Day 2
Puerto Viejo
We woke up early at our hotel in San Jose and got on the bus for quite a lengthy ride to Puerto Viejo. We stopped at a fruit stand and enjoyed some wonderful fresh fruits with the locals and a super market to get a few snacks or necessities. We went to an animal rescue center where we were able to see sloths and monkeys that were rescued from abusive surroundings or they were injured in the rain forest. They are being nursed back to health and then they will be reintroduced into the rain forest. We were able to hold a sloth - it gave me the similar feeling to holding a young baby. It was the highlight of the day. We also saw Blue Morpho Butterflies that were so big and bright blue that they didn’t seem to be real. We enjoyed lunch at the rescue center - it was a really great day.
Day 3
Yorkin
I must tell you that today felt like a dream. We started with a ride to Bambuu where we met up with our hosts from the Bribri tribe. They took us by dugout canoes up the river about an hour to their village. We were going up the river and the river was low - so they guide in the front of the boat guiding us and pushing us away from rocks got quite the workout- he even had to get out and push us one time. As we were in the canoe- Oscar (our fantastic in country host) pointed out Kingfisher birds, bats, toucans, and many amazing plants. When we got to the village - we walked by the elementary and secondary schools. We learned that even though this tribe is small and remote - they value education a great deal. Their classes were large - and I can’t imagine how they concentrate in a room with only a ceiling and a couple of walls and no air conditioning. But they take it very seriously. When we arrived to the main part of the village we were served banana bread and pineapple juice. Talk about fresh food. Then we learned how to make chocolate. I thought it was interesting that they make it primarily for a drink - that I would compare to coffee. We were able to grind the beans and then mixed it with condensed milk to make a smooth mixture. Then we spread it on bananas - yes I tried it even though I still don’t love bananas. We also got to try a hand at shooting a homemade bow and arrow and tying leaves together to make a roof (their roofs last 17 years, made out of palm leaves) They treated us to a fabulous meal of chicken, rice, beans, potatoes, squash, and smashed green bananas. They served all of this on a beautiful big palm leaf on a plate. Then we went for a swim in the Yorkin river where everyone cooled off and had a blast riding the rapids down a small section of the river. We were sad to leave - it was so much fun! Then we rode in the canoes back to Bambuu. As we got in the canoes it started to rain on us - well were are in the rain forest. It rained all they way back, but it was so refreshing. We sat their in awe of our beautiful surroundings - I honestly didn’t want to get out of the canoe. Okay - so lesson from the Bribri tribe - they don’t have a word in their language for friend, they said that they are all considered family.
Day 4
Gandoca Manzanillo - Tirimbina Reserve
Okay - today I conquered a huge fear and used muscles that I guess I haven’t used in a while, because I am really sore. We went kayaking to a coral reef area. Jacob and I were partners and both of us are new to it. It took us a while to get it down. We made it though and never even capsized. My favorite part of the kayaking was when we were just sitting out past the waves waiting for everyone. It was really relaxing just sitting out there in the Carribean Sea and visiting. The paddling wasn’t my favorite. Then we went snorkeling around the reef. I was able to see different kinds of fish and lot of beautiful corral. Then we road bikes back to the lodge where we started the day. The wonderful hosts had some great fresh fruit and juice for us as we came back in. It was a great morning. Then we went back to our hotel for quick showers and an “American” lunch of fried chicken, french fries, spaghetti, and ice cream. After lunch we had another long bus ride to our new destination of Tirimbina Reserve. We had a fantastic meal and then went on a night hike through the rain forest. Unfortunately we didn't see much, except for the snake that went under Grant's boot, but we did hear Howler Monkeys, owls, frogs, and lots of insects. We are all exhausted and ready for a good night's sleep - tomorrow we will zip line!
Elizabeth Benno
Teacher, Lovejoy ISD
Fairview, Texas
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