This past weekend we traveled to Monteverde and Curu. Can someone say exciting, exhilarating, electrifying, and exhausting? YES! We traveled via bus into the mountains and if you’ve never been into a raincloud, it is an experience that you must have. We climbed paved highways that became dirt roads until we reached the Villa Verde Hotel. Once settled, we put on raincoats and hiked up the paths, scanning the perimeter for natures varying species of birds. We made it to the beginning of the Monteverde Reserve where we saw the Hummingbird Gallery. Several of these birds flying between perches, not bothered by our presence, were amazing to watch. The next day we were off to Sky Adventures where we tackled the ZIP LINES!! WOW! Thousands of feet in the air along the mountainside above the forest canopy we sped from tower to tower, feeling the rush of the winds, the water from the clouds that we passed though, and the thrill of being held by a harness and clinging to the metallic rope spanned across the sky. It was intense! We then descended the mountain and headed for Curu, a beachfront location that is in touch with nature. It took us hours and lots of sweat! But, we made it. At first glance you might think what in the world are we doing driving through a reserve with cows, bulls, and horses?! And then talk about rustic living; we had to hunker down and brave the challenging quarters of Curu. However, when we saw the waters, felt their warmth, and ventured further out into the Pacific Ocean, it was absolutely breathtaking. Turtle Island, the naturally grown fruit, and the animals that thrive in this pure habitat, one experiences the overwhelming beauty of nature. We basked in the warm sun, swam and snorkeled where we observed the exotic wonders of the sea, and feasted on mouth watering meals prepared by generous hands. After spending time in the sun, getting a little sunburned, we ventured back towards Sarchi. We took the ferry across the bay which was an adventure in itself. Our fearless guide (Maestra Sandra) who has treated us so well made a pit stop and we had PIZZA! A nice taste of home. Now we are at school attending classes with our pen pals. Happy Tuesday Greene Street Friends School!
Trey – I enjoyed the zip line in Monteverde and snorkeling in Curu; seeing all those fish.
Robin – I had a lot of fun snorkeling & being at the beach, even though I got sunburn really bad. The zip line in Monteverde was incredible and playing pool with everyone was enjoyable.
Evan – Monteverde is a rich society with fun activities. It was nice being at the beach in Curu, but the quality of the rooms was bad.
Hannah – I was upset that we didn’t have the talent show, but I loved the snorkeling and hanging out at the beach.
Kennedy – In Monteverde the rooms were awesome, the weather was perfect and the zip line was scary. I hated the rooms in Curu, but I loved the beach and snorkeling.
Shania – The past few days have been very exciting, but also very challenging. With lots of encouragement from Nita, Sandra, and her classmates, She took a leap of faith and tried the zip-line and went snorkeling.
Nae - Nae has been enjoying Costa Rica, especially from an ecological point of view. He has seen wild monkeys, cows, deer, dolphins, tropical fish, crabs, pelicans, and many other birds. His pen pal is “pretty cool too.”
Sarah – Sarah really liked the zip-line. Her and Sophie W. made a good team because, “they were both scared but also had a really great time.”
Mike – Snorkeling around Le Isla de la Tortuga was his highlight thus far. “We saw this eel,” he said.
Alex – Alex is having a hard time selecting one or two highlights. “It has all been so much fun. I’m loving everything,” he says.
Lilly – Is always helpful and has been a major source of encouragement for her classmates that are having a hard time. Lilly has been enjoying swimming, the zip-line, and all the fresh fruit.
Jason – Is an advocate for class activities and is very good at verbalizing his thoughts and emotions. He has also lent a kind voice to his classmates that are struggling. He is playing hard and soaking up every bit of Costa Rica that he can.
Ethan – Is a great swimmer and has been having a blast in Curu. Jumping, diving, and snorkeling – Ethan is making the most of his time on the Pacific side of things.
Evan – Just got done playing Futbol with his pen pal in P.E. class. He said, “It felt great to run around and play, but I bet I stink now.”
David and Sandra had a meaningful moment as they snorkeled together, pointing out many tropical fish to each other.
Megan - thought that snorkeling was very scary because she was so close to the fish. But, it wasn't long before she got used to it and realized how amazing it was.
Jason - when Sandra asked who would like to get up at 5am for a morning walk, adventure Jason jumped first to the opputunity.
Hannah - did the zip lines with Sandra - fun!
Sophie W - used alot of sunscreen and still got burned - Spirits were high and the zip lines were spectacular.
Ethan - snorkeling was a very fun experience. Hopes his parents are doing well in Philly...
More to come soon from Ray, James, Karin, Peter, Sophie B, Nita and Matt.....
