Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Monday, July 15, 2013
Hi all,
Today was our last full day in Costa Rica and it is a bittersweet ending to the trip. While we are all sad to be leaving, our last day has been so much fun and by far one of the most memorable days as well as my personal favorite. We jump started the day with a 6:45 wake up and were out the door by 7:15. Dressed, packed, prepared to teach, and full of Kelli's yummy pancakes, we were ready to go. The drive to Escuela de Cerros was neat because it took us right through a plantation for the plants that produce palm oil and we got what the ticos call a "free costa rican massage" (aka a bumpy ride down a dirt road). When we pulled up to the school we were met by Karoline, the English teacher for grades 1-6. We paired up with each other and each pair was assigned to a grade. We assisted the teacher in leading each class and then got thirty minutes at the end of every period to conduct our own activities with the kids in each grade level. We played pictionary, charades, and different games to help the kids with their vocabulary. In me and Kelsey's second grade class we even got the chance to teach the kids one of our favorite camp songs, "My Father's House." Some of the kids caught on to the lyrics and hand motions and joined us in the front of the classroom to sing and dance. It was a lot of fun. When we weren't teaching we were painting trashcans and tables or just playing with the kids. We taught them few fun hand games and chants in English and they taught us some Spanish ones in return. We also ran around in their yard playing soccer and held a big boys vs. girls game (girls won of course). The girls were so much fun and even gave us bows. It was an awesome day of hanging out with these kids.
Tonight we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and then just hung out back at the bungalows. We are all very tired from the long day and are headed to bed. Tomorrow we are going to hang out at the beach and then leave for San Jose to spend our last night near the airport.
Buenos Noches! Besos
Love,
Audrey
Today was our last full day in Costa Rica and it is a bittersweet ending to the trip. While we are all sad to be leaving, our last day has been so much fun and by far one of the most memorable days as well as my personal favorite. We jump started the day with a 6:45 wake up and were out the door by 7:15. Dressed, packed, prepared to teach, and full of Kelli's yummy pancakes, we were ready to go. The drive to Escuela de Cerros was neat because it took us right through a plantation for the plants that produce palm oil and we got what the ticos call a "free costa rican massage" (aka a bumpy ride down a dirt road). When we pulled up to the school we were met by Karoline, the English teacher for grades 1-6. We paired up with each other and each pair was assigned to a grade. We assisted the teacher in leading each class and then got thirty minutes at the end of every period to conduct our own activities with the kids in each grade level. We played pictionary, charades, and different games to help the kids with their vocabulary. In me and Kelsey's second grade class we even got the chance to teach the kids one of our favorite camp songs, "My Father's House." Some of the kids caught on to the lyrics and hand motions and joined us in the front of the classroom to sing and dance. It was a lot of fun. When we weren't teaching we were painting trashcans and tables or just playing with the kids. We taught them few fun hand games and chants in English and they taught us some Spanish ones in return. We also ran around in their yard playing soccer and held a big boys vs. girls game (girls won of course). The girls were so much fun and even gave us bows. It was an awesome day of hanging out with these kids.
Tonight we went to dinner at a local Mexican restaurant and then just hung out back at the bungalows. We are all very tired from the long day and are headed to bed. Tomorrow we are going to hang out at the beach and then leave for San Jose to spend our last night near the airport.
Buenos Noches! Besos
Love,
Audrey
Sunday, July 14, 2013
'Twas a Sunday in Costa Rica
'Twas a Sunday in Costa Rica, when all through the bungalow
Not a creature was stirring, not even a monkey of the jungle-o
The bathing suits were hung in the shower with care
In hopes that they would dry in the Costa Rican air
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of zip lining danced in their heads
And soon they were wakened by pillows and noise
I guess that's what we get for rooming with boys
JAMBO! This is the Wolfpack (Megan, Kaleigh, Brooke) coming to you live from Costa Rica. We hope you are enjoying your last days of peace while we are away. Today was one of our last big adventures. (included in this blog post are Spanish vocab words)
We started off the day as all good days should start off...WITH BACON. Mama Adrienne showed off her domestic side by cooking us a plentiful breakfast in the comfort of our own bungalow cocina (that's kitchen for you Americans... and Canadians). Kaleigh showed Megan and Brooke the ways of work crew while they helped prepare and clean up breakfast.
After breakfast we made our way in an autobus (bus) to the zip lining area in the rainforest. When we got to the zip lining area we were given a tour of a butterfly and snake garden. There were many types of butterflies, but the prettiest ones were a bright azul (blue). We were determined to catch butterflies, but only a few lucky souls were chosen as a landing spot by the mariposas (butterflies). Thankfully, the snakes were in glass cages. The Harry Potter fans of the group tried out their parseltongue, we must not be related to Voldemort because the snakes didn't answer us. Our guides hurried us out of the garden after they realized we were obsessed with getting the butterflies to land on us.
The friendly zip lining crew strapped us in our harnesses, and we were ready to go! We started with a short zip line and then hiked 8.6 miles (more like .5 miles) up the rainforest. Armed with walking sticks, our guides leaded us up steep stairs. By the time we got to the top we smelled of rainforest juice and fear (a.k.a sweat). It was an experience my calves will always remember. The course consisted of 10 zip lines, 2 free fall repels, and a tarzan swing. Rain fell from the Costa Rican clouds and it created a majestic scene in the jungle. As our guides soared through the trees it reminded me of monkeys, and I felt like Jane from Tarzan touring the rainforest from the tree tops. On the final zip line we were allowed to be hooked on to another one of our friends and fly through the trees together back to base.
After a lunch of pollo and rice we took an autobus back to our bungalows where we changed out of our now wet clothes and dispersed to do different activities. Kelli took a group of us to the market to get snacks and food for dinner and the rest of us went to the beach. The beach sits in a little cove and the waves were huge. We spent the time boogie boarding in the rain and the Kaleigh was magically turned into a sand mermaid.
It started to get late and a car came and picked us up and took us back to the bungalows so we could begin to get ready for dinner. We stayed in tonight and Kelli made us a beautiful dinner of burgers and chips. Megan dropped her phone 4 stories from the top of the bungalow but don't worry it survived... barely. We finished the night off with an M&M pazookie and we all made lessons plans for tomorrow to help teach children english.We are all looking forward to spending the day with the students. Buenos Noches
The Wolfpack
'Twas a Sunday in Costa Rica, when all through the bungalow
Not a creature was stirring, not even a monkey of the jungle-o
The bathing suits were hung in the shower with care
In hopes that they would dry in the Costa Rican air
The children were nestled all snug in their beds
While visions of zip lining danced in their heads
And soon they were wakened by pillows and noise
I guess that's what we get for rooming with boys
JAMBO! This is the Wolfpack (Megan, Kaleigh, Brooke) coming to you live from Costa Rica. We hope you are enjoying your last days of peace while we are away. Today was one of our last big adventures. (included in this blog post are Spanish vocab words)
We started off the day as all good days should start off...WITH BACON. Mama Adrienne showed off her domestic side by cooking us a plentiful breakfast in the comfort of our own bungalow cocina (that's kitchen for you Americans... and Canadians). Kaleigh showed Megan and Brooke the ways of work crew while they helped prepare and clean up breakfast.
After breakfast we made our way in an autobus (bus) to the zip lining area in the rainforest. When we got to the zip lining area we were given a tour of a butterfly and snake garden. There were many types of butterflies, but the prettiest ones were a bright azul (blue). We were determined to catch butterflies, but only a few lucky souls were chosen as a landing spot by the mariposas (butterflies). Thankfully, the snakes were in glass cages. The Harry Potter fans of the group tried out their parseltongue, we must not be related to Voldemort because the snakes didn't answer us. Our guides hurried us out of the garden after they realized we were obsessed with getting the butterflies to land on us.
The friendly zip lining crew strapped us in our harnesses, and we were ready to go! We started with a short zip line and then hiked 8.6 miles (more like .5 miles) up the rainforest. Armed with walking sticks, our guides leaded us up steep stairs. By the time we got to the top we smelled of rainforest juice and fear (a.k.a sweat). It was an experience my calves will always remember. The course consisted of 10 zip lines, 2 free fall repels, and a tarzan swing. Rain fell from the Costa Rican clouds and it created a majestic scene in the jungle. As our guides soared through the trees it reminded me of monkeys, and I felt like Jane from Tarzan touring the rainforest from the tree tops. On the final zip line we were allowed to be hooked on to another one of our friends and fly through the trees together back to base.
After a lunch of pollo and rice we took an autobus back to our bungalows where we changed out of our now wet clothes and dispersed to do different activities. Kelli took a group of us to the market to get snacks and food for dinner and the rest of us went to the beach. The beach sits in a little cove and the waves were huge. We spent the time boogie boarding in the rain and the Kaleigh was magically turned into a sand mermaid.
It started to get late and a car came and picked us up and took us back to the bungalows so we could begin to get ready for dinner. We stayed in tonight and Kelli made us a beautiful dinner of burgers and chips. Megan dropped her phone 4 stories from the top of the bungalow but don't worry it survived... barely. We finished the night off with an M&M pazookie and we all made lessons plans for tomorrow to help teach children english.We are all looking forward to spending the day with the students. Buenos Noches
The Wolfpack
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Today we had fun.
Rafting, waves, beach, God, and stuff.
Fun for all, costa.
Food, we eat that stuff.
Chicken lunch, chicken dinner.
Costa Rican Treats
Cold water splashing
white water flowing quickly
giving joy to all
Sunscreen on people
vamos a la playa, yup
waves, boogies, kayaks
hope you enjoyed these poetic visuals...haikus
Love,
Charlie
Mitchell
@whowesjones
Saturday Outline
Detailed Highlights
Today, after enjoying a delicious breakfast we sert out on an adventure to the mountains. After stopping many times for pictures and sight seeing we finally made it to the top. Quickly, we learned the commands and rules for the water. It did not take long for the first people to fall victim to the rapids; as the wolf pack (Kaleigh, Brooke, and Megan), Sheridan, and Adrienne fell in. For our break, we stopped at a waterfall. After a few pictures, swimming, and watching Wes and Charlie jump from the rocks under the waterfall we made our way back to the river. A few more rapids passed as more and more people fell victim to the river. One of the teams, Team Fern (Wes, Mitchell, Annie, Maddie, and Charlie) *name given because of ferns poking from helmets*, found a boa high in the trees. Their guide pointed out the boa and said it had been there for a day or two. After the rapids, the gang chowed down on pineapple and watermelon, while the guides packed up. Lunch shortly after was chicken and rice.
Once returning to the villas, many people ventured to the beach for fun in the sun. People kayaked, swam, and played in the waves. The most popular thing was boogie boarding on the huge waves, or as we call them, tsunamis. Then, back to the villas to shower and get ready for dinner.
Although there was a wait for dinner, Wes managed to entertain people with his stories, telling of an adventure between Mitchell and Charlie as they ventured for food. (The story had a few celebrity appearances, like 50 cent and Audrey) Then, it was time to eat. Meals varied from chicken to seafood to tenderloin, and anything in between. After dinner Wes lost a game of "what are the odds" to Mitchell and was forced to sit in the cockpit of the restaurant's plane and sing "bad day" by David Powter. Briefly after the show, we set out for a walk back to the hotel. Once back, a few people listened to a story from Sheridan from the book Love Does and then everyone went to bed. Luckily Charlie, Mitchell, and Wes stayed up to fill y'all in.
PURA VIDA
Rafting, waves, beach, God, and stuff.
Fun for all, costa.
Food, we eat that stuff.
Chicken lunch, chicken dinner.
Costa Rican Treats
Cold water splashing
white water flowing quickly
giving joy to all
Sunscreen on people
vamos a la playa, yup
waves, boogies, kayaks
hope you enjoyed these poetic visuals...haikus
Love,
Charlie
Mitchell
@whowesjones
Saturday Outline
- morning
- breakfast early
- bus ride to white water rafting headquarters, then bus to white water rapids on the river up in the hills
- white water rafting class 3 and 4 rapids and waterfall hangout
- lunch at headquarters
- afternoon
- private beach at the villas. bungalos. casas. hotel. "our headquarters".
- kayaking, boogie boarding, body surfing, laying on beach
- night
- dinner at el avion restaurant
- played what are the odds game..wes lost
Detailed Highlights
Today, after enjoying a delicious breakfast we sert out on an adventure to the mountains. After stopping many times for pictures and sight seeing we finally made it to the top. Quickly, we learned the commands and rules for the water. It did not take long for the first people to fall victim to the rapids; as the wolf pack (Kaleigh, Brooke, and Megan), Sheridan, and Adrienne fell in. For our break, we stopped at a waterfall. After a few pictures, swimming, and watching Wes and Charlie jump from the rocks under the waterfall we made our way back to the river. A few more rapids passed as more and more people fell victim to the river. One of the teams, Team Fern (Wes, Mitchell, Annie, Maddie, and Charlie) *name given because of ferns poking from helmets*, found a boa high in the trees. Their guide pointed out the boa and said it had been there for a day or two. After the rapids, the gang chowed down on pineapple and watermelon, while the guides packed up. Lunch shortly after was chicken and rice.
Once returning to the villas, many people ventured to the beach for fun in the sun. People kayaked, swam, and played in the waves. The most popular thing was boogie boarding on the huge waves, or as we call them, tsunamis. Then, back to the villas to shower and get ready for dinner.
Although there was a wait for dinner, Wes managed to entertain people with his stories, telling of an adventure between Mitchell and Charlie as they ventured for food. (The story had a few celebrity appearances, like 50 cent and Audrey) Then, it was time to eat. Meals varied from chicken to seafood to tenderloin, and anything in between. After dinner Wes lost a game of "what are the odds" to Mitchell and was forced to sit in the cockpit of the restaurant's plane and sing "bad day" by David Powter. Briefly after the show, we set out for a walk back to the hotel. Once back, a few people listened to a story from Sheridan from the book Love Does and then everyone went to bed. Luckily Charlie, Mitchell, and Wes stayed up to fill y'all in.
PURA VIDA
Friday, July 12, 2013
Hello CBS family! All is well in Costa Rica. We did a lot of traveling today. We made it to Manuel Antonio with several stops along the way for souvenirs, to see some crocodiles and lunch. We were sad to part ways our guides Jairo and Manrrique...we could not have asked for better people to show us around their beautiful country! Once we got settled in our bungalows we enjoyed some time at the beach.
No new pictures for the day, but here are some more from the last several days!
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