Hola from Costa Rica!

Hello everyone! Even though we have only been here for a few short days, we have done so much already! Where we are currently staying, internet isn´t easy to access so updates are a little slower and pictures are coming soon! Here´s some messages from some of the students!

ADVENTURE DAY 2:

Hey guys! I´m having a great time here and I miss you so much! Well anyways today we went to the rehabilitation center and looked at lots of animals. Get this, I even got to hold a sloth! It was so cool. One other thing I´ve tried 7 new things in just one day! We got to learn about sea turtles and how we need to protect their environment. The rainforest is pretty much how I pictured it, you just don´t see tons of wild animals. I miss you lots!!! Love, Madison.

Hola! I am having a fabulous time here in Costa Rica! We got to do so many different new and exciting things today! We stopped at a small market and tried several different foods that tasted delicious. Also I got to hold an adorable sloth! The group and I had a good time seeing many other exotic animals as well as learning about sea turtles. I can´t wait to see what´s in store for tomorrow! Lots of love, Nina.

HI!!! This trip is so much fun!!! It´s only the 2nd day and I´ve already tried so many new things and tried so many new foods! I tried Blackberry Juice, coconut milk, and two new fruits! Today on the way to the environmental center we stopped at a fruit market and got samples. We also stopped at a Costa Rican supermarket. We saw a ton of animals at the wildlife center and I got to hold an adorable tiny sloth named Elvis!!!! If I had to use one word to describe Costa Rica, that word would be green. IT is so pretty here! I´m so excited for the rest of this trip and I can´t wait! Love, Maren.

ADVENTURE DAY 3:

Day 3 started off at 7 am with a great breakfast buffet. Soon after, we all piled into 3 vans and made our way toward the Yorkin River to meet the BriBri tribe. When we arrived to the river, we trekked down to the river and climbed in colorful dugout canoes. We rode upstream for about an hour, taking in the beautiful green scenery between Costa Rica and Panama, and made it to the shore where we would meet the BriBri. We learned about their schooling, food, how they build their homes, culture, and some students even learned a few BriBri words. Students got to help make chocolate by hand and enjoyed the fresh chocolate on bananas afterward. This was followed by a miniature archery lesson with a bow and arrow made from local materials.

For lunch, we got to eat with BriBri tribe in one of their handmade homes. The food was all grown organically and made right there for us. It was delicious! After lunch, we hiked down to the Yorkin River for a swim and after saying goodbyes, made our way back to the resort. We are all excited to see what other fun adventures this trip will bring!

Jennifer Matejka
Minnetonka, MN Teacher