Day Six: Sarapiqui

Wwll. it was the last day in our gorgeous hotels in Arenal. We even got a glimpse of the summit of the volcano! But in the time it took me to grab my camera, it dissappeared behind the clouds. Oh well. We packed up, headed out, and got ready to go on a day of shopping. We drove for a while before reaching some shops, in which the most beautiful handcrafted goods were found. We even managed to learn about sarapiqui more, thanks to the amazing Jimmy. Jimmy told us how Sarapiqui is known for their ox carts. Ox carts are the symbol of labor in Costa Rica. It used to be that the people of Sarapiqui would drive the ladies to sunday mass every sunday in thier carts. They would decorate the carts with the flowers of the region , exspecially the purple orchid, which is the flower of Costa Rica. This happened for many generations until someone had the idea to paint the carts. Once this happened, the carts became ornately decorated all over the region. To this day, the oxen cart factory of Sarapiqui stands, and we had the fortune to tour it.
The desgins on the carts are so perfect, its unbelievable, and so bright! The entire factory was run by a water wheel.
after more stops for shopping and such, we went to visit the coffee plantation. Our group from fairfax  county also is being interviewed by The Weather Channel for a special that will air monday morning. Two people (nina from my room and sarah) were interviewed. The coffee plantation was run by a tour staff that really interacted well with us, the audiance. We were even allowed to taste test coffee like professionals, and i have to say, i think i will now become a coffee snob. Starbucks really is horrible. sorry guys. and Britt coffee really does everything they can to keep the coffee all natural. I bought my moms friend some coffee (hi Ellen!), and myself a cold drink. 
there isn't much else to report about the day as it was spent mostly traveling and shopping. Jimmy told us stories on the bus, and i have to say, listening to jimmy tell stories makes me autotmatically want to curl up in front of him like im 3 and listen. he really enwraps us with his stories. It's so refreshing on a long drive.
When we got to the hotel last night, we sat down to dinner with other EF groups. And im in love. The groups here are the sweetest and so kind.
Pura Vida!