May 24, 2013
I have been home from Costa Rica for 3 days now, and I miss it so much already! Getting back into the "reality routine" really sucks. It's especially hard coming from such a beautiful place know as the "happiest place in the world." I loved not having any worries while I was in Costa Rica!
The best part of the trip was definitely the last three days that we stayed in the all-inclusive resort. Kelly (my roommate) and I met a friend the first day we were there, Susan. She worked at the resort and performed at the shows that were held each night. It was nice having someone who knew the area and was kind enough to show us around.
During one of the three days that we stayed in the resort, we took a day trip to do an all day excursion, which was, for the most part, pretty fun. The excursion consisted of white water tubing (which was much more easygoing than the white water rafting we did a few days before), ziplining, horseback riding, and swimming in a waterfall. Ziplining was by far the best event of the day. At times, it was a little scary, like when we had to "Tarzan swing" from one side of the cliff to the other, but the scenery was just so awesome that it made up for everything. The only thing I didn't like about the excursion was the horseback riding. The way those people take care of their horses was just pathetic. Or, should I say, they DON'T take care of their horses. You could tell my horse was in so much pain. I just wanted to walk it back to where we needed to go instead of riding it, but there was no way I would have made it uphill on the trail. It really just made me so sad that I stopped having fun and lost all repect for those people. That was one aspect of Costa Rica that made me appreciate living in the U.S.
Besides that, there was so much to love about Costa Rica, but if I had to pick my favorite thing about it, it would be a toss up between the people of the country and the fruit.
The people were just so kind in every way. I never felt like my presence or lack of understanding of their language was ever a problem. That is one thing I notice about not only Costa Rica, but other countries as well. In the U.S., we expect people to come here knowing English, and if they don't, well, there are kind of out of luck. We aren't very accomadating to people coming from foriegn countries; whereas, most other countries go out of their way to make sure tourists and any other travelers from different areas of the world feel welcome. I guess the U.S. is just "snobby."
The fruit in Costa Rica was just AMAZING! I wish we had fruit that delicious in the states, but because we have most of our fuit imported from other countries, it loses its quality. When I tell you that I really don't like pineapple, I mean it. I think it is so gross, that is, in the states. In Costa Rica, I had pineapple with almost every meal, that is how good it was. And the watermelon was awesome too! I usually put salt on my watermelon to give it more flavor, but over there it is so sweet, you just don't need anything with it. I would actually pass up desserts like cake and stuff and eat watermelon instead! If we had such good fruit in the U.S., it would probably be much easier to lose weight!
I already miss it and just want to go back. Hopefully, someday soon, I will be able to go back! It definitely doesn't hurt that I have my friend Susan over there!
Friday, May 24, 2013
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Day 6
Well today was pretty miserable because we had lectures all day, but on the bright, we leave for the all-inclusive resort tomorrow!
Our first guest speaker was an entrepreneur that was very informative. He told us that years ago, there were not many job opportunities in Costa Rica. People usually worked with their family and did not lead successful careers. Today, the job opportunities are practically endless in Costa Rica, especially since Costa Rica is the number one exporter in the world. They have more free trade agreements signed around the world than any other country. At one point in time in Costa Rica, the inflation rates were so bad that he would pay his employees twice a week so they could take advantage of the purchasing power of the dollar each day. The rate would rise 30% every two days! The most interesting thing about this guy is that he started a company that had no receivables or inventory. He noticed the products that were in high demand by tourists, so he set up the company over the internet where people could order those high demand products. Then, the company would take the money the customer would pay, go out and buy the product requested, and ship it to the customer. So, no accounts receivable or inventory was necessary. If the product was not offered on the website, the customer could still request the product. The company would take a picture of the requested product and send it to the customer to make sure it is what they want. The expenses of the company are very low. This company is called ticoshopping.com. Genius idea!
Costa Rica is known as the happiest country in the world. They discovered this through surveys with simple questions. Happiness is a result of three variables: a set range of positive emotion that we inherit such as your valuation of how happy you are in comparison to other people, the set of circumstances you face in life such as developing education, and those factors under your control such as having personal objectives, a positive attitude towards problems and an interest too climb the social ladder. It was discovered that Costa Ricans feel very good about themselves, despite the poverty of the country. They are extremely family oriented. Another factor that plays into the happiness of the country is that because the country is so small (it only takes 8 hours to travel across the whole country), many people do onot have to leave their homes or move far away from their families in order to go to school, advance their career, etc.
Another speaker we had today was from the Peace Corps. Poverty stricken communities usually wake up without water, which is a problem in many areas of Costa Rica. It is hard for people in these communities to obtain jobs because they cannot afford the proper attire to secure a job. Issues involve poor self-esteem, frustration, and guilt. In order to fulfill the mission of the Peace Corps, first, they start working with the children. By working with the children, they form a bond with the parents. There is a two-fold mission for the Peace Corps: to improve the quality of the underprivileged people's lives and educating those providing the services. From the time our speaker began working with the community, three kindergarten schools in the area have been shut down, which is a good thing because this means families are learning about family planning. The Peace Corps is a very expensive organization to run. Most of the funding comes from donors and volunteers. Many times, the volunteers are the donors. Several of the volunteers donate both their time and money, which turns out to be extremely rewarding to the volunteers because they see exactly where their money is going.
Our first guest speaker was an entrepreneur that was very informative. He told us that years ago, there were not many job opportunities in Costa Rica. People usually worked with their family and did not lead successful careers. Today, the job opportunities are practically endless in Costa Rica, especially since Costa Rica is the number one exporter in the world. They have more free trade agreements signed around the world than any other country. At one point in time in Costa Rica, the inflation rates were so bad that he would pay his employees twice a week so they could take advantage of the purchasing power of the dollar each day. The rate would rise 30% every two days! The most interesting thing about this guy is that he started a company that had no receivables or inventory. He noticed the products that were in high demand by tourists, so he set up the company over the internet where people could order those high demand products. Then, the company would take the money the customer would pay, go out and buy the product requested, and ship it to the customer. So, no accounts receivable or inventory was necessary. If the product was not offered on the website, the customer could still request the product. The company would take a picture of the requested product and send it to the customer to make sure it is what they want. The expenses of the company are very low. This company is called ticoshopping.com. Genius idea!
Costa Rica is known as the happiest country in the world. They discovered this through surveys with simple questions. Happiness is a result of three variables: a set range of positive emotion that we inherit such as your valuation of how happy you are in comparison to other people, the set of circumstances you face in life such as developing education, and those factors under your control such as having personal objectives, a positive attitude towards problems and an interest too climb the social ladder. It was discovered that Costa Ricans feel very good about themselves, despite the poverty of the country. They are extremely family oriented. Another factor that plays into the happiness of the country is that because the country is so small (it only takes 8 hours to travel across the whole country), many people do onot have to leave their homes or move far away from their families in order to go to school, advance their career, etc.
Another speaker we had today was from the Peace Corps. Poverty stricken communities usually wake up without water, which is a problem in many areas of Costa Rica. It is hard for people in these communities to obtain jobs because they cannot afford the proper attire to secure a job. Issues involve poor self-esteem, frustration, and guilt. In order to fulfill the mission of the Peace Corps, first, they start working with the children. By working with the children, they form a bond with the parents. There is a two-fold mission for the Peace Corps: to improve the quality of the underprivileged people's lives and educating those providing the services. From the time our speaker began working with the community, three kindergarten schools in the area have been shut down, which is a good thing because this means families are learning about family planning. The Peace Corps is a very expensive organization to run. Most of the funding comes from donors and volunteers. Many times, the volunteers are the donors. Several of the volunteers donate both their time and money, which turns out to be extremely rewarding to the volunteers because they see exactly where their money is going.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Day 5
May 15, 2013
Today was another interesting and fun day in Costa Rica. We had the opportunity to tour the Congress and talk to politicians. We also walked around San Jose and looked at shops in the central market. The most exciting activity we did today was go on a tour of the bubble gum factory!
Walking around the Congress building was very educational. We sat in a meeting room and spoke with the president of Congress and also another politician that will soon be running for President. So, if he gets elected as president, I will be able to say I met the President of Costa Rica, which I think is really cool! Anyway, one of the most interesting things I learned at the Congress was how they have eight political parties; whereas, we have two. Apparently the U.S. is also moving in the direction of having a multiple party system, which I was not aware of. Another fact I found interesting was that their President cannot run for two consecutive terms. They can serve for their four years, then wait for the next person to serve their fours, and only then will they be able to run again and potentially get re-elected. Man, do I wish we had that law in the United States!
Wow, the bubble gum factory was super cool! We got to walk through the factory and see the whole process of how bubble gum is made. We all had to wear hair caps, which was so funny! There is a lot more work that goes into making bubble gum. They actually have to pay specific attention to the temperatures of the rooms throughout the process. What was really cool was the machines used during the process. To get the color on the bubble gum balls, the machines were like a circular bowl that would spin the bubble gum balls in what looked like paint! It was probably the coolest thing I've ever seen. I definitely felt like a big kid in the factory!
Our guest speaker of the night was Robert Hall, who is American from Texas and practices in the health care industry. Many Americans believe that doctors in Costa Rica are less educated. Costa Ricans actually have three additional years of training in the medical field. Also, most of their hospitals are accredited the same way hospitals are in the states. Health care facilities that are not accredited does not necessarily mean they do not deserve accreditation. Accreditation is expensive, and some might not be able to afford it. The only difference between medical procedures in the U.S. and Costa Rica is the cost. It is just as safe, clean, and even insured in some cases in Costa Rica.
Today was another interesting and fun day in Costa Rica. We had the opportunity to tour the Congress and talk to politicians. We also walked around San Jose and looked at shops in the central market. The most exciting activity we did today was go on a tour of the bubble gum factory!
Walking around the Congress building was very educational. We sat in a meeting room and spoke with the president of Congress and also another politician that will soon be running for President. So, if he gets elected as president, I will be able to say I met the President of Costa Rica, which I think is really cool! Anyway, one of the most interesting things I learned at the Congress was how they have eight political parties; whereas, we have two. Apparently the U.S. is also moving in the direction of having a multiple party system, which I was not aware of. Another fact I found interesting was that their President cannot run for two consecutive terms. They can serve for their four years, then wait for the next person to serve their fours, and only then will they be able to run again and potentially get re-elected. Man, do I wish we had that law in the United States!
Wow, the bubble gum factory was super cool! We got to walk through the factory and see the whole process of how bubble gum is made. We all had to wear hair caps, which was so funny! There is a lot more work that goes into making bubble gum. They actually have to pay specific attention to the temperatures of the rooms throughout the process. What was really cool was the machines used during the process. To get the color on the bubble gum balls, the machines were like a circular bowl that would spin the bubble gum balls in what looked like paint! It was probably the coolest thing I've ever seen. I definitely felt like a big kid in the factory!
Our guest speaker of the night was Robert Hall, who is American from Texas and practices in the health care industry. Many Americans believe that doctors in Costa Rica are less educated. Costa Ricans actually have three additional years of training in the medical field. Also, most of their hospitals are accredited the same way hospitals are in the states. Health care facilities that are not accredited does not necessarily mean they do not deserve accreditation. Accreditation is expensive, and some might not be able to afford it. The only difference between medical procedures in the U.S. and Costa Rica is the cost. It is just as safe, clean, and even insured in some cases in Costa Rica.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Day 4
May 14, 2013
Overall, today was a relaxing day. Most of our time was spent on the bus traveling, which I didn't think was bad because I enjoyed being able to see all the neighborhoods and such.
The first activity we "attempted" to do was go to the top of a volcano and see the crater. However, the clouds were so bad that we weren't able to see anything because of the mist. This was Dr. Lanier's second time trying to see the crater, so this is pretty common. Also, once we got to the top of the volcano (which wasn't much of a walk since we drove to the top) it was FREEZING! There was such a dramatic change in altitude that the temperature was significantly lower at the top. To warm up, we had coffee and hot chocolate at a little store located near the top of the volcano.
After the volcano adventure, we had lunch at the nicest place! But, it took us forever to get there. During our first attempt, there had been a landslide on the road we needed to turn down, so we ended up having to turn around. The next thing that set us back was running into a bridge that the bus could not fit over. However, the wait was well worth it because this place was absolutely beautiful. It had a riverfront view, and it was so quiet and relaxing. It was a reception hall that was typically rented for weddings. The food was delicious too! We had a choice between steak, chicken, or rainbow fish. It was served with rice and steamed vegetables. These Costa Ricans sure do know how to feed us!
Following lunch, our tour guide talked to us briefly about coffee production in Costa Rica because we were supposed to visit a coffee bean field, but because of the rain it got cancelled. I did learn that the people who pick the coffee beans typically make about two dollars for every sack of beans picked. They fill approximately 12 sacks a day, which gives them a weekly allowance of about $168. This might not sound like a lot of money to Americans, but it is a decent salary in Costa Rica.
We were able to tour the beautiful Basilica church today, too. Right outside of the church, there was a separate area that displayed charms and other objects. The charms were given to the church by people who prayed for something in particular. For example, many of the charms were body parts such as a leg for healing of that persons leg. When someone would pray to Virgin Mary for a specific cause, they would give these charms in hopes of having their prayers answered. There were also object given in appreciation of answered prayers. For instance, if someone would pray to win a championship, they might donate their trophy as a sign of appreciation. Also outside of the church was an area with a water fountain that was filled with holy water, and they had a stand where you could buy bottles to fill with the holy water.
I really enjoyed today even though the weather was a little chilly. I am looking forward to being on the beach with lots of sun!
Overall, today was a relaxing day. Most of our time was spent on the bus traveling, which I didn't think was bad because I enjoyed being able to see all the neighborhoods and such.
The first activity we "attempted" to do was go to the top of a volcano and see the crater. However, the clouds were so bad that we weren't able to see anything because of the mist. This was Dr. Lanier's second time trying to see the crater, so this is pretty common. Also, once we got to the top of the volcano (which wasn't much of a walk since we drove to the top) it was FREEZING! There was such a dramatic change in altitude that the temperature was significantly lower at the top. To warm up, we had coffee and hot chocolate at a little store located near the top of the volcano.
After the volcano adventure, we had lunch at the nicest place! But, it took us forever to get there. During our first attempt, there had been a landslide on the road we needed to turn down, so we ended up having to turn around. The next thing that set us back was running into a bridge that the bus could not fit over. However, the wait was well worth it because this place was absolutely beautiful. It had a riverfront view, and it was so quiet and relaxing. It was a reception hall that was typically rented for weddings. The food was delicious too! We had a choice between steak, chicken, or rainbow fish. It was served with rice and steamed vegetables. These Costa Ricans sure do know how to feed us!
Following lunch, our tour guide talked to us briefly about coffee production in Costa Rica because we were supposed to visit a coffee bean field, but because of the rain it got cancelled. I did learn that the people who pick the coffee beans typically make about two dollars for every sack of beans picked. They fill approximately 12 sacks a day, which gives them a weekly allowance of about $168. This might not sound like a lot of money to Americans, but it is a decent salary in Costa Rica.
We were able to tour the beautiful Basilica church today, too. Right outside of the church, there was a separate area that displayed charms and other objects. The charms were given to the church by people who prayed for something in particular. For example, many of the charms were body parts such as a leg for healing of that persons leg. When someone would pray to Virgin Mary for a specific cause, they would give these charms in hopes of having their prayers answered. There were also object given in appreciation of answered prayers. For instance, if someone would pray to win a championship, they might donate their trophy as a sign of appreciation. Also outside of the church was an area with a water fountain that was filled with holy water, and they had a stand where you could buy bottles to fill with the holy water.
I really enjoyed today even though the weather was a little chilly. I am looking forward to being on the beach with lots of sun!
Monday, May 13, 2013
Day 3
May 13, 2013
Well today wasn't much of a fun day. Today consisted of staying at the hotel and listening to lectures and learning about Costa Rica. We had four different guest speakers. Although we didn't get to do any fun activities, I did learn a bunch of interesting facts about Costa Rica.
Our first speaker, Mrs. Gibson, director of After-Care from CINDE, talked about direct investment and the impact it has on Costa Rica. Foreign investment has a significant impact on the economy of Costa Rica. The country relies on other countries around the world (the United States being the most significant) to support their economy. The unemployment rate in Costa Rica is 7.8%, which is the highest it has ever been, relating directly to the recession of the U.S. (which will be mentioned later). As many would imagine, most of the workforce in Costa Rica can speak both Spanish and English. Children start learning English in kindergarten. The Costa Ricans will soon begin to focus their efforts on learning Portuguese because it is becoming increasingly important. In addition to learning multiple languages, Costa Ricans are also known for obtaining multiple degrees because the cost is very afforbable and typically covered by the government.
Our second speaker, Mr. Roberto, focused on the topic of tourism. It was interesting to learn that Costa Rica did not consider themselves a tourist destination until 1974. Before 1974, there were only a few forests and volcanoes that would attract tourists. The tourists would stay in Costa Rica for only approximately 2.3 days and only 5 tours were necessary to see what they came to see. The process that led to the success of tourism was that tourist discovered the destination area, articles from journalist were in high demand and became published, people from around the world began to follow the articles and learned about the destination, and finally, the country saw the opportunity to build onto the beautiful scenery. Something unique about Costa Rica in comparison to other countries is that they started developing from the center to the coast. Central Valley was developed first, followed by the coast because the climate in the valley was more favorable than the coast, unlike other places. Although tourism does provide most of the country's revenue, they must be cautious. There have been 11 recessions since 1990, which directly affect the number of tourists entering the country. When the U.S. economy is affected, Costa Rica's economy is also affected since most of the tourists travel from the U.S. In regards to the latest recession, Costa Erica's economy would have still decreased regardless of what happened in the states because of over-building from the projected amount of revenue from tourists.
Our third speaker was from the governmental office dedicated to promoting investments, and he talked about marketing strategies in the area. Here in Costa Rica, several companies work together when marketing their products. Although all of the companies might advertise their products as one, each company is still individually structured. The four main marketing sectors in Costa Rica are agricultural sector, food sector, industrial sector, and services secto. Each sector has a different market. For example, the health sector focuses mainly in the U.S. because the prices for medical procedures are significantly lower here than in the U.S.
As for our last speaker, Mr. Alberto Mora, was from a company called Estado de la Region. He talked about how Costa Rica compared to other countries in other central American countries. Much of their problems differ; however, one problem that ALL central American countries face is dealing with social security.
Fun facts:
Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia.
Costa Rica has more birds than the U.S. and Canada combined!
All invisalign trays are designed in Costa Rica!
Well today wasn't much of a fun day. Today consisted of staying at the hotel and listening to lectures and learning about Costa Rica. We had four different guest speakers. Although we didn't get to do any fun activities, I did learn a bunch of interesting facts about Costa Rica.
Our first speaker, Mrs. Gibson, director of After-Care from CINDE, talked about direct investment and the impact it has on Costa Rica. Foreign investment has a significant impact on the economy of Costa Rica. The country relies on other countries around the world (the United States being the most significant) to support their economy. The unemployment rate in Costa Rica is 7.8%, which is the highest it has ever been, relating directly to the recession of the U.S. (which will be mentioned later). As many would imagine, most of the workforce in Costa Rica can speak both Spanish and English. Children start learning English in kindergarten. The Costa Ricans will soon begin to focus their efforts on learning Portuguese because it is becoming increasingly important. In addition to learning multiple languages, Costa Ricans are also known for obtaining multiple degrees because the cost is very afforbable and typically covered by the government.
Our second speaker, Mr. Roberto, focused on the topic of tourism. It was interesting to learn that Costa Rica did not consider themselves a tourist destination until 1974. Before 1974, there were only a few forests and volcanoes that would attract tourists. The tourists would stay in Costa Rica for only approximately 2.3 days and only 5 tours were necessary to see what they came to see. The process that led to the success of tourism was that tourist discovered the destination area, articles from journalist were in high demand and became published, people from around the world began to follow the articles and learned about the destination, and finally, the country saw the opportunity to build onto the beautiful scenery. Something unique about Costa Rica in comparison to other countries is that they started developing from the center to the coast. Central Valley was developed first, followed by the coast because the climate in the valley was more favorable than the coast, unlike other places. Although tourism does provide most of the country's revenue, they must be cautious. There have been 11 recessions since 1990, which directly affect the number of tourists entering the country. When the U.S. economy is affected, Costa Rica's economy is also affected since most of the tourists travel from the U.S. In regards to the latest recession, Costa Erica's economy would have still decreased regardless of what happened in the states because of over-building from the projected amount of revenue from tourists.
Our third speaker was from the governmental office dedicated to promoting investments, and he talked about marketing strategies in the area. Here in Costa Rica, several companies work together when marketing their products. Although all of the companies might advertise their products as one, each company is still individually structured. The four main marketing sectors in Costa Rica are agricultural sector, food sector, industrial sector, and services secto. Each sector has a different market. For example, the health sector focuses mainly in the U.S. because the prices for medical procedures are significantly lower here than in the U.S.
As for our last speaker, Mr. Alberto Mora, was from a company called Estado de la Region. He talked about how Costa Rica compared to other countries in other central American countries. Much of their problems differ; however, one problem that ALL central American countries face is dealing with social security.
Fun facts:
Costa Rica is about the size of West Virginia.
Costa Rica has more birds than the U.S. and Canada combined!
All invisalign trays are designed in Costa Rica!
Sunday, May 12, 2013
Day 2
May 12, 2013
White water rafting was amazing today! It was my first time rafting, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Our boat was the only boat to have people fall off, and luckily, I wasn't one of them! On our break during the rafting experience, we had pineapple. I don't even like pineapple in the U.S.,but the pineapple here is completely different. It was so fresh, and I loved it! While we had our break, we also got to walk to a "cliff" type area where we got to jump off into the current of the water. That was definitely an adrenaline rush!
After white water rafting, we went on a chocolate tour. We were able to see how chocolate is made here in Costa Rica. I learned that the cocoa seed used to make chocolate is grown from a plant. The plant actually looks like a fruit. I was the volunteer to help open the plant, which was opened similar to cracking an egg. (At first, the tour guide made me believe that I had to put my head on a stand that looked like a tree trunk, and he was going to crack it on my head. Of course, I believed him...I was scared to death) They showed us the process of making chocolate and let us taste it in several different forms: from the actual seed, in a powder form, as a thick liquid (like syrup), and as a drink which they called the "drink of the Gods") The cocoa was very bitter until sugar or cinnamon or both was added. Once those ingredients were added, it was amazing! It was nothing like the chocolate sold in the stores in the U.S., this cocoa was actually healthy for you and contained several vitamins.
In order to reach the destination of the chocolate plantation, we had to take a trail that took approximately 30 minutes to get through, which included crossing over a suspension bridge that led directly over the river we had just rafted through. The trail had lots of greenery to look at; we even saw a few monkeys! As well as cool insects and birds.
After our adventurous journeys of the day, we had a presentation from our tour guide. The tour guide explained the importance of ecotourism in the country. In order for the country of Costa Rica to keep their beautiful parks, they have to provide themselves with a source of revenue. The park we visited today, Tirimbina, is a nonprofit organization that raises money solely for the preservation of the forests and wildlife of their park. They do this by funding education and research on the topic of conservation. Their revenue mainly comes from tourists, like ourselves. So, they were very appreciative of our business.
My first full day in Costa Rica was so much fun, and I can't wait to see what else this beautiful place has in store for me!
White water rafting was amazing today! It was my first time rafting, and it definitely exceeded my expectations. Our boat was the only boat to have people fall off, and luckily, I wasn't one of them! On our break during the rafting experience, we had pineapple. I don't even like pineapple in the U.S.,but the pineapple here is completely different. It was so fresh, and I loved it! While we had our break, we also got to walk to a "cliff" type area where we got to jump off into the current of the water. That was definitely an adrenaline rush!
After white water rafting, we went on a chocolate tour. We were able to see how chocolate is made here in Costa Rica. I learned that the cocoa seed used to make chocolate is grown from a plant. The plant actually looks like a fruit. I was the volunteer to help open the plant, which was opened similar to cracking an egg. (At first, the tour guide made me believe that I had to put my head on a stand that looked like a tree trunk, and he was going to crack it on my head. Of course, I believed him...I was scared to death) They showed us the process of making chocolate and let us taste it in several different forms: from the actual seed, in a powder form, as a thick liquid (like syrup), and as a drink which they called the "drink of the Gods") The cocoa was very bitter until sugar or cinnamon or both was added. Once those ingredients were added, it was amazing! It was nothing like the chocolate sold in the stores in the U.S., this cocoa was actually healthy for you and contained several vitamins.
In order to reach the destination of the chocolate plantation, we had to take a trail that took approximately 30 minutes to get through, which included crossing over a suspension bridge that led directly over the river we had just rafted through. The trail had lots of greenery to look at; we even saw a few monkeys! As well as cool insects and birds.
After our adventurous journeys of the day, we had a presentation from our tour guide. The tour guide explained the importance of ecotourism in the country. In order for the country of Costa Rica to keep their beautiful parks, they have to provide themselves with a source of revenue. The park we visited today, Tirimbina, is a nonprofit organization that raises money solely for the preservation of the forests and wildlife of their park. They do this by funding education and research on the topic of conservation. Their revenue mainly comes from tourists, like ourselves. So, they were very appreciative of our business.
My first full day in Costa Rica was so much fun, and I can't wait to see what else this beautiful place has in store for me!
Saturday, May 11, 2013
Day 1
May 11, 2013
My first day in Costa Rica was a great success! Most of the day consisted of traveling, but the traveling process went smoothly. When we first arrived at the San Jose airport, we were greeted by our tour guide, Fernando,who will be guiding us for the duration of the trip. We loaded onto our bus, and on the way to our hotel, Fernando talked to us about fun facts of Costa Rica.
Once we got to the hotel, we brought our bags to our rooms, then went out for a late lunch. We ate at a place called "Soda Tapia." One of my favorite things about traveling (after discovering my adventurous side), is trying "different" types of food. So, today I ordered a burger with refried beans on it. Yes, refried beans! It was call the hamburger tapia and consisted of a hamburger patty, gouda cheese, ham, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and their special dressing. It was delicious! But what was even more delicious was the WATERMELON JUICE! I honestly don't think I've ever had a more refreshing drink than that. I will definitely learn how to make it while I am here, so I can make it all the time when I get back home!
Today was an extremely long day with all the traveling and especially with me not sleeping last night before we left, so I am calling it an early night tonight. We have to be ready to head out tomorrow by 7am! On a positive note, tomorrow is going to be super interesting. We are going white water rafting and going on a chocolate tour where we will see how chocolate is made here!
My first day in Costa Rica was a great success! Most of the day consisted of traveling, but the traveling process went smoothly. When we first arrived at the San Jose airport, we were greeted by our tour guide, Fernando,who will be guiding us for the duration of the trip. We loaded onto our bus, and on the way to our hotel, Fernando talked to us about fun facts of Costa Rica.
Once we got to the hotel, we brought our bags to our rooms, then went out for a late lunch. We ate at a place called "Soda Tapia." One of my favorite things about traveling (after discovering my adventurous side), is trying "different" types of food. So, today I ordered a burger with refried beans on it. Yes, refried beans! It was call the hamburger tapia and consisted of a hamburger patty, gouda cheese, ham, refried beans, lettuce, tomato, mayo, and their special dressing. It was delicious! But what was even more delicious was the WATERMELON JUICE! I honestly don't think I've ever had a more refreshing drink than that. I will definitely learn how to make it while I am here, so I can make it all the time when I get back home!
Today was an extremely long day with all the traveling and especially with me not sleeping last night before we left, so I am calling it an early night tonight. We have to be ready to head out tomorrow by 7am! On a positive note, tomorrow is going to be super interesting. We are going white water rafting and going on a chocolate tour where we will see how chocolate is made here!
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