakfast was AMAZING. Sorry to everyone reading, but the fruit you just bought at Stop and Shop for an afternoon snack cannot compare to what we were served this morning. Fresh banana, watermelon, mango, papaya, pineapple, cantaloupe, and freshly squeezed juice. I could eat this stuff all day every day. The mango was to DIE FOR. My neighbor Tina in New Hampshire, buys mango every week trying to find the perfect one. Tina: you have to come to CR to get what you are looking for. I cannot explain the tastiness.
We then walked into town, with Pablo and our local helper Coco. Coco is a recent 18 year old high school graduate, and signed on to help us with whatever we need throughout our time here.
Our main task today was to work on the bus stop area, near the entrance to the town. We needed to clean it, and re paint it. There is also cement cylinders lining the beach, so that cars do not drive onto it. Over the past year, the paint on them has worn off and they are sinking into the ground so we need to dig many of them up, re-position them, and also repaint them adding reflective paint so they can be seen in the dark. It is important to this community that people do not drive onto the beach, so we are helping any way we can to improve the sight and look of these barriers.
It was in the 80's today, sunny. Many locals and tourists alike were out on the town and on the beach today. While we worked, many people came up to us to chat. Not only about the work we are doing, but anything in general. It is seriously just a different kind of life here. It is sort of like, time isn't the main factor. Right now is the school vacation months, so many people are taking time off and are out and about. The locals are so relaxed, honest, and happy to say hi and welcome!
Right now I am sitting in a cute little ice cream/coffee shop with Aubrie, and the man that works here is with us chatting away trying to help Aubrie get her IPhone to work. Its not an inconvenience to them, they are actually interested in helping and getting to know us. Most of the others are either back at the house taking a breather, or are snorkeling and on the beach. It is sunset right now, and the view is breathtaking. I am sure that by Tuesday, we will all have different perspectives about life in general...and the concept of priorities.
There is much volunteer work to be done, and tomorrow will be a long hard day of work. Some of the group went to do some painting at the school today (I am hoping to get some pictures of that tomorrow). I will soon attach a link to Flickr- a photo sharing website- with all of the pictures I took today! I'll try to post some to the blog too for everyone.
We will be eating dinner tonight at Maxi's with some former FDU professors who now have a home down here. They spent 18 years taking FDU students down here, to experience what we are right now.
I will try to update as often as possible, for all you worrying parents out there ;) don't worry your children love you but we are just having too much fun to be on our phones 24/7. THAT IS A GOOD THING!! Be proud of them.
Photos of Day 1: www.photobucket.com/fducr2012day1
TRAVEL DAY
After an extremely long day of travel, we are in COSTA RICA! :) Yesterday was both tiring, but interesting for all of us. After about a five hour plane ride, we arrived in San Jose, CR.
(and for all of my family members wondering how my first plane ride was, it was just FINE. I wasn't nervous and take off and landing were un-eventful. My ears didn't even pop!!) It was Ralf and Levar's first plane ride too.
We then endured a very long six hour bus ride. Which turned into something that felt much, much longer. But, we were able to put the windows down and take in all of the scenery along the way, and it was just beautiful. We saw all different parts of the country, and all of the different ways people live here, along with the different atmospheres.
After about two hours on the bus, we stopped at a restaurant called Rancho Robertos. We all were very impressed. The food was delicious. It was also very fun to listen to everyone read the menu and try to figure out what we were actually ordering, but with the help of Leslie (who speaks fluent Spanish!) and our tour guide Pablo, we were able to figure it all out. As our meals arrived, our chatter all stopped as we indulged into our first meal in Costa Rica. The tastes and smells were so different than we are used to, and we eventually ended up trying all of each other's meals and having a wonderful time. We even shared a little with the dog who kept coming in and out to visit us!
Back on the road, with the warm breeze coming through the windows, we all sat and watched the scenery as we drove through this tropical country. For many of us, it was our first time seeing anything like this. The trees, the roads, the way people drive, it is all just a very different environment. It isn't every day that you see miles upon miles of banana trees! The drive also gave us all the chance to learn a lot about each other as well.
We finally arrived in Manzanillo, CR around 8:30pm. The road ends, and that is where the town of Manzanillo begins. We arrived at Something Different, the place we will be staying throughout our time here, and met the wonderful CR natives who work and own the cabinas. They are so welcoming and friendly, I think we all felt right at home the moment we met them. They cooked us a delicious dinner of chicken and rice, and right then and there we all decided we were pretty excited to eat here the remainder of our time.
Although exhausted, we all made it down to the town community center called 'Maxi's', and ordered some refreshing beverages before we all went to sleep, anticipating the next day's work and all we are about to learn.
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