internet slow... only a few pics

Zip Line

Hola amigos!

Today our large group was split into two smaller groups.  One group traveled to Finca KoBo, an organic chocolate farm, while the other group went zip lining.  After our delicious lunch of beef or chicken, beans, vegetables, and rice at La Palma, we switched activities.  While zip lining we went on eight different lines with Eduardo and two other staff members.  The first four lines were the slowest and shortest.  The other ones were longer and much faster, this included the Osa Peninsula’s longest zip line.  During our adventure, Claudia had the Go Pro recording while strapped to her helmet.  She was able to capture the amazing views of the primary rainforest and other people’s faces during their rides. A YouTube channel is in the works so we can share these amazing videos with you, the blog readers. After everyone had landed on the final platform, we all said our Gracias’s and Adios’s to Eduardo and his crew. Marvin had the air conditioning running on the bus (you don’t know how great that feels) and we were loaded in the vehicle and took off. The afternoon zip line group headed back to the chocolate farm to grab the members of group two. We made at pit stop at a local supermarket to get some helado (ice cream) and some refreshments. We headed back to the lodge just before the storm began. Almost everyone gathered on the beach to watch the pink lightning flash right before our eyes. Everyone sprinted to the kitchen when we heard Jackie rang the dinner bell. Our dinner was an oriental based meal that included shrimp fried rice, asian coleslaw, and homemade sushi. To the Habel family, we got Meme to try some shrimp! (big step from her usual dino nuggets). We are currently ending the night with a game of charades and are eating some delicious chocolate cake made by Randy and Jackie! Shoutout to Kari Walter for being so active on our blog and giving us a few laughs every night! We miss you lots and want to remind you how hot it is here!
Stay warm! (We shouldn't have a problem with that)…..maybe we will be able to bring a little paradise back to chilly Nati in just a week!

XOXO,
Avery, Claudia, and Meme 

Chocolate Farm

Hola muchachos!

Today our fabulous adventure took us to an organic chocolate farm.  Along with the delicious chocolate our tour guide picked a variety of fruits.  He even cut them off with his machete.  I didn't realize how many different stages it took for one chocolate bar to be crafted.  The weather for the  first group’s tour was a scorcher, but thanks to some rain the second group’s tour was much cooler (not as quite cool as Cincinnati.)  The chocolate tastes bitter and sour when it is first picked but eventually, as it dries, it smells and tastes more like the chocolate we all love. After our tour, we enjoyed a yummy feast with fresh fruit with creamy chocolate sauce and decadent chocolate cake. The fruit and cake tasted especially good after the long walk learning all about chocolate. After learning about the vigorous chocolate making process, we all have a better appreciation for chocolate.  

Peace and Blessings!

Cate M & Rose H

Creek Hike Recap

Bienvenidos amigos!  Today, the whole lodge woke up to the howler monkeys’ very loud, deep growling at 4:30.  After a delicious breakfast of rice and beans, toast, eggs, and sausage, the horseback riding group left for their excursion.  The creak hikers had an extra hour to lounge around the lodge and lay on the hammocks.  Once Marvin picked us up and took us to the creek, we started our hike.  At first, the water was only ankle-deep.  After walking a ways up the creek, the water became deeper and deeper.  Captain Morgan gave us team challenges where we had to swim to a destination and work as a team to climb up small waterfalls.  Next, we reached the 15-feet waterfall that we all took turns jumping off, even all of the chaperones and Ms. Kelly jumped in also.  We continued our way down the creek and ended up at the Blue Lagoon, a small pool of water.  We swam in the Blue Lagoon and participated in another team challenge.  Then, we made our way to a small bridge that we could jump off of into another deep area.  We explored the creek and eventually made our way back to where we started.  Then, we walked a short distance to lunch, where we ate delicious quesadillas.  Marvin drove us back to the lodge, where everybody was able to do their own thing and relax.  Many people swam or kayaked, and some did their homework or wrote in their journal.  When the horseback riders returned from their excursion, we all hung out together until dinner.  Randy made lasagna for dinner, along with salad and ice cream for dessert.  After dinner, two scorpions were found using a backlight around the cabinas.  In honor of Mardi Gras next week, beads were distributed to those who showed strong leadership skills throughout the day.  We finished the night by telling scary stories on the beach while looking at the stars.  Thanks for all of your comments on our posts.  We always enjoy hearing from you.  

Good night, 

Merritt and Brittany

Waterfall GoPro

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gkLQCU-0c-Q

Horseback Excursion Numero Dos

Hola, buenos noches from the Rica!  Today, instead of just one, many were greeted bright and early by the loud howler monkeys at the lovely hour of 4:30 a.m.  Once everyone got out of bed, we smelled the aromas of Jackie’s delicious breakfast.  It included toast, chorizo sausage, gallo pinto (rice and beans), scrambled eggs, fresh fruit, and orange juice.  After finishing the tasty breakfast, the two groups were off on their adventures for the day.  After a bus ride to the horseback riding area, which included driving through water that was very exciting, we pulled up to see all the horses lined up by the trees.  We each got to pick our own horse, which each had their own creative and distinct name.  Annaliese chose to venture through the rainforest on a mule, which she decided to name Guacomule.  As we were trotting up the mountain through the jungle, there were amazing views and some pretty funny moments.  From Claudia’s horse racing to the front all the time, to Annaliese having to walk her mule down a steep hill, there was never a dull moment.  Also, to Kate’s surprise, her horse, Tequila, decided to jump in a hole as we were journeying through the water.  Mr. Fallon was not very excited for this excursion, and when his horse started galloping, he was very surprised and nervous.  The horses were always keeping us occupied, including having Mr. Como’s and Mr. Fallon’s horses separated for safety precautions.  But, their were some slower moments where we could admire the gorgeous scenery because some horses, especially Alex’s, were starving and wanted to taste the bright green bushes.  As we were arriving at lunch, we were just getting out of the rain and had to journey across a bridge, which only three could cross at a time, so we wouldn’t die.  Adonis was with us the whole time helping us, and during a delicious lunch of fresh tortilla chips, black beans and rice with tuna, and fresh fruit juice.  As we were eating, Adonis surprised us with the fact that we were eating squirrel, which at the time we believed, but a little while later he told us it was really just tuna.  After lunch we went on a creek walk in the cool water, and found our way back to our horses.  We rode them back to where the cars would be waiting for us.  We drove back to David’s, one of our guides, house and got to meet his adorable son, Diamond.  After that Marvin picked us up to go get some ice cream at the local supermarket and then drove us back to the lodge.  Next, we relaxed in and soaked up the peace and serenity the rain forest has to offer.  Once we heard the dinner bell, we rushed to eat homemade lasagna, a gorgeous looking salad, and bread.  As we were eating we realized Annie had been bitten or stung by a bullet ant.  The chaperones and Captain Morgan and Randy helped get her to some comfort.  After dinner we did the usual routine of going around and saying our favorite part of the day, thanking someone, and talking about a food we tried.  As Mardi Gras is approaching we decided we are going to get in the spirit by preparing and awarding beads to people who do wonderful acts during the day.  Today’s recipients from our horseback riding group were Kate for calmness, Annaliese for compassion, Daniel for strength, and Mr. Fallon for self- sacrifice.  As we are writing this many people are going to look for a scorpion which the chaperones found with the backlight  all while we are enjoying scrumptious ice cream which Randy served us.  We love and miss you all and look forward to seeing you, but don’t ever want to leave this beautiful place.  Pura Vida!
Annie and Kate Juliani 

Horseback Riding Day 2

Creek Hike Part 2

The Fruits of YOUR Labor

Here is where some of your generosity has gone.  These three girls were twirling in their new dresses all day long.  

Cabina Tour by Annie