Arrival day

Cherie, 17

Waiting for lift off. This explains how the majority of our day was spent. The two plane rides were long, but enjoyable in the end. Even though everyone wasn't pleased with the amount of time it took to get here, everybody enjoyed the amazing views they got up in the air!

After landing in Costa Rica and trying to solve some baggage issues, we got in the van and headed to the hotel! It was a close fit, with every seat taken, but it was just another nice way for everyone one to bond.

We arrived to the hotel after a short ride, and after everyone got situated and had a snack, the group headed for a walk around the surrounding neighborhood. It's condition was interesting, and though it seemed like we were in a urban area, there were some amazing creatures and plants appearing everywhere. While on this walk, we visited a school started by Jose, a guide from last year´s trip; his establishment was very beautiful.

After that we came back and relaxed before dinner. Then we ate, had a nice group meeting, and went off to prepare for a good night's rest to prepare for an early start tomorrow!

New

Christina Arenth, Social Studies Teacher

For many of our students, everything appeared to be new today.

Tomorrow we will put down our cameras and head to la Carpio, an immigrant community to work on an ongoing street leveling project run by a local community organization.

Today's Adventure

Kiera, 16

Today's adventure and arrival to Costa Rica was a blast! I was so excited on the plane, even though I've been on a plane before. I loved the window seat view because I got to see everything. There were so many incredible views, including the volcanoes that we saw closer to our landing and the beautiful ocean view.

Flying across the ocean made me realize how beautiful and unique the world is.

Arrival

Larry, 16

Everything is pretty interesting. It's all new, and nothing is the same. It's kind of peaceful knowing that everything that you either fear, or don't like....is gone. It's pretty awesome, I'm looking forward to everything that this trip will entail.

Arturo,17

The first difference I noticed when getting out of the airport was the temperature. Although it wasn't as hot as I thought it would be. Maybe it was a lucky day without much humidity and very high temperature. I certainly hope it stays like this.

The first day was very mild and not too busy. However, we did go through some issues at the airport with tickets and baggage. After all this, we ended going to a small institution that one of Matt's friend has developed and that begins in May. The institution seems interesting for those who are really into studying abroad and committing themselves to doing internships in foreign countries. Tomorrow will be our first work day. I am looking forward to giving my best abilities towards this and staying bonded with the group.

The Straggler

Courtney, 17

I'm finally here! It seems like it took forever, but my team and I are finally here!! And in my opinion it was well deserved. The day started off with and extremely early start, but once we got to the airport and I said goodbye to my mom...I forgot all about what time it was.

My excitment soon turned into fear, fear that I had worked so hard for a trip that I wouldn't be able to attend. Apparently, Delta Airlines had a problem with me flying with my team because they neglected to send a receipt and ticket with my name on it. I just knew at that point there was no way I was getting on the plane, but right when the tears began to fall, Mr.Oliver was already in the beginnings of a lengthy battle to fix the situation at hand.

Since I am writing on the blog, you can conclude that the battle was won by our leader Oliver and I made it on every plane with my team either a few rows behind or right beside everyone else.

The experience so far has been breath-taking, and the weather is amazing. The travel was hard, but I believe I am soon to be rewarded. Though I already miss my loved ones...I am so ready to begin the journey with my team and confront any challeges that may come my way. I have already begun to recognize strengths within my group that have and will affect me in the most positive way. Like Mr.Oliver for example: even without his luggage he has still been capable of keeping his eye on what it is we have come here to do.

I'm excited about all that we'll experience...Pura Vida

El Primero Dia

Alyssa, 17

The first day in Costa Rica has been a combination of both excitement and worries. It has been such a great experience to finally be able to travel abroad. I loved the first sight of Costa Rica from the airplane, with its variety of hills, mountains, trees, rivers, and houses. When we finally exited the airport and saw San Jose, everything just seemed so surreal. It seems so different from Pittsburgh, yet it still feels like we never left. After all of our preparing and last minute blog editing, our trip is finally here and we have begun our journeys. I am still very worried about the types of food I will have to eat, including beans and fish. However, I am willing to try a few new things to fully experience this great opportunity. I cannot wait to see even more of Costa Rica's natural beauty, especially the rainforest!

What a day!!!

LaShai, 17

Today was for sure an exciting day. Today was my first time on a plane, and to my surprise I really liked it. My favorite part of the flight was looking out the window, especially when we were flying through Central America. My least favorite part was when my ears kept popping in the air.

Re-living the experience

Felicia Thomas, Alumni Assistant

Being a part of the first group that went on this trip, it is exciting to see the initial reactions students have to things that over time I have become accustomed to.

We went to the store before dinner and two of the students asked if they could take pictures with the police officers. My first time abroad by myself I wanted to do the same thing. I thought it was so cool to see police officers. Another student took pictures of EVERYTHING; from automobiles to different species of plants, they were amazed to see things that exist in their hometown and things that are exclusive to Costa Rica.

One of the rewards to being an alumni assisting these students during this experience is reliving the "initial" experience. Often times when one experiences something more than once, they lose the value of the initial experience. We stop paying attention to cars and police in the street. Watching these students is allowing me look deeper into the value of things that I would otherwise avoid.

Pura Vida!

Samantha, 18

Today was so intense. I have never flown before so I was really excited. I was fine on the run way and I was even laughing at Patrick for being so scared until we took off and then I got really nervous. We were in the air! People aren't supposed to go in the air! I begged for a window seat and then I ended up shutting the window because I was so terrified. After a while I got used to it and now I'm pretty much an expert flyer.

The weather here isn't bad at all. I thought it was going to be really humid and hot, but it's just like Pittsburgh in August. It's hot, but I like it! I love our hotel too, it's like one giant house and it's quite cozy. There is a garden in the back and I sat out there to write in my journal and there was a humming bird singing and a giant yellow butterfly too!

We went for a walk to visit Jose and he was really cool. He showed us his school and it was really nice. The only thing I've found that is completely out of the ordinary is the barbed wire and electric fences surrounding almost everyone's house in San Jose.

I really like it here so far. I want to write so much more, but I'm running on 2 hours of sleep and I'm worried that I may start rambling. Tomorrow is going to be a tough but fun day it looks like, I can't wait!

My First Plane Ride

Patrick 17,

After being too tired to function, I had to come to face one of the most frightening experiences in my life, which is riding in an airplane. I don't know why, but I have always been afraid of heights. When we entered the runway speeding up, I had a nervous feeling in my stomach, but it eased as we got into the air for some odd reason. The landing for that plane ride was successful for me and I felt fine afterwards. The second flight into San Jose was fine until the ending, because I hadn't eaten all day so when we were lowering, my stomach had a funny feeling. Today has helped me overcome a fear that I thought would haunt me forever.

Day One

Daontay 18,

So we arrived in Costa Rica today with some interesting events, one being Mr. Oliver's luggage being left behind. The country is beautiful, to say the least. I can't wait to explore. Today, with settling in and all, we didn't really get to interact with people as much as I would've liked. We did meet Jose, who was a guide from last year's group, and we got to see his new learning institution. Also, going to the supermarket was enjoyable. Most of the products were American though, which was surprising. I can't wait to try speaking Spanish. Well, tomorrow's a big day, we head to La Carpio to begin our service project. And the fun begins.

The first day, and the first impressions

Nathan, 18

So far the trip has been really exciting. Once we got to Costa Rica it was learning non-stop. When we got here, we came to the hotel for a snack before we went to Jose's institution that he is starting up for college students studying aboard. Even though we are in a completely different country, it doesn't feel like we are. As of right now to me it feels like we are still in Pittsburgh in a way. The roads are crowded with cars, and people are flying while driving, just like Pittsburghers. The only real thing that has hit me about being in a different country is that Spanish is being spoken everywhere, and it's a lot different than my Spanish 4 class. Hopefully I'll start to get the hang of it, and be able to communicate with the Ticans as the trip continues.

Has today been the longest lasting day ever?

Melina, 17

Today was quite an experience. It feels like it's been never ending. All day long has consisted of so many different things: waking up early, getting ready, heading to the airport, flights, food, lost luggage for Mr. Oliver, new food, a relaxing walk, and so much more. So far things haven't been too bad and I'm still not yet home sick, so hopefully I can remain that way. I can't wait until tomorrow when we get to start the service work and our days will be more fulfilled with less idle time to waste.

Change in atmosphere

Emily, 16

Since coming here, I've realized that there are a lot of similarities everywhere we could go, simply because we're all human beings and have similar needs, but it seems that in Costa Rica there is a different way of life.
I feel like everyone is interested in family values, though I see varying degrees of kindness, hostility, and general hospitality. The run down look of the buildings, while everyone lives on like everything is sound is a nice change of pace, and listening to the short parade outside of the hotel tonight (because of the big soccer game having a huge impact on the local community), made me realize that there is a lot of pride in this country, and a big interest in community development, and social relations.

A whole new world!!!

Siena, 17

Thus far Costa Rica has proved itself to be nothing less than gorgeous. Its beautiful and serene. Costa Rica looks like a totally different world when compared to America, even in its populated areas there are many green spaces with plants and trees that seem so other worldly and ethereal. I am totally in love with this place. The atmosphere is so laid back and peaceful. It seems that people walk around without a care in the world. I am so fortunate to have this opportunity. I can tell that the trip is going to only get better, and I can't wait to see new beautiful sights.

Arrival!

Christina Arenth, Social Studies Teacher

We arrived this afternoon to San Jose. The students excitedly settled into their rooms and unpacked for the first part of our trip. They'll update more soon.