The Sunset
Student Trip Blog
Day 3 of our Costa Rica experience was filled with loads of excitement, and various intense Uno games!
As today’s leaders (Cynthia, Kimberlyn, and Laia), we took on the responsibility of translating for the group. Even so, there were many brave Glimpsers who displayed acts of courage in their attempts at speaking Spanish with the community.
We started the day off strong by waking everyone up and ensuring that they were on time for breakfast. The menu for breakfast was:
- Scrambled eggs with sausage
- Hotcakes
- Yogurt and granola
- Papaya
- Watermelon
- Fresh bread
- Orange Juice
- Sour cream
As leaders, we led the morning meeting and mental warm-up activities. We built trust amongst ourselves with partner activities in which we explored the space around us. Shortly after, we also had the chance to buy handcrafted souvenirs from a local artisan. He also took the time to explain the indigenous history behind the materials, which belong to the Kavekal tribe in the mountains.
Moving on to the main activity of the day, we split up into two groups. Each group went to a different local home of the community, and got the chance to learn about their communal responsibilities.
The first group went to a residency in the community that centered on showing travelers Costa Rican culture. On our way, we made multiple stops, such as a soccer field, a pulperia, and a bar to take pictures of the scenery. Once we arrived, we split to do three different tasks: making a salad, sanding down charcuterie boards, and painting corridors. Then, Señora Angelica prepared a delicious meal for us. After, the hosts taught us about their local plants, such as banana trees, cinnamon trees, and coffee beans. We also had the opportunity to make artisan coffee. Later, we were able to make tortillas and eat homemade empanadas. We got to bring some to eat on our way back to the cabins as well!
The second group went to Doña Carmen’s home to learn about her daily life. The plan was initially to help her with garden work, but due to heavy rain, we had to make the most of what we had. In order to help her regardless of weather, we took the initiative to help her sweep the floors, wash the dishes after lunch, and set the table. We were able to get to know Doña Carmen through a group-wide conversation, in which we asked questions about her role in the community. After lunch, she taught how to make cheese empanadas, and they were delicious! We also got to enjoy the empanadas while playing a fun game of bingo!
To wrap up this very fun yet challenging day, we had time to wind down at the cabins and recharge. We got to go to the pool, read, nap, color, play, and simply relax. Next up in the agenda, we had our very first Community Action Project Seminar, and we discovered our first project! Yay!
For dinner we had a very well prepared Aztec soup by the lovely cooks. The soup is tomato-based, with avocado, chicken, cheese, and tortilla chips.
To conclude our responsibilities as Leaders of the Day, we held our nightly meeting to reflect on the day, and pass the torch onto tomorrow’s leaders!
Keep an eye out for the daily leader blogs, and updates. Remember to comment on the blogs so that our Glimpsers can hear from you! Also, there will be 10 minute calls home via the Adult Leaders’ WhatsApp from 5-7pm EST.
P.S. Hola papes! Avui ha sigut un gran día per practicar el meu castella amb la gent local. Parlem dema! Us estimo molt!! -Laia
P.S. Hola papi y mami, los extraño muchísimoooo! Porfa cuida la chihuahua porque los animales aquí me están recordando sobre ella. Mami, también déjame saber sobre los pagos del banco porfis. Los amo y hablamos pronto – Cynthia 🙂
P.S Hola ma, hola yis, espero que todavía no estén ordenando la comida porque no estoy allá jajajajaja, las extraño. 🙁 – Kimberlyn
P.S. to Tanika’s family, she misses you and she says majestic lol
