Check it out...Yum Yum.
Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Peach Salsa, Ants on A Log, off-brand Doritos! Hah! Random food, but sooooooo tasty. =D
Now, although CR does not celebrate Halloween, they do throw great costume parties. Hah!
Last night I returned to the club I visited this previous weekend and attended a grand fiesta. The music was a fun assortment of American music, remixes, and Latin songs. We tore it up on the dance floor - dancing for nearly 3 hours straight! It was...Way. Too. Fun. =D
Here are a few pictures from the night:
Last night I returned to the club I visited this previous weekend and attended a grand fiesta. The music was a fun assortment of American music, remixes, and Latin songs. We tore it up on the dance floor - dancing for nearly 3 hours straight! It was...Way. Too. Fun. =D
Here are a few pictures from the night:
Last night Monse informed me that Doña Paula, our housekeeper, was recently put in a leg cast.
A few weeks ago she was hit by a car while walking home. She suffered some bad bruises, swollen knees, a cut on her head, and a broken big toe. Despite these ailments, she had been slowly recovering and coming to the house to do what cleaning and cooking she could.
However, because she was put in a cast for her toe, Monse said she would not be able to work for them for the next month.
Monse was bummed because she is already a busy mother and the help around the house is gladly appreciated.
Well, anyway, Amanda said she would be helping with the dishes and clearing the table and what not. I smiled and said, "And I can help too."
Monse thanked me and in my mind I thought:
"Maybe this is the chance for me to cook for my family!" And "Maybe this is the chance for me to learn Monse's recipes (seeing as there might actually be room for me in the tiny kitchen)!"
A disaster into a blessing. It wouldn't be God's first time. =)
We will see.
A few weeks ago she was hit by a car while walking home. She suffered some bad bruises, swollen knees, a cut on her head, and a broken big toe. Despite these ailments, she had been slowly recovering and coming to the house to do what cleaning and cooking she could.
However, because she was put in a cast for her toe, Monse said she would not be able to work for them for the next month.
Monse was bummed because she is already a busy mother and the help around the house is gladly appreciated.
Well, anyway, Amanda said she would be helping with the dishes and clearing the table and what not. I smiled and said, "And I can help too."
Monse thanked me and in my mind I thought:
"Maybe this is the chance for me to cook for my family!" And "Maybe this is the chance for me to learn Monse's recipes (seeing as there might actually be room for me in the tiny kitchen)!"
A disaster into a blessing. It wouldn't be God's first time. =)
We will see.
Oats (Avena): check
Baking Powder (de polvo): check
Cocoa Powder (Cocoa molida): check
Raisins (Pasas): check
Butter (Mantequilla): check
I just purchased all of the above ingredients.
And our house inventory includes:
Honey (Miel)
Flour (Harina)
Eggs (Juevos)
Oil (Aceite)
Cinnamon (Canela)
Vanilla
Lemons (Limóns)
Sugar (Azucar)
Brown Sugar (Azucar Morena)
It is time to BAKE! =D
Baking Powder (de polvo): check
Cocoa Powder (Cocoa molida): check
Raisins (Pasas): check
Butter (Mantequilla): check
I just purchased all of the above ingredients.
And our house inventory includes:
Honey (Miel)
Flour (Harina)
Eggs (Juevos)
Oil (Aceite)
Cinnamon (Canela)
Vanilla
Lemons (Limóns)
Sugar (Azucar)
Brown Sugar (Azucar Morena)
It is time to BAKE! =D
Last night I slept terribly. I tossed and turned and then would think to myself "Maybe I slept just now". But upon opening my eyes wide I'd realize, "NOPE", I had only rested for about 10 min. Ughh...so exhausting.
I finally fell soundly asleep at about 5 am this morning with my alarm set to go off at 7 am. BUT my alarm didn't go off and I didn't look at my phone until 7:33am. Yikes! Class at 8 and I have to leave the house by 10 till to be on time. I Needed a shower, I needed breakfast, I needed to charge my computer for a presentation, ahhhhhh! Haha!
Anyways, by 7:34am I was in the shower, by 7:44am I was dressed and ready and standing in the kitchen packing up my backpack. As I rushed around, Fede walked out of his office, stared at me, looked at his watch, and said, "Miss America, you just got ready in 10 min!". I laughed and grinned and walked over to the sink to fill my water bottle. At this point Fede, sweet as he is, made his way over to the toaster oven and pulled out my "breakfast". From the man who NEVER cooks and never even checks the fridge for leftovers when he is in charge for a meal...I was extended a toasted sandwich with margarine and a few slabs of cheese. Probably one of the cutest moments ever. Also probably one of the most unhealthy breakfasts every. It was pure love. =)
Before walking out the door I snagged a mandarine (to pair with my sandwich), turned to Fede, paused, smiled and told him thank you. I understood the gesture and he understood my delight and thankfulness.
I walked to school in the sunshine (this morning was the first blue-sky-and-sunny day we have had in over two weeks!) beaming from ear to ear.
Lovin' it, lovin' life!
Hannah
I finally fell soundly asleep at about 5 am this morning with my alarm set to go off at 7 am. BUT my alarm didn't go off and I didn't look at my phone until 7:33am. Yikes! Class at 8 and I have to leave the house by 10 till to be on time. I Needed a shower, I needed breakfast, I needed to charge my computer for a presentation, ahhhhhh! Haha!
Anyways, by 7:34am I was in the shower, by 7:44am I was dressed and ready and standing in the kitchen packing up my backpack. As I rushed around, Fede walked out of his office, stared at me, looked at his watch, and said, "Miss America, you just got ready in 10 min!". I laughed and grinned and walked over to the sink to fill my water bottle. At this point Fede, sweet as he is, made his way over to the toaster oven and pulled out my "breakfast". From the man who NEVER cooks and never even checks the fridge for leftovers when he is in charge for a meal...I was extended a toasted sandwich with margarine and a few slabs of cheese. Probably one of the cutest moments ever. Also probably one of the most unhealthy breakfasts every. It was pure love. =)
Before walking out the door I snagged a mandarine (to pair with my sandwich), turned to Fede, paused, smiled and told him thank you. I understood the gesture and he understood my delight and thankfulness.
I walked to school in the sunshine (this morning was the first blue-sky-and-sunny day we have had in over two weeks!) beaming from ear to ear.
Lovin' it, lovin' life!
Hannah
I just got back from dancing my evening away at a local bar with live-band music!
I went with Libia, Angie, Jose, and Ellie and had a wonderful time!
The night was filled with loud music, laughter, salsa dancing, bachata, and fun.
Now for rest. I'm tired and my feet are tired. =)
Night night world,
Hannah
I went with Libia, Angie, Jose, and Ellie and had a wonderful time!
The night was filled with loud music, laughter, salsa dancing, bachata, and fun.
Now for rest. I'm tired and my feet are tired. =)
Night night world,
Hannah
Conversation was had.
Monse came into my room this morning and said to me, in Spanish, "Okay, we are only going to speak Spanish to you." As she drew in for hug she said, "Thank you for the card" and began choking up. We both fought tears and when she pulled away we both smiled. She said, Okay, I'm going to speak in English just right now because you need it." She explained that her and Fede were so thankful that I was honest with them and shared the letter. They felt sorry that they had limited my chance to learn Spanish and not accomplish the goal I had set at the beginning of the trip. I quickly responded that this once not at all my intention for the letter. I simply felt it was only fair for me to share my heart and emotions with them after they had sacrificed and loved on me so selflessly. It felt good. There were a lot of emotions and thus I cried a bit, but the honesty and vulnerability was only me being real - and that in its self felt good.
Next, Fede came in with huge open arms. He gave me a kiss and held me tight in one of those "daddy" hugs. You know. =) He said into my ear, "I love you...okay these are going to be my last words in English". Haha! I do love that man.
"So afraid but you don't have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I remain."
-Brandon Heath
Please be praying for me as I challenge myself and try to step out and speak more Spanish. Pray that I would find courage and excitement. It may be a hard few weeks, but it is going to be worth it and I am trusting, with all that I am, that God will continue to be faithful.
Looking up in awe,
Hannah
Monse came into my room this morning and said to me, in Spanish, "Okay, we are only going to speak Spanish to you." As she drew in for hug she said, "Thank you for the card" and began choking up. We both fought tears and when she pulled away we both smiled. She said, Okay, I'm going to speak in English just right now because you need it." She explained that her and Fede were so thankful that I was honest with them and shared the letter. They felt sorry that they had limited my chance to learn Spanish and not accomplish the goal I had set at the beginning of the trip. I quickly responded that this once not at all my intention for the letter. I simply felt it was only fair for me to share my heart and emotions with them after they had sacrificed and loved on me so selflessly. It felt good. There were a lot of emotions and thus I cried a bit, but the honesty and vulnerability was only me being real - and that in its self felt good.
Next, Fede came in with huge open arms. He gave me a kiss and held me tight in one of those "daddy" hugs. You know. =) He said into my ear, "I love you...okay these are going to be my last words in English". Haha! I do love that man.
"So afraid but you don't have to be afraid
Even if you make mistakes
You know that I remain."
-Brandon Heath
Please be praying for me as I challenge myself and try to step out and speak more Spanish. Pray that I would find courage and excitement. It may be a hard few weeks, but it is going to be worth it and I am trusting, with all that I am, that God will continue to be faithful.
Looking up in awe,
Hannah
Well, I just gave the letter to Fede and Monse.
Freaked out, yep. Relieved, yep. Trusting God, yep.
(If you don't know what I'm talking about, read my most recent "Matters of the Heart" update.)
I now feel that I have given up my last source of control to God. If my future is here, He will be preparing me over these next few months. Honestly it is a relief to know that I don't have to hold on, that I don't have to try to figure this out anymore. God is in control. God is working on my behalf. And my hope is in him alone.
Freaked out, yep. Relieved, yep. Trusting God, yep.
(If you don't know what I'm talking about, read my most recent "Matters of the Heart" update.)
I now feel that I have given up my last source of control to God. If my future is here, He will be preparing me over these next few months. Honestly it is a relief to know that I don't have to hold on, that I don't have to try to figure this out anymore. God is in control. God is working on my behalf. And my hope is in him alone.
We just got back from yet another wonderful weekend trip.
Nine classmates and I had a field trip to Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes for my Tropical Ecology course. The property is in a secluded portion of San Ramon county and backs up to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
The drive from the town of San Ramón to the station took about an hour and a half and the last 6km were travelled on unpaved, rough and muddy roads. Upon arriving on Saturday I could hardly handle how amazing the setting was! The station is nestled into the middle of the jungle and is just several hundred feet from a rushing river.
The weather was drizzly our entire visit, but it made the experiences all that much more fun - hiking, taking data samples, walking up streams, trekking to a waterfall, night hiking in search of frogs... We sloshed everywhere in big rainboots!
Here is one of the pretty little frogs we found on our hike. It is a different variety of the Red Eyed Frog we saw on our La Fortuna trip.One of the highlights of my trip was swimming at the base of a raging waterfall, in my clothes. We were not informed that there would be a chance to swim until we arrived and none of us had packed our suits. BUT, that didn't stop us. We all stripped down and swam anyways! Wouldn't you? You only live once! And besides, we were in the middle of the jungle starring at a waterfall with a gloriously beautiful swimming hole at its base. =D
Another fun part of our trip was building a fort, yes a fort, between the beds of the station bunk house. Haha! We built it with all the sheets and blankets from our beds and ALL of us 10 students (plus our teacher at one point, HAHAHA!) hung out inside for like two hours. I can't even tell you what all we talked about, but let me just assure you, several seriously good laughs were had. =) Lol!
Smiles,
Hannah
Nine classmates and I had a field trip to Reserva Biológica Alberto Manuel Brenes for my Tropical Ecology course. The property is in a secluded portion of San Ramon county and backs up to Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve.
The drive from the town of San Ramón to the station took about an hour and a half and the last 6km were travelled on unpaved, rough and muddy roads. Upon arriving on Saturday I could hardly handle how amazing the setting was! The station is nestled into the middle of the jungle and is just several hundred feet from a rushing river.
The weather was drizzly our entire visit, but it made the experiences all that much more fun - hiking, taking data samples, walking up streams, trekking to a waterfall, night hiking in search of frogs... We sloshed everywhere in big rainboots!
Here is one of the pretty little frogs we found on our hike. It is a different variety of the Red Eyed Frog we saw on our La Fortuna trip.
Another fun part of our trip was building a fort, yes a fort, between the beds of the station bunk house. Haha! We built it with all the sheets and blankets from our beds and ALL of us 10 students (plus our teacher at one point, HAHAHA!) hung out inside for like two hours. I can't even tell you what all we talked about, but let me just assure you, several seriously good laughs were had. =) Lol!
Smiles,
Hannah
I just finished baking lemon cookies and banana bread with Monse!!!
Can you tell I'm happy? =)
It was fun to share recipes and spend the rainy afternoon huddled around the toasty warm oven. The smells that filled the kitchen were to die for and I was reminded that it is indeed fall. =) The previous tropical weather had me a bit confused. Haha!
With permission to use the oven and plans for chocolate chip cookies and apple pie in my future I am one delighted baker! =)
Night night.
P.S. After eating some of the lemon cookies with a bit of strawberry cheesecake ice cream I have been inspired to rethink the ice cream sandwich. De-licous and so fresh!
Can you tell I'm happy? =)
It was fun to share recipes and spend the rainy afternoon huddled around the toasty warm oven. The smells that filled the kitchen were to die for and I was reminded that it is indeed fall. =) The previous tropical weather had me a bit confused. Haha!
With permission to use the oven and plans for chocolate chip cookies and apple pie in my future I am one delighted baker! =)
Night night.
P.S. After eating some of the lemon cookies with a bit of strawberry cheesecake ice cream I have been inspired to rethink the ice cream sandwich. De-licous and so fresh!
This afternoon, after completing our Spanish finals, several of my friends and I went shopping. First we walked through the misting rain to downtown San Ramón and settled ourselves in a little coffee and pastry shop near the central church. We enjoyed fresh baked goods and warm coffee while watching the rain fall and people pass. Once we were warm and filled we began poking into little boutiques and thrift stores. The afternoon was delightful because the rain was light and none of us had a schedules to attend to. We lazily walked the streets and casually visited any stores of interest. One thing I love about San Ramón is that all the stores are small and unique - each one is like a like a little secret waiting to be explored. =)
I found myself a lovely pair of boots and, you guessed it, another dress. =)
At five o'clock we walked to campus for our USAC biweekly soccer game. On Thursdays the games are played outside on a turf field no matter what the weather is doing. Hah! Today was no different. The whole time we played, the stadium was engulfed in a thick fog and light, misty rain kept us wet and cool. The exercise felt great and every game is a blast because all of us students get along so well. At six thirty we walked home with soggy shows, new bruises, and smiles.
I found myself a lovely pair of boots and, you guessed it, another dress. =)
(Check them out Mary! Love them or what?)
At five o'clock we walked to campus for our USAC biweekly soccer game. On Thursdays the games are played outside on a turf field no matter what the weather is doing. Hah! Today was no different. The whole time we played, the stadium was engulfed in a thick fog and light, misty rain kept us wet and cool. The exercise felt great and every game is a blast because all of us students get along so well. At six thirty we walked home with soggy shows, new bruises, and smiles.
The last three days have been extremely rainy and surprisingly cold, as well. I have thoroughly enjoyed the temporary "fall weather" and the warm tea and food that goes with it, but the rain has also driven me inside, which makes me tired, lazy, and slow.
This afternoon, I needed out of the house and volleyball was cancelled, so I decided to go on a run. It was a wonderful chance to be in the Lord's presence and break away from the routine of a lazy day in the house. I ran my best pace and most energetic three miles since being here. It felt so good!! The misty rain and thundering clouds were a gorgeous backdrop and my body surged with joy and a sense of liberation.
Just as I finished my workout, the rain began falling just a little faster, and then a little faster...
I am now at home - showered, warm, and smelling the delicious aromas of a crockpot (olla de cocimiento lento) meal.
Hmmm...
This afternoon, I needed out of the house and volleyball was cancelled, so I decided to go on a run. It was a wonderful chance to be in the Lord's presence and break away from the routine of a lazy day in the house. I ran my best pace and most energetic three miles since being here. It felt so good!! The misty rain and thundering clouds were a gorgeous backdrop and my body surged with joy and a sense of liberation.
Just as I finished my workout, the rain began falling just a little faster, and then a little faster...
I am now at home - showered, warm, and smelling the delicious aromas of a crockpot (olla de cocimiento lento) meal.
Hmmm...
I just received a care package in the mail from my Mama. =)
What a treat! I got all the two Halloween necessities - festive socks and candy corn! Hahaha! I am now currently sitting on my bed making myself sick. The stupidest thing is that for 21 years I have not been able to decide if I even like candy corn. Lol!
Anywho, the best thing in my box was not the gifts, but the card I got from my Mom. She is such a wonderful and strong woman who writes openly about her heart, faith, and love and support for me. I could never be more blessed. =)
In addition to writing me, my mom included a card for my host family as well. I do not know what she said, but upon reading it my host father became very quiet before calling me over for a huge hug! He talked about their past experiences with students and reasons for hosting and then, after being interrupted by Ignacio and momentarily losing his train of thought, said that I was such a blessing. I hugged him back really hard and said, "I'm sure not as much of a blessing as you guys are to me."
Oh the gift of blessing and being blessed. =)
Ooooop, so I guess I wasn't done with this post yet...
My host mother just came into my room and said with great emotion how thankful she was for the card. She said to please pass along the thank you to my mom and stated what a blessing it has been to have me here. She have me a good squeeze and when we pulled away we mutually had a little glisten of tears in our eyes. No words were spoken, but it was mutual and nothing more need be said. =)
What a treat! I got all the two Halloween necessities - festive socks and candy corn! Hahaha! I am now currently sitting on my bed making myself sick. The stupidest thing is that for 21 years I have not been able to decide if I even like candy corn. Lol!
Anywho, the best thing in my box was not the gifts, but the card I got from my Mom. She is such a wonderful and strong woman who writes openly about her heart, faith, and love and support for me. I could never be more blessed. =)
In addition to writing me, my mom included a card for my host family as well. I do not know what she said, but upon reading it my host father became very quiet before calling me over for a huge hug! He talked about their past experiences with students and reasons for hosting and then, after being interrupted by Ignacio and momentarily losing his train of thought, said that I was such a blessing. I hugged him back really hard and said, "I'm sure not as much of a blessing as you guys are to me."
Oh the gift of blessing and being blessed. =)
Ooooop, so I guess I wasn't done with this post yet...
My host mother just came into my room and said with great emotion how thankful she was for the card. She said to please pass along the thank you to my mom and stated what a blessing it has been to have me here. She have me a good squeeze and when we pulled away we mutually had a little glisten of tears in our eyes. No words were spoken, but it was mutual and nothing more need be said. =)
I arrived home from my vacation on Thursday night and spent most of Friday resting and recouping. Hah! I hadn't realized how exhausted I'd become from all the days in the sun, late nights, and early mornings. I did practically nothing, but it felt so good. =)
In the evening I was invited by Fede and Monse to attend a women's event at the church. I was dragging with exhaustion, but accepted anyway. My heart had been desperate for the chance to commune in the body of Christ again. It had been two weeks since I'd last been to church and this fact had taken its toll. (Honestly I was amazed at what a weight I felt because I hadn't realized I was being fed and fulfilled as much as I was by attending a church in a language I am only half-way decent at understanding and speaking. But this just goes to show that church is more about approaching the spirit of God in spirit. When my heart is reverent and my world calm, I can glimpse my savior and praise him, no matter where I am. Amen.) The event was a wonderful opportunity to become closer to the women of the church and I sensed their desire to reach out to me as I reached out to them and stepped out in faith to attend a more intimate church event. I felt loved like I'm loved by the ladies of my churches in the states - hugged, touched, drawn in... And, more importantly, I felt spiritually filled and satisfied.
Saturday morning I returned to the church with Fede to help many of the ladies (and with the help of several men) make homemade tamales! Fede knew I would love to learn the recipe and so did everything he could explain the steps, rotate me through the tasks, poke me into the assembly line, and, of course, take pictures. Haha! He is so sweet to me. =) So, I spent about two and a half hours with greasy hands, and a big smile, building tamales and wrapping them in banana leaves.
It was a blast and I am so looking forward to recreating them when I return home! My only task will first be finding banana leaves...I don't known where the heck to get them in the states! Hahaha! In the afternoon I had volleyball. On route I was caught in a rainstorm and arrived to the gym literally soaked. Hah! When it rains here, it RAINS!! I wrung out my shoes and socks and decided to play anyways...it was a good decision. I never seem to regret playing volleyball. =) After the practice was over, I gathered the courage to finally ask the coach about playing in the games. She looked at me in surprised and said, "Claro!" or "Sure!". Judging by her response, she had not expected me to want to play with them, but was happy to have me! She told me their next game is this upcoming weekend and that they would love for me to play. =) At this time, she also invited me to play volleyball on Tuesday nights at the gym right by my house. I guess this night of playing is a group of the better players from the team. Looks like volleyball may now be a part of three days of my week. Yeeeee!
Sunday I woke with excitement because it was, well, Sunday, and I knew I would get to go to church again! The service was good, per usual, and I was delighted with amount of sermon I was able to track. My Spanish truly is improving. =)
On Sunday afternoon I had the wonderful chance to successfully complete FOUR skype dates. Haha! Friend: check. Roommate: check. Sister: check. Mama: check. What a delightful afternoon! =) I was one happy camper. And what are the only two things that could make the day better...ice cream and the first Star Wars (in Spanish). Oh, wait...check!
It was a good weekend. =)
In the evening I was invited by Fede and Monse to attend a women's event at the church. I was dragging with exhaustion, but accepted anyway. My heart had been desperate for the chance to commune in the body of Christ again. It had been two weeks since I'd last been to church and this fact had taken its toll. (Honestly I was amazed at what a weight I felt because I hadn't realized I was being fed and fulfilled as much as I was by attending a church in a language I am only half-way decent at understanding and speaking. But this just goes to show that church is more about approaching the spirit of God in spirit. When my heart is reverent and my world calm, I can glimpse my savior and praise him, no matter where I am. Amen.) The event was a wonderful opportunity to become closer to the women of the church and I sensed their desire to reach out to me as I reached out to them and stepped out in faith to attend a more intimate church event. I felt loved like I'm loved by the ladies of my churches in the states - hugged, touched, drawn in... And, more importantly, I felt spiritually filled and satisfied.
Saturday morning I returned to the church with Fede to help many of the ladies (and with the help of several men) make homemade tamales! Fede knew I would love to learn the recipe and so did everything he could explain the steps, rotate me through the tasks, poke me into the assembly line, and, of course, take pictures. Haha! He is so sweet to me. =) So, I spent about two and a half hours with greasy hands, and a big smile, building tamales and wrapping them in banana leaves.
It was a blast and I am so looking forward to recreating them when I return home! My only task will first be finding banana leaves...I don't known where the heck to get them in the states! Hahaha! In the afternoon I had volleyball. On route I was caught in a rainstorm and arrived to the gym literally soaked. Hah! When it rains here, it RAINS!! I wrung out my shoes and socks and decided to play anyways...it was a good decision. I never seem to regret playing volleyball. =) After the practice was over, I gathered the courage to finally ask the coach about playing in the games. She looked at me in surprised and said, "Claro!" or "Sure!". Judging by her response, she had not expected me to want to play with them, but was happy to have me! She told me their next game is this upcoming weekend and that they would love for me to play. =) At this time, she also invited me to play volleyball on Tuesday nights at the gym right by my house. I guess this night of playing is a group of the better players from the team. Looks like volleyball may now be a part of three days of my week. Yeeeee!
Sunday I woke with excitement because it was, well, Sunday, and I knew I would get to go to church again! The service was good, per usual, and I was delighted with amount of sermon I was able to track. My Spanish truly is improving. =)
On Sunday afternoon I had the wonderful chance to successfully complete FOUR skype dates. Haha! Friend: check. Roommate: check. Sister: check. Mama: check. What a delightful afternoon! =) I was one happy camper. And what are the only two things that could make the day better...ice cream and the first Star Wars (in Spanish). Oh, wait...check!
It was a good weekend. =)
I just got back from an AMAZING week long tour of the Caribbean side of Costa Rica and several of Panama's beautiful Caribbean islands. Below I will recap many of my experiences by providing subtitles in bold. Enjoy!
TRAVELS
Here are some pictures from our bus and boat trip to Tortuguero today.
These next two pictures show views of a nationally protected cloud forest we transected during our trip to Tortuguero. In this park we crossed the continental divide at an elevation of about 4,000ft.
Pictures from our boat ride into Tortuguero. The trip took about an hour and at one point the waters were so shallow, a large wood pole was needed to propel the boat.
Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
TORTUGUERO
We are staying the next two nights at a hotel in the middle of the jungle that is only accessed by taking a boat through national forest water canals! It is really nice and the grounds are complete with pool, canal access, canoes, hammocks, wildlife, an open-air bar, a beautiful dining complex, and large rooms with jungle view! Check it out!
FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND TORTUGUERO VILLAGE
After getting settled into the hotel we were taken across the river to see the Caribbean, walk the beach and see an old turtle nest, and visit the small village of Tortuguero.
Before catching the boat back to our hotel, we were blessed with this breathtaking sunset. =)
TURTLES!
We just saw a female green turtle laying eggs on a beach in the middle of Costa Rica! Wha?!...such an incredible experience!!!
Ten of us USAC students (four from San Ramón and six from Puntarenas) signed up for a $25 turtle viewing tour this afternoon with high hopes of seeing a turtle in its natural nesting habitat. The tour lasted two hours and does not guarantee you see any animals. The way it works is that scouts walk the beach in search of approaching, digging, or laying females and then (or maybe more accurately, if...) they find one the come and tell the guides. It is at this point that you actual step foot on the beach. The guide is the only person with a light and the rays they use are only red in order to not scare, distract, or disorient the turtles.
My group waited under an overhang and watch an incredible lightening show unfold before being summoned to the beach. The rain fell harder than I may have ever seen before! The cracks of lightening lit up the sky and allowed you to see the figures around you and dense rainforest beyond. Between flashes, you could also catch glimpses of lightening bugs dancing about in the rain. Wow, was it beautiful! As I took in the scene I came to the realization that even without seeing turtles this would be a wonderful experience. I was so in awe of the work of God's hand that I separated myself from the group, stepped out into the rain, and began singing praise out loud. I thanked God for his provision over me, his love, his peace, and the great satisfaction I find in him. I offered up my heart and reminded myself of his goodness and ability to bless and sustain me. "God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy...Lord of heaven and earth!" "Let our voices rise like incense, let them be as sweet perfume." "Que puedo decir? Que puedo hacer? Te ofrezco mi corazón completamente a ti." I knew that God could bless me with the chance to see a turtle, but I didn't need it. Sure enough though, God chose to love on me - we were called to the beach within the next 30 or so minutes!
In order to access the beach nesting site we had to trudge nearly a mile in the pouring rain. I did not have a raincoat because I knew that after an hour in the rain it wouldn't matter anyways! Hahaha! I don't think I knew the definition of wet until tonight! I was wet to the core - including my feet, which sloshed about in water that pooled in my rainboots. Hah! The rainstorm made it feel like an adventure and the group was buzzing with excitement as we neared the site.
The female was beautiful! She was nearly five feet long and was glistening and wet after her long, rainy trek from the Caribbean waters.
We we came upon her she was just finishing up her nest excavation. The group huddled in a tight circle (with many giggles and bonding moments) in the pouring rain and waited for her to transition to laying. After about 30 minutes she was laying in full force (dropping an egg about ever four seconds!). It was beautiful to see! Nature at work...
I was able to observe with my own eyes something it seems you only hear about or see on TV. Wow. Truly breathtaking!
Middle of Costa Rica, Caribbean Ocean, National Park, Crazy tropical lightening and thunderstorm, Green Sea Turtle...wow, wow, wow!
Thank you God for the experience of a lifetime. I am now toasty and tucked into bed. God is good and my heart is glad. Marveling at a majestic king and profound author.
RAINFOREST HIKE
As one of our tours today we were guided through the freshly wet and muddy rainforest. Rainboots were a requirement, but not all were lucky enough to have bright homemade polar fleece socks to sport as well. Haha! Shout out to my Mommy...
On the hike we saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed learning about some pretty cool plants as well. My group's guide, Henry, grew up in these forests and had many fun facts and personal stories to share as we hiked.
This tree can actually relocated within its lifetime! The tree produces new roots in the direction it will move and the roots found on the other side rot away. Crazy, huh!?
Here is a picture of the coconut our guide Henry broke open for us to taste. He used the root of a giant tree...no knife, no rod...just straight jungle magic. ;) This was hands down the most delicious coconut I have eaten here to date. It was the perfect ripeness - sweet coco water and moist, thick flesh. Yumm. Yum. Definitely ate enough to get a belly ache, but it was well worth it! Pura vida!
CANAL TOUR: THE REAL "JUNGLE CRUISE"
Today's canal tour was another breath taking experience in viewing God's creation. More than ever before I was able to see the wildlife of this beautiful country. We saw river otters, spider monkeys, white faced monkeys, howler monkeys, little blue herons, egrets, caman, bats, ....
What an amazing array of species and wonderful life experience. It was like being on Disney's jungle cruise, but for real and all in high definition. In moments I felt overwhelmed by this sense that I was living within a National Geographic episode. The things you have seen in documentaries and shows all your life are really out there and I was able to witness them! I saw monkeys chowing down on fruit, swing through the high canopy, caring for their young as they traversed limber jungle branches.
Ringed Kingfisher
Ceryle torquata
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Jesus Christ Lizard
Basiliscus basiliscus
The plant life was also astonishing. You can never capture the density, lushness, and expansive green of the rainforest on film. It is truly wonderous. The jungle extends as far deep as the eye can see and your imagination can run wild as you realize you are getting to glimpse only the fringes of a vibrantly alive ecosystem. The plant species are highly various, giving the expanse of forest a rich texture, pattern, and color. Vines drape from the high treetops and touch all the way to the water's surface, flowers adorn the branches and flash in pinks, yellows, and reds. Pollen floats on the surface of the water and creates a mural of swirls and streaks. Water lilies float along at the canals edges and provide places of insects and animals to hide.
It seems that every crack and detail is teaming with biodiversity. Around every corner is a chance to view a new species or capture a moment in absolute awe.
To conclude our tour, we picked up speed and flew through the open water - jungle rising high on both sides, water flipping up from the boat spray, rich canal waters, and expansive skies filled with massive clouds and waning light. I rode home with a grin upon my face and a sense of complete awe at all I had just seen.
DAWN TURTLE TREK
This morning 17 of us (all 12 San Ramónians and four Punaranas kids) woke very early. We met at the hotel dock at 4:30am and took a taxi in the dark over to the Caribbean Coast. As we took off the sky was seen flashing with bolts of dry lightening. Little did we know, this would set one of the most amazing scenes to date. The dim light of dawn and pink-tinted clouds dissected by cracks of lightening and flashes of light. All while thunderous booms of a tropical storm broke the early silence.
As we arrived, the first light of day could be felt in the air and a sweet warmth touched the skin. The whole group was tired but ringing with anticipation and delight. Our mission: baby turtles! We were told these early hours were the time to see the hatching turtles making their grand journeys to the sea. We reached the beach and within several were blessed by more than just baby turtles; we found a mother finishing her two hour laying marathon. She was covering her eggs - flinging sand and dragging moist earth over her fresh eggs. After about ten minutes of standing in awe and exchanging excited whispers between us, the mother turned her massive body toward the sea and began her exhausted trip back to the water. She was slow and labored - after two hours of digging and laying she was clearly worn out. She pulled herself through the sand and left a uniformly patterned trail behind her. By the time the beautiful mother was reaching the Caribbean waves, light was breaking the night sky and pink hues tinted the clouds. It was 5am. Watching this green turtle swim into the sea I could hardly handle the imence sense of peace and marvel. Nature is incredible.
To finish our trek, we scoured the beach for hatching babies. With keen eyes we spotted two little guys and watched them all the way to the ocean. By this time the sky was filled with a soft light and the entire scene could be well viewed with the naked eye. Although my camera was unable to capture the mother's movements, the little turtles were a joy to capture on film.
THE BORDER CROSSING
After a wonderful two and a half days in Tortuguero we traveled down the Caribbean coastline by bus until we reached the Panamanian border.
The border crossing took nearly an hour and a half, but once we were through and on our way to Bocos it was interesting to compare the country to the things we have now become accustomed too "back home" in Costa Rica. The country as a whole appears to be poorer and there is a higher afro-influence in the culture, food, and music than seen on the pacific side of Costa Rica. One of my favorite things associated with this change is the rice and beans, which are made with coconut oil. Delicious, especially when served with seafood (which I ordered at EVERY opportunity). =)
From the border we took a short taxi ride and then traveled the rest of the way to Bocos del Toro by boat (we used boats as our only transport from this point on until we would return on Thursday).
A FEW RANDOM HIGHLIGHTS FROM BOCOS (THE TOWN) & BAHIA HOTEL
Fantastically fruity and fun "piñalada" drink at our final dinner on the island. =)
Delicious coconut chocolate bar! Tasted like fudge and just melted in your mouth.
DAY TRIP 1
ISLA DE PAJAROS
PLAYA DE LAS ESTRELLAS
BOCOS DEL DRAGO (LUNCH!)
RED FROG BEACH
DAY TOUR 2
CAYO CORAL
CAYO ZAPATILLA: The island where the first season of Survivor was filmed!
AFTERNOON SNORKEL COVE
Here is the coolest fishy I saw that day. It literally had multi-toned neon turquoise spots! Unbelievably beautiful and certainly a fish I have never seen before. =)
THE GROUP
Farewell to a great week!
TRAVELS
Here are some pictures from our bus and boat trip to Tortuguero today.
First, breakfast.
These next two pictures show views of a nationally protected cloud forest we transected during our trip to Tortuguero. In this park we crossed the continental divide at an elevation of about 4,000ft.
Pictures from our boat ride into Tortuguero. The trip took about an hour and at one point the waters were so shallow, a large wood pole was needed to propel the boat.
Roseate Spoonbill
Platalea ajaja
TORTUGUERO
We are staying the next two nights at a hotel in the middle of the jungle that is only accessed by taking a boat through national forest water canals! It is really nice and the grounds are complete with pool, canal access, canoes, hammocks, wildlife, an open-air bar, a beautiful dining complex, and large rooms with jungle view! Check it out!
We were greeted at the hotel with these delicious beverages! Shout out to my San Ramón crew...we finally got a picture all together (well, minus Ben).
FIRST GLIMPSE OF THE CARIBBEAN AND TORTUGUERO VILLAGE
After getting settled into the hotel we were taken across the river to see the Caribbean, walk the beach and see an old turtle nest, and visit the small village of Tortuguero.
Before catching the boat back to our hotel, we were blessed with this breathtaking sunset. =)
TURTLES!
We just saw a female green turtle laying eggs on a beach in the middle of Costa Rica! Wha?!...such an incredible experience!!!
Ten of us USAC students (four from San Ramón and six from Puntarenas) signed up for a $25 turtle viewing tour this afternoon with high hopes of seeing a turtle in its natural nesting habitat. The tour lasted two hours and does not guarantee you see any animals. The way it works is that scouts walk the beach in search of approaching, digging, or laying females and then (or maybe more accurately, if...) they find one the come and tell the guides. It is at this point that you actual step foot on the beach. The guide is the only person with a light and the rays they use are only red in order to not scare, distract, or disorient the turtles.
My group waited under an overhang and watch an incredible lightening show unfold before being summoned to the beach. The rain fell harder than I may have ever seen before! The cracks of lightening lit up the sky and allowed you to see the figures around you and dense rainforest beyond. Between flashes, you could also catch glimpses of lightening bugs dancing about in the rain. Wow, was it beautiful! As I took in the scene I came to the realization that even without seeing turtles this would be a wonderful experience. I was so in awe of the work of God's hand that I separated myself from the group, stepped out into the rain, and began singing praise out loud. I thanked God for his provision over me, his love, his peace, and the great satisfaction I find in him. I offered up my heart and reminded myself of his goodness and ability to bless and sustain me. "God of wonders beyond our galaxy, you are holy, holy...Lord of heaven and earth!" "Let our voices rise like incense, let them be as sweet perfume." "Que puedo decir? Que puedo hacer? Te ofrezco mi corazón completamente a ti." I knew that God could bless me with the chance to see a turtle, but I didn't need it. Sure enough though, God chose to love on me - we were called to the beach within the next 30 or so minutes!
In order to access the beach nesting site we had to trudge nearly a mile in the pouring rain. I did not have a raincoat because I knew that after an hour in the rain it wouldn't matter anyways! Hahaha! I don't think I knew the definition of wet until tonight! I was wet to the core - including my feet, which sloshed about in water that pooled in my rainboots. Hah! The rainstorm made it feel like an adventure and the group was buzzing with excitement as we neared the site.
The female was beautiful! She was nearly five feet long and was glistening and wet after her long, rainy trek from the Caribbean waters.
We we came upon her she was just finishing up her nest excavation. The group huddled in a tight circle (with many giggles and bonding moments) in the pouring rain and waited for her to transition to laying. After about 30 minutes she was laying in full force (dropping an egg about ever four seconds!). It was beautiful to see! Nature at work...
I was able to observe with my own eyes something it seems you only hear about or see on TV. Wow. Truly breathtaking!
Middle of Costa Rica, Caribbean Ocean, National Park, Crazy tropical lightening and thunderstorm, Green Sea Turtle...wow, wow, wow!
Thank you God for the experience of a lifetime. I am now toasty and tucked into bed. God is good and my heart is glad. Marveling at a majestic king and profound author.
RAINFOREST HIKE
As one of our tours today we were guided through the freshly wet and muddy rainforest. Rainboots were a requirement, but not all were lucky enough to have bright homemade polar fleece socks to sport as well. Haha! Shout out to my Mommy...
On the hike we saw lots of wildlife and enjoyed learning about some pretty cool plants as well. My group's guide, Henry, grew up in these forests and had many fun facts and personal stories to share as we hiked.
This tree can actually relocated within its lifetime! The tree produces new roots in the direction it will move and the roots found on the other side rot away. Crazy, huh!?
Here is a picture of the coconut our guide Henry broke open for us to taste. He used the root of a giant tree...no knife, no rod...just straight jungle magic. ;) This was hands down the most delicious coconut I have eaten here to date. It was the perfect ripeness - sweet coco water and moist, thick flesh. Yumm. Yum. Definitely ate enough to get a belly ache, but it was well worth it! Pura vida!
CANAL TOUR: THE REAL "JUNGLE CRUISE"
Today's canal tour was another breath taking experience in viewing God's creation. More than ever before I was able to see the wildlife of this beautiful country. We saw river otters, spider monkeys, white faced monkeys, howler monkeys, little blue herons, egrets, caman, bats, ....
What an amazing array of species and wonderful life experience. It was like being on Disney's jungle cruise, but for real and all in high definition. In moments I felt overwhelmed by this sense that I was living within a National Geographic episode. The things you have seen in documentaries and shows all your life are really out there and I was able to witness them! I saw monkeys chowing down on fruit, swing through the high canopy, caring for their young as they traversed limber jungle branches.
Ringed Kingfisher
Ceryle torquata
Little Blue Heron
Egretta caerulea
Jesus Christ Lizard
Basiliscus basiliscus
The plant life was also astonishing. You can never capture the density, lushness, and expansive green of the rainforest on film. It is truly wonderous. The jungle extends as far deep as the eye can see and your imagination can run wild as you realize you are getting to glimpse only the fringes of a vibrantly alive ecosystem. The plant species are highly various, giving the expanse of forest a rich texture, pattern, and color. Vines drape from the high treetops and touch all the way to the water's surface, flowers adorn the branches and flash in pinks, yellows, and reds. Pollen floats on the surface of the water and creates a mural of swirls and streaks. Water lilies float along at the canals edges and provide places of insects and animals to hide.
It seems that every crack and detail is teaming with biodiversity. Around every corner is a chance to view a new species or capture a moment in absolute awe.
To conclude our tour, we picked up speed and flew through the open water - jungle rising high on both sides, water flipping up from the boat spray, rich canal waters, and expansive skies filled with massive clouds and waning light. I rode home with a grin upon my face and a sense of complete awe at all I had just seen.
DAWN TURTLE TREK
This morning 17 of us (all 12 San Ramónians and four Punaranas kids) woke very early. We met at the hotel dock at 4:30am and took a taxi in the dark over to the Caribbean Coast. As we took off the sky was seen flashing with bolts of dry lightening. Little did we know, this would set one of the most amazing scenes to date. The dim light of dawn and pink-tinted clouds dissected by cracks of lightening and flashes of light. All while thunderous booms of a tropical storm broke the early silence.
As we arrived, the first light of day could be felt in the air and a sweet warmth touched the skin. The whole group was tired but ringing with anticipation and delight. Our mission: baby turtles! We were told these early hours were the time to see the hatching turtles making their grand journeys to the sea. We reached the beach and within several were blessed by more than just baby turtles; we found a mother finishing her two hour laying marathon. She was covering her eggs - flinging sand and dragging moist earth over her fresh eggs. After about ten minutes of standing in awe and exchanging excited whispers between us, the mother turned her massive body toward the sea and began her exhausted trip back to the water. She was slow and labored - after two hours of digging and laying she was clearly worn out. She pulled herself through the sand and left a uniformly patterned trail behind her. By the time the beautiful mother was reaching the Caribbean waves, light was breaking the night sky and pink hues tinted the clouds. It was 5am. Watching this green turtle swim into the sea I could hardly handle the imence sense of peace and marvel. Nature is incredible.
To finish our trek, we scoured the beach for hatching babies. With keen eyes we spotted two little guys and watched them all the way to the ocean. By this time the sky was filled with a soft light and the entire scene could be well viewed with the naked eye. Although my camera was unable to capture the mother's movements, the little turtles were a joy to capture on film.
THE BORDER CROSSING
After a wonderful two and a half days in Tortuguero we traveled down the Caribbean coastline by bus until we reached the Panamanian border.
The border crossing took nearly an hour and a half, but once we were through and on our way to Bocos it was interesting to compare the country to the things we have now become accustomed too "back home" in Costa Rica. The country as a whole appears to be poorer and there is a higher afro-influence in the culture, food, and music than seen on the pacific side of Costa Rica. One of my favorite things associated with this change is the rice and beans, which are made with coconut oil. Delicious, especially when served with seafood (which I ordered at EVERY opportunity). =)
From the border we took a short taxi ride and then traveled the rest of the way to Bocos del Toro by boat (we used boats as our only transport from this point on until we would return on Thursday).
A FEW RANDOM HIGHLIGHTS FROM BOCOS (THE TOWN) & BAHIA HOTEL
Fantastically fruity and fun "piñalada" drink at our final dinner on the island. =)
Delicious coconut chocolate bar! Tasted like fudge and just melted in your mouth.
DAY TRIP 1
ISLA DE PAJAROS
PLAYA DE LAS ESTRELLAS
BOCOS DEL DRAGO (LUNCH!)
RED FROG BEACH
DAY TOUR 2
CAYO CORAL
CAYO ZAPATILLA: The island where the first season of Survivor was filmed!
AFTERNOON SNORKEL COVE
Here is the coolest fishy I saw that day. It literally had multi-toned neon turquoise spots! Unbelievably beautiful and certainly a fish I have never seen before. =)
THE GROUP
Farewell to a great week!
