Costa Rica

I recently traveled to Costa Rica to study Spanish abroad in May of 2012. It was a great experience, I received 6 hours of credit, and I was able to travel with some of my best friends from Gardner-Webb. I stayed with a host family who graciously took care of me and fed me for a whole month.  Our school was called ICLC and was located in Alajuela.  We went to school from 8am-12pm everyday and had the afternoons and weekends free. We gained lots of experience using the public transportation system and were able learn a lot about Costa Rican culture and language. 

On the weekends and afternoons, we were able to travel to many different places and see lots of new scenery. The first weekend, we traveled to the Doka Coffee Plantation, Poas Volcano, and the La Paz waterfalls. The second weekend, we stayed at a resort by the Arenal Volcano and for the third weekend, we stayed in a hostel at Manuel Antonio Beach.  Everywhere we went the scenery was absolutely gorgeous. 

I hope the following photographs will help you experience a little piece of our amazing trip.

ICLC Campus (above)
classrooms (below)

this was my host family (Cesar, me, Ana, and Ismael)

going to the pool

the community pool (one of our favorite places to go in the afternoons)
view from the pool (below left)

the slide below the pool (above)

there were also waterfalls there! 

The first week of school we traveled to two nearby towns: Alajuela and Grecia. The next few photos are from our day trips to these towns. 

metal cathedral in Grecia (above)
the inside (below)

My brother, Cesar, and I

the typical Costa Rican food

the museum in Alajuela

Costa Rica Flag

outside and inside of the cathedral in Alajuela

workers in a wood factory

there was lots of bamboo

For the first weekend, our institute took us on a free trip to a coffee plantation, Poas Volcano, and La Paz waterfalls and zoo.  We were able to see a lot of beautiful and diverse things in a matter of one day.

JP, Me, Liz, and Taylor at the coffee plantation (L-R)

this country has plants with huge leaves

Poas Volcano

our whole group at the volcano

at the La Paz waterfalls and animal sanctuary

this was the first of two waterfalls we saw at La Paz

Liz, Taylor, and I

the second of two waterfalls we saw

For the second weekend, our group planned a trip to the Arenal Volcano area.  We stayed in a resort and had a weekend of relaxing in pools and hot springs.  Although we didn't get to see the volcano erupt, we had an enjoyable time.

the volcano covered with clouds

our group that went to the hot springs and pools (above)
we had a lot of fun with the water slide (below)

the hot springs

the view from our room

For the third and final weekend, our group planned a trip to Manuel Antonio Beach.  We stayed in a very fun hostel called Hostel Vista Serena which had a great view and nice amenities.  We had our own private bungalow for only $17 a night plus wifi, free international calls, and breakfast included.  We had a lot of fun going to the beach, hanging out with monkeys, and eating really good food.

view from our bungalow

the group at the airplane restaurant for dinner

lots of iguanas too

my friends, Blaire and Nancy

overlook that we hiked to

there were some really friendly deer at the park too!

sunset from the hostel

Most nights we would hang out with our families and their relatives.  In Costa Rica, the extended families all live right next door to each other or in the same neighborhood.  It seemed like everyone was related.  There were lots of little kids to play with and there were older kids to play soccer and basketball with as well.

JP playing some night soccer with the neighborhood guys and our brothers

Blaire playing with our cousins

The next few photos are from some fun classes we got to do during the weeks while we were at ICLC. They showed us some Costa Rican games (jump rope, marbles, etc.) and then on our graduation day we got to cut up fruit with our classes and make a big ensalada de frutas. 

jumping rope during class one day

~The End~

Caroline :)