Although the first week is incredibly difficult to surpass in terms of excitement and awe, week two provided us with some incredible moments as well. It all began with our first trip away from La Selva. Leaving what we knew as home at the time was a daunting yet invigorating journey. A brief tip for a organic pineapple tour was the perfect start. As we arrived to the organic pineapple farm we were greeted with an adorable dog and pineapple smoothies, two things I appreciated a great amount. On the tour we got to sit back on a shaded tractor hitch as we learned about the history of pineapple in Costa Rica and the unfavorable tendencies of the large industry pineapple farms seen all around this small organic farm. While learning of how to choose the perfect pineapple at a store in the USA, we were treated with what felt like bottomless freshly picked pineapple. After the enjoyable experience, we went in to the town outside of La Selva; we explored the local grocery store and browsed all the snacks that we’d never heard of. It showcased the unique culture we had stepped into. Back at La Selva, the class sat down for our first lecture from Professor Libby, and it exceeded my expectations and quite possibly could have been the best lecture I’d been able to experience in my life. The passion in his voice as he spoke about real topics that affect our lives everyday drew in the attention of the whole class. Agriculture practices and large scale food production was finally brought to my eyes, and I hope I can take this knowledge and enact change in my life with it.
Following a jam packed Monday, Tuesday offered some free time in between some interesting activities. We started the day on a trip to a local banana/plantain farm. Although it wasn’t the most interactive or fun trip, it gave me an insight on the contrast of a family owned small farm to the massive plantations owned by USA businesses seen right next door. On a farm of roughly 150-200 plants, a family has sustained itself for generations. They do things the right way while the invasive species of big business dump pesticides into their crop land putting all citizens of Costa Rica at risk. After we planted our own plantain plant, the wonderful women in charge of the farm, cooked us some incredible plantain based foods. Thankfully, food is the way to my heart, and I will now look back on this tour with glee.
Despite the first couple days of this week being fairly academic in nature, Wednesday threw us a curve ball as we took a journey to Tortuguero. After we arrived to the pickup point for our boat ride, we boarded this low riding river boat. We prepared ourselves for a roughly 2 hour boat ride to get to Tortuguero. On the journey, we spotted various basilisks and crocodilian. For me, this was exciting because I got to see an high abundance of reptilians, and we even got to see some that I plan to research because of their parthenogenesis. Alongside really interesting aquatic adventures, we got to explore the touristy town that offered gorgeous volcanic beaches on the Caribbean side. After swimming in the water for a while, we walked down the main street of this town of 1,700 total people. Tourist shops and bar/restaurants dominated this town that is advertised to be focused around conservation of sea turtles. My chosen species to research on this trip is the green sea turtle, and I was hoping to see one here, but unfortunately, we didn’t spot any.
Tortuguero was a much needed mental break, but it came at a cost because Will and I hadn’t done much to attempt to combine our research topics into a cohesive project. Thursday morning was spent combining concepts that centered around carbon sequestration and concepts of reptilian adaptation based on climate change. We eventually joined our project around the question of how abiotic and biotic factors affect the abundance and diversity of reptiles. Methodology works out well, but ideology was tough to combine. After finishing our proposal and presentation, we went to Tirimbina where we experienced both a chocolate tour and a bat tour. I’m not a huge chocolate fan, but I enjoyed learning about the history of chocolate and how it became what we know it as now. I didn’t mind the bat tour; however, I was exhausted and needed some sleep.
La Selva had quickly become home for most of us, and we sadly had to leave this safe place we had been at for 9 days. The goodbye was made a little bit easier because we headed to natural hot springs on our first stop into Eco-Tourism. A day of relaxing warm pools from natural springs created by the Arenal Volcano paired with some casual drinks to help us relax was incredible. This place was one of the most luxurious locations I had ever experienced. It seemed slightly over the top, but I can appreciate a place that uses what is given to them in an unique way.
After arriving to Rancho Margot the night before, many students were still trying to adjust to a new location including myself. I appreciated the nature feel while also not sacrificing living conditions. The food was the best I’d had yet, and the pool was a nice addition after a week of hiking and classroom time. Our stay at Rancho was short, but full of excitement. I particularly enjoyed the tour where we learned of their sustainability.
this is Ginger
After Rancho Margot, we took a long bus ride to La Foresta near Manuel Antonio. This is the most luxurious place we will travel to during our trip, and I’m excited to enjoy the last few relaxing days we are given!
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