Day 2-3: San Carlos, Sarchí, and Río Frío
Day 2 kicked off with a delicious Costa Rican breakfast featuring the famous gallo pinto alongside fresh mangoes, a variety of other fruits, refreshing juices, and aromatic coffee. Energized and ready for adventure, we embarked on a bus tour of San Jose guided by Berny and Herson, with Miguel and Fernando expertly navigating the roads. Amidst Easter festivities, we marveled at the stunning churches and rich historical architecture dotting the city.
Our journey then led us to Sarchí, where we delved into the vibrant tradition of Sarchí art with a private painting lesson led by Guillermo, a skilled ox cart painter and musician. Immersed in his family's expertise, we learned the intricate techniques behind these iconic pieces, each painting serving as a cherished souvenir of our experience. Exploring the art studio's gift shop, we discovered and admired an array of artisan crafts, adding to the memories we'd take home.
Basking in sunny, temperate weather, we ventured to a fábrica crafting ox carts, indulging in an authentic Easter dish of caramelized spaghetti squash empanadas. Our lunch at a local "soda" offered not only a culinary delight but also breathtaking views of roaming animals and picturesque mountains, with students savoring the beloved cajeta and stocking up for later.Continuing our journey to San Carlos, we reveled in an unobstructed view of the majestic Arenal Volcano before retiring to our accommodations. Nestled amidst nature's splendor, our hotels boasted pools, diverse breakfast options, and a symphony of natural sounds.
As the day drew to a close, we embraced a hands-on Spanish cooking lesson at a sustainable farm, showcasing the region's bountiful produce. From savory tortillas and yucca to succulent chicken and rice, our meal was a true celebration of local flavors, culminating in a delightful coconut dessert.With hearts and bellies full, we eagerly anticipate what tomorrow's adventures will bring, cherishing the memories made on this unforgettable day.
Already on day 3 and brimming with excitement for more adventures! Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the hotel, complete with cafe con leche that fueled us for the day ahead. Boarding the bus, we embarked on a nature boat exploration that promised rare species encounters.
As we navigated the Río Frío, students eagerly identified the incredible animals they had researched, from sloths to kingfishers, herons to basilisks (yes, lizards that run on water!), and capuchin monkeys to howler monkeys. Dr. Niese, with his expert knowledge, enriched our journey with fascinating insights into the diverse birdlife. Every moment had us captivated, especially when our captain pointed out iguanas and caimans, sharing intriguing facts along the way.
Following the exhilarating boat ride, we indulged in a homemade meal of rice and beans accompanied by refreshing iced tea and fresh fruit. Energized, we explored a Costa Rican supermarket, practicing our Spanish as we selected drinks and snacks, culminating in a delightful pitaya ice cream treat on Iguana Bridge, where we encountered even more of these fascinating creatures.
Our next stop was a local school, where cultural exchange took center stage. Witnessing traditional dance performances by the students themselves and engaging in games and conversations with the students provided invaluable insights into their academic journey and daily lives.But the day's highlight awaited us at Parque Acuático Baldi, the world's largest natural thermal spring. Here, students delighted in exploring multiple pools, natural saunas, and thrilling water slides, while enjoying refreshing juices and snacks.
After a quick rinse, we savored a dinner at an elegant resort, indulging in a buffet featuring Costa Rican cuisine alongside international favorites and decadent desserts. The celebration continued as we wished Talbott a very happy birthday in Spanish, returning to the hotel full of anticipation for tomorrow's adventures.
