During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Arcea Zapata de Aston taught a travel class called Language, Culture and Diversity in Costa Rica. Three students took the class and kept a journal for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can go to the aggregate page for a full account of the trip. You can also see a full photo gallery from the trip online (click “recent albums” to see day-by-day photos).

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Day 7

Katie: As we started pulling onto an old gravel and dirt road, the ideas of a fresh bed, and the day at the beach slid from my mind. For some reason I spaced during the conversation where it was mentioned we were going on a river tour. Pero no es una problema. Pura Vida … Then I really kept noticing more of the conversation I had missed out on, when finding countless local signs like “PELIGROSO” y “Crocodile Man Ahead.” Apparently this was not merely a river tour of a local delta (where the sea meets a river) on the way to the coast. We were about to tour a river well know for its variety of birds … and crocodiles of course.

On the river tour.

Alex: Today we went on a crocodile safari boat expedition. It was so much fun. Later in the night, we got to go to a local festival here in Jaco where the whole town comes out and sells food and has karaoke and celebrates. That was very fun of course.

Then, there is a very special tradition that we got to see firsthand. They have bull riding and fights. The night we went, they only had bull rides, but gosh was it amazing. People from the community would be around the ring to distract the bull after the rider got off or was thrown off. It was really cool to be a part of the community like that.

Collin: After a four-hour drive to the river tour, we were all a bit worse for wear. But, the moment we began the tour, I perked up and began to have life again. There were birds everywhere!  Sandpipers, egrets, and I can’t believe I saw a scarlet macaw. I had really wanted to see a scarlet macaw and the Lord granted me my wish. Birds aside, we saw crocodiles too. The highlight of the crocodile aspect was when we got within arms length of a huge crocodile, sleeping in the water.  It was a bit scary and I kept wondering, “How close are we going to get?” The scenery was also very beautiful – clear skies, bright sun and beautiful mountains.

The crocodile up close.

Later, Emmanuel and I went to the Catholic Mass. I was a bit scared and/or nervous because not only was the mass in Spanish, not only was I not Catholic, but it was the first time I had ever been to a Catholic mass!

I enjoyed the message and it was funny that I understood so much of what was going on. The scripture readings were from 1 Samuel and 1 Corinthians. The fact that I recognized them is something else in itself. Emmanuel was very kind in allowing me to attend with him. The message was about having a personal experience with God, how he will call you and it is up to you to answer yes or no, and he will respect your decision, and also how we need to make time for him because only going to church isn’t enough. I enjoyed the message and I enjoyed the service as well.

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Day 8

Katie: I can’t accept this moment. I honestly never realized how much I miss la playa. Esto es increible. Pensaba en el coche cuando Emmauel nos llevo a las mansiones. He vivido cerca de la playa toda mi vida. Yo solía decir que pertenezco al mar. Ahora me doy cuenta que esto es todavía verdad.

It makes me cry to think of being landlocked. I see now how similar all costal people are. I see the resemblance between Alex, his mom and me. They are loud, vibrant, vivacious, and I am the same. (Not that Collin is not – we are all just more vocal about it. Like Professor Zapata was saying the morning of Day 3, the Colombians of Barranquilla are wild in a sense that they are visually more carefree and easygoing, while the Colombians of Bogota remain more conservative in their demeanor. They all express the same exuberance for life, just in different ways.) They love life and thrive off they energy it feeds.

Earlier I mentioned to Professor Zapata that I have always wanted my third language to be Hawaiian (natural true original Hawaiian). I can see why – they have the same beliefs and manner. They believe there is a connection to everything around them, “A sense of being one with all of creation, being one with the ocean, being one with the heavens …  there’s a feeling of completeness.” – Anona Napoleon (a famous 60 year old Native surfer)

Alex: We also got to see the mansions of Costa Rica. This area is where all the sport fishing occurs. The houses are very similar to the mansions of the U.S., but with a tropical design to them. We even got to see the mansion of the richest man in Costa Rica – it was on top of a mountain with the best view of the ocean. A helicopter would fly up the mountainside and fly him back down to take him down to lunch. The view is magnificent. The ironic part is that the man is blind.

Collin: Emmanuel took us to a few cliff viewpoints with stunning views. Also, I was blown away when at one viewpoint, there were FOUR scarlet Macaws in one tree.  Two of them were playing upside down, playfully. It was too cute.  It was like an airplane show (Dr. Zapata).

One thing that really encouraged me is that we met a guy from Lakeland, Florida. His name is Charlie Reid and he is a Christ-Follower. As a Christian, I know that when anyone says that, they are a REAL Christian. I prayed with him and it was so awesome to know that no matter where you go in the world, there are believers and there is light in the darkness.

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During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Arcea Zapata de Aston taught a travel class called Language, Culture and Diversity in Costa Rica. Three students took the class and kept a journal for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can go to the aggregate page for a full account of the trip. You can also see a full photo gallery from the trip online (click “recent albums” to see day-by-day photos).

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Day 5

Collin: Day Five has been a good – and busy – day. After breakfast, Emmanuel (our guide) and I walked to a beautiful place that we hadn’t gone before and yet again, he spotted some birds. I love this guy. Later, it turns out that someone from Owensboro was staying at the same hotel as us! What a small world.

A woman from Owensboro was staying at our hotel!

Katie: People here in Costa Rica grow and sell various fruits and vegetable along the side of the street as a source of income. Emmanuel pulled over on our way to the Ecocentro Danaus & Arenal base, maybe it was to stretch our legs or maybe it was because we all need a moment away from feeling like sardines the “turismo” van. Haha. The mango was absolutely delicious, and since my stomach was still not feeling better, Professor Zapata suggested that I drink some Coconut milk … ewwwwww. If I could make a list of foods/beverages I do not like, coconut would be on top … right under pickles.

Collin:  I, on the other hand, enjoyed the coconut water along with Dr. Zapata.

From the roadside fruit stand.

Alex: We then stopped at Ecocenter Daus. This was a piece of land that the farmers preserved and let grow out so that the surrounding animals and vegetation had a refuge.

At the Ecocentro Danaus.

Katie: At the Centro, I got the chance to see this amazing creature that was half pig, half squirrel!!!! A Central American Agouti is its proper name.

A Central American Agouti at the Ecocenter.

Alex: After we moved in to the La Pradera hotel, we went out to a local restaurant downtown and had a good meal with lots of laughs, with ice cream afterwards.

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Day 6

Collin: We had all decided to do the Puentes Colgantes (hanging bridges) porque Katie decided she was okay with crossing them. The bridges, along with trails between them, make one long trail around the Arenal Volcano Park. They are really neat to walk on because they allow you to have the opportunity to see animals and plants that are only seen at high altitudes. We were all impressed that Katie finished them all.

Katie: I am proud of myself. Thanks to Alex – I would have given up and never finished all 15 bridges without his encouraging words, helping hand, and strong-willed patience, but now I can say I did something with my life. I did it!

Alex: I understand why the Costa Ricans have the saying “Pura Vida,” which means pure life. It is the perfect expression for such a beautiful and magnificent place like Costa Rica.

Before we ventured onto the bridges ...

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During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Arcea Zapata de Aston taught a travel class called Language, Culture and Diversity in Costa Rica. Three students took the class and kept a journal for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can go to the aggregate page for a full account of the trip. You can also see a full photo gallery from the trip online (click “recent albums” to see day-by-day photos).

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Day 4

Collin: We walked and walked and walked, endlessly it seemed, but the rewards were great. We saw two birds nested on a branch, a very rare bird from the order of turkeys, many vultures and quite a few insects. Also, we went down by the river and Emmanuel, always with his surprises, showed us how to make “collectibles” from paw prints in the sand. He took flour and water and mixed it together. Then, he placed the mixture on top of the paw print. Later, as it hardened, it took the form of the print, so we were able to see very closely the prints of the certain animal in the region.

Making prints by the river.

Katie: Unbeknownst to us we had spent four hours hiking! I never imagined I could lose track of time so easily, but we quickly got lost in the beauty of the surroundings. As we hiked back towards Tirimbina, something small caught my eye – a tiny movement, which could have merely been a leaf blown off the trail by Emmanuel’s foot. I stopped and stared. No bigger than the size of a quarter, a brown frog had leaped onto a curled brown leaf. ACCOMPLISHMENT! I spotted a tiny frog. *brownie points*

Katie's small brown frog on a leaf -- look closely!

Collin: After our long walk and before dinner, I spent about an hour sitting outside on our porch watching the birds. I saw, and heard, a large amount of Montezuma Oropendolas, a few Golden-hooded Tanagers and another black-throated Trogon. It was so awesome it left me speechless. Sitting on your back porch and watching beautiful birds with a cool breeze is paradise.

Life is good on the back porch.

Alex: Everyday now I see myself thinking more and more about how much importance nature has and how big of a role it plays in the formation of the world. I think that we as Americans – and as humans – need to be more aware and respect our ecosystem a bit more than we do at the moment.

Bonus photo: Headed into the rainforest at night!

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During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Arcea Zapata de Aston taught a travel class called Language, Culture and Diversity in Costa Rica. Three students took the class and kept a journal for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can go to the aggregate page for a full account of the trip. You can also see a full photo gallery from the trip online (click “recent albums” to see day-by-day photos).

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Day 3

Tirimbina Lodge and Biological Reserve

Alex:  Today we moved hotels once again to the Tirimbina Lodge and Biological Reserve. This hotel is inside of the rain forest. There are even more plants and animals than at Hotel Robledal. When we arrived, we got to walk in the rain forest and explore. We got to see birds, porcupines, monkeys, bats, and many different insects. We also got to walk across a suspended hanging bridge.

Katie: TODAY I FACED A FEAR! Not going to lie, when I heard the words “rope bridge” two days ago, I thought they were kidding. Well, turns out I was the one who was wrong. Right after arriving at our second hotel of the trip, Hotel Tirimbina, we dropped off our suitcases and headed out the door.

Hanging Bridge

What did I come face to face with at the head of the trail? A “hanging bridge” – actually, it was made out of nothing but twisted metal wire and rusted laced metal sheets. I decided that I had to go. I had to try, if not for the class and opportunity to retell my experience, then for me, so that I can say that I, Katherine Elizabeth Scheck, walked high above trees and a rushing river.

Collin: Halfway across the bridge, I offered to have us all walk together, and I thought she was going to rip my bicep out, she was holding on so hard. Today I saw that fear is a very real thing, and it is something to be dealt with because you can’t just “get over it.”

The hanging bridge from below ...

Katie: Tomorrow holds in store more adventures in the beautiful escape that is Costa Rica. Buenas noches!

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During the 2012 Winter Term (January 3-19), Dr. Ken Ayers is teaching a travel class in the Virgin Islands called Leadership Through Sailing. Five students are taking the class and are sending updates and photos for the KWC blog. If you missed any entries, you can also read their adventures from the beginning.

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What We Learned

John Bell: I feel very blessed and appreciative that I embraced this opportunity to take this trip of leadership and teamwork. During this week, I was amazed on how well my leadership skills have sharpened, and how amazing it was to get to know the crew, who will be close friends for the rest of my life! The skills of leadership and teamwork that I learned from this trip has given me the confidence and determination to excel in everything that I do from here on out!

Jordan Gary: This was an amazing opportunity that I am so grateful for. God has blessed my life in ways that words can’t describe. To see another one of God’s amazing creations was such a blessing. Throughout this trip I have seen my leadership skills tested, and in my opinion I rose to each and every challenge. Taking the helm taught me to be in charge, check on everything, make sure the sails are right and be responsible for the crew all at the same time. It was a great character-building experience. This was a great time and I’m really glad I did took advantage of such a rare opportunity.

Jayden Morrison: This week helped me grow as a person. My confidence grew with every day and every task handed to me. I feel like after being on this trip there’s really nothing I can’t do. I’ve hoisted sails, taken the helm, tacked and swum with some crazy creatures. But I think most importantly, the bonds I made on this trip are truly amazing. Each one of these people helped me grow more than I can say, taught me things about myself and helped me realize my full potential. For this I am truly grateful.

Maggie Johansen: This week was unreal. I am so grateful I was able to take advantage of this opportunity. I grew so much as an individual and got to watch my other classmates grow as well. I have done things on this trip that I never thought I would ever do. I learned so much about myself and gained so much confidence during this journey. I learned to never doubt my abilities and to take charge when I need to. I wish every college kid would take this trip to understand the growth I had as an individual and how we grew so close as a team.

Tatum McMahon: I had the time of my life this week. I have learned so much regarding initiative and leadership. After the last seven days, I can say that I am comfortable being a leader. Before, I was unsure of myself and always let others take the lead. This is an impeccably important quality to life and because of this trip I am more confident in my work ethic and more comfortable in my decisions.

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