Hip hip Jorge is not hip hip George. It is hip hip Horhay, which is how you pronounce the name of one of our guides. That was our cheer for Jorge. Today, we went to the Yorkin river, and saw the Bri Bri tribe. This is our visit, after the bus ride where I realized I had left my camera in the hotel room: First we got in canoes, 6 to 7 in each one, and traveled by motor upstream to the tribe’s home. It took about an hour to get there, as we were going against the current and the water was shallow sometimes, forcing the boatmen to get out of the boat and push the canoe. Once we arrived at the tribe, we walked on the trail to their village. We walked through the town, seeing the high school, the meeting place, other important buildings, and lots of plants. We arrived at the visitor’s center, where we learned about the tribe’s history. We learned that the tribe used to be ruled by women, and then the Spaniards came, The men then took control. Eighteen years ago, one women changed the culture again, back to the old tradition, women ruling. She and other people helped to make their tribe a better community. We had a really delicious juice, starfruit juice. When we were done learning, we had a while until lunch, so we went the river to swim. We got everything wet, our whole bodies, and the current was so strong, we had to hold onto rocks to keep from being swept away. Once lunch was ready, we ate up and went to play soccer with the young villagers. Well, they weren’t really young, one of them had a mustache. They beat us 2-0. After that we went to learn to make chocolate. The seeds inside the fruit have pulp, and so we sucked on that. It was soooo good! It tasted like different kinds of sweet fruit all blended together. We then learned how to crush the roasted beans. The rock was very heavy, trust me, I tried it, After they were crushed, we grinded them to a pasta-ish form. These two forms were very bitter. After it was all pasted, we took some and put it in hot and cold water. It tasted like hot chocolate. We mixed the rest with condensed milk and it turned to real chocolate!!! We dipped bananas in it, and it was really, really tasty! After a little more soccer, we went back to the canoes. It took much less to get back this time, because we were going downstream. Now we are on the bus again, going back to the hotel. Tomorrow is snorkeling and kayaking!!! Adios! Cate
we went and saw the the sloths and we had a turtle race to the sea to be home and wild the turtles names that raced were fred and slappy yea for slappy he won the race and to day we went on a canoe panama and we played soccer with out shoes or socks and the sand was hot but i had a lot of fun playing soccer with them had some good food and chocolate i had lots of fun here in panama (Costa Rica!) Alejandro sanchez
This afternoon we had the wonderful opportunity to hold a hawksbill sea turtle! The students creatively named the two hawksbill turtles Fred and Slappy. All the students were given the chance to hold a hawksbill turtle and have their picture taken. Once the photo op was over, the students witnessed the release of the two turtles into their natural habitat. The students formed a tunnel of support for their new found friends. Slappy took the students encouragement and “ran” with it. He was the first one to begin his journey in the sea while Fred was not in any hurry to go into the unknown. After a lot of encouragement(plus a little lift to the edge of the beach), Fred joined his friend Slappy on their great journey in the sea. Following the release of Fred and Slappy we listened to Claudio talk about the different species of turtles in and around Costa Rica. It was amazing to hear about the progress that conservation agencies are taking to protect the sea turtle. -Dawn and Lisa PS- Please help keep our friends Fred and Slappy (and the rest of our turtle friends) safe- learn great ways you can help by visiting Claudio and his group on Facebook: VolunteersSavingSeaTurtles, and the website is latinamericaseaturtles.org and widecast.org! Please contact Claudio at claudio@widecast.org if you have any questions or want to tell them how you are helping! He would love to hear from each of you on what you are doing in your community to assist. 
Yesterday at the hotel in San Jose, Costa Rica,on our way to dinner at the restaurant. I ran into a blind kid just about our age covered in University of California gear. Honestly, I didn’t think much of it at all, just said hey and passed by. Then something clicked in me. With me being a major sports fan I remembered an article on ESPN about a young blind boy who was a major USC fan that practiced with the team, hung out with them, and sat on the sidelines of their games this year. He was all over ESPN and because of that article I recognized him! I was like woah! You’re that guy from ESPN from last fall! He was like yeah that was me. We talked sports and talked a little smack about Lane Kiffin leaving Tennessee for USC, and got my picture taken with him! -Braden
today we went canoeing and saw lizards and crabs. we saw four lizards,there was a small green lizard and then there were a couple of large lizards which ran on there hind legs when we got too close.It was amazing. Cooper Hess
After our drive from San Jose, we enjoyed time at the sloth rehabilitation center. After a great video, the grandson of the founders introduced us to a few of his friends including “Spiderman” and “David”. These sloths really enjoyed their leisure time- our photos and gasps didn’t seem to bother them at all; they slept soundly. Lunch was phenomenal (not that we expect anything else)- and it is all made fresh from scratch for us. After lunch, the babies were ready to be up and out- and so the sloth babies kept us busy trying to keep them from “escaping” from their little box. Daddy, the larger baby decided to try and kidnap my camera….he wouldn’t let go! One of the gents let us know that Daddy is actually a little lover and always wants to be held-so anytime you get close, he may decide to leave with you! The great thing about his love of the camera though is that you get some great shots.
The sloths we saw today were very cute, and there were a lot of baby sloths. The boat I was on, for the ride down the river, was called Aaron James. On the trip down the river, we saw lots of lizards, a few birds, and a ton of monkeys. At 4:30 today, we are going to go see turtles. Payton Becker
  all day I've been waiting to post...and with Joe, the last of the group on his approach, they are HOME. With best wishes for their experience to shape who they become, Discovery Student Adventures thanks each one of you for your contribution to our program. May you take a bit of Costa Rica with you, even if it's dancing the poonche, poonche! We look forward to seeing you in 2011 and hope hear from each of you. Those that are heading off to college, BEST OF LUCK...those who aren't see you NEXT YEAR! I miss you ALL already...alix
 There in the background? Where he tried to stay, behind the scenes...ALEX, our amazing driver...but truly so much more. Never did we enter a HOT bus or walk through the rain to find! Alex was always right behind us, in the shadows making sure we were where we needed to be safely, quickly and without effort on our end. He tended to our ipods, iphones, snacks, passports and precious goods while we soared through the rainforrest, trekked through canyons, milked cows, studied turtles, swam in hot springs, he was truly the man behind the scenes. ALEX as a gift of our appreciation, you will be receiving a coveted MAN BAG, just like Danny's so you don't have to pine for his anymore...JUST KIDDING! Thank you for cleaning up after us, adding to our adventure and truly being the man behind the scenes! with appreciation and gratefulness....ALL of the June 8th crew!
 Puncnhie, punchie or is it pooche, pooche? As long as you do the dance, it doesn't matter how we spell it, we PROMISE to laugh at you! Danny, you made the trip. Your fun, energy, ability to laugh at us, and yourself, made you one of our favorite experiences of Costa Rica. I can only hope our paths cross again! We will think of you with every organic pineapple we purchase, with every blackberry we hear ring, with every idol contestent we see get crushed by Simon. Your knowledge, maps, trivia and leadership will never be forgotten. We would have voted you best looking...but we had to leave that title to ALEX.... with our greatest appreciation, ALL the June 8th students, teachers, and Discovery Staff
 Not just a nickname. Fact, she is a trailblazer. Weather it's because she can meet any situation with a bag of tools (or more appropriately, a traveling pharmacy), she's first to set out on the zip line, showing her students first hand that fear can be put aside and trust instilled, or that she set out to be the FIRST teacher to travel with a group of students to Costa Rica with Discovery Student Adventures! Ms. Gonzales, or as her students refer to her, coach G/Gilbert, is an amazing asset to our program. She stepped up, jumped in, literally in some cases (rappelling into the waterfalls!), and clung to what Discovery Student Adventures offered her...knowledge, hands on experience, adventure and teachable moments. She is in every way a trailblazer. We look forward to greeting her again in February on our RETURNING teacher trip to Ecuador, and helping her build her 2011 travel group! Sandra, thank you for giving of yourself, and trusting in us, to give your students the opportunity to experience the world through the eyes of Discovery! You are a trailblazer...and I ALREADY miss you!!!
  Zipin' through your fears of nature and the outdoors, you ROCKED this trip. Thanks for keepin' my sweet tooth in check with your Butterfinger! You added a ton to the group, with your humor, intellegence and willingness to step out of your comfort zone. Everytime I eat beans and rice, not to mention, pancakes, I'll think of you! Enjoy your ipod touch! Hope to see you next year on another adventure!
  one of the 2,000 species of birds in Costa Rica! You added a ton to the trip...your humor, willingness to stand in the back of the pictures b/c you conveniently left you lanyard...where? (the picture is perfect b/c we can't even see you lanyard, or LACK of lanyard). I look forward to having you participate in our program again, maybe even with the same group! Good luck on the tennis court. Check your shoes for cheetos!
  Funny that the 4g was released just DAYS before you left for Costa Rica?! I am thrilled I was able to put a face with the voice. I remember the day you called into base camp to enroll in the Costa Rica Adventure. You are every bit as polite in person. Congratulations on your scholarship and best of luck next year...can't wait to hear of your successes!
  Seriously, these faces say it all. Miranda, your leadership, presences and willingness to jump off the platform and ZIP into the rain and fog will serve as inspiration for all of us who stood watching...your kind heart and willingness to "play" with Alexandra will leave an impression on her long after we're gone and back to the US.
I wish you the best and look forward to hearing of all your successes in the future.
Thanks for the braid...it's a look I'll strive for!!
  Nathaniel, strike a pose. with a pineapple, on the ropes course, by yourself...you can always make us laugh. Thanks for bring your energy, smile and kind heart on the adventure. You have an AWESOME aunt...and will always remember traveling with her. The world is out there...go get it! China or South Africa 2011? Can't wait to see you again! Good luck in 10th grade!
   Brenda...I couldn't pass up the opportunity for you to share your wisdom with the rest of the cyberworld. You are outstanding...in so many ways! Your fun, can do, jump right in attitude and spirit made the trip. We will always smile as we DOUBLE check and RECHECK which restroom we are walking in.... Best of luck next year...China or South Africa with Coach G?
  Desiree, it was amazing to meet you and travel with you! Your aunt was not only a great teacher on the trip, but an ATM that never ran out of spending money for you! Is that Cheetos? or avocado? will miss you, good luck back in Texas! best always...see you in China or South Africa 2011?
    After an exhilarating morning rappelling down the waterfalls (the jury is still out on which was the highlight, zip lining OR rappelling down the waterfalls). Sorry, I don't have pictures of the experience (YET!) because we all spent time IN the waterfalls, followed by lunch with the guides, including but not limited to BEANS & RICE, we boarded the bus with Alex behind the wheel and Danny dancing to "poochie, poochie" to make the journey though the rain back to San Jose. We made a few stops in route (forcing the adults in the group to rouse the sleepy teens, moms and dads we feel for you on the early school mornings!), the hightlight being a tour of local artisans who craft all the mementos that I'm fearful will tip the scales to more than 50lbs tomorrow! Attached are a few pictures of our afternoon. Upon arriving to the hotel, the girls didn't let the rain "dampen" their fun...jumping in the pool to swim! Showers and packing by all to meet for our last dinner together, who thinks it will include BEANS & RICE?
  After enjoying a walk (let's call it a TREK) through the rainforest (actually, a Tropical PARADISE) where we observed and tasted, nature....we paused to take it in, and take about 200 photos at the most beautiful waterfall tucked away! Enjoyed lunch, rice & beans, fresh fruit, beans & rice, fresh tortillas, beans and rice, fresh squeezed guava juice, salad, and rice and beans with the families who help tend to the property...boarded the bus, lead by our OUTSTANDING Travel Manager, Danny & Driver Alex to head to the Ecotermales Hot Springs! What a TREAT! The Hot Springs were just that...HOT and FUN, FUN, FUN! Spending a few hours in the pools, witnessing Jesus Lizards who we attempted to entice...and sippin' on fresh juices...while we dared each other to jump in the COLD water, we wrapped up the time with showers, and dinner there.....where we crawled to our beds by 8pm!
    WHAT A DAY! We met at Breakfast, enjoyed everything from fresh fruit, beans and rice, pancakes (yes, Madison actually tasted her first), rice and beans, omelets, beans and rice, sausage...did I mention rice and beans? Then set off to milk cows & make cheese with a family in Juanilama de Poco Sol. The family welcomed us into their home as though we were a world cup team visiting! We didn't witness the process we DID IT! These students started off timid and apprehensive and about 15 minutes in were laughing (at themselves!) and bonding with the family. Following the cheese making we toured a pinapple field and learned about the local organic farming process, tasted the "fruits" of their labor and were all shocked and in awe about the amount of work and time it takes for a crop of 40,000 organic pinapples to begin in Costa Rica and end up in our United, Albertsons, Ralphs, Safeway...you name the store, we can always find the flavor of Costa Rica when we return...and we've all seen it's well worth the money!
   One wouldn't have believed the conditions we conquered to complete the course...we headed up in the sky tram under sunny skies and adrenalin filled...we began the first two "practice" lines (which at the time hardley felt like practice but in retrospect we could have done with our eyes closed)! Ms. Gonzalez lead the group with her can do attitude and leadership as we set out on the 3rd line, the HIGHEST above the canopy of the forrest...never have I seen such a sight. Followed one at a time with a guide giving us a push, and a guide catching us on the platform we were soaring above like a bird! This group was AMAZING, their screams turned to laughter, the clouds that masked the sky and the rain that fell only added speed to the lines and thrill to the activity....thanks especially to our Travel Manager, Danny, who stood in the pouring rain in an attempt to catch everyone in a photo as the ZIPED ON IN!
   As I type, we are sitting at the base of the Arenal having lunch at La Finca, fueling up for ZIP LINING! The kids are AMAZING! We woke up, had breakfast and headed to complete our service project. These outstanding students planted 96 trees in La Virgin, sarapiqui. Upon completeing the planting we were able to enjoy local fruits and drinks as guests of the family who owns the property. Attached are some photos of the kids! Team work was at it's finest under the sunshine, rain FREE skies!
Can't wait to meet you all in COSTA RICA! I'm arriving tomorrow from Base Camp...zip line READY!? Bags packed, sunscreen, bug spray, Discovery wear and an adventurous attitude! See you soon...
 The group is currently meeting with the Costa Rican native peoples in the Talamanca-Bribri region near the Yorkin River. They are making freshly made chocolate sauces and eating them with fresh bananas! Sure beats snacking on a Twinkie!
 It's off to Aviarios del Caribe, the only reserve with a unique rehabilitation center for sloths.
 Congratulations to Madison M.! She is our Follow Me Contest winner and will receive her new iPod Touch later this week while on her trip to Costa Rica. Way to go, Madison!
With just a few short weeks until the trip, excitement is brewing.
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Programs Details
| Duration |
8 days |
| When |
June 8 - 15, 2010 |
| Focus |
Ecology/Conservation
Biology
Geology/Volcanology |
|
