Saying Goodbye to Costa Rica

It's been a week and half since I've left Costa Rica. This entire trip had passed by so fast and was more than I've ever imagine it would be. As an individual I have grown that much more cultured by exploring around Costa Rica. As a class we've done plenty of hiking and site seeing, meet new people and learn a lot about the tropics. Alex is professor Wasko's friend who was kind enough to show us around the country and help us whenever we need it. She gave us lectures, brought us to exotic food places, and brought us to her home. The best part of the trip was definitely going zip lining. Unfortunately we were not able to go snorkeling but the beach made up for it... And my tan! What I'll miss the most about Costa Rica is the fresh juice and fruits you get every meal. Despite all the fun, I've learnt a lot of new things like how Costa Rica became land, climate change, animal interactions and how much professor Wasko loves baked goods. (Seriously he loves baked goods!!) This was an amazing experience that everyone should have, even if this has nothing to do with your major.

Until next time,

Deema El-Dasher

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. 

 

-Marie Aserat

... I just realized this post never went through, but at least now you see Costa Rica had met my expectations and over!

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

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

    It has been a week as of today since I have returned back from to Connecticut from Costa Rica and although I am glad to have my own been and am familiar with all that's around me, Costa Rica will be missed. From the first night we had after getting of the plane in San Jose I knew I would enjoy this adventure. There is definitely an immediate awareness that Costa Rica moves to a different beat. I believe the first park that we visited was Miravalles National Park which was loaded with great things to see such as the hot spings/mudpits, howler monkeys, an agouti and plants such as the acacia pochote tree. Next on our list was Monte Verde where we stayed at Calandria lodge with a great view of the Gulf of Nicoya. Our class had a lot of fun here particularly when we where at Selvatura Park. Here we had a great time zip-lining though the cloud forest as well as taking a canopy tour through it afterwards. Next onto La Selva Biological Reserve which was by far the most interesting place to me because of the diversity along with the people who were there. It was nice to see scientist doing their research as opposed to just hearing about it. This experience here brought the possibility of become a scientist closer to me. it was great how everyone was there all with the same basic interest in mind. Near by we were able to get a glimpse of Alex's farm and to meet her family. The experiment that she had going on regarding forest regrowth was a fantastic opportunity for us to see the different levels of through in the forest. Some plants had grown maybe 30ft tall while others had just barely gotten a few feet off the surface within the four years since they had been planted. The end of our trip was nice and relaxing hanging out in the Caribbean beach town of Puerto Viejo. Here we relaxed on the beach, watched to opening of the world cup, ate a lot of fantastic food and had some great late nights. All in all we truly got the most out of Costa Rica seeming all the different environments and places it has to offer. I could not imagine being able to experience so much of the country in only ten days besides through this class. Ill miss Costa Rica but take all that I have learned and carry it into my future.

Colin Murphy           

Reflection

    Our trip to Costa Rica started off on a bad footing for myself after having missing the original flight over however once finding a new flight the trip turned into a great experience one which I will never forget. It was amazing to see such a diversity of life within such a small area and well as difference in climate. From the hot and humid La Selva, the cool atmosphere of Monte Verde to the laid back Caribbean beach town Porto Viejo of Costa Rica has shown en captivate a wide range all sorts of diversity from plants and animals to human culture. I truly enjoyed not only the life which this country has sustained but the philosophy of preserving the ecosystem of Costa Rica from the native ticos which I had the pleasure of meeting and conversation with. La Selva Biological Reserve was a particularly special place which hosted a venue in which scientist could study and students could learn within the environment itself. It was wonderful to get a glimpse of what it is like to be in the field doing research something I had not been able to experience  previously. Seeing people so devoted to their work, people such as Alex who helped guide us on the trip, was great to see. We were able to see some of Alex's own experiment showed us a great example of forest regrowth. What we say in Costa Rica are things that I needed to see to truly grasp and understand. Through this course I learned and experienced more than I ever could by myself in Costa Rica. This truly has been one of the best experiences I have yet to have and look forward to returning to Costa Rica in the future.

CM           

Costa Rica So Far

Day four and Costa Rica is more beautiful and exotic than I've ever imagined. The diversity of animals can be heard just in one hike! Yesterday my class and I went zip lining at Selvatura jungle tour, this place is well known for it's zip lining, canopy walk, hummingbird garden, reptile and amphibian exhibition and more. The zip lining was an amazing experience, zipping from platform to platform not knowing what to expect or see. I cant fully describe how the feeling of zip lining was, its more of you have to try it for yourself. The scenery was breath taking; looking below you can see the whole wet forest, clouds surrounding you and the smell of crispy air. While the rest of my class walked the canopy trail, I went in a different direction and saw the reptile/ amphibian exhibition. There I saw many types of snakes and frogs. They had poison dart frogs, golden-eyed leaf frog, eyelash viper, palm viper, boa constrictors and more. After the reptile and amphibian exhibition, I walked to the hummingbird garden. There were so many hummingbirds and hummingbird feeders. These birds are very pretty and the way I like to describe their beauty is 'eye-candy.' After a long day at Selvatura jungle tour, going back to Caladaria (the place we were staying at) was the most amazing feeling ever. The people there are very friendly, the food was incredible and the view left you speechless. Leaving Caladaria was like leaving home, but that's okay because more adventures wait for my class and I at La Selva.

 

Until next time,

 

Deema El-Dasher 

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

Introduction to Tropical Ecology in Costa Rica

We've been in Costa Rica's sun for 2 days now and it has truly been an eye opener! We already got the chance to experience the presence of a red macaw parrot, a toucan, crested curassow, a gecko, a baby Iguana, a seagull, and many different species of plants. We also got the chance to take a nice hike in Liberia to the canyon. The water was soothing and surprisingly very clean. The lecture on plate tech tonics was also very interesting not only because it was outside and briefly interrupted by the sounds of the creatures around us, but because we learned how their movement is how Costa Rica was formed. We are now on a bumpy ride traveling to a volcano where yet another adventure and exciting learning experience awaits.

We are now at JFK airport waiting to board the plane at 9:30am. I am beyond words excited to arrive at San Jose, Costa Rica! I am eager to visit the many different parts of Costa Rica and see the culture and environmental differences from how it is In the United States. I am very thrilled for the many different activities we will be participating in and just being exposed to something new. My anxiety continues to build and more and more excitement continues to form. I cannot wait to see the different species, taste the different foods, and see the rainforest being that these are things we don't normally see living in a place like Brooklyn, New York. I can't wait for my adventure and my knowledge to build. I am even excited and motivated to write my research paper and to share this experience with a magnificent group of people.

Amy Bautista

Blog

So I just arrived to New York. I'm super excited but super nervous. This is my first time out of the country and I have all these mixed emotions. I am a nature freak and love love love to go on adventures. I am excited to experience the different culture, environments, lifestyle and scenery that Costa Rica will bring. I haven't thought much about ecology until this trip, but after doing a little research, I am super interested and excited to learn more. I'm hoping this will not only enlighten me about a new important topic but will be a life changing experience. I haven't even stepped foot on the airplane yet and I've already started to learn new things. I can't wait to study and experience the different animals, insects, climate changes etc. Surprisingly I am a little excited to write the paper as well!

Costa Rica

This is crazy! In a week and a half my classmates and I are going to Costa Rica. I'm so excited about this trip that I can't stop talking about it. I can't wait to explore the wild tropics, see the beautiful sceneries and different diversity of animals. In Costa Rica we are going zip lining, snorkeling and more. Although I'm excited I'm also scared of what we will bump into in the tropic forest. I love nature, but at the same time I don't want to be bitten by anything! Did you hear me mosquitos?! (and anything else that can bite). What I am looking forward to the most is gain new experiences and perspective of how people in Costa Rica live. I am excited to learn about the culture, I'm hoping to try new foods! It will be interesting being in a different biome than what I'm used to. There are bound to be many animals, plants and insects that I may not have seen before.

 

-Deema El-Dasher

Missing Costa Rica

 Time is just flying by, I have already been home for almost two weeks and it has felt like months sense I have left the amazing country of Costa Rica. . I am no longer waking up at 5am.  With in a day I feel back into my old routine. Which is unfortunate I somewhat enjoyed rising with the sun, giving me a full day of daylight.  Our last few days where spent at the beach of Puerto Viejo, which where some of my favorite days of the trip.  Spending days on the hot sands swimming in the crystal blue water, surrounded by lush mountain ranges really was a great way to end the trip. Just the other day I finally assembled my hammock. ( These hammock where sold all over Puerto Viejo and we where all told by professor Wasko that we should  buy them).  It was definitely worth the thirty bucks. I kind of wished I bought two. Other than the beach I really enjoyed the volcanic hike we went to. After the hike we hiked to the cool waterfall that had small little pool it was just so refreshing and nice.  Fresh fruit is another thing I really miss; the bananas and pineapple just don’t taste the same here, I Don’t think all ever find a sweeter banana unless I go back to Costa Rica.

Emily Martoglio 

 

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Wow! Has it really been a week since I was in Costa Rica? The last few days we spent on the Caribbean. It was such a picture perfect place. I got to snorkel and with fish, and got to see real coral ( and it didn't blow up!) I went for a nature walk off the beach, and got to see a real pit-viper snake! Our Professor Dennis Wasko also gave a lecture on Snakes as well during the last part of our trip. I learned there were some places where quakers had settled in like Monte Verde. I still haven't unpacked most of my belongings, but I made the 1820 cafe i purchased in Costa Rica, and it is so amazing! The last stop of our trip was San Jose where we walked around, and shopped the last day. It was such a bitter-sweet good-bye leaving the country. If i could, i would so do this again. I made amazing friends on this adventure, saw everything i dreamed of seeing, and learned about the natural habitat out there. 

-Michelle Drayer

 

At Guanacaste I went horseback riding  for the first time and it was amazing. We went to Monte Verde which is a cloud rain forest that was high up in the mountains. We were actually driving through the clouds it was really cool. This is where we went zip lining over the canopy of the rain forest; it was my first time and it was really fun. Another highlight was visiting professor Wasko's colleague alex at her beautiful farm. She was showing us new growth forest and it was interesting trying guess the ages of the trees. I was surprised to find out how young they were. My favorite  part of the  course was at La Selva it was amazing with all the life we saw there from the strangler fig tree that consumes another tree for nutrients to the howlers monkeys that never be quiet. Another amazing thing we did at La Selva was a night hike we so many frogs, a snake, and a cayman which looks like a small alligator.  At one one point we had to turn back because we had a bad run in with attacking army ants. After we left La Selva we went to Puerto Viejo the was beautiful there. We went snorkeling the next day and saw a lot of fish but the coolest one was the lion fish, and we also a big crab. When we got on the shore  we stopped and had some delicious fruit on the beach. There I saw hermit crabs everywhere which I thought were pretty cool. Now I'm in San Jose on the last day, and I have picked up a lot of knowledge from this course. Especially learning about the biodiversity of Costa Rica. If you love animals or science you should take this course, and professor Wasko is a great professor that you will learn a lot from.

Nicholas Oliver

Walking through the woods at La Selva Biological Station with our tour guide Kenneth our group was able to see a vast array of different species ranging from mammals, insects, and reptiles. In just a few minutes we were able to see Howler Monkeys, Capuchin Monkeys, and Spider Monkeys, a rare site to see all in one area at once. I was lucky enough to catch this on video with Kenneth and Professor Wasko pointing out were each one was. Along with three different species of monkeys we got to see Bullet Ants, (the largest ant I've ever seen!!) Leaf Cutter Ants, Cicadas, and Army Ants. Still on the same trip we saw one or two different species of frogs including one massive Bull Frog. La Selva was one of my favorite parts of the trip and the reason why I wanted to blog about it. Seeing the different birds (that I have more videos of) that you would never see anywhere other than Costa Rica helped make this one unforgettable trip for me.
-Eric Ryalls

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