Day 5: Zipping through Costa Rica

We started off our morning at the early hour of 5:30 due to late night hike and schedule changes. We were informed that we couldn't visit the school in the morning due to a visit from administration. After everyone rushed through breakfast, we began to load the bus with school supplies. Luckily we got to see Alberth one last time and he took a picture with us. We then headed off to Sky Trek, the zip lining headquarters near Lake Arenal. Everyone was pretty tense as we got geared up and headed up a steep lift. Upon our steep arrival, our gear was inspected and we were all handed tropical drinks (non-alcoholic seeing as it was 7 am). Everyone completed the two practice zip lines to get acquainted with the posture, which was similar to that of a sloth hanging off a branch. However, our next run was over five times as a long and over 300 feet above ground. We definitely heard some deafening squeals from the girls as they were pushed off the platforms and swinging above the rain forest. Zipping from platform to platform, we saw the most amazing view of Lake and Mt. Arenal. After 6 runs we found ourselves ready for the "Big Daddy," the longest (.5 miles) and fastest zip line. However all good things come to an end. Once we finished the course, we stayed on the balcony of the headquarters taking pictures in front of Mt. Arenal.
We then headed off to La Fourtuna to eat lunch at a "local soda,"La Choza del Laurel. The MSC treated us to a ice-cold soda and a delicious three-course meal consisting of salad, a choice of beef tenderloin, garlic fish, or chicken, and a desert of ice cream and fruit. Lunch took a little longer than we had anticipated, but it was delicious. This was our second meal without rice and beans!
After lunch, we rode on the bus back to the school. Everyone seemed extremely disappointed when we realized the younger kids had already left for the day. It took a while to get things organized, but we finally got it together. Luke, our adviser, awed the students, both Costa Rican and American, with his wonderful magic skills consisting of ropes, cards, sponges, and shoe laces. After the show, the A&M students were broken up into three groups to interact with the different classes of children. We played English-learning games using a soccer ball or hangman. The students we worked with today were the older children. They seem to deal with the some of the same issues as high school students in America. They also seemed extremely receptive to our attempts to help them with their English skills. We even learned a little Spanish along the way! After we had finished with the games, it was time to play soccer in the scorching heat. The people that didn't play soccer went around the school and picked up trash. It was slightly shocking to see the large amount of waste piled up around the school, considering how clean and environmentally friendly Costa Ricans seem to be.
J.J. and Johan had gone to town to get PVC pipes to build soccer goals. They finally arrived around 4:30 and the boys (and Liz) got to work sawing and assembling the goals while the girls cleared off the abundance of rocks scattered across the field. Two of our new friends, Fernando and Andre stayed behind to be the first to use their new gift. A local man even rode up on horseback to check out the action.
All in all, this trip has been an absolutely fantastic experience for all of us. Not only did we gain by experiencing a new culture, but we also gained by giving back to the community we visited. We even plan on keeping contact with some of the local students. One of the greatest gains, however, is the bonds we've made with each other and the wonderful people we've met through hard work and honest service.
After dinner we had reflection time, in which we all shared our favorite part of this wonderful program. We then reviewed travel plans for tomorrow morning and are ready for bed. We can't wait to see everyone again. Until tomorrow, Pura Vida!