Zip-lining on Sunday

Zip-lining had to be the very highlight of our trip so far. With 12 different cable runs, a couple as far as a 1/2 mile or so long, it was all very thrilling. Up in the canope we had a bird's eye view of the rain forest as we were swept along with the pajaros. We all were so giddy.

Hasta pronto

Mas fotos

More school and horse-back riding photos

Tree planting and school photos

Mas pura vida - Saturday

Hello all,

Much activity on Saturday. In the morning we visited the local elementary school with our gifts and inthe afternoon we rode horses.

Elementary school visit

Again, parents, thank you for your contributions of papers, pens, markers, crayons, books, etc. The JLS students as well as the other schools with whom we have been travelling were able to donate a huge pile of school supplies that are desperately needed at our local school. (see photos).

When we arrived the children, ranging in age from three to fourteen, greeted us wearing tradional Costa Rican garb. They then treated us to a lively dance performance - they were all so cute! Then they invited us to join in the act. Afterwards, we all played soccer - the little ones really gave us a run for our money.

Then we were back to the hotel, had a quick lunch, changed and got ready for the horse-back riding adventure. As we drove back to the hotel, it started to started to sprikle. As we drove to the stables it was raining steadily. As we walked from the reception area down to where the horses and guides were waiting, it was a veritable downpour complete with thunder claps. We all looked at each other, wondering if we should turn around and head for the bus! But the kids decided to soldier on. (See photos of JLS students stoicly braving the rain)

It ended up being the right decision. As soon as we were on the horses, we were all so excited we didn´t even notice the rain. The horses were well trained and gentle. The guides extremely confident and polite. Yes, it was muddy, and yes, a might have been a bit smelly, but it was certainly an adventure and one were not likely to forget.

¡Pura Vida!! (Friday)

Hello all,

Sorry I haven't had a chance to update the blog in a few days. We've been up in the rain forest and as you can imagine, internet usage is relatively scarce. So, I'll synopsize the last few days for you. In a phrase, its been: pura vida (pure life). Its an expression heard all over Costa Rica - "ticos" (Costa Ricans) say this whenever everything is a-o.k.

Friday - travel day, tree planting and cloud forest hike

Our day began bright and early, on the bus by 7 am to be exact. We had a few hours of travel ahead of us as we traversed from Lake Arenal to Monteverde, the heart of the Costa Rican rain forest. We arrived in the hotel in Monteverde at about noon, had a light lunch, and headed off to our next adventure - tree planting.

At an ecological center we were each given a tree sapling, (see photos) and given instructions. We were to walk about a 1-2 mile up a hill, find an already dug hole and insert our sapling. We were told that within a few years our sapling will have grown into a full tree. The trees, lined together will serve as a natural wind break for the elementary school that is also on the premises.

Of course the ever present rain was with us. As we climbed the hill one formula ran through my mind (muddy track, one hand carrying a sapling, fifty laughing teenagers equals recipe for disaster. If one slips, we all go down. Did anyone say ¨domino effect¨?). But to my great relief we all made it safe and sound. And with smiles on our faces to boot as we had a moment to reflect on the ecological contribution.

Kayaking and a trip to the hot water springs

Thursday, June 18th

Hello all,

Our day began as usual, a light breakfast of fresh fruit and arroz con frijoles. Once packed, we were off to Lake Arenal for two person kayaking.  We got quite the workout as we traversed one side of the five mile lake and back again.  Some of us needed a refresher course on the basics of rowing as some of the "lanchas" (rowing boats) went round and round in circles. But no matter- we made it! :)

Then off to the town of Fortuna and everyone headed right to the heladaria (ice cream shop).  They even had cactus flavor which Alex was brave enough to try.  He declared that it tasted like raspberries.  We picked up a few souvenirs and took a walk through a local park. The Volcano Arenal always a lovely presence in the distance.

Then the hot springs.  Oh, the hot springs.  It was a virtual paradise for those who love to luxuriate in the water.   Called the Baldi Hot Spring resort, they boasted over 30 pools of differing temperatures with two water slides.  There was even one pool that went up to 152 degrees fahrenheit (we avoided that one :) ).  Of course the slides were a hit.

As we drove home we could hear the thunder growing louder.  Rain was definitely on its way. Then back to the hotel for some dinner.  After dinner, John Sternfield (Andrew's dad) showed off his card playing skills and taught a very rapt audience how to play "Texas Hold Em."  While lightening played against the sky, the kids were learning the particularities and strategies of the game.  The big winner of the first round?  Arthur (Ilan, a very, very close second) and our second round?  Andrew.  Way to go guys.  But in the end we were all winners because we learned a new game and were thoroughly entertained.

Hasta pronto! 

Poás Volcano

Hello all,

Today was a blast! We had so much fun. The big news is that Andrew and his dad, John joined us as they took a separate flight out. Now our group is complete.

After a good night´s sleep (we needed it!) we chowed down at the ubiquitous all american eatery, Denny´s. After the good old grand slam breakfast we were well fueled for what lay ahead, a trek up to the Poas Volcano.

From our hotel in San Jose, it was about an hour drive. During the trip, our guide, Diego, spoke about the topography and history of Costa Rica. His english is near perfect and the kids and I got quite an education.

The hike around the volcano was mild. Around the crater and the lagoon was about an hour trek all together. The kids and I loved the idea of actually hiking in the rain forest. Interesting factoid, the water in the crate has a ph balance of negative one. Of course, none of us would be taking a swim.

Later in the day we were treated to a lovely buffet lunch. Agua fresca de fresa (¨strawberry fresh water¨) was a hit. A far cry from Dennys, the meal was replete with fresh vegetables, and of course frijoles and arroz )beans with rice.

Then, it was a four hour journey by bus to our hotel in Lake Arenal. We lucked out, it was a clear evening so we had a fantastic view of the Arenal Volcano in its glory. The guide said that this was very, very rare. We got in about 7, had another filling and nutritious meal, the kids played cards, and off to bed we went.

Tomorrow, kayaking at Lake Arenal and a visit to the hot springs.

Stay tuned

First traveling day

Hello all,

Well, our first traveling day was decidedly filled with anticipation and excitement.  During our downtime we quizzed each other on Spanish vocabulary and how to order our meals in a restaurant.  During our extended layover in Miami we whiled away the hours playing cards and napping.

During our descent into San Jose we were treated to our own electric light show  - lightening lit up the dark sky.  As we landed we could see the thousands of house lights blinking up at us in a friendly welcome.  

Getting through customs and baggage claim was a snap and our friendly explorica guide, Diego, was on hand waiting to take us to our hotel.  We had a simple sandwich dinner, got our room assignments and headed off to bed.  

It is now 11:45 local time and 10:45 back home.  Time to call it a day.

JLS in Costa Rica

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Costa Rica Meeting

February 26, 2009

Dear parents and students,

Thank you for coming out to participate in our planning meeting.  You can check our blog for any new additional information as we get closer to our departure date.  Also, family and friends can check out new pictures and trip updates while we are in Costa Rica.

So far we know that we will be leaving San Francisco on Tuesday, June 16th at 1:35 am.  Yes, that's in the a.m.!  We'll have to be at SFO by 11:30 pm on Monday June 15th.    And we will be returning on Thursday, June 25th at 12:20 am.

Please make sure that the name on your passport exactly matches the name on the ticket.  If you don't have a passport yet, now would be a good time to get started.  :)

If you have any questions always feel free to email me at agruner@pausd.org

Many thanks,

Andrea Gruner