Wednesday, July 9

To start Day Three officially, midnight on Wednesday July 9^th was met with a thunderous welcome that kept many of us appreciating that we were dry and, of course, warm in our beds. The storm seemed to persist consistently throughout the night, leaving just in time for a beautiful sunny morning. Alerting us to the beginning of the day was the sound of Howler monkeys; a unique and unforgettable experience. After a deliciously-prepared breakfast of pancakes, Costa Rican cheese and pineapple, the group decided that setting out on a morning hike may be our best option to avoid the downpour we had merely heard the evening prior.

We were, however, treated to an authentic Costa Rican experience after all. Moments after beginning our nature walk into the rainforest, the sky opened up and again the rain fell. Just when you thought it impossible to become more voluminous, the rain flowed heavier. Although given the option to turn around, each member of the group was resolved to embrace this experience and we continued along the path for a few miles into the brush. Although the animals we were hoping to see were more rain-averse than we, the resilience and positivity of the group resulted in a truly wonderful and memorable experience.

After returning from the hike, five of us chose to further embrace this thoroughly soaked state (the rain did not let up for the duration of the 2 hour hike!) with a “swim” in the ocean. Swim in quotations as we were warned, and quickly experienced for ourselves, the waves and significant under toe does not allow for one to be comfortable venturing in much further than knee height. Refreshed and marginally more dry, the group was treated to another amazing meal prepared by the Pacuare Turtle Reserve cooks. Plantains, prepared in their various forms, remains a fan favourite.

The afternoon consisted of some time to reflect prior to a information session from two of the marine scientists, Martha and Marga of Spain. These two fabulous women have recently created an NGO, Nature Oceans of the Americas (www.noaoceans.org) aimed at educating youth on the conservation of turtles, whales, dolphins and choral reefs. We were all quite enthusiastic about the prospects of returning with our own students one day to participate in their programs. After this, Jennifer led an excellent discussion on our vision of a “Global Graduate” – what are the key components for students to discuss, think, experience, share, value and understand when our goal is creating globally aware and responsive citizens. The image of our collective ideas is shared here. This learning experience again solidified what an exceptional passionate and engaged group has come together for this Costa Rican experience.

Our “dinner discussion” shed light on the person that each one of us has come to identify as a “change maker” in our life, in terms of altering our global perspectives and ideologies. It is always interesting to hear these stories and the variety of influences each one of us has experienced, highlighting the ways in which we may have opportunities to be just that person for one of our own students or significant young adults in our lives.

Finally, the day ended somewhat more dramatically for two of the group than it had for others. While many of us opted to read, write, or otherwise stay dry, two brave souls opted to participate in another 8-11pm Turtle Patrol which began during yet another downpour. As the waves crashed high onto the beach, not only did our adventurous group mates have to dodge being sucked into the ocean, the once safe turtle nursery needed much attention to avoid a disastrous loss of their nests (see picture of sandbags preventing the flood). Trudging through the forest, dodging large and varied insects, and admiring poisonous frogs, these two definitely earning bragging rites upon their safe return.