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Student Trip Blog

Day 9: Cartago’s Past / History of Cartago

Hola familias y amigos,

We had a full schedule today touring the beautiful city of Cartago. We learned so much about the origins of a few different historical buildings and we also got to try new foods at a local restaurant, which was really nice.

We woke up earlier than usual at 6:30 am. We had French toast, eggs, and fruit for breakfast and then headed out around 8. The bus ride there was about two hours long, during which we had our mental warmup, a brief history lesson about Cartago, and then got a bit more sleep. The weather in Cartago was pretty cool and there was a light sprinkle later in the day. Our first stop after meeting up with our lovely tour guide, Daniela, was Las Ruinas—The Ruins of Cartago. This is an incomplete church whose construction was interrupted many times over the years by earthquakes. There is a beautiful garden and fish pond inside! Our second stop was the central market of Cartago, a bustling hub for vendors selling a wide range of different foods and goods, including raw meats, fresh fruits and veggies, bread, many types of chips, and other trinkets. Everyone ended up at an heladería inside the market for ice cream, slushees, and milkshakes before we made our way over to La Basilica de Nuestra Señora de los Angeles. The basilica has such a rich history and origin story that is extremely meaningful to families all over Costa Rica and other nearby countries. Many of us also got pictures to admire the architectural designs, stained glass, and statues inside, and then bought jars of holy water.

During the second half of our day, we visited a little restaurant called La Puerto del Sol that served amazing food. We had casados and sándwiches and chatted for a while about what we did and learned during the tour. After we were done eating, we headed to a souvenir shop where everyone bought something, so to our families: you can expect little gifts when your Glimpsers return! On the bus ride back to Casa Aquiares, one of our PCs spotted a sloth curled up in a tree, so we made a quick stop. The sloth was sleeping and camera-shy, but we also saw the colorful beaks of some toucans in another tree! We came back to a delicious dinner of spaghetti with red sauce, salad, and garlic bread. As we write this, the group is getting ready for bed before our first day at Aquiares School tomorrow for our CAP project.

Hi mom and dad, this is Ashley! I was leader of the day today with one of my friends named Anabelle, I was kind of nervous because I’m not that great at public speaking, but everyone tried to be engaged and be respectful towards us which I really appreciated from my peers. Our PCs & GGLs were really helpful, and our tour guide was the sweetest person ever, she gave both me and Anabelle a little hug and kiss on the cheek when we said goodbye which was really cute. It was nice today and I’m glad everyone had fun in some sort of way, and it helped me be a bit more open in a way to talk to a larger crowd. I hope everyone is doing well and will continue to see our updates.

Hi mom, dad, JP, and po and gong, it’s Anabelle! I was excited to be LDD today, but it was a bit stressful. I didn’t know that I signed up for the one day that I’d have to wake up more than an hour earlier that usual, but I took full advantage of the four hours on the bus to sleep. I underestimated how hard it can be to get and hold the attention of a group of teenagers, but it was kind of fun announcing things throughout the day and getting to plan certain parts. Comment to tell me what kinds of souvenirs you want and I’ll try to find them if we go to another store! This trip has been pretty fun and I actually love where we’re staying, but the homesickness hit me again a couple of days ago. Can I please have kimchi fried rice for the drive from the airport when I get back?

Signing off as LDDs but stay tuned for more tomorrow!

Comments (14)

Gloria Vazquez

on August 7, 2024 at 9:27 pm

Buenas noches para todos que bonito lugar sigue disfrutando hija Monica te amamos tu familia ?????

Lara Lopes

on August 7, 2024 at 11:47 pm

Sounds like such a fun and exciting day! I enjoyed this day a lot too in my delegation, especially the local market. So much fun exploring and learning about the differences in cultures. Spotting a sloth must’ve been awesomeeee!!!!! SO JEALOUS!!! Hope you’re having the best time Nova!!

Yuritzi

on August 8, 2024 at 3:17 am

Hey Moni!! I didn’t write anything on the last blog but just know I’m always checking to see how you been. I miss you so much but I heard that you’re doing fine and having fun!! Can’t wait to see you when you come back!! Love you ????

Mama de Anaya

on August 8, 2024 at 7:33 am

Looks so fun! I’ve always wanted to see a sloth, and everything is better with helado : ) it’s cold and foggy at home – like June came late this year. Everyone got their class schedules and I think you’ll be happy with yours. You will have to tolerate Z practicing beginner guitar though ? Amara is of course busy scheming about how to buy all things Brandy Melville for her back to school clothes. We miss you and are so proud of you for taking on this big adventure!! Ps I’ve always wanted to see a sloth in real life ♥️♥️Love you!!!

Adanna Okiwelu, Global Glimpse Summer Alumni Intern

on August 8, 2024 at 10:18 am

Anabelle, I’m so proud of you for exercising those leadership skills! I know it’s not easy, but I’m sure your whole delegation appreciated your care and responsibility. You’re so close to the end of your trip, and I know your family and friends can’t wait to see you either. Until then, keep making the most of your time in Costa Rica, building connections, and growing together. P.S. When I felt homesick during my GG trip, I found it helpful to keep a journal of my thoughts and feelings. I still have that journal, and sometimes I re-read it to remind myself how much I have grown since then ? Sending Big Love!

jamie

on August 8, 2024 at 11:55 am

hi girly, sounds like you’re having lots of fun and making the most of your time there. you’ll be home soon miss you sistah ?

EDITH BARRERA

on August 8, 2024 at 12:29 pm

Buenas tardes hermosos lugares se ve que la están pasando super bien dios los bendiga h sigan disfrutando y tu Juanito sigue disfrutando que es lo que te encanta conocer lugares nuevos te extrañamos y la chiquita tanvien te extraña te queremos mucho la Familia Zavala Barrera??❤️

Brianna's Mom

on August 8, 2024 at 12:50 pm

Me encanta ver cada noche las fotografias y leer su resumen diaro y ver que la estan pasando super bien disfruten. TE AMAMOS Brianna ? ? ?

Melissa & Neo

on August 8, 2024 at 12:56 pm

Wow you saw a sloth, so cool ! and toucans too! Wondering if you have caught any of the Perseid Meteor Shower yet. We are camping this weekend to hopefully see it.Miss you Nova, the boys want to take you out for your favourite meal when you get back.Neo says to looksmax.

Mom Shum ?

on August 8, 2024 at 3:07 pm

Hi Mui Mui,I’m glad you made it through being LDD. I know you always stress over being in charge, but I knew u could do a good job. I try to keep up with the blog and seeing all the pics but, u know…Olympics!! Anyhoo, we miss u! Po said u look like u aren’t eating enough cuz u don’t get to have all ur regular snacks. ?. We r going out for po bday dinner and she’ll probably still order something for you anyway even though u won’t be back yet. I have to keep reminding her. Don’t be sad…it looks like you are doing the things I would’ve planned for a family trip ?, so yea, have lots of fun! ?? Love u Bellie!!!PS: I hear the coffee is superb (did u at least try it? with milk and sugar) if u can get some beans from there, unless u can manage to bring back a baby sloth! ?

Xochilth Cruz

on August 8, 2024 at 3:23 pm

Hola a todos, sigan disfrutando el clima se muy agradable, se ve que la están pasando muy bien .Xitlali I love you mama;)

Jaclyn Vigil

on August 8, 2024 at 7:04 pm

What a fun filled day! I’m glad to see all the pictures and updates on your latest adventures! We’re celebrating Ava’s birthday today and it’s not the same without you! We can’t wait to see you! And hope you’re having an amazing time!-❤️Mom

stephany hernandez

on August 8, 2024 at 7:39 pm

hey princess i miss you come back alreadyyyy, i hope your having fun! don’t get burnt too much ?, take a lot of pictures and videos so i can see when you get back plzzzz, i’ve been so bored i hope tmr you have a great day i love you twin. by the way you always look so pretty in the photos, baddie for real????i wish i could talk to u everyday . HAH OH MY GOSH AND tatiana’s sloth in her neck is so cute or monkey no se, miss you too tatiana. bye chicas ✌️

Quirino Jacobo

on August 9, 2024 at 7:23 pm

Hola, Que bueno que se la estén pasando bien todos, disfruten de todo lo que lo agan cada día.We all miss you Tati.Love Dad, Mon, Giselle and David.?

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