Sandy Spring Friends School Costa Rica 2024
March 10, 2024
We woke up at 3:30 and went to the airport. We waited in many long lines but we eventually got through. Then our flight was delayed by two hours, but we made it safely to Costa Rica. We waited in a line for customs. Then we got on the bus and got good food for lunch. We made it to our villa, went in the pool, and looked at the amazing views. After that, we ate a delicious dinner and went to sleep.
By Uma R, Ayla S, and Nayima F.
March 11, 2024
When we woke up, we had a delicious breakfast of gallo pinto as a group. Then we loaded up the bus and made a 2.5 hour drive to Crisley Farm for the day. We had a hands on experience of the cheese making process and even got to try some! Afterwards, Mr Crisley told us about the history of his farm and family business in Spanish with Eduardo as translator. Finally, we got a tour of the farm and got to try, cocoa beans, star fruit, and sugarcane, before meeting some of the animals. Including day old piglets! Next we headed over to the forested area of the farm to learn about native species and sustainability. After leaving our new friends, we drove to the Heliconias Nature Lodge. We met new people in the on-site hot springs, and enjoyed having some down time after a long day. To end the day we had a dinner of spaghetti, with some reflection time and meaningful conversations with each other.
By: Maxine R, Eva D, Hurley, Kalen F
March 12, 2024
Today the group woke up and after having gallo pinto and eggs at the restaurant here at the wonderful hotel. We went to a community center to help out where we could. We had a lot of fun by painting a portion of the fence that surrounded the area while listening to great tunes. To reward us the trip leaders took us to a local convenience store to get delicious snacks. After we returned to the hotel we relaxed in the pool and hot springs. We ended the day with dinner and then dance lessons from our incredible trip guide Randall.
By Aidan B., Jack F. And Austin G.
March 13, 2024
After a scrumptious breakfast, with the scaled, reptilian squirrels of Costa Rica (iguanas), we headed back to the neighborhood El Barrio Invu to finish our paint job from the prior day. After we concluded our painting we scurried over to the nearby elementary school to meet some students. They called us gringos. All the students introduced themselves in English, in turn we introduced ourselves in Spanish. Eduardo discovered all the students were 9. We even showed them a picture of snow!! After the elementary school we had a yummy lunch then left to the animal sanctuary. While there we saw many animals! We saw the multicolored, winged vertebrates of costa rica (parrots and macaws 🦜 ). We also saw angry monkeys and raccoon like animals. We then were honored with the experience of making the animals meals. The animals had to work their meals by getting the food out of toys, this ensured the animals would not be thieves and steal each others food. After feeding the animals we headed back to our tropical abode and relaxed in the pool and hot springs. We ended the day with a dinner of fajitas. After dinner we played an extreme game of uno by the pool. We then said buenas noches and shut our eyes for rest.
By Nick C. & Kalen F.
March 14, 2024
After a final breakfast at Heliconias Lodge, we loaded up the bus and headed to Two Little Monkeys Artisanal Chocolate Factory where we ground the cocoa nibs and made hot chocolate drinks out of them. We also made our own chocolate using molds and juiced the sugarcane. We hopped back in the bus for a scenic drive to our next destination which was eating lunch and buying souvenirs. Over the remainder of the drive, we saw a beautiful rainbow and many scarlet macaws. Finally, we arrived at our third hotel of the week. Many of us cooled down in the pool before heading to dinner and participated in family feud. After dinner we put back on our swim trunks and hung out until lights out by playing tag and moss.
By Mense H., Maxine R., Julia M, Austin G., Aidan B., Eva D.
March 15, 20224
After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we traveled to the beach (a National Park). Many members of the group showed tremendous bravery by taking a risk and learning how to surf. 🏄♀️ Many managed to surf on the treacherous white water 🌊 and obtained photographic proof of their success. Then to avoid the sun ☀️ at the most direct part of the day, we chose as a group to stay at the hotel for the afternoon and everyone decompressed how they felt fit.
Jj C., Nayima F., Abagail B,, and Ayla S.
