Thursday, June 26, 2014
Saying Goodbye to Costa Rica
Until next time,
Deema El-Dasher
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
I just got back home from Texas and haven't really spent any time at home, and I'm already excited to be leaving. I am excited and ready for my adventure in Costa Rica to start. I am interested in being in a different and new atmosphere. I cannot wait to explore and see the different type of animals, food, climate, trees, plants, music, food, and people that is there awaiting upon our arrival. I also am very excited to go and visit the rainforest, the beach, snorkeling, and zip lining. Im excited to just be doing something new and learning in a new and different way then I'm normally used to. I love that we are going to a beautiful tropic because it's new and different environment will be a motivation to want to learn and explore it's ecology! I can't wait to see what lies ahead of us in Costa Rica and explore it's natures beauty.
Going to Costa Rica was definitely a blessing. Taking a class over seas has truly been an inspiration for me to want to, not only do another study of broad, but it has made me want to travel the world more. I would also love to return to Costa Rica. In Costa Rica I have done things that others can only dream and imagine. I conquered my fears of heights by going zip lining and doing the Tarzan swing. Before going to Costa Rica I would never even go in the direction of anything high up; so having the opportunity of going zip lining and actually going for it was a huge accomplishment. Also hiking is not something I normally do especially being from New York City, but to actually have the chance to go hiking to the Canyon, around Volcano's, mountains and in the jungle with professor Wasko, has truly been quite an experience. Walking to get breakfast, while having canons underneath me and monkeys crossing the bridge right next to me; has also been an interesting and great experience that Costa Rica has introduced to me. Eating fresh fruit and listening to the many species that live in Costa Rica was also wonderful. Everything about Costa Rica was amazing and the country and the people are beautiful. I would love to go back and do this trip all over again, minus the bug bites of course. I would recommend other student take this course in the future because it is really an eye opener, a great learning experience, and a beautiful place.
-Marie Aserat
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Where do I begin? Well, overall I am really happy I decided to join the group and Professor Wasko on this awesome adventure. It was definitely worth every last penny. In the beginning I wrote in my first blog that I hoped this adventure would be a life changing adventure and it was. It was more than life changing. It was a memory and an experience that I could never forget. Going on this trip to Costa Rica made me realize how much things I, as well as many others, take for granted. It opens my eyes to a life that many others forget about. This trip made me appreciate the things around me and the simple creations made on earth. From the life of trees and plants to the lives of different animal families and the cultural difference of the lives who live in Costa Rica, this trip showed me how different yet similar these lives are from the lives of plants, animal and people here in the United States. We experienced the different climate changes and how that impacts not only the forest and animals but the people of the towns as well. One thing I enjoyed the most about the trip was instead of staying in one part of the country we went around the entire country and was able to stay in several different areas. Getting a taste of the culture made me eager to come back home and study more about the cultural background in which I come from. From the music, food, mannerisms and overall their entire Costa Rican lifestyle, it made me miss Puerto Rico and the culture I left behind. There wasn't a day that I didn't learn something new. Going to Costa Rica for 10 days felt like I was down there for a month or so because there was so much to do. The people are really nice and we developed a lot of relationships with the people down there. When it was time to come back home it was super sad to say bye, but honestly those people and that country have taught me and enlightened me so much that they will continue to be with me throughout my life. This trip was a memory that will never be forgotten and because of my awesome experience I recommend everyone from all over to do the same. Even if it isn't Costa Rica, the idea of studying abroad helps to grow and think outside the box. So as they say, Chao Costa Rica. Te veo pronto! I'll be back <3
-Chelsea
Today I literally had the best experience of my life. Professor Wasko took the group on a canopy walk as well as zip lining through the rain forest. I'm super surprised to see that everyone went through with it, but we did! The heights were incredibly high but it was an experience like no other. I kept telling everyone the one thing I wanted to before I died was to at least touch a cloud. Who would have known that during my time in Costa Rica that was my chance to do just that? I sure didn't. There were about 14 or so lines and we had to hike to all the spots. During the hike through the forest we got to see the beautiful animal and plants that surround us. We saw Capuchin monkeys to a flower known as the kiss flower that is shaped like a pair of kissing lips. As we zip lined through the first few courses everyone started to get the hang of it. The best line for me was the last one. It was the longest one but I was able to see everything. Being so far up I actually got to experience touching a cloud. Forget touching it, my entire body went through it. I got to taste it, feel it, and see the awesome view of the entire forest. It was so beautiful I couldn't even begin to describe it. After the zip lines we went on a walk on what basically was a bridge but high up in the forest. That was also a beautiful view in which we got to see the more plants and the forest life from canopy tree view. Overall, this was by far the best day I had in my life and I am super happy I came on this awesome adventure.
–Chelsea
PS: I forgot to mention that because of the pore WiFi connection and my horrible service this entry will be posted when I get service :)
Costa Rica Reflection
Colin Murphy
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Reflection
CM
Monday, June 9, 2014
Costa Rica So Far
Monteverde
This trip is going so successful!!! We're in Monteverde. So far we've seen many different cool things, such as howler and white faced monkeys ! We've seen many species of birds like hummingbirds, Red Macaws, Crested currosaws, Mot Mots, 3 wattled bell birds, and even tree creepers. We also saw common things such as cows, horses, and what not as well. Yesterday we went Ziplining, Tarzan swinging, and canopy walking all in the Selvatura cloud forest which was very exciting. We saw many different species of plants and trees with their many species of epiphytes. The amount of insects surprised me, there were so many. A couple of roaches, moths, and spiders even followed us into our rooms. And what I liked the most is the fact that we are way up in the mountains, so the view is phenomenal. And we were up in the clouds(literally). Stay tuned for our next adventure a.k.a La Selva. -Magdalaine Manasse Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone |
My state of mind before the trip: I'm very excited. This is my first time going to a place like this let alone taking this type of course. I've never been a fan of the "outdoors" until Professor Wasko explained to me what type of things we'll be seeing and the interactions we'll be making. I can't wait to see the many different species of plants, mammals, amphibians , insects, and especially birds because that's my assigned topic. This trip will be an amazing experience, from the moment we land, to the moment we get back on the plane back home. -Magdalaine Manasse Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone |