6 hour long ride to La Selva whew !! I am tired. But I'm so exited at the same time. I never saw a jungle come to life right before my very own eyes . La Selva is a national park and biological station in Costa Rica. Our lovely tour guide explained how La Selva is 70 % Grown Forest. It goes from low lands to high Lands. The tour guide gave us a quick natural history tour. Within five minutes ,we saw so many different animals. I wa so excited because I haven't seen a lot of birds yet. Fortunately today I saw male trogons ( they look so cool with their red bellies). We heard the Jacamars and oropendalas but unfortunately we didn't see them. But it was still so cool to hear them. We also saw the white crown parrots , flycatchers and the screech owls. Another bird was the Crested Guan. It was so eccentric . It was all black with a red flabby chin. We saw a couple of more birds that I'm still trying to identify. As more of the day progress it got more and more interesting. Wasko gave a really good lecture on the spatial and feeding ecology of snakes. It prep everyone for the night walk that we did after the lecture. The night walk gave me more chills than the nitro rollercoaster in six flags. Wasko made us turn off our flashlights in the middle of the path. It was so scary but relaxing to hear the sounds of nature surround you. As the walk continue we saw lizards ,frogs and two snakes. Even though you can see a lot when you go onthe trails . Sometimes animals can be right in front of our cabin. Each day here something new and suprising happens. I can't wait to see what will happen tomorrow.
Live ~ Learn ~ Experience
Shantel Isaac
Monday, June 6, 2011
Friday, June 3, 2011
Its been a few days since we have been in Costa rica and it
is unbelievable. There are so many things that I have never
seen before in Connecticut or even the U.S, such as the
cloud forest. Today was our most busiest day so far. We
visited Rinco De La Veija National Park which was full of
diversity. We mostly seen diversity within plants and
insects. A lot of the plants have a different smell and
thats how we were taught to identify them because nearly all
of them look alike. Out of all the insects I saw today I was
most interested in the leaf cutter ants. These ants work
very hard and in extrme organization. I saw one of their
nest that was at least four feet tall off from the ground
up, that was something I had to see for myself because thats
the only way I would believe it. We seen huge fig trees
that had very large buttresses, bigger than some of us
students on this trip. Although, we didn't get to see the
volcanoe that was not to far from us we did see mud holes
and water holes boiling. As we walked by the boiling liquid
it was quite hot and smelled bad. The temperature of these
holes can range from 198 degrees F to 248 degrees F, so it
can get pretty hot. After a good deal of hiking and
exploring we finally made to the river for a quick swim. The
water was amazing, but cold. We took great pictures in the
water and while exploring the park. Im sure we are all
waiting to show our families these awesome pictures. In just
a couple of days we already had expereinces we will never
forget I cant wait to see what else is in store for us.
is unbelievable. There are so many things that I have never
seen before in Connecticut or even the U.S, such as the
cloud forest. Today was our most busiest day so far. We
visited Rinco De La Veija National Park which was full of
diversity. We mostly seen diversity within plants and
insects. A lot of the plants have a different smell and
thats how we were taught to identify them because nearly all
of them look alike. Out of all the insects I saw today I was
most interested in the leaf cutter ants. These ants work
very hard and in extrme organization. I saw one of their
nest that was at least four feet tall off from the ground
up, that was something I had to see for myself because thats
the only way I would believe it. We seen huge fig trees
that had very large buttresses, bigger than some of us
students on this trip. Although, we didn't get to see the
volcanoe that was not to far from us we did see mud holes
and water holes boiling. As we walked by the boiling liquid
it was quite hot and smelled bad. The temperature of these
holes can range from 198 degrees F to 248 degrees F, so it
can get pretty hot. After a good deal of hiking and
exploring we finally made to the river for a quick swim. The
water was amazing, but cold. We took great pictures in the
water and while exploring the park. Im sure we are all
waiting to show our families these awesome pictures. In just
a couple of days we already had expereinces we will never
forget I cant wait to see what else is in store for us.
Chris R.
06/03/2011
Today was a interesting day as a group we explored the
jungle of monta verda. Though despite the rough morning of
waking up so early. There was much to learn and explore in
this jungle. The profesor and us took a walk on the bridge
and from being up so high we were able to see a varity of
different plants and animal life. The type of plants we saw
there were epiphytes attatched to different ferns. And
different species of the same genetic structure. The only
down side was that we did not see as many animals but were
able to get a picture of three walladed bell bird which was
a rare sight. Some of the students that when on the trip
were also able to do the zipline which i regreat never
trying.
jungle of monta verda. Though despite the rough morning of
waking up so early. There was much to learn and explore in
this jungle. The profesor and us took a walk on the bridge
and from being up so high we were able to see a varity of
different plants and animal life. The type of plants we saw
there were epiphytes attatched to different ferns. And
different species of the same genetic structure. The only
down side was that we did not see as many animals but were
able to get a picture of three walladed bell bird which was
a rare sight. Some of the students that when on the trip
were also able to do the zipline which i regreat never
trying.
matthew lallman
blog
Day 2
Today we wake up and we're on our way to Monteverde.
Breakfast was delicious, especially the eggs. The ride up to
Monteverde was about 4 hours, so of course everyone was
sleeping on the bus. The view on the ride up there was
amazing, but everytime I would try to take a picture, it
would either come out blurry ot a tree would get in the way.
When we finally arrive, we get settled into our hotel called
Don Taco. It was such a beautiful hotel! We went around town
to places like the bank, lunch, a frog and snake exhibit.
The frogs were pretty cool and I got some nice pictures.
Later at night we went to see the frogs again sicne most of
them were nocternal. Lastly for dinner, we went to a
restaurant but the wait to get our fod was ridiculous, but
the food was delicious. Can't wait to see what the rest of
the days have in store.
Jennifer M.
Today we wake up and we're on our way to Monteverde.
Breakfast was delicious, especially the eggs. The ride up to
Monteverde was about 4 hours, so of course everyone was
sleeping on the bus. The view on the ride up there was
amazing, but everytime I would try to take a picture, it
would either come out blurry ot a tree would get in the way.
When we finally arrive, we get settled into our hotel called
Don Taco. It was such a beautiful hotel! We went around town
to places like the bank, lunch, a frog and snake exhibit.
The frogs were pretty cool and I got some nice pictures.
Later at night we went to see the frogs again sicne most of
them were nocternal. Lastly for dinner, we went to a
restaurant but the wait to get our fod was ridiculous, but
the food was delicious. Can't wait to see what the rest of
the days have in store.
Jennifer M.
Monday, May 30, 2011
Wow, just less than 24 hours until we arrive in Costa Rica.
I am extremely overwhelmed and nervous. I do not know what
to expect. This is my first time out of the U.S and I am
glad its to a country where I am familiar with the language.
Since I can speak spanish I think I will have a greater
connection and understanding with the people of Costa Rica.
My biggest anitcipation is hiking and walking through the
rainforest, and seeing the vast amount of animals that live
there. Here in Connecticut I don't see much of a variety of
animals that's why I am excited to encounter many animals in
Costa Rica. One of my assignments on the trip is to study
inverbs, as of right now i dont know much but when we leave
Costa Rica I hope to know all there is to know about
inverbs. I just hope i don't get bit by anything. This trip
will surely be a lifelong memory and I am grateful for this
opportunity. See you all very soon!
I am extremely overwhelmed and nervous. I do not know what
to expect. This is my first time out of the U.S and I am
glad its to a country where I am familiar with the language.
Since I can speak spanish I think I will have a greater
connection and understanding with the people of Costa Rica.
My biggest anitcipation is hiking and walking through the
rainforest, and seeing the vast amount of animals that live
there. Here in Connecticut I don't see much of a variety of
animals that's why I am excited to encounter many animals in
Costa Rica. One of my assignments on the trip is to study
inverbs, as of right now i dont know much but when we leave
Costa Rica I hope to know all there is to know about
inverbs. I just hope i don't get bit by anything. This trip
will surely be a lifelong memory and I am grateful for this
opportunity. See you all very soon!
Chris R.
Friday, May 27, 2011
Only four days until we all finally meet again & leave for Costa Rica! I can't wait to land in San Jose, soak up some of that 90 degree weather and hope I don't burn to a crisp. Having little fear of planes or traveling, I'm more excited than anything else to experience what the tropical country of Costa Rica has to offer. Hearing nothing but amazing stories from Professor Wasko, I definitely cannot wait to see these leaf-cutter ants for myself as well as many other critters, reptiles, and other animals I would never see in Brooklyn, NY. I also can't wait to be out in the field, I feel like i'll be able to adjust really well with my surroundings. I've always wanted to do zip-lining & snorkeling and now I finally can.. I know it will definitely be an experience I won't ever forget. Writing this is making me even more ansty to be there!
See you all soon!!
-Maria M.
See you all soon!!
-Maria M.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Blog entry
Only 6 (or 5 depending when this gets posted) days left until I go off to Costa Rica! I'm so excited and nervous all at the same time. I can't wait to see the different types of birds, plants, and the country itself. I'm not so excited to see the bugs and snakes, but sadly I know I'll encounter them. I hope the days don't go by fast while we're all there and I also hope I'm not the only one that hasn't packed yet. I believe I'm the only freshman going this year and since I don't know anyone, I know I will make new friends and also have a lot of fun. I can't wait!
Jennifer M.
Jennifer M.
Monday, May 23, 2011
Nervous, Excited, anxious, scared. These are all my emotions about Costa Rica. I can't wait to see what I will discover and explore. I know I'm going to be nervous to try new things, but I am willingly to put that side and become more open-minded to new experiences .I want to step out the box of my everyday life and fears. So even though I'm nervous about zip lining and snorkeling, I will defiantly do it with palms sweaty and shaky hands. I am also excited about my assignment on Costa Rican birds. I can't wait to study the different types of birds that are out there. Costa Rican birds are so eccentric and different from my everyday New York pigeons, I'm so eager to learn more about them. I am also excited to try the food and the different fruits. My parents are from Trinidad and Tobago (an island that is off the coast of Venezuela). I had visited Trinidad and Tobago many times. So I am a little familiar with the island life. But I know that Costa Rica is little different from Trinidad, so it will still be a new experience for me. I can't wait to see what the trip has in store for me. I am excited to be working with Dr. Wasko and his colleague Susan and also the classmates. I hope we all have a wonderful eye-opening experience. See everyone soon :)!!!
Shantel R Isaac
Tuesday, May 3, 2011
Another year, another course...
Welcome back!
After a tremendously successful experience last year, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring another group this year. There was quite a bit of rigmarole to deal with in setting things up this year, from both student and administrative ends. But we made it happen... huge thanks to Marge Arnold and David Goldenberg for making this possible. All said and done, we now have a somewhat smaller group this year, but it should be no less fun.
Our trip runs from May 31-June 10, and we'll be visiting various areas around Costa Rica. As always, stay tuned here to hear about our adventures. Personally, I can't wait to get back, visit old friends, re-explore my old stomping grounds, and introduce another crop of students to one of my favorite places on earth. Only 27 days to go!
--Dennis Wasko, 5/3/11
After a tremendously successful experience last year, I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to bring another group this year. There was quite a bit of rigmarole to deal with in setting things up this year, from both student and administrative ends. But we made it happen... huge thanks to Marge Arnold and David Goldenberg for making this possible. All said and done, we now have a somewhat smaller group this year, but it should be no less fun.
Our trip runs from May 31-June 10, and we'll be visiting various areas around Costa Rica. As always, stay tuned here to hear about our adventures. Personally, I can't wait to get back, visit old friends, re-explore my old stomping grounds, and introduce another crop of students to one of my favorite places on earth. Only 27 days to go!
--Dennis Wasko, 5/3/11
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