Day Four: Arenal

                Costa Rica: “Rich Coast”. Wheither this name was created for the land, the produce, the thought of gold, or the people themselves, the name holds true. I am continually being amazed by both the land and the people. The land has this ability to want to accept the people and works to be the most productive it can manage. Everything is so rich here. The people… their entire way of life has changed to conserve and preserve their home. I have never thought a society could accept new ways of thought so easily. They accept what they have to do to undo their ways and work nonstop to make up for their past. They have taken the forest under their wings. Not only are they environmentally aware, but they are also friendly. As we drove today, I passed by countless costa Ricans who waved at me, smiled, yelled, and blew kisses at our bus. They are so welcoming and sweet. Woke up bright and early to go on a road trip to Earth University. We packed our bags, boarded the boats, and were on our way. Somewhere along the way, I have lost my ipod touch and my earrings… Im not a happy camper right now. But, after a long bus ride, during which I dozed off multiple times, we arrived at earth university.

 Earth university is a really impressive place. There are 400 hundred students over a massive campus. 100 students are accepted every year from all over latin American and Africa. All applications are given a fair chance, and the school gives out 50 free rides, 25 scholarships that are nearly all inclusive, and 25 that have very little financial aid. The students have a project as a final where they have to create a product to sell. If the product fails, the school takes the losses, if the product does well, the student collects the money. The school is run off of aid by Kellog and other aids. It’s such a beautiful place. Our guide, a man from Kenya who is a sophomore, showed us the gardens. The gardens showcase multiple options to battle agricultural problems. Ill post pictures later showing each. Some of them are brilliant… and beware mom and dad, I may try to start planting when I get home. I wish I knew if they had the info to do some of the activities on their website.

                We ate a fresh lunch at the cafeteria and then headed to the school store, where I picked up a few presents, and a sticker for my guitar case. From there, we boarded the bus and took a four hour bus ride to sarapiqui, where we arrived after dark. The hotel… is gorgeous. I am so completely in love with this place. The rooms are each in a cabin, and the cabin has a wall of windows, airconditioning, three beds, table, a working bathroom and lights everywhere. Not to mention a pool, Jacuzzi, and a spa with rates that are so decent that im seriously debating a massage and a manicure tomorrow night. Even for Vienna, the rates are cheap. The only downside is that the wifi is HORRIBLE. But the rest of this.. this… this is paradise.
I am so pleased to be a part of this trip and so exstatic about everything today. It’s a very good day.

Oh, and to retrace my thoughts for a moment, on the busride here, we passed through many towns. The people of costa rica are fantastic.

Pura Vida!!