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!