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Student Trip Blog

Coffee, Cheese, Connections & Community

Hola, somos Isaiah y Borese!

We were the Leaders of the Day for Saturday, the Global and Local Business Day. We received the torch by showing vertical analysis aka jumping over each other. We started the day by eating beans and rice, eggs, fruit, and fresh bread that almost melted in our mouths along with fresh coffee. We then set off on our adventure to the coffee plantation. The walk started off by us walking up a street that led to the coffee plantation and on the way we stopped by an important church called Aquiares Church with Memo telling us all the important information that needed to be known about it. We then reach a point where we are able to see the long field of coffee beans that slanted down for about a thousand acres, we all even got to try a ripe coffee bean and we learned a lot of information about not only the history of coffee but also the process on how its made. The hike led us up to the summit of the coffee plantation and it was a beautiful view, it was stunning and we were able to see the house, the volleyball and basketball courts, along with the Chino we always stop at for snacks. We then make our way down the mountain and into the factory where the coffee is roasted. Fun fact: most of the companies that sell coffee in America like Starbucks or Dunkin’ purchase the fourth or even fifth-grade coffee, meaning the coffee we drink back in the States is far inferior to what is exported as the finest Costa Rican coffee.

Lunch was, by general consensus, the best meal of the trip so far. We had pork chops, mashed potatoes, salad, and fresh fruit juice, like always. We then took a quick bus ride up to La Florita, a local cheese and dairy farm. Clara showed us all around her farm, which stressed conservation and the full cycle of sustainability. We competed in a series of mini-competitions, from matching various grasses and cow feed to their names, milking the cows, and hand-churning cheese. In the end, Las Vacas triumphed over Los Diablos. Clara focuses on running her farm with responsible practices like turning the manure into rich compost for use on other farms. This is a consistent theme we have noticed in Costa Rica, with the entire nature pledged to the preservation of the nature and beauty of the natural landscape. On the drive home, “Let it Go” from Frozen came on aux, and absolutely everyone went crazy. We spent a few minutes down at the basketball courts, playing and interacting with the local kids for the first time. They were especially talented in football, far more than any of us. For dinner, we had delicious spaghetti with chicken and white sauce, salad, and the same bread from breakfast (the best bread I’ve ever had). Wrapping up the day was our nightly meeting with the reflection of the day, and all we learned of farming in Costa Rica.

Learning about the coffee and cheese industry of Costa Rica tied into the question and quote of the day. Global enterprise connects this small nation to a much larger economy, with the entire community coming together to make some of the finest products we enjoy around the world. The next leaders performed their talent and then Isiah and I passed along the torch, transferring the role of Leader of the Day in preparation for the very busy Community Day planned for tomorrow. Our job here is done-

See all the pictures of today’s adventures here!

Adios,

Borese and Isaiah

Comments (7)

Kathy

on July 30, 2023 at 6:38 am

Yet another amazing day! Gives a greater appreciation for how our morning cuppa is grown, harvested and processed, along with the milk that goes in it.

Maryellen

on July 30, 2023 at 2:23 pm

Sounds like you had a great day! Its great to see the pictures. Hope you all are having fun!

Maryellen Rousseau

on July 30, 2023 at 2:24 pm

Looks like you had a wonderful day! Its great to see the pictures so we can really get an idea of what you are experiencing! Hope you are all having fun!

Fatoumata Bah

on July 30, 2023 at 4:40 pm

Great pictures! I hope you all are having fun, and Rama we miss you!

Lissette Lopez

on August 1, 2023 at 7:00 am

WOW! Now I wish I was there. Coffee is Life! I would love a taste of Costa Rica’s finest coffee anytime. Anabell so glad your learning so much.

Lissette Lopez

on August 1, 2023 at 8:03 am

WOW! So many pictures! Thank you so much! I love seeing what the days flow was like. Anabell remember to capture some good pictures. Love and miss you!

Derek

on August 2, 2023 at 1:06 pm

Sounds like you guys had a really amazing and educational day. I love the pictures. I’m very curious about the delicious bread. We miss you Isaiah and we can’t wait for you to tell us all about your adventures when you get home.

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