"Green Gold" - Thursday, February 21, 2019

Today our Cardinal Travelers headed to La Fortuna Waterfall Ecological Reserve located just outside of the quaint town of La Fortuna. A piece of "green gold" that is hidden, yet sustains the local community.  The waterfall is visited by more than 1000 tourists a year, who come to enjoy this piece of heaven.  The pure waters of the La Fortuna Waterfall and its 230 feet of height, reflect the magnificent power of Mother Nature. Our students spent time in harmony with this natural resource learning about its coexistence with the fish which nurture the crystalline waters.

Now available in every grocery store in every state in both fresh and canned varieties, pineapples were once so sought-after in colonial times that people would actually rent them for a day to use as a party decoration. At one point in history, the pineapple was literally too expensive to eat! The pineapple gained its prestige with the age-old equation of supply and demand making it symbol of royal privilege, and then later it became the meaning of welcome, friendship, and hospitality. Our students experienced that hospitality as guests at an organic pineapple plantation. They explored the fields where they are grown, learned about harvesting and its supply chain, and how this crowned gem plays an important role in Cost Rica's  farming and economy.

Exploring the Border - Wednesday, February 20, 2019

Today saw our travelers in the Arenal region embarking on an adventure to remember! While on a boat tour of the Río Frío, stretching across northwestern Costa Rica and into Nicaragua, our students beheld the perfect conical shape that emerged from the green hills of Alajuela - the Arenal Volcano! This mile-high volcano has been active for 7,000 years and provides the thermal energy for the nearby hot springs. 

Enjoying the most visited portion of the river, the section that goes through the Cano Negro Wildlife Refuge, the students saw an abundance of wildlife including fresh water sharks, caimans, many varieties of tropical birds and yes, monkeys!  

They also made time for hanging out in the town of La Fortuna and a visit to a local church. Our Cardinal travelers also made some new friends - from Natick, MA and Alion, NY!  

Arenal Volcano

Cruisin' the Río Frío

Just across the border of Nicaragua

Feeling very much at home!

Amigos!

"A Gift of the Gods" - Tuesday, February 19, 2019

La Fortuna, located in the Northern Highlands of Costa Rica, is a town centered on a beautiful park with colorful gardens and a large church. The main star, Arenal Volcano, provides the backdrop and can been seen from almost every vantage point.

Today found our Cardinal travelers in La Fortuna, soaking up more sun at the beach in Tojical, and receiving an unexpected Costa Rican traditional cooking lesson while eating at a local restaurant!

Additionally, With a view of the majestic Arenal Volcano, our students enjoyed the sweetest rainforest experience - discovering the ancient secrets of chocolate!  From its discovery and use in tropical Central America, to the processing of the product we know and enjoy today. Our travelers enjoyed their journey through the history, culture, traditions, harvesting and production process, exportation to Europe, and perhaps most importantly – all about the flavor of chocolate! Considered as "a gift of the Gods", the cacao tree was very important to the ancient Costa Rican culture. It was not only used as a ceremonial drink, but its seeds were also used as currency because of its economic value.  Now that's a currency worth saving!

Empanadas for everyone!

A tasty tradition - Costa Rican empanadas

"Another beach, today?" Asks no one EVER!

Chocolate connoisseurs!

The Beauty of Red - Monday, February 18, 2019

"The sea, the great unifier, is man's only hope. Now, as never before, the old phrase has literal meaning - we are all in the same boat." - Jacques Yves Cousteau, Oceanographer.

Who doesn't love a beautiful white sand beach? There's something about a beach with sparkling white sand and clear turquoise water that warms the heart. 

Guanacaste, a province in northwestern Costa Rica bordering the Pacific, is known for its beaches and biodiverse parkland. Its Santa Rosa National Park is home to rare dry tropical forest, surfing sites and some 250 bird species. Guanacaste's endless beaches include the main beaches in the Gulf such as Coco, Hermosa and Panama which all have dark black sand, but just around the corner you will find a stunning white sand beach accessible only by boat. And that's exactly where our students headed today - to Playa Jicaro!

Playa Jicaro  has excellent snorkeling and the water is super calm, like a pool. Perfect for discovering the gorgeous RED starfish pictured. Back home, Monday greeted us with a President's Day snowstorm, but we sure are grateful to have these beautiful images to warm our hearts! 

Red - our favorite color!

Eeeek!

Crossing a suspension bridge

Feeling Well in Body, Mind and Spirit - Sunday, February 17, 2019

“As stewards of God’s creation, we are called to make the earth a beautiful garden for the human family." - Pope Francis

Costa Rica Eco Tours

Our students wasted no time becoming immersed in a natural wonderland! Sunday found them visiting Buena Vista Lodge, an Eco-Adventure Park and Hotel in the foothills of the Rincon de la Vieja National Park. Buena Vista Lodge truly is the essence of Costa Rica all in one place. They experienced nature, culture, adventure, wellness and sustainability on day ONE of their trip! This old hacienda of “sabaneros”, where the traditions are still kept, is offering our students the opportunity to experience feeling well in body, mind and spirit.

La Fonda (Traditional Cuisine)

Students experienced a hands-on cooking class where they learned about the traditional Costa Rican cultural identity of its people, through the foods that still preserve its history and customs -  including cooking with wood in clay stoves and ovens and using tools that were present since PreColombian times!
  
They also participated in the artisan milking of the cows that supply the milk for coffee, cheeses, yogurt and soft taffy (cajetas) used at the park and hotel!

Zip Line Canopy Tour

And not to leave a moment wasted, our students explored the diverse wildlife of the ecosystem while on a canopy tour and zip lining!  

Pura Vida! - Saturday, February 16, 2019

Costa Rica is one of those places that is often overlooked when traveling to Central America. But our Cardinal travelers were blessed to have Señora Thomas introduce them this beautiful country as part of their Spanish class curriculum. 

Between its many stunning beaches, diverse rain forests, happy people, and amazing food, our students have embarked on a trip of a life time learning about the geography, culture, flora, and fauna of this amazing country. Soak up the Pura Vida, Cardinals!