Thursday, July 10

This morning began with last looks at our home of the past few days – taking some pictures, beachfront yoga and purchasing a few mementos from the store (la tienda).  Just before breakfast, we were alerted to some possible transportation challenges due to the rainfall from Wednesday.  We were crossing our fingers that the rain would hold off long enough to ensure a dry boat ride back to meet Chino, our driver from Chilamate.  After a tasty breakfast of gallo pinto, eggs and mango, we said our thank yous and goodbyes to our gracious and inspiring hosts and headed (barefoot) to the waiting boat.  

With Marga and Marta, turtle researchers in Pacuare

Chino, our bus driver

Our captains made sure that we spotted a mother crocodile and several of her tiny babies.  They also slowed the boat to help us spot some iguanas sunning themselves in a tree.  The rains of the day before had flooded the canals and neighboring lands to a noticeable degree – so much so that the dock we left from was no longer visible.  We were excited to see Chino with the bus and even more grateful to have arrived with dry bags!

Rain continued on our route to Chilamate, but luckily enough, cleared again just as we arrived to the Chilamate area – allowing us to see the landscape, unload our bags and get settled without the threat of rain.  Lunch of empanadas was waiting for us – the food we are eating continues to be a highlight!  The staff of the lodge welcomed us with warmth and generosity.  After lunch, we had a little downtime to explore the property.  

Chilamate is a unique and beautiful spot.  Many of us were lamenting leaving the ocean noises of Pacuare, and were pleased to find the soothing sounds of the Sarapiqui River waiting for us here.  The lodge feels luxurious as we have both electricity AND indoor plumbing.  The natural beauty of Costa Rica is around every corner.  The mission of the eco-lodge is noticeable all over the property – from reminders in the bathroom to charming, hand-painted signage identifying recycling containers or the solar energy system.  Both Pacuare and Chilamate make one think about necessity and waste in a new way.

By chance, several of us had the opportunity to meet our homestay moms.  It was touching to see how excited they were to greet us.  We are now even more thrilled to meet the rest of the family on Sunday. 

We reconvened to have a discussion around group processes and frameworks of teaching for global competencies.  We chatted about strengths and weaknesses of each model and how we could see them at our schools.  After dinner (tilapia and lentil soup), we each shared a personal story of a time when we failed to understand someone else’s perspective.  It was a thought-provoking conversation about how important perspectives are in achieving global competencies.  After wrapping up the “official” discussion, many of us continued to talk about our school experiences over the most delicious coffee we have tasted yet.  We all headed to bed excited about the adventures waiting for in the coming days!