That's a wrap!

We have finished our Volunteer project, and we're starting the "adventure tour" tomorrow. So much has happened in the past 2 weeks it's hard to summarize it all. 

Overall we spent 6 days in the jungle and 3 on the boat. The jungle days consisted of collecting poison dart frog data. We hiked through thick mud, lifting up leaves and looking in tree roots for the frogs. Over the 6 days we found 72 frogs- and 3 species we were looking for. Also all the hiking added up to about 45km (about 28 miles). The days in the jungle were a success, as we managed to get photo ID for almost all the frogs for the database. 

The days in the boat were also very effective! We found 7 groups of spotted dolphins, 7 groups of bottlenose dolphins, and 6 groups of humpback whales. There was something that changed inside of me after seeing them in the wild. The way they glided through the water, socializing with each other, it somehow felt right. All my other experiences with dolphins and whales in captivity now felt wrong. 

They aren't meant to be in a confined, clear water tank. They are not meant to jump on our commands, or wave their flippers towards us. We aren't meant to swim with them, and have them kiss our faces. They are wild creatures, and they deserve a life of freedom, not confined to the entertainment tanks of SeaWorld. 

I guess that's the thing that the volunteer project changed in me the most. How important conservation, wildlife conservation is. Lenny, one of the project leaders shared with us that less than 1% of the worlds oceans are Marine Protected Areas. Less than 1%. The ocean seems like a bountiful resource that we can't exhaust, but we can. Walking away from this project has made me realize that protecting what is still pristine, and untouched (like Golfo Dulce) has made it to the top of my priorities. 

Yesterday was my 20th birthday (my 2nd birthday abroad!) ironically it was our free day, so we took the bus to Puerto Jimenez for swimming and lunch. When we returned to El Chontal, Danyi, our project leader said we had to go up to the dining area. He said Doña Susy was upset because we broke something on the property, and she needed to talk to all of us. When we walked up there, I was stressed out, I didnt want her to think we were disrespectful or anything! Well as we walk up, they bring out a big chocolate cake for me. Turns out Will had been planning this surprise for a few days, and while we were swimming, he had other members of the group go out and buy the cake. It was so sweet and thoughtful of everyone, and I was SO surprised. 

 Its strange to me to think I'm in my twenties now. I'm into a whole new decade of my life. I began to reflect on the major things that happened in my teens. Good memories and accomplishments flooded my thoughts, and I don't think I would have had it any other way. 

As I look to my future I don't know what to expect, but I know what I can hope for: truth, adventure, growth, love and the warmth of sharing those things with the people I hold dear. Thanks to everyone who has made the first 20 years worthwhile. More stories soon.  

Surprise!

Surprise! I have internet access! We just got off the boat in Puerto Jiminez. Today was the first day of volunteering with the whales and dolphins and it was amazing. We got so lucky and saw both species of dolphins here in Golfo Dulce AND whales.

Its the season for humpback whales to migrate into golfo dulce with their babies. We were very lucky to see 5 whales today! Two mamas and two babies and one off in the distance. I asked David, our leader if the whales ever jumped up and he said no. I guess jumping draws too much attention to them and puts the baby in danger. However, all of a sudden a mama and her baby start jumping in the air and thrashing back down into the water. It took my breath away. There was two whales jumping right in front of us, a rarity for this to happen!

Another burst of luck as we found a group of about 24 dolphins towards the end of the day. David says he has not seen this group since 2008 and it was very exciting to spot them. It was truly an amazing day, I can't wait to go out again.

I have not explained exactly what the volunteer work consists of. In short, we are here to collect scientific data in order to provide proof to the government that Golfo Dulce is a critical habitat for the whales and dolphins. With the data we help collect, they will present it to the Costa Rican government in hopes that Golfo Dulce will become a protected area for the species. It is so amazing to be part of a project that will help protect this place.

On the other hand, our other job includes collecting data about the poison dart frog population in the jungle. We have made two treks through the jungle so far and it is gorgeous as well. The first day we spotted 4 frogs and the second day 2 frogs and a family of monkeys.

It is so different to catch these animals out in the wild instead of in a zoo behind bars. You really can see them the way they are supposed to be, and I think that is really cool.

Yesterday we had a free day and me and Will went off on our own and rented kayaks. It was about $3.00 for both of us and that was great as well. There is something about being out on the open water surrounded by the jungle that makes you feel a little humble, that the world is a lot bigger than you imagined.

I wish I had more time to tell about where we are staying/ what we have been up to. I have so much to say and share. I feel like the time here has been so laid back and meaningful. I cannot wait to write in more detail about EVERYTHING.

I will have more opportunities to write, as we come into Puerto Jimenez for the whale and dolphin work. Also I will have internet access on my birthday, next thursday. We have that day free as well and we plan on coming into Puerto Jimenez again.

Until next time

Onto the next one...

Today is our final day in Heredia. This morning I had to say goodbye to my family, and it was quite sad. I have really grown close to Maria, we have so much fun together and she really is like a mom to me. Our group will stay in Heredia in September because the airport is only 20 minutes away. We both hope that I can quickly stop by and see her one last time before heading back to the states.

I have learned a lot from living with my family. First of all, my spanish has improved a lot. Also Maria has made it very clear that I need to eat fruits and veggies with betacarrotine, because it will make you tan better. Costa Ricans have such a laid back way of life, they don't stress about anything, they pay NO attention to time. For example, there isn't one working clock in my house. It is so easy to relax and enjoy life here.

Yesterday we went bungy jumping..well not me. 4 people from our group did it. I can't believe how high it was. There is no way I would ever do it, but I was proud of everybody else that did.

                          The bridge everyone bungy jumped from
Today is also our last day at school. Tonight we stay at a hotel in Heredia, and then early tomorrow morning we are leaving for our volunteer project.

Unfortunately you won't see any blog updates for the next 2 weeks. Where we are going there is no internet, or phones. The nearest phone is 2 hours away from where we are going.

Golfo Dulce

Golfo Dulce is where we are headed, and we've heard nothing except good things about it. There is a TON of insects and snakes though, I am not looking forward to that. I am looking forward to interacting and helping the dolphins and the whales.

                                             Golfo Dulce
Look for another post about 2 weeks from now! Hasta Luego!

Tropical Storms

Since my last post we have experienced rain, thunder and lightning like I have never seen before. I now know why the gutters here are 5 feet deep. I thought I had seen rain in Eugene, but this is insane. The thunder is loud enough to set the car alarms off and has put the electric out many times. Last night we all sat under the patio at the bar and watched the lightning light up the sky.

Technically it is Costa Rica's rainy season, but I hope the heavy showers quickly come and go, as we have a lot of outdoor exploring to do.

We have been taking dance classes at the school in the afternoon. Yesterday it was merengue and today it was salsa. Enrique the teacher is very strict about dancing but funny at the same time. Hopefully we come back a little more experienced but ballroom dancing is hard!

We have some great adventures to look forward to. Tomorrow morning we are taking the train to San Jose the capital to explore during our spanish classes. The teachers want to encourage using Spanish outside the classroom.

After San Jose, we are going on a side trip to La Paz. We arranged this on our own because we hear it is a must see. It is in the mountains between two of the volcanos. There is a wildcat santuary, butterfly garden and you can interact with Tucans! After seeing all the animals you go on the famous waterfall hike. La Paz is known for its gorgeous waterfalls.

Thursday is for the adrenaline junkies, like Will. Again, we arranged this trip on our own. We are going to a place about 30 minutes away to go bungee jumping. I guess the jump is right over the river and is a couple hundred feet. I'm going to watch, heights really isn't my thing, haha!

Volcanos and Birthdays

Yesterday we left the school early to hike Volcano Poas. It was a long ride up the mountains, but for the first time I got to see more of nature. When we hiked to the crater, we could see deep down into it. Normally this crater is always covered by clouds, but we got lucky and were able to see! Afterwards we went on another long hike to a lagoon further up in the mountains. I was surprised how much harder it is to hike in the high altitude.

On the way down from the volcano we stopped at a coffee plantation and got to see the plants up close. They look more like a green berry than the dark liquid I'm used to seeing!

We also had the privlage of seeing a GIANT banana spider. It was digusting! I have never seen a spider as big as my hand before. It was so creepy! Everytime something landed in it's web it immediately ate it. yuck!

When we got back to Heredia I returned to my Tica, my Costa Rican host mom. She is so fun and I really enjoy my time speaking in Spanish with her. She is very clear and we have fun explaining things when we don't understand each other. I also made the mistake of thinking she was still married to the father. Yesterday I asked where her husband was and she said "I'm divorced! I'm single!" Oops! I figured since he picked me up from the airport, that they were still married. I guess they just have a good relationship.

Maria, my mom is such a joy. She hosts students full time, and she truly acts like a mom to me. Heck, she even cleans my room! Maria drinks at least 3 to 4 cups of coffee a day, and as she puts it "I float around the house because I drink so much coffee". Last night all of us watched the movie The Help. We were cracking up when she said her favorite part was the poo poo pie! If you know the movie, you know what I mean! Ha!

Today was our first day at school! I tested into the advanced section! We have been working on mostly grammar and correcting common mistakes. I have 2 other students in my class, one from France and one from Canada. Will has been placed with other beginners, but he seems to be catching on quick.

Speaking of Will, today is his 19th birthday! I can't think of a better place to be for a birthday. Adrienne, another girl in our group has her birthday today also. We are all going out to one of the bars near the university to celebrate.

We both can't believe that we have only been here 4 days, and that we still have over a month to be here! We have so much to look forward to.

A day in Heredia

Further update! Today we had our first real day in Heredia. We started with a tour of the town which was nice. We got local insight on where to eat, shop and what bars and hang out spots are good. The rest of the day we have been exploring the town. Will came over and got to meet my family for awhile, and then I got to meet his.

 I can't believe how much Spanish we both have picked up since being here! Keep in mind Will has no Spanish experience and yet he is managing quite well. I, on the other hand have been taking it for 6 years. I am really appreciating the experience to practice 24/7 and am trying to become fluent. There is a lot of local lingo here, and the conversations flow much differently than those of a classroom.

Well were off to meet up with our group at a local sports bar, Nachos! I guess the beer Imperial is a must to try while we are here.

Tomorrow we wake up early to go hiking along one of the volcanos. It will be our first chance getting out of the city and seeing some of the natural beauty around here.

Hasta Luego!

Safe and Sound

We have arrived to Costa Rica. After a 9 hour layover in LAX, we were ready to board the plane. I am in Heredia now with my host family. They have been warm and cheerful. They make me speak in only Spanish all the time which is somewhat difficult. When we arrived, Will was greeted by his family and wisked away, they looked friendly and outgoing. I have already been fed the traditional staple- beans and rice, and she added a fried egg on top.

The family has been hosting for almost 13 years, with about 25-30 visitors per year. Needless to say they appreciate all cultures and have made me feel at home. I have already learned more Spanish words, and the mom is teaching me the local lingo.

I look forward to sharing more, tomorrow we go to school and get a tour of Heredia.