Overcoming struggles in the rain forest

Cherie, 17

The trip into the forest was an interesting one. I really didn't know what to expect when heading to our stay with the Bribri tribe, so I was a little worried. As is obvious from my previous blogs, adapting to the food here has been a struggle, but for the majority of our adventure there I dealt with the food they gave us. It really didn't turn out to be that bad in the end, but it still bothered me at times.

However, the biggest thing I learned during our stay there was how to deal with another of my biggest struggles: how easily I lose my patience with people and become frustrated. On the last day of work, I was just about fed up with everyone and everything. I gave up and sat out by the cabin. After some frustation was passed and a little arguing was done, I got back to work. I realized that being frustrated and reaching my breaking point causes others to do the same, which really isn't good for the group. I got back to work after that and tried to keep a positive attitude about the whole thing, which I think helped me and the people around me.

The same thing happened at dinner last night. I pretty much had a major breakdown at the restaurant and really was ready to home. After a talk with Ms. Arenth and Ms. Thomas, I was able to calm down though. I realized that sharing my feelings aloud sparked others to do the same, which really just caused a table full of madness. We went shopping and I was able to remember what I had learned from our stay in the rain forest.

Despite those few struggles I had a difficult time overcoming, the past couple of days were really amazing. The beach was really fun and playing card games for hours before and after dinner in the rain forest was a really cool way to just chill out and get to know people. The van ride coming back to San Jose was really fun too! We may have aggravated Mr. Oliver a lot, but it was all in good fun. I think it was a really good way to get closer to people who I've never really talked to before this trip. I'm really sad our time is coming to an end, but I think it's best. Can't wait to come back and visit!

Courtney, 17

Here I am again sitting at the desk with so much to say but words can't express...
I've come to the realization that I am actually living an emotional, thrilling, and life changing experience that I will look back on for the rest of my life. This trip may have even opened me up to the idea of studying, and possibly living abroad. I hope this becomes a reality in the near future.

Today, we hosted a party for our tico/tica pals and had so much fun. I did my best to hype up the crowd and break the ice with hopes of making everyone more comfortable. Sure enough, everyone joined in and we shared different childhood games and taught each other new dances. My pen pal Paula also brought me a gift, which in my eyes symbolizes friendship, and I couldn't feel more reassured that we are in fact friends forever. I hope that all our pals get the chance to come to America so they can feel exactly what I'm feeling at this very moment!

In a way, this all feels like a dream. which is possible, because all great dreams come to an end and I know that my stay here in Costa Rica is up within the next 7 days. I really hope that I get to come back and really experience all there is to experience soon!!!

Yo amo Costa Rica muchisimo!!!!

Universal Language

Courtney, 17

My expectations of today were way higher than what I recieved. The volcano was beautiful, but there were way too many bugs for me and I was covered in them!!!! They were like little Costa Rican gnats that must have loved the body spray that I was wearing because they were covering my jacket!!!!

On a much happier note, I met a new amigo named Josue and we shared alot of music and I found that everyone has a way to communicate no matter where your from or what language you speak. Though my Spanish was broken, and his English was almost as terrible...we shared a lot of similarities and I love techno music much more than before.

This whole experience has taught me one very important thing, and that's that there is a huge world outside of America and if we don't experience what it has to offer we won't ever know exactly what the importance of life is. I can't believe I've been here and seen all that I have, yet no one in my family has ever done the same, beyond an average vacation.

In the morning we leave for Yorkin, and I must say I'm nervous; mainly because of the bugs, but I will have my arms wide open for everything else.

Jazz Cafe

Visit with Liceo J.J. Vargas School Pen Pals

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.

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.

Tico/Tica Pen-Pals!!

Courtney, 17

It seems like just yesterday that I was filling out an application that would open the doors to an invigorating country. Almost a year later, without even leaving America, I feel as though I’m just returning.

Since turning in my Costa Rica application I have learned so many different things about the country; ranging from its historic and noble surrender of armed forces to its controversial decision to sign CAFTA. But the most monumental lesson I’ve learned so far about Costa Rica is that Tico’s are amazing people who are full of charisma and enthusiasm toward life. During our trip we will be introduced to Tico’s that are around our age, so we were all assigned to be email Pen Pal’s with those whose paths have been destined to cross with ours.

My pen pal's name is Paula; she is so similar to me that it’s frightening! She loves music, dancing, volleyball, and martial arts; which are all things that I am interested in. She hopes to go to the University of Costa Rica next year and hopes to visit North America some day. The one thing that I admire and have learned from building a relationship with Paula is that she is very driven and aspires to be very accomplished in life despite any challenges she may face.

I can honestly say that I have a friend in Costa Rica. We are both counting down the days until I arrive in Costa Rica, and have even mourned the small amount of days we will have together. One thing that I can say she has proven, and I hope I have proven for her, is that even though you originate from very different areas of earth, it is possible to build a bond. I hope that Paula and I will remain friends for the rest of our lives and have a great time together in Costa Rica!!!

Who are the Ticos?

Alyssa, 17
Costa Ricans, also known as ticos, come from a variety of different origins, but share the same traditions and values in their country. These origins include the Spanish, Europeans (mainly German and Swiss), African slaves, and the Natives. Out of the 3.96 million people living in Costa Rica, only 40,000, or 1% are indigenous natives of Costa Rica. This is partially because many of the native Costa Ricans died of sickness when the Spanish colonists came to Costa Rica. Ticos live very peaceful lives, and are considered to be some of the happiest people on Earth. In 1949, after the civil war, Costa Rica created a constitution, in which the army has been abolished ever since. Ticos are proud of their neutrality. In addition, the constitution allowed Africans to be granted citizenship and women were allowed to vote.
Tico society is far from urban, and Costa Rica has the highest rural population density in Latin America. The only true city located in Costa Rica is San Jose, the capital. Rural ticos live a simple life, spending time tending to animals and crops, or as cowboys in Guanacastae. The three most popular crops grown in Costa Rica exported to other countries are bananas, coffee, and sugar. Also, the vast majority of ticos retain ties to the land, including those who live in the city. Homes often have a small garden if they are not located in the rural parts of the country. Costa Rica’s geography includes volcanoes, rainforests, oceans, and beaches. Costa Rica is also considered an isthmus because it is connected to land on the top and bottom, but is otherwise surrounded by water. To the west, the country is surrounded by the Pacific Ocean, and on the east, the Caribbean Sea. I look forward to being able to see the country of Costa Rica as well as the ticos culture and traditions.