I don't want to go home. I'm not ready. But the airport made me truly never want to return to Costa Rica. Couldn't check into my flight until almost noon even after one of the security guards told us 11am was when check in would start. I swear, all they did was change the JetBlue signs to US Airways, and all the JetBlue workers changed their shirts to US Airways shirts, and then they came out to check all of us in! I will never fly US Airways again; it was a pain in the ass, and I was trying to stay as calm as possible. You all know what a high patience level I have! :) It really took every ounce of me to not become an ugly American. I kept telling myself that this is a different place. It didn't help that the woman on my flight from the group was complaining about everyone. (Kelly, you know who it is. And Edwin, if you're reading this, please ignore all I just wrote. I know if you had been there, there would have been no problems!) I was NOT going to let this experience at the airport ruin my opinion of this wonderful country. If, no WHEN I go back, I guess I'll just have to stay!
Costa Rica has been such a treat! Paulo came over to the hotel this morning to do some work stuff, so we got to see him again. I'm going to miss a lot of people from this trip! I had a lot of fun with Susie and Karla; I'm going to get Susie to catch the travel bug yet! I feel as though Kelly is a kindred spirit (a girl who knows how to flip the bird!)...traveling and such. Kathryn has been so patient with everyone, and we have our theme song! Lesley and Angie are a blast! And, of course, Edwin. He has been the best guide of his homeland. I've told him he has an open invite to Chicago anytime; I hope I can be half the host he was to me. I've learned so much from Edwin about the country and how important it is to do something you're passionate about, and I had a good time doing it (though most of you know I'll make fun where there isn't any). He was fantastic. I'll take any tour he does!
And that's it! In a few hours, I'll be able to sleep in my own bed...I am looking forward to that! I haven't gotten a full night's sleep in over a month!!! One day I'll learn how to sleep in strange places. For now, though, I'm dreaming of where I can go next...suggestions??
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Last day of activities
Day 9 of our trip was essentially our last day! Tomorrow we are shuttled to the airport to go home.
We used today to see Carara National Park, which is on of the most important nesting places of the scarlet macaw and white faced monkeys! We listened to Roy Arroyo, one the naturalists from the park, who truly had to have done a lot of pot in the 60's! He started by talking about the birds and explaining how they live in pairs and mate for life, and if one dies, the other becomes a widow! This was fine! Then he started talking about how the macaws have a great capacity for love and new that love, just like humans. If we don't have love, we're upset and Ticos (if we hadn't noticed) are capable of a lot of love, and when you love, the boundaries of personal space become fuzzy and, WHEW! It was hilarious especially when Susie and I started communicating with things like "where is the love?" and "can you feel the love tonight?". Thankfully when Kelly sensed an opening to get us out of there, we jumped. Edwin was waiting to take us on a hike to look for macaws and the elusive white faced monkeys!!
I love these hikes; I don't think we took enough of them, but the humidity in the rainforest is crazy!! You are just wet from the time you begin until the time (if you're lucky) you return to some air conditioning! Drenched! I drank over a liter of water, and sweat it out during the 3 or 4 mile hike. I kept looking for a snake: I really wanted to know how I'd react if I saw a snake in the wild! No luck!
BUT: we did see a family of white faced monkeys!! Edwin had said he'd sent then an email and sure enough they responded!! They weren't too far overhead, and it was amazing to see!
After that excitement had ended, we started the journey back to San Jose, where we'd be having dinner and saying our farewells! I thoroughly enjoyed driving through all the suburbs and the city of the central valley by San jose. It's so interesting to see how different places are laid out. In Costa Rica, everything is done by road-no trains. It's sad they don't have trains because it would be more environmentally sound than all the vehicles on the road. I sat up by Edwin and asked all sort of annoying questions about the urban system that he couldn't always answer because he's a farmboy and treehugger! (I mean those in the nicest, fondest kind of way!)
We were late returning to the hotel and only had about a half hour to get ready. Susie and I did tag team showers and were ready in record-time (even Susie!!). Edwin had found us a restaurant on the top of the mountains to look down on the central valley. The view from this restaurant was outstanding and it was actually cool at the restaurant! It was one of the first times I didn't feel like I was drenched!! We got to see a cultural dance show and then danced till it was time to go. We got a great group picture with the city in the background; the rainforest was nice, but nothing compares to the lights of the city! We had to start saying our farewells!!
We used today to see Carara National Park, which is on of the most important nesting places of the scarlet macaw and white faced monkeys! We listened to Roy Arroyo, one the naturalists from the park, who truly had to have done a lot of pot in the 60's! He started by talking about the birds and explaining how they live in pairs and mate for life, and if one dies, the other becomes a widow! This was fine! Then he started talking about how the macaws have a great capacity for love and new that love, just like humans. If we don't have love, we're upset and Ticos (if we hadn't noticed) are capable of a lot of love, and when you love, the boundaries of personal space become fuzzy and, WHEW! It was hilarious especially when Susie and I started communicating with things like "where is the love?" and "can you feel the love tonight?". Thankfully when Kelly sensed an opening to get us out of there, we jumped. Edwin was waiting to take us on a hike to look for macaws and the elusive white faced monkeys!!
I love these hikes; I don't think we took enough of them, but the humidity in the rainforest is crazy!! You are just wet from the time you begin until the time (if you're lucky) you return to some air conditioning! Drenched! I drank over a liter of water, and sweat it out during the 3 or 4 mile hike. I kept looking for a snake: I really wanted to know how I'd react if I saw a snake in the wild! No luck!
BUT: we did see a family of white faced monkeys!! Edwin had said he'd sent then an email and sure enough they responded!! They weren't too far overhead, and it was amazing to see!
After that excitement had ended, we started the journey back to San Jose, where we'd be having dinner and saying our farewells! I thoroughly enjoyed driving through all the suburbs and the city of the central valley by San jose. It's so interesting to see how different places are laid out. In Costa Rica, everything is done by road-no trains. It's sad they don't have trains because it would be more environmentally sound than all the vehicles on the road. I sat up by Edwin and asked all sort of annoying questions about the urban system that he couldn't always answer because he's a farmboy and treehugger! (I mean those in the nicest, fondest kind of way!)
We were late returning to the hotel and only had about a half hour to get ready. Susie and I did tag team showers and were ready in record-time (even Susie!!). Edwin had found us a restaurant on the top of the mountains to look down on the central valley. The view from this restaurant was outstanding and it was actually cool at the restaurant! It was one of the first times I didn't feel like I was drenched!! We got to see a cultural dance show and then danced till it was time to go. We got a great group picture with the city in the background; the rainforest was nice, but nothing compares to the lights of the city! We had to start saying our farewells!!
Day 8- Brady Barr and crocs
After the debacle with the outrigger last night, we had a large reflection session with Kelly and Marilyn about the trip so far. Once it was over, of course I wanted to socialize a bit with the others, so I convinced Kathryn (from OK) to come for a drink. Everyone else seemed to be recovering from the shipwrecking disaster and motion sickness from all the driving. Kathryn and I convinced Edwin, Didier,(our driver), and Kelly to have a drink with us. This bar was definitely different than Selva Verde...I bought the first round and tried to be an imperial and a red wine. The guy gave me a Bavaria and a white wine (it's actually funny because I asked him 3 times for red, "rojo" and I still got the wrong drink!! I miss the nice bartenders from Selva Verde! They knew us and knew our drinks! I had a good time with them until the bar closed and we had to clear out!
We all wanted Sunday to be a nice easy day after the craziness, but we didn't know how the day would go. We were going to meet Brady Barr, from National Geographic, and see some crocodiles! It was a drive from our hotel to get to the croc station on the river.
Brady Barr gave a good speech about crocs which was very informative and not too long. He joked about biodiversity, which we have heard lectures about the whole time we've been here, but then he proceeded to tell stories about crocs and the misconceptions a lot of humans have!! Afterwards, his partner spoke, Juan Bellanos, about the crocs in Costa Rica, and then we for to hear from two teachers that are part of a headstart program for crocs. They have their students raise hatchlings and then release then into the wild after about a year! You can do this with any species! I really wish I was teaching bio this year because I would make my students do something like that. We even got to meet some of the students! It as great and Brady told us that their funding and the grant that they had was gone, so they were working for free!
Once that was over, they brought in some baby crocs and caimans. We even got to hold them!! I chatted with the teachers from the program and the last thing I held was a baby croc! It started squirming, then peed all over me!! Gross!
Then came the highlight: Brady and Juan were going to catch one of the full sized crocs they have in captivity to show us how they do it! We were in the pen where there were 5 large crocs, all serving life in prison because they were a danger to humans and crocs alike!! They got one, restrained its jaw, then Kathryn and Jake were sitting on it to restrain it!!! It was crazy. Then they asked if we wanted to sex it, figure out the gender! Almost everyone went and pushed their finger in this hole and if you could feel the penis, it was a male! Kinda exciting!!
I have a ton of little videos from the croc catching! Once it was done, we ate lunch, and then headed out. We were going on a croc sightseeing tour on the Rio Tarcoles! It was going to be a nice covered boat where we wouldn't have to do any sort of paddling or kayaking.
The croc boat was fun, but you need a lot of patience. We didn't just look for crocs, but for birds as well. According to our birding experts, ("Birding is not a hobby; it's an art form!") we saw almost 40 species of birds on the river! Saw only a couple of crocs, but one was right next to my seat on the boat and it got a little close for comfort!! We went through a mangrove forest as well. I was astounded at the parts of the river where there was so much trash on the banks or floating. It disturbed me that people know how important this place is and they don't keep it cleaner! I talked to Edwin about it, and he said they don't have good enough sanitation laws. So sad because I'm sure the sewage is killing a lot of things in that river!
But I digress! The birds were amazing to see, but my head was starting to ache from straining to see any sort of lifeform in a sea of green trees!!
Edwin had a surprise for us layer that night: we were going to dinner at a restaurant by the ocean! We got all cleaned up (I had to wash croc pee off of me) and then went! You could hear the ocean, but not see it because it was so dark! Our dinner was all seafood!! I thought of Kerry. I'm not crazy about seafood, but I tried it. Had some squid, fried fish, lobster...I think it's the texture I don't care for!
After dinner we had our last reflection session about the entire program! Marilyn from NSTA has convinced me to become a member of the International committee. I, of course, agreed. We discussed our goals (I had none) and how the tour went! It was a good chat.
It was our last night at villa llapas and we wanted to celebrate, but the bar was closed! Can you believe it? So we drank our own liquor in the reception area! Had a long night I chatting and Jake, Edwin, and I closed down the place after 1:30am!!
We all wanted Sunday to be a nice easy day after the craziness, but we didn't know how the day would go. We were going to meet Brady Barr, from National Geographic, and see some crocodiles! It was a drive from our hotel to get to the croc station on the river.
Brady Barr gave a good speech about crocs which was very informative and not too long. He joked about biodiversity, which we have heard lectures about the whole time we've been here, but then he proceeded to tell stories about crocs and the misconceptions a lot of humans have!! Afterwards, his partner spoke, Juan Bellanos, about the crocs in Costa Rica, and then we for to hear from two teachers that are part of a headstart program for crocs. They have their students raise hatchlings and then release then into the wild after about a year! You can do this with any species! I really wish I was teaching bio this year because I would make my students do something like that. We even got to meet some of the students! It as great and Brady told us that their funding and the grant that they had was gone, so they were working for free!
Once that was over, they brought in some baby crocs and caimans. We even got to hold them!! I chatted with the teachers from the program and the last thing I held was a baby croc! It started squirming, then peed all over me!! Gross!
Then came the highlight: Brady and Juan were going to catch one of the full sized crocs they have in captivity to show us how they do it! We were in the pen where there were 5 large crocs, all serving life in prison because they were a danger to humans and crocs alike!! They got one, restrained its jaw, then Kathryn and Jake were sitting on it to restrain it!!! It was crazy. Then they asked if we wanted to sex it, figure out the gender! Almost everyone went and pushed their finger in this hole and if you could feel the penis, it was a male! Kinda exciting!!
I have a ton of little videos from the croc catching! Once it was done, we ate lunch, and then headed out. We were going on a croc sightseeing tour on the Rio Tarcoles! It was going to be a nice covered boat where we wouldn't have to do any sort of paddling or kayaking.
The croc boat was fun, but you need a lot of patience. We didn't just look for crocs, but for birds as well. According to our birding experts, ("Birding is not a hobby; it's an art form!") we saw almost 40 species of birds on the river! Saw only a couple of crocs, but one was right next to my seat on the boat and it got a little close for comfort!! We went through a mangrove forest as well. I was astounded at the parts of the river where there was so much trash on the banks or floating. It disturbed me that people know how important this place is and they don't keep it cleaner! I talked to Edwin about it, and he said they don't have good enough sanitation laws. So sad because I'm sure the sewage is killing a lot of things in that river!
But I digress! The birds were amazing to see, but my head was starting to ache from straining to see any sort of lifeform in a sea of green trees!!
Edwin had a surprise for us layer that night: we were going to dinner at a restaurant by the ocean! We got all cleaned up (I had to wash croc pee off of me) and then went! You could hear the ocean, but not see it because it was so dark! Our dinner was all seafood!! I thought of Kerry. I'm not crazy about seafood, but I tried it. Had some squid, fried fish, lobster...I think it's the texture I don't care for!
After dinner we had our last reflection session about the entire program! Marilyn from NSTA has convinced me to become a member of the International committee. I, of course, agreed. We discussed our goals (I had none) and how the tour went! It was a good chat.
It was our last night at villa llapas and we wanted to celebrate, but the bar was closed! Can you believe it? So we drank our own liquor in the reception area! Had a long night I chatting and Jake, Edwin, and I closed down the place after 1:30am!!
Monday, July 27, 2009
Shipwrecked
It was a four hour drive from selve verde to puntarenas and we began our journey early this morning. Thankfully I slept most of the way, even though Edwin was chattering most of the way!! He had promised he would keep quiet on the long trip! This did not happen. Every time he spoke louder, I turned up the volume on my iPod. I'm sure he was talking about the great biodiversity (we've heard tons of lectures on the topic), but I couldn't have cared at this point.
We got to our new hotel called villa llapas which means "macaw" in Spanish. The macaws are these huge birds that are endangered here in costa rica. This part of the trip was way close to the beach on the pacific side.
Our new digs weren't as nice as as selve verde. After lunch, we got our rooms and had to change for our outriggers adventure. We were going to kayak out into the bay looking for birds and other wildlife. Our room was okay,(it actually had air conditioning in this humid jungle!) but of course as soon as susie went into the bathroom, we found a large spider in our shower!! I turned on the water to flush it down the drain!!
All our clothes are wet from perspiring in the humidity, and I swear nothing dries here!!
We got ready for our adventure and after a short drive, we arrived. We were going to take 2 kayaks because there were 14 of us. We went through the safety instructions an signed our lives away (yet again) and got ready to go. We saw the scarlet macaw as we were walking down to the water. A very big honor...Edwin ordered them just for us!! :)
We went through the paddling lesson and then split into groups. The first guide said "who are all the strong ones?" and you should have seen all of us spring into action!! Me, susie, karla, jake, lesley, angie, and Kelly our leader. That left the other group a little more "experienced" than us.
We took to the water first and had a very successful transition from land to water. It was very pleasant on the water. A little cooler than when we'd been hiking in the rainforest. During outrigging, you have to work to paddle together, which we did with Kelly leading the way.
So our group sort of thought it was a competition to get to the beach, so we didn't want to let the other group catch up to us. I guess the more experienced guide was in their boat and he wanted to take his group in first. We sat out on the open sea looking for birds and sharks and whatever else while they landed. They got everybody onto dry land and then it was our turn!! By the way, did I mention that the waves were about 10 feet high?? Our guide had to gauge how large he thought the wave would be and then tell us to paddle harder.
He finally found something he liked and we started in to the shore. As we got closer to the shore, our guide must have realized that he sorely misjudged the water and he started shouting "Paddle harder!" Now...what does that mean? Faster? Deeper? There was some miscommunication happening. As we approached the shore, the other guides who had already landed were helping us steer it in. The front of the boat where Kelly, Lesley, and I were filled with some water by our feet. What we didn't know was that a huge wave had come up behind us, taking out half our crew while they tried to get the boat on shore. Susie and Karla banged into the seats in front of then, bruising shins. Jake tried to help the guys push in the kayak, only to be knocked down by another wave. Flip-flops and sandals were flying in the water while the guides were frantically trying to get all of us out of the water. We did and then we watched as they tried to get the boat in. It was a sight!! These guys were fighting the ocean and the ocean was winning. We wanted to help, but couldn't do much, and waves kept crashing into the boat. One of the wooden seats went flying and was washed ashore. The whole front of the boat was missing it's top so it was filling with water. At one point the boat flipped over and as the guides tried to push it to shore, it filled with sand, making it even heavier!! Some of the wood cracked as they were pushing it. We lost the outriggers which are there to help the boat balance. Finally, they got it far enough from the water so we could all start bailing water and sand from it. Once we'd bailed enough out, we could push it further inland.
Now that it was inland, the guides went to work to are if it was going to be seaworthy to get us back to Edwin. The guides' boss came to the beach with some kayakers and he discussed with them what was going to happen! In the meantime, we all had some fruit!! They provided us with pineapple and watermelon, perhaps trying to lull us into a sense of calm before telling us that our boat wasn't going to be going back on the water! Should we be rationing out fruit??
It was decided that the first group that landed should take the seaworthy outrigger and go to the closest beach. Then two guides would bring it back for us and we would row ourselves from the deserted beach. They came back and got us and we paddled ourselves to safety; this time the landing went much mrore smoothly and Edwin was there to welcome us!!
It was really funny talking afterward and getting Edwin's side of the story. Edwin is one of the most caring people ever and he wants everyone to have a great time, so we knew that he would freak out when he heard about the dilemma. He said the boss of the outrigging place called him and said, "Dont panic; everyone is fine. We've had a slight problem with one of the outriggers!". Edwin jumped into action, got permission for us to get picked up on a private resort, and get us home to safety!!
Whew! What a day! We returned to the hotel and showered for dinner, sharing all our different perspectives of the catastrophe.
We got to our new hotel called villa llapas which means "macaw" in Spanish. The macaws are these huge birds that are endangered here in costa rica. This part of the trip was way close to the beach on the pacific side.
Our new digs weren't as nice as as selve verde. After lunch, we got our rooms and had to change for our outriggers adventure. We were going to kayak out into the bay looking for birds and other wildlife. Our room was okay,(it actually had air conditioning in this humid jungle!) but of course as soon as susie went into the bathroom, we found a large spider in our shower!! I turned on the water to flush it down the drain!!
All our clothes are wet from perspiring in the humidity, and I swear nothing dries here!!
We got ready for our adventure and after a short drive, we arrived. We were going to take 2 kayaks because there were 14 of us. We went through the safety instructions an signed our lives away (yet again) and got ready to go. We saw the scarlet macaw as we were walking down to the water. A very big honor...Edwin ordered them just for us!! :)
We went through the paddling lesson and then split into groups. The first guide said "who are all the strong ones?" and you should have seen all of us spring into action!! Me, susie, karla, jake, lesley, angie, and Kelly our leader. That left the other group a little more "experienced" than us.
We took to the water first and had a very successful transition from land to water. It was very pleasant on the water. A little cooler than when we'd been hiking in the rainforest. During outrigging, you have to work to paddle together, which we did with Kelly leading the way.
So our group sort of thought it was a competition to get to the beach, so we didn't want to let the other group catch up to us. I guess the more experienced guide was in their boat and he wanted to take his group in first. We sat out on the open sea looking for birds and sharks and whatever else while they landed. They got everybody onto dry land and then it was our turn!! By the way, did I mention that the waves were about 10 feet high?? Our guide had to gauge how large he thought the wave would be and then tell us to paddle harder.
He finally found something he liked and we started in to the shore. As we got closer to the shore, our guide must have realized that he sorely misjudged the water and he started shouting "Paddle harder!" Now...what does that mean? Faster? Deeper? There was some miscommunication happening. As we approached the shore, the other guides who had already landed were helping us steer it in. The front of the boat where Kelly, Lesley, and I were filled with some water by our feet. What we didn't know was that a huge wave had come up behind us, taking out half our crew while they tried to get the boat on shore. Susie and Karla banged into the seats in front of then, bruising shins. Jake tried to help the guys push in the kayak, only to be knocked down by another wave. Flip-flops and sandals were flying in the water while the guides were frantically trying to get all of us out of the water. We did and then we watched as they tried to get the boat in. It was a sight!! These guys were fighting the ocean and the ocean was winning. We wanted to help, but couldn't do much, and waves kept crashing into the boat. One of the wooden seats went flying and was washed ashore. The whole front of the boat was missing it's top so it was filling with water. At one point the boat flipped over and as the guides tried to push it to shore, it filled with sand, making it even heavier!! Some of the wood cracked as they were pushing it. We lost the outriggers which are there to help the boat balance. Finally, they got it far enough from the water so we could all start bailing water and sand from it. Once we'd bailed enough out, we could push it further inland.
Now that it was inland, the guides went to work to are if it was going to be seaworthy to get us back to Edwin. The guides' boss came to the beach with some kayakers and he discussed with them what was going to happen! In the meantime, we all had some fruit!! They provided us with pineapple and watermelon, perhaps trying to lull us into a sense of calm before telling us that our boat wasn't going to be going back on the water! Should we be rationing out fruit??
It was decided that the first group that landed should take the seaworthy outrigger and go to the closest beach. Then two guides would bring it back for us and we would row ourselves from the deserted beach. They came back and got us and we paddled ourselves to safety; this time the landing went much mrore smoothly and Edwin was there to welcome us!!
It was really funny talking afterward and getting Edwin's side of the story. Edwin is one of the most caring people ever and he wants everyone to have a great time, so we knew that he would freak out when he heard about the dilemma. He said the boss of the outrigging place called him and said, "Dont panic; everyone is fine. We've had a slight problem with one of the outriggers!". Edwin jumped into action, got permission for us to get picked up on a private resort, and get us home to safety!!
Whew! What a day! We returned to the hotel and showered for dinner, sharing all our different perspectives of the catastrophe.
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Day 6- how do people sleep here?
Sleep is an still an elusive thing. Damn howlers!
This was our last day in Selve verde. I'm not sure if I'm happy or not. The humidity in this place is unreal. Nothing dries! You feel permanently damp!
We began today with a trip to Tirimbina Reserve and another hike into the rainforest. I'm kinds over it...I'm not gonna lie. It's very pretty, but I think our forests are just as nice. But that's the uniformity I like. Hey and guess what? It rained again! Not as bad as yesterday, but we were still walking in rain! Crazy! We saw the cocoa tree, and then, the highlight was learning and making some chocolate! It was interesting. We tried the cocoa bean in its raw form and it's extremely bitter. Then we learned how they're dried, peeled, mashed up, and then heated and melted. Added some vanilla and brown sugar. Tried chocolate with chili peppers in it! It was really good, but very hot...needed water afterward. It was delicious! Really interesting to see the stages of chocolate making.
We returned to the lodge for lunch and I attempted to nap while the others went to lunch. It didn't work real well. We met for our reflection of the tour so far. We've had a jam packed schedule! Not a lot of time for relaxation! The leaders want to know what everyone thinks because they want to know whether or not they can continue the program or not.
After our reflection, we saw and participated in conservation in action. We went with the learning center to plant a bunch of trees. On went the rubber boots, and the clothes we didn't care that would get dirty, and off to the farm we went! 115 trees had to be planted by us! Most were on the banks of the sarapiqui river to help combat erosion! So there we are: we've been told by every guide to stay on the path and be aware of snakes; here, we just marched right through the forest digging holes and planting trees, putting our hands down into the clay with reckless abandon! It was gross AND disturbing all at the same time!
When we finally finished planting, we went back to get cleaned up for our cookin class! We learned to make empanados and tortillas. It was a fun little demonstration. Then we went to dinner and went to our Latin dance class!! It was so much fun but hot!! There's very rarely ac here! We learned the merengue, salsa, and a costa rican dance called swing caculla (something like that)! It's very bouncy and energetic! I liked it!
We, of course, headed to the bar afterward (because that's how we roll) for a cold beer and it was desperately needed! Susie and I had teased Edwin that he hadn't showed us the real costa rica, so he agreed to take us to a local club! I was so excited to go dancing! A bunch of us went (most of the older crowd didnt come, but we did make karla come) including our bartender, Gerardo, who introduced me to the greatest drink ever: the guara sour! (Actually, Mau, the hot white water tour guide, told us to try it, but Gerardo made it). Guara is a costa rican spirit made from sugarcane. It's like candy! Can't drink too many and you'll be dancing on tables!! We had a blast at the club!! Now I feel like I've seen a bit more of the culture!! We have the best guide ever!
This was our last day in Selve verde. I'm not sure if I'm happy or not. The humidity in this place is unreal. Nothing dries! You feel permanently damp!
We began today with a trip to Tirimbina Reserve and another hike into the rainforest. I'm kinds over it...I'm not gonna lie. It's very pretty, but I think our forests are just as nice. But that's the uniformity I like. Hey and guess what? It rained again! Not as bad as yesterday, but we were still walking in rain! Crazy! We saw the cocoa tree, and then, the highlight was learning and making some chocolate! It was interesting. We tried the cocoa bean in its raw form and it's extremely bitter. Then we learned how they're dried, peeled, mashed up, and then heated and melted. Added some vanilla and brown sugar. Tried chocolate with chili peppers in it! It was really good, but very hot...needed water afterward. It was delicious! Really interesting to see the stages of chocolate making.
We returned to the lodge for lunch and I attempted to nap while the others went to lunch. It didn't work real well. We met for our reflection of the tour so far. We've had a jam packed schedule! Not a lot of time for relaxation! The leaders want to know what everyone thinks because they want to know whether or not they can continue the program or not.
After our reflection, we saw and participated in conservation in action. We went with the learning center to plant a bunch of trees. On went the rubber boots, and the clothes we didn't care that would get dirty, and off to the farm we went! 115 trees had to be planted by us! Most were on the banks of the sarapiqui river to help combat erosion! So there we are: we've been told by every guide to stay on the path and be aware of snakes; here, we just marched right through the forest digging holes and planting trees, putting our hands down into the clay with reckless abandon! It was gross AND disturbing all at the same time!
When we finally finished planting, we went back to get cleaned up for our cookin class! We learned to make empanados and tortillas. It was a fun little demonstration. Then we went to dinner and went to our Latin dance class!! It was so much fun but hot!! There's very rarely ac here! We learned the merengue, salsa, and a costa rican dance called swing caculla (something like that)! It's very bouncy and energetic! I liked it!
We, of course, headed to the bar afterward (because that's how we roll) for a cold beer and it was desperately needed! Susie and I had teased Edwin that he hadn't showed us the real costa rica, so he agreed to take us to a local club! I was so excited to go dancing! A bunch of us went (most of the older crowd didnt come, but we did make karla come) including our bartender, Gerardo, who introduced me to the greatest drink ever: the guara sour! (Actually, Mau, the hot white water tour guide, told us to try it, but Gerardo made it). Guara is a costa rican spirit made from sugarcane. It's like candy! Can't drink too many and you'll be dancing on tables!! We had a blast at the club!! Now I feel like I've seen a bit more of the culture!! We have the best guide ever!
Saturday, July 25, 2009
Day 5 & no sleep
I know people pay big bucks to get those machines that have the river rushing and crickets, etc. but I want one with sirens and maybe a train horn in the background!! I have slept horribly every night, and thanks to the howler monkeys (yes there is a reason for that name) I'm up all night and pretty early in the morning and everyone knows how pleasant I can be in the morning!!
But I digress. We went to the organization for tropical studies this morning at la selva. Had yet another lecture about the type of research they do on the rainforest which ran way too long, but then we took a walk through their rainforest and saw spider faced monkeys (did mention we saw a howler monkey the last day... They're all starting to run together). Lots of birds! And then it started downpouring! This is the wet season! We got drenched and had to head back to the station! I wish we could have gone further into the forest, but we had good reason for cutting it short...we were going ziplining and white water rafting!!
The ziplining was fun! Susie was worried at first about doing it, and so was karla, but they're troopers and did it. Supposedly it's a good way to see the rainforest, but you don't really see anything because you're too worried about watching the guides and knowing if you should break or keep going! I went first, and got stuck over the middle of the river!! The guide had to come out and pull me along like a monkey. Susie got stuck as well!! Once I got the hang of it, it was fun! Leslie and I got invited out for drinks by the guides (they were all young guys) at a local bar later in the evening. I said I'd go, but only if they were buying...and if edwin would come. That didn't happen.
Once the ziplining was over (and, I might add, I kicked Susie's ass on the last line...she insists she didn't know we were racing, but I think she was lying because she lost baaad!), we went to the sarapiqui river to go white water rafting. I was nervous especially when Mau, our guide, started telling us all the things that could go wrong!! (side note about Mau..gorgeous, sexy, hot...getting the idea? and he had to be in his upper 30s maybe 40. I couldn't take my eyes off him which made it hard to concentrate on what he was saying).
Again I digress...the rafting was the best thing we've done! It was hilarious because you have to paddle together and listen to the leaders commands which you know is hard for teachers, so it made for some interesting movements. You get soaked an once I realized I wasn't going to fall out of the boat (contrary to what Mau warned) I had a blast. There were 6 of us and it was the best part of the trip!
Once back at the lodge and dripping wet, we changed for dinner and bat misting at another reserve. This basically means we learned how they study and catch bats an got to see some live ones. I had a major problem with the bats. Not fear...more of a concern. I know we have to study them in order to learn more about them, but putting them in bags and yanking on their appendages is not some thing I like to view. The guide was telling us that they get stressed after a long time in confinement! Well, duh!! wasn't comfortable with it though I did touch one. Susie didn't initially touch one, but she finally did at the end.
I clearly needed a beer after the bats so, thankfully, the bar was still open, and got in a few drinks that night. Susie and I were up pretty late with Edwin our guide, and Didier, our driver. We had a good time!! Now if only I could put this good nature to use and get some good sleep!
But I digress. We went to the organization for tropical studies this morning at la selva. Had yet another lecture about the type of research they do on the rainforest which ran way too long, but then we took a walk through their rainforest and saw spider faced monkeys (did mention we saw a howler monkey the last day... They're all starting to run together). Lots of birds! And then it started downpouring! This is the wet season! We got drenched and had to head back to the station! I wish we could have gone further into the forest, but we had good reason for cutting it short...we were going ziplining and white water rafting!!
The ziplining was fun! Susie was worried at first about doing it, and so was karla, but they're troopers and did it. Supposedly it's a good way to see the rainforest, but you don't really see anything because you're too worried about watching the guides and knowing if you should break or keep going! I went first, and got stuck over the middle of the river!! The guide had to come out and pull me along like a monkey. Susie got stuck as well!! Once I got the hang of it, it was fun! Leslie and I got invited out for drinks by the guides (they were all young guys) at a local bar later in the evening. I said I'd go, but only if they were buying...and if edwin would come. That didn't happen.
Once the ziplining was over (and, I might add, I kicked Susie's ass on the last line...she insists she didn't know we were racing, but I think she was lying because she lost baaad!), we went to the sarapiqui river to go white water rafting. I was nervous especially when Mau, our guide, started telling us all the things that could go wrong!! (side note about Mau..gorgeous, sexy, hot...getting the idea? and he had to be in his upper 30s maybe 40. I couldn't take my eyes off him which made it hard to concentrate on what he was saying).
Again I digress...the rafting was the best thing we've done! It was hilarious because you have to paddle together and listen to the leaders commands which you know is hard for teachers, so it made for some interesting movements. You get soaked an once I realized I wasn't going to fall out of the boat (contrary to what Mau warned) I had a blast. There were 6 of us and it was the best part of the trip!
Once back at the lodge and dripping wet, we changed for dinner and bat misting at another reserve. This basically means we learned how they study and catch bats an got to see some live ones. I had a major problem with the bats. Not fear...more of a concern. I know we have to study them in order to learn more about them, but putting them in bags and yanking on their appendages is not some thing I like to view. The guide was telling us that they get stressed after a long time in confinement! Well, duh!! wasn't comfortable with it though I did touch one. Susie didn't initially touch one, but she finally did at the end.
I clearly needed a beer after the bats so, thankfully, the bar was still open, and got in a few drinks that night. Susie and I were up pretty late with Edwin our guide, and Didier, our driver. We had a good time!! Now if only I could put this good nature to use and get some good sleep!
Day 4
The selva verde lodge is very nice. I guess we would call it primitive. The only electricity is lights. There are no tvs, but happily there is a bar!
We started yesterday with a 6am bird walk (You all know I'm such a morning person!) with edwin our guide! I wish i drank coffee...its really good here according to susie. Edwin is the coolest guide ever. He's a costa rican biologist. We saw some parrots and great green macaws (which are endangered) and lots of frogs. The frogs here are beautiful. Very vibrant and colorful.
After the bird walk, we met for a mock field study I the rainforest with Paulo, who lectured for us the night before. There were 3 sites and we were split into groups and had to catalog and map all the species in our quandrant. Karla, Susie, and I were in a group with Leslie and Angie from PA. Susie and karla refused to go into the actual brush ( they were "recorders", so Leslie and Angie and I did. It was cool doing actual field work.
After the field work, Edwin took us for our first tour of the rainforest. It's hard to describe..very green and lush. It's true...there are many layers. An abundance of underbrush or leaf litter, off the path. For someone like me, who values some sort of order, it's a mess! There are plants everywhere and anywhere there could be sunlight. It's nice, though I don't know if you could exactly call it pretty. The colors of flora and fauna, when you actually see them, are bright and vibrant! The frogs are all over the place and have cool colors and designs on their backs. Butterflies and birds are beautiful.
We finished our walk and then headed back to the lodge. After lunch we got to meet with local teachers and ask them questions. It was really interesting, and it totally made me wish I spoke Spanish. I keep formulating sentences in half spanish ( with words I know) and filling in with french words. I actually understood a lot of the spanish because of that french. We talked to them for a long time.
Them we had to sit for another lecture by the director of the local learning center where they try to help the community through education. I was getting pretty tired of lectures by this point. I had no idea how many lectures we'd be sitting through.
During dinner, we got to continute our conversations with the local teachers, this time on a more personal level because we were at tables and split up with interpreters. It was fascinating! I have to send them something when we get back. The two guys at our table were both ecotourism teachers which is like a vocational type of class (similar to shop or auto tech). They were great and once we'd gotten over the initial awkwardness, we had a great conversation.
That night, Edwin had promised to take us on a night hike, so we grabbed our flashlights and he led the way. We didn't see too much, a couple of bats (which freaked a lot of people out...I won't name anyone) and that's about it. The stars were amazing! So many when we got away from the lights.
We started yesterday with a 6am bird walk (You all know I'm such a morning person!) with edwin our guide! I wish i drank coffee...its really good here according to susie. Edwin is the coolest guide ever. He's a costa rican biologist. We saw some parrots and great green macaws (which are endangered) and lots of frogs. The frogs here are beautiful. Very vibrant and colorful.
After the bird walk, we met for a mock field study I the rainforest with Paulo, who lectured for us the night before. There were 3 sites and we were split into groups and had to catalog and map all the species in our quandrant. Karla, Susie, and I were in a group with Leslie and Angie from PA. Susie and karla refused to go into the actual brush ( they were "recorders", so Leslie and Angie and I did. It was cool doing actual field work.
After the field work, Edwin took us for our first tour of the rainforest. It's hard to describe..very green and lush. It's true...there are many layers. An abundance of underbrush or leaf litter, off the path. For someone like me, who values some sort of order, it's a mess! There are plants everywhere and anywhere there could be sunlight. It's nice, though I don't know if you could exactly call it pretty. The colors of flora and fauna, when you actually see them, are bright and vibrant! The frogs are all over the place and have cool colors and designs on their backs. Butterflies and birds are beautiful.
We finished our walk and then headed back to the lodge. After lunch we got to meet with local teachers and ask them questions. It was really interesting, and it totally made me wish I spoke Spanish. I keep formulating sentences in half spanish ( with words I know) and filling in with french words. I actually understood a lot of the spanish because of that french. We talked to them for a long time.
Them we had to sit for another lecture by the director of the local learning center where they try to help the community through education. I was getting pretty tired of lectures by this point. I had no idea how many lectures we'd be sitting through.
During dinner, we got to continute our conversations with the local teachers, this time on a more personal level because we were at tables and split up with interpreters. It was fascinating! I have to send them something when we get back. The two guys at our table were both ecotourism teachers which is like a vocational type of class (similar to shop or auto tech). They were great and once we'd gotten over the initial awkwardness, we had a great conversation.
That night, Edwin had promised to take us on a night hike, so we grabbed our flashlights and he led the way. We didn't see too much, a couple of bats (which freaked a lot of people out...I won't name anyone) and that's about it. The stars were amazing! So many when we got away from the lights.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
EARTH and all its goodness
Day 3 of costa rica was as interesting, if not as exciting, as yesterday.
We visited a place called EARTH university. It's an acronym for something in Spanish but I don't know what!! This university was in place of our tour of the local primary school. All the schools have ha their holiday extended by a week because of swine flu!
The university was nice. It's a four year with about 400 or so students coming from many different backgrounds: many Latin America countries and the islands and Africa. Most students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have to pass a rigorous admissions process. They are looking for leaders who are going to change the world through (mostly) agriculture. They are very passionate about preaching tolerance and understanding between individuals of different backgrounds. I felt that a lot of the things that the director was saying were things that we face and try to teach at the high school level.
After the director was finished speaking, we went to see some of the projects that the students were working on. They work on major projects for the four years they are there. The two we viewed were growing crops or vegetation in urban areas and their organic farm. Both were fascinating. It made me wish I were teaching bio again or maybe an environmental science. Everything they teach is very hands on, which is something we're obviously trying to do as well. They have a lot of resources here.
Today was super hot and humid! We are definitely in the rainforest now! You could stand outside and be dripping with perspiration! In fact, we were eating lunch and when you looked outside nothing was moving!! There was no breeze!!
We made it to Selva Verde, which is the lodge where we'll be for the next few nights! It's definitely in the forest with the river right outside and frogs and birds making lots of noise. Here we listened to a very passionate speaker, Paulo. He is a costa rican who is fighting for the conservation of his country. His information was wonderful, all about the rainforest and biodiversity and conservation. He used to be a greenpeace activist and if you saw him, you'd see that he looks like one! His speech was very interesting, but it was his passion that did it for me!
Now Susie and I are getting ready for bed in the middle of a true thunderstorm! It is the wet season here or, as they call it, the green season because evreything is so green and lush! The highlight of the storm so far is that Susie and I have discovered a leak (make that 2) in our ceiling!! Our garbage cans are now doubling as buckets!!
We visited a place called EARTH university. It's an acronym for something in Spanish but I don't know what!! This university was in place of our tour of the local primary school. All the schools have ha their holiday extended by a week because of swine flu!
The university was nice. It's a four year with about 400 or so students coming from many different backgrounds: many Latin America countries and the islands and Africa. Most students come from disadvantaged backgrounds and have to pass a rigorous admissions process. They are looking for leaders who are going to change the world through (mostly) agriculture. They are very passionate about preaching tolerance and understanding between individuals of different backgrounds. I felt that a lot of the things that the director was saying were things that we face and try to teach at the high school level.
After the director was finished speaking, we went to see some of the projects that the students were working on. They work on major projects for the four years they are there. The two we viewed were growing crops or vegetation in urban areas and their organic farm. Both were fascinating. It made me wish I were teaching bio again or maybe an environmental science. Everything they teach is very hands on, which is something we're obviously trying to do as well. They have a lot of resources here.
Today was super hot and humid! We are definitely in the rainforest now! You could stand outside and be dripping with perspiration! In fact, we were eating lunch and when you looked outside nothing was moving!! There was no breeze!!
We made it to Selva Verde, which is the lodge where we'll be for the next few nights! It's definitely in the forest with the river right outside and frogs and birds making lots of noise. Here we listened to a very passionate speaker, Paulo. He is a costa rican who is fighting for the conservation of his country. His information was wonderful, all about the rainforest and biodiversity and conservation. He used to be a greenpeace activist and if you saw him, you'd see that he looks like one! His speech was very interesting, but it was his passion that did it for me!
Now Susie and I are getting ready for bed in the middle of a true thunderstorm! It is the wet season here or, as they call it, the green season because evreything is so green and lush! The highlight of the storm so far is that Susie and I have discovered a leak (make that 2) in our ceiling!! Our garbage cans are now doubling as buckets!!
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
San Jose
We made it to costa rica without problem. Our group consists of 15 people and Susie and I are among the youngest if the group. This trip is going to be a little bit of work for us. I didn't know that. We have a field guide to read every night!! Yuck! Was not expecting this. I'm glad I rested and relaxed the last day in Australia!
I'm a little jetlagged from my one day back. But i've pushed through.
We started our day with breakfast at the hotel. Great buffet. The area around the hotel is not the greatest so we have to stay on the grounds while we're here. Our morning session included a panelist of speakers from this country. A former president, a college professor, and the director of GLOBE spoke to us about costa rica and the consevation efforts that they have. The former pres spoke about peace as well. The director told us about her globe project and how it's connecting students from different part of the world through bioconservation. It's very interesting and I'll be looking up globe when I get home.
After our speakers we took a short trip to INBio which is a theme park of costa rica. It's a conservation of all the different parts of the country. They give you pieces of all the different forests: wet forest, dry forest, and valley forest. In the dry forest there were deer!! Deer are endangered here! Crazy, huh? We got to see iguanas and the best part was seeing a two-toed sloth!! An ugly little bugger. Real fuzzy.
INBio is a laboratory as well and they are trying to created naturalist citizens by cataloging all the species in costa rica. They have many preserved specimen. Mostly plants and insects. We saw a huge preserved cockroach!!
After walking through the forests, the director, eric, of INBio gave us an overview of what they hope to do in the country. They want to make citizens as informed as possible about their country so they will care about and protect the environment. It was very interesting.
We went to a typical costa rica restaurant for dinner! It was great. They served our dinner on banana leaves! Very authentic! Leaving for the rainforest now. Hopefully it will be warmer weather!!
I'm a little jetlagged from my one day back. But i've pushed through.
We started our day with breakfast at the hotel. Great buffet. The area around the hotel is not the greatest so we have to stay on the grounds while we're here. Our morning session included a panelist of speakers from this country. A former president, a college professor, and the director of GLOBE spoke to us about costa rica and the consevation efforts that they have. The former pres spoke about peace as well. The director told us about her globe project and how it's connecting students from different part of the world through bioconservation. It's very interesting and I'll be looking up globe when I get home.
After our speakers we took a short trip to INBio which is a theme park of costa rica. It's a conservation of all the different parts of the country. They give you pieces of all the different forests: wet forest, dry forest, and valley forest. In the dry forest there were deer!! Deer are endangered here! Crazy, huh? We got to see iguanas and the best part was seeing a two-toed sloth!! An ugly little bugger. Real fuzzy.
INBio is a laboratory as well and they are trying to created naturalist citizens by cataloging all the species in costa rica. They have many preserved specimen. Mostly plants and insects. We saw a huge preserved cockroach!!
After walking through the forests, the director, eric, of INBio gave us an overview of what they hope to do in the country. They want to make citizens as informed as possible about their country so they will care about and protect the environment. It was very interesting.
We went to a typical costa rica restaurant for dinner! It was great. They served our dinner on banana leaves! Very authentic! Leaving for the rainforest now. Hopefully it will be warmer weather!!
Home from Oz
I made it home after a solid day of travel from Australia! It sucked. I was on a plane for 24 hours!! Glad to be home!
Saturday, July 18, 2009
Journey home
I've finally made it back to Chicago, and it was a definite journey! In French, "jour" means "day," and I was on planes for over 24 hours yesterday. But I digress...
Kerry and I finished our trip to Port Douglas, and walked in the morning along 4 mile beach, the major beach in Port Douglas. My mom and Nancy would have loved this little quaint town, and the beach was magnificent! We walked and looked at shells, and saw some guys wind-surfing. At least, I think that's what they were doing. They were holding things that looked like kites, and they were on things that looked like surfboards. Then the kites were holding the guys up. It was pretty cool to see.
On our way back to Cairns, we went to the Cairns Tropical Zoo, so I finally got to see a koala! They are cute, with huge claws, which would make you think they were mean, but they were pretty nice. This zoo was very unique because most of the animals weren't completely contained, so they could walk right up to you. There was a kangaroo section where you could feed a kangaroo! We also saw a bunch of crocodiles, and they were completely penned up! Thank goodness because each croc had its life story posted, such as "Zac came to live with us due to the disappearances of many farmers' dogs. He is serving life in prison!" All the crocs had stories like this with them, and it was hilarious!
When we returned to Cairns, Kerry and I checked into our hostel "Caravella 149", and saw the nice folks there again, then headed out to dinner at the Woolshed. It was backpackers' night, and you could get a free dinner, or you could upgrade your meal. I couldn't believe how good it was! We had a couple of drinks to celebrate my last night, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready to go home!
I was up at 4am Sydney time, and took a plane from Cairns to Brisbane, Brisbane to Sydney, Sydney to LA, and LA to Chicago! The bad thing...I had to collect my luggage from every single airport I went to! In Sydney, I had to go through customs BEFORE leaving the country, then in LA had to go through customs in LA! Crazy.
I leave for Costa Rica tomorrow, but currently I'm about to go to the Sox game...I'm suffering from withdrawal!
Kerry and I finished our trip to Port Douglas, and walked in the morning along 4 mile beach, the major beach in Port Douglas. My mom and Nancy would have loved this little quaint town, and the beach was magnificent! We walked and looked at shells, and saw some guys wind-surfing. At least, I think that's what they were doing. They were holding things that looked like kites, and they were on things that looked like surfboards. Then the kites were holding the guys up. It was pretty cool to see.
On our way back to Cairns, we went to the Cairns Tropical Zoo, so I finally got to see a koala! They are cute, with huge claws, which would make you think they were mean, but they were pretty nice. This zoo was very unique because most of the animals weren't completely contained, so they could walk right up to you. There was a kangaroo section where you could feed a kangaroo! We also saw a bunch of crocodiles, and they were completely penned up! Thank goodness because each croc had its life story posted, such as "Zac came to live with us due to the disappearances of many farmers' dogs. He is serving life in prison!" All the crocs had stories like this with them, and it was hilarious!
When we returned to Cairns, Kerry and I checked into our hostel "Caravella 149", and saw the nice folks there again, then headed out to dinner at the Woolshed. It was backpackers' night, and you could get a free dinner, or you could upgrade your meal. I couldn't believe how good it was! We had a couple of drinks to celebrate my last night, and then headed back to the hostel to get ready to go home!
I was up at 4am Sydney time, and took a plane from Cairns to Brisbane, Brisbane to Sydney, Sydney to LA, and LA to Chicago! The bad thing...I had to collect my luggage from every single airport I went to! In Sydney, I had to go through customs BEFORE leaving the country, then in LA had to go through customs in LA! Crazy.
I leave for Costa Rica tomorrow, but currently I'm about to go to the Sox game...I'm suffering from withdrawal!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Cairns and Port Douglas
My trip to Australia is winding down, and I've made it to Cairns and Port Douglas...if you don't know where they are, they're both in the northeast corner of Australia, located in the state of Queensland. Did you know that Australia is made up of states like the US? I didn't.
Cairns is a very pretty beach town. It's a nice relaxing end to my time in Oz. My first day there, I walked around, then hung out around the water. Today; Kerry and I took a ferry to Green Island, where we took a Semi-submarine tour to look at the Great Barrier Reef, then I tried snorkeling! I'm not very good at it because my floating ability sucks! Kerry went out further on the reef than I did, but I did see some fish...not great, but at least I tried! After that, we decided to rent a car and drive up the coast to Port Douglas! Kerry said it was a really pretty town, and considering tomorrow is my last day in Oz, I figured, "Why not?" It took some effort to rent a car, though, because apparently everyone goes to Cairns to rent cars and then drive up the coast. It's a very pretty drive.
We're finally in hot weather again. I guess Cairns is in the tropics! Had no idea. I wish I had more time here because Kerry is going to do a tour that I would love, going into the rainforest and hiking and biking! But, alas, all good things must come to an end. I've spent the most marvelous night, watching the State of Origin, which is rugby; Queensland vs. New South Wales. It's a huge deal, and we had dinner at a pub, and sat with many other fans watching. I think I may finally have a grasp of rugby! The whole State of Origin thing, I'm not so sure about. Tomorrow we're heading back to Cairns, and hopefully (even though I don't like them) we'll stop at the Cairns Tropical Zoo and see some interesting creatures! My flight leaves at 6am Friday morning and the airport shuttle is coming for me at 4:30am! I'm going to do my best to get back on Chicago/Costa Rica time, so I'm not like a zombie when I arrive! See you all soon! Thanks for reading my blog, Mare! I think you're the only one!
Cairns is a very pretty beach town. It's a nice relaxing end to my time in Oz. My first day there, I walked around, then hung out around the water. Today; Kerry and I took a ferry to Green Island, where we took a Semi-submarine tour to look at the Great Barrier Reef, then I tried snorkeling! I'm not very good at it because my floating ability sucks! Kerry went out further on the reef than I did, but I did see some fish...not great, but at least I tried! After that, we decided to rent a car and drive up the coast to Port Douglas! Kerry said it was a really pretty town, and considering tomorrow is my last day in Oz, I figured, "Why not?" It took some effort to rent a car, though, because apparently everyone goes to Cairns to rent cars and then drive up the coast. It's a very pretty drive.
We're finally in hot weather again. I guess Cairns is in the tropics! Had no idea. I wish I had more time here because Kerry is going to do a tour that I would love, going into the rainforest and hiking and biking! But, alas, all good things must come to an end. I've spent the most marvelous night, watching the State of Origin, which is rugby; Queensland vs. New South Wales. It's a huge deal, and we had dinner at a pub, and sat with many other fans watching. I think I may finally have a grasp of rugby! The whole State of Origin thing, I'm not so sure about. Tomorrow we're heading back to Cairns, and hopefully (even though I don't like them) we'll stop at the Cairns Tropical Zoo and see some interesting creatures! My flight leaves at 6am Friday morning and the airport shuttle is coming for me at 4:30am! I'm going to do my best to get back on Chicago/Costa Rica time, so I'm not like a zombie when I arrive! See you all soon! Thanks for reading my blog, Mare! I think you're the only one!
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Cairns
Cairns is like a tropical paradise!! First, it's warm and no place we've been has been warm yet, so it's definitely refreshing. We arrived last night and I was in no way sad to see alice springs go. I'm not a small town type person, and alice was definitely a small town. I'm glad I experienced it and even enjoyed camping in the bush.
Cairns is the jumping off point for the great barrier reef and tomorrow Kerry and I are goin to Fitzroy Island off the coast for a glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling. I'm not sure how I'll do with snorkeling, but I'm going to try!!
Cairns is the jumping off point for the great barrier reef and tomorrow Kerry and I are goin to Fitzroy Island off the coast for a glass bottom boat tour and snorkeling. I'm not sure how I'll do with snorkeling, but I'm going to try!!
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Mulgas Uluru Trip
Alive Springs is not a very exciting town. It's basically a resort town with a few stores and a lot of aboriginals. Kerry was debating whether or not to take a shower before out big camping trip but I elected to watch the movie they were projecting be the pool: Moulin rouge. I forgot how stupid it was. Got in bed because we were leaving at 6am. We had been up since 4:30 and we were exhausted. The roommates in the hostel were watching MASH then ghost whisperer, then Greys anatomy. Nothing I wanted to watch.
It was freezing in our room. Heat is not something that the Aussies believe in. It's like Europe. They heat it enough during the winter for you to sleep in in your winter clothes!! I was freezing!!
Day 1 began at 6am and of course we played those icebreaker games to meet evrryone in the group. We were a very diverse group: Kerry and I, two Brits, seven Dutch, couple of Germans, an Italian, a Brazilian, an Aussie, two Irish, four Chinese, and a Taiwanese! Then we divided into groups of four and we were teamed with Linda and Ingrid, two sisters from the Netherlands. Played lots of games... ugh. Most of our group was really nice. We first went to kings canyon and it was a 7 or 8 k hike. The first leg of the hike was called heartbreak hill. It was about 300 stairs! Made it to the top but had to drink a lot of water!! The hike around the canyon was beautiful and pretty hot. Took a lot of pics there.
Then we headed to dinner at Mt. Connor which is called fuluru because it looks like Uluru but is one meter shorter! If you didn't know any better you'd think it was Uluru! After that we stayed to see sunset and see the pretty red color that t the rock takes. The outback is much different than you'd think. I'd expected it to like our desert; very red and with little vegetation. It's nothing like that!! It's quite green! There are trees and everything! Apparently the whole area used to be an inland sea before it dried up, so far under the ground there is a reserve of water for plants to tap into and people can dig wells!
Sunset was pretty and we went to our first camping site. No toilets or tents. We camped under the stars. We camped in swags which are like waterproof covers for your sleeping bag. Let me just say that going to the bathroom outside in the dark isn't so bad! When the sun was down it was quite chilly and our group was in charge of starting the fire. Kerry volunteered us since she had a lighter! Ingrid, Linda, and I thought she was crazy, but we did our job rather well!! We had the fire going in no time and Halley, our tour guide, had dinner started!! She kept saying we were having camel and no one really believed her, but that night, I had camel!! It didn't taste like much because it was the meat in spaghetti bolognaise! She said that they have a large population of wild camel, so people slaughter them for food! It wasn't that bad, but Kerry wouldn't try it. I never would have thought I'd be adventurous with food, but I figured it was meat, so how bad could it be?
After dinner we went to bed because we were rising early to see the sunrise at Uluru!
Day 2 was the best day of the trip!! The next morning we were up by 430 and on the road to Uluru. The sunrise was nice and Uluru was beautiful!! I'm glad it's not just a big rock in the middle of the desert!! After sunrise we went to see the ulgas at kata tjura national park. They are a bunch of dome shaped rocks formed from some sir of earth movement. We had a choice of what hike to do. We could do 2 km, 5km, or 7km. Kerry and I were debating which to do because we wanted to climb Uluru later that day! We elected to do the 7km because since we were there we might as well do it. Many of the walks we did, you couldn't really look around because you had to keep watching where you stepped so you wouldn't fall off a rock and break an ankle or something! The hike was worth it and whn we returned we felt good.
Then came the best part of the whole trip. Uluru is 860 meters (about a mile) above ground and there were 12 of us from the group who were going to climb it! The first part is almost completely vertical. I was carrying my water, but I couldn't grab the chain there for aid, so I asked Kerry to put my huge water bottle in her bag. She kindly did, but I knew it weighed her down. It took some effort to get up the chain, but we stopped a couple of times to rest! I volunteered to carry the bag because I felt bad I had given Kerry my water, so we switched off. When we got to the top of the chain, we were only about a third of the way to the top. This was the bit when I didn't think I could go all the way and had a mini meltdown, and the group went ahead of me. I sat for a bit, then decided I would regret it if I didn't do it, so I started climbing. I was surpassed by a father and his 12 or 13 year old son. I thought, "if this kid can do it, I sure as he'll can do it!" Nothing like the competitive nature. By this point, the rest of the group was way ahead of me so I plunged ahead alone. The wind on the top was unreal. Once I'd gotten over the fact that the wind would not blow me away, I forged ahead. It was more like rolling hills that were rock of course, so it was a lot of up and down on the top til you reached the highest point! I could see the rest of the group and I took lots of pics for various people on the way, but finally I made it!!! And I even have a photo to prove it! My team; Kerry, Ingrid, and Linda cheered me on!! The view was outstanding and I'm really glad I did it! Going down was so much easier than going up except the really steep part at the end. We had to go very slow and at some points go backward while hanging onto the chain!! My muscles were burning, but it was an incredible feeling to finish!!!
Good time when we finally got something to eat that night. I really wanted a steak and potatoes, but none of that here: we had a chicken curry thing with rice. We ate while waiting for the sunset on Uluru. I inhaled my food. I think we all did! The sunset was anticlimatic because it got cloudy, but it didn't matter! There a ton of people there for the sunset; some had flown in specifically or the sunset. Some spent a lot of money! I would have been disappointed! Then we headed to the campsite where we engaged in all sorts of silly games that would have gotten me totally drunk if I had been drinking.
During the night, in the middle of the desert, it started to rain!! Halley said this is the first time in 6 years it's ever rained on her tours. I just pulled my swag over me head, pulled my shoes into my sleeping bag and went back to sleep! No one wanted to wake up for sunrise because it was cloudy, so we slept it. Then we returned to Uluru for a heritage walk, and after that we began the journey back to the exciting Alice Springs! We stopped on the way to ride a camel, see some kangaroos, an emu, and a dingo! I didn't know a dingo was a dog! I have many more stories to share when I see you, but this was a great tour!! I'd recommend it to anyone!!
It was freezing in our room. Heat is not something that the Aussies believe in. It's like Europe. They heat it enough during the winter for you to sleep in in your winter clothes!! I was freezing!!
Day 1 began at 6am and of course we played those icebreaker games to meet evrryone in the group. We were a very diverse group: Kerry and I, two Brits, seven Dutch, couple of Germans, an Italian, a Brazilian, an Aussie, two Irish, four Chinese, and a Taiwanese! Then we divided into groups of four and we were teamed with Linda and Ingrid, two sisters from the Netherlands. Played lots of games... ugh. Most of our group was really nice. We first went to kings canyon and it was a 7 or 8 k hike. The first leg of the hike was called heartbreak hill. It was about 300 stairs! Made it to the top but had to drink a lot of water!! The hike around the canyon was beautiful and pretty hot. Took a lot of pics there.
Then we headed to dinner at Mt. Connor which is called fuluru because it looks like Uluru but is one meter shorter! If you didn't know any better you'd think it was Uluru! After that we stayed to see sunset and see the pretty red color that t the rock takes. The outback is much different than you'd think. I'd expected it to like our desert; very red and with little vegetation. It's nothing like that!! It's quite green! There are trees and everything! Apparently the whole area used to be an inland sea before it dried up, so far under the ground there is a reserve of water for plants to tap into and people can dig wells!
Sunset was pretty and we went to our first camping site. No toilets or tents. We camped under the stars. We camped in swags which are like waterproof covers for your sleeping bag. Let me just say that going to the bathroom outside in the dark isn't so bad! When the sun was down it was quite chilly and our group was in charge of starting the fire. Kerry volunteered us since she had a lighter! Ingrid, Linda, and I thought she was crazy, but we did our job rather well!! We had the fire going in no time and Halley, our tour guide, had dinner started!! She kept saying we were having camel and no one really believed her, but that night, I had camel!! It didn't taste like much because it was the meat in spaghetti bolognaise! She said that they have a large population of wild camel, so people slaughter them for food! It wasn't that bad, but Kerry wouldn't try it. I never would have thought I'd be adventurous with food, but I figured it was meat, so how bad could it be?
After dinner we went to bed because we were rising early to see the sunrise at Uluru!
Day 2 was the best day of the trip!! The next morning we were up by 430 and on the road to Uluru. The sunrise was nice and Uluru was beautiful!! I'm glad it's not just a big rock in the middle of the desert!! After sunrise we went to see the ulgas at kata tjura national park. They are a bunch of dome shaped rocks formed from some sir of earth movement. We had a choice of what hike to do. We could do 2 km, 5km, or 7km. Kerry and I were debating which to do because we wanted to climb Uluru later that day! We elected to do the 7km because since we were there we might as well do it. Many of the walks we did, you couldn't really look around because you had to keep watching where you stepped so you wouldn't fall off a rock and break an ankle or something! The hike was worth it and whn we returned we felt good.
Then came the best part of the whole trip. Uluru is 860 meters (about a mile) above ground and there were 12 of us from the group who were going to climb it! The first part is almost completely vertical. I was carrying my water, but I couldn't grab the chain there for aid, so I asked Kerry to put my huge water bottle in her bag. She kindly did, but I knew it weighed her down. It took some effort to get up the chain, but we stopped a couple of times to rest! I volunteered to carry the bag because I felt bad I had given Kerry my water, so we switched off. When we got to the top of the chain, we were only about a third of the way to the top. This was the bit when I didn't think I could go all the way and had a mini meltdown, and the group went ahead of me. I sat for a bit, then decided I would regret it if I didn't do it, so I started climbing. I was surpassed by a father and his 12 or 13 year old son. I thought, "if this kid can do it, I sure as he'll can do it!" Nothing like the competitive nature. By this point, the rest of the group was way ahead of me so I plunged ahead alone. The wind on the top was unreal. Once I'd gotten over the fact that the wind would not blow me away, I forged ahead. It was more like rolling hills that were rock of course, so it was a lot of up and down on the top til you reached the highest point! I could see the rest of the group and I took lots of pics for various people on the way, but finally I made it!!! And I even have a photo to prove it! My team; Kerry, Ingrid, and Linda cheered me on!! The view was outstanding and I'm really glad I did it! Going down was so much easier than going up except the really steep part at the end. We had to go very slow and at some points go backward while hanging onto the chain!! My muscles were burning, but it was an incredible feeling to finish!!!
Good time when we finally got something to eat that night. I really wanted a steak and potatoes, but none of that here: we had a chicken curry thing with rice. We ate while waiting for the sunset on Uluru. I inhaled my food. I think we all did! The sunset was anticlimatic because it got cloudy, but it didn't matter! There a ton of people there for the sunset; some had flown in specifically or the sunset. Some spent a lot of money! I would have been disappointed! Then we headed to the campsite where we engaged in all sorts of silly games that would have gotten me totally drunk if I had been drinking.
During the night, in the middle of the desert, it started to rain!! Halley said this is the first time in 6 years it's ever rained on her tours. I just pulled my swag over me head, pulled my shoes into my sleeping bag and went back to sleep! No one wanted to wake up for sunrise because it was cloudy, so we slept it. Then we returned to Uluru for a heritage walk, and after that we began the journey back to the exciting Alice Springs! We stopped on the way to ride a camel, see some kangaroos, an emu, and a dingo! I didn't know a dingo was a dog! I have many more stories to share when I see you, but this was a great tour!! I'd recommend it to anyone!!
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Adieu to Sydney, G'day to Alice Springs
Sydney is dead and gone. Kerry and I have left, and though Kerry will be returning for more time with Amy and Mahbs, I'll only be seeing the Sydney Airport on my way home next week.
My last day in Sydney was filled with complete and utter laziness. Kerry had gone out with all her friends from Jackson's, the bar where she used to work when she was on her 'year of travel', and I think she may have been a BIT hungover. I wasn't sure what I was going to do (see previous blog), but I decided to start by walking through the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Well, I lost track of time as I walked along the water and admired all the different types of flora from around the world. All the different species were marked, and I had to stop myself from taking pictures of each tree AND it's nameplate! Good thing I'm no longer teaching biology, because I totally would have cataloged every species I saw. They were pines called the Norfolk Island Pine, and different flowers, etc. I spent way too much time wandering around the gardens...the different plants are from various parts of the southern hemisphere...I didn't see any from the northern hemisphere. There was even some tree that was planted or dedicated or something by Bill Clinton!
After I'd met up with Kerry to take the bus back to Amy and Mahbs' (she looked HORRIBLE...:)), we said good bye to Sydney. Last evening we took out Amy and Mahbs as a thanks for letting us crash their place. They are awesome, and I hope I can return the hospitality some time if they come to the States! We went out for Indian food! (I know, can you believe it? ME?) It was good, but we ordered way too much food. It's really interesting here because a lot of the restaurants are BYO alcohol, which is different from most of the places back home. I like the premise. Kerry says there are some places like that in Chicago, but I've never experienced them.
We were up at the crack of dawn (actually, before) to catch our 6:30 flight this morning. We took a taxi, and flew from Sydney to Melbourne, and then to Alice Springs. Alice Springs is right in the middle of the country; basically, it's in the middle of nowhere. Kerry and I are having a hard time understanding how anyone would want to come here. We've already walked through town, and now we're debating where to go for dinner. Our tour leaves tomorrow morning at 6am for Ayers Rock. It's two nights of camping and supposedly it gets freezing cold at night, so we're trying to decide what to take with (remember Wimbledon, Katie?). I truly hope that Uluru is not some boring big rock in the middle of the desert!! It had better not disappoint!
My last day in Sydney was filled with complete and utter laziness. Kerry had gone out with all her friends from Jackson's, the bar where she used to work when she was on her 'year of travel', and I think she may have been a BIT hungover. I wasn't sure what I was going to do (see previous blog), but I decided to start by walking through the Domain and Royal Botanic Gardens. Well, I lost track of time as I walked along the water and admired all the different types of flora from around the world. All the different species were marked, and I had to stop myself from taking pictures of each tree AND it's nameplate! Good thing I'm no longer teaching biology, because I totally would have cataloged every species I saw. They were pines called the Norfolk Island Pine, and different flowers, etc. I spent way too much time wandering around the gardens...the different plants are from various parts of the southern hemisphere...I didn't see any from the northern hemisphere. There was even some tree that was planted or dedicated or something by Bill Clinton!
After I'd met up with Kerry to take the bus back to Amy and Mahbs' (she looked HORRIBLE...:)), we said good bye to Sydney. Last evening we took out Amy and Mahbs as a thanks for letting us crash their place. They are awesome, and I hope I can return the hospitality some time if they come to the States! We went out for Indian food! (I know, can you believe it? ME?) It was good, but we ordered way too much food. It's really interesting here because a lot of the restaurants are BYO alcohol, which is different from most of the places back home. I like the premise. Kerry says there are some places like that in Chicago, but I've never experienced them.
We were up at the crack of dawn (actually, before) to catch our 6:30 flight this morning. We took a taxi, and flew from Sydney to Melbourne, and then to Alice Springs. Alice Springs is right in the middle of the country; basically, it's in the middle of nowhere. Kerry and I are having a hard time understanding how anyone would want to come here. We've already walked through town, and now we're debating where to go for dinner. Our tour leaves tomorrow morning at 6am for Ayers Rock. It's two nights of camping and supposedly it gets freezing cold at night, so we're trying to decide what to take with (remember Wimbledon, Katie?). I truly hope that Uluru is not some boring big rock in the middle of the desert!! It had better not disappoint!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Last day in sydney
So sad that I'll be leaving Sydney tomorrow. I'm sitting in a McDonalds right now, sipping a diet coke so I can borrow this wifi! Monday and Tuesday I this week were a whirlwind of travel. Monday Amy took Kerry and I to the blue mountains an jenolan caves. I only saw the mountains from afar and wondered if they go their name from the blue tint it looks like they have from far away. Amy didn't know. Jenolan caves are a bunch of caves in the mountains. We took a tour of one. Our tour guide Cory was not the greatest. (Of course, you all know how few people actually live up to my high expectations!) It was very cool to see the cave and the stalactites and some very old fossil imprints in the rocks. I know that is the science in me coming out. We saw some very pretty birds I took pics of and if I could put pics up right now I would.
Tuesday we went to hunter valley which holds many vineyards and went wine tasting. Needless to say I got a little tipsy. But I tastes some very good wines. I bought some bottles, not exactly sure how to get them home. I really liked this petersons sparkling wine. Can you pack sparkling wine or will it explode? I need to investigate that before I leave or I'll be downing a bottle of wine before I go through security at the airport! When we returned from tasting wine all day we returned to Amy and Mahbs' place where Amy cooked us dinner! She is amazing. By far one of the best hostesses ever! I don't think I'll be eating one we leave Sydney because she has spoiled us so!! Kerry met up with friends from jacksons the place she used to work and didn't come home...hmmm...no we figured she'd miss the last bus!
Now I have to decide what to do on the las day in Sydney! Should I do the bridge walk even though it costs over $100? Should I go to the royal botanical gardens? Should I hop a ferry to manly? Don't know yet but am way excited my iPod blogger is working!!
Tuesday we went to hunter valley which holds many vineyards and went wine tasting. Needless to say I got a little tipsy. But I tastes some very good wines. I bought some bottles, not exactly sure how to get them home. I really liked this petersons sparkling wine. Can you pack sparkling wine or will it explode? I need to investigate that before I leave or I'll be downing a bottle of wine before I go through security at the airport! When we returned from tasting wine all day we returned to Amy and Mahbs' place where Amy cooked us dinner! She is amazing. By far one of the best hostesses ever! I don't think I'll be eating one we leave Sydney because she has spoiled us so!! Kerry met up with friends from jacksons the place she used to work and didn't come home...hmmm...no we figured she'd miss the last bus!
Now I have to decide what to do on the las day in Sydney! Should I do the bridge walk even though it costs over $100? Should I go to the royal botanical gardens? Should I hop a ferry to manly? Don't know yet but am way excited my iPod blogger is working!!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Still in Sydney
Sydney is a beautiful city. So far I've seen the Opera House, Darling Harbor, the Rocks, Olympic Stadium. Even saw a bit of volleyball at the Olympic Stadium! Some local schools were playing. Kerry and I watched for a little bit. Saturday we went to the Good Food and Wine Show at the Sydney Convention Center! We tasted a ton of wine; I even bought a couple of bottles! I also got to see Gordon Ramsay! It was great, though he was a little toned down than he is on any of his tv shows. Yesterday, I went running down by the harbor, and ended up at a park where there was youth soccer going on. Of course, I sat and watched a bit, and found it terribly amusing that parents are the same everywhere!
Today it's off to the Blue Mountains...I have to 'rug up' (which means to dress in layers); hard because I didn't really bring a lot of layers! I'll be borrowing some clothes!!!
Today it's off to the Blue Mountains...I have to 'rug up' (which means to dress in layers); hard because I didn't really bring a lot of layers! I'll be borrowing some clothes!!!
Thursday, July 2, 2009
Sydney jetlag
Kerry and I fought off the jetlag yesterday as best we could: we walked around the city of Sydney. It's beautiful...right off the ocean with lots of water and bridges and boats. The Opera House was gorgeous; I'm going to see if I can get tickets to see something there. We knocked off a lot of the touristy things yesterday. I saw the Harbor Bridge; not sure if I'll walk on the top of it...it's really high, but really expensive (over $100)! I may pass on that one. I also saw the Government House, and the Governor (not for long, she just hopped in her car and left), the Rocks (which is Old Sydney), and Hyde Park. It's a pretty city, with an almost small-town feeling to it because it's so accessible! I love being able to tour a city by foot because you get a real sense of the city. It's off to shower before we head into Sydney for day two!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Arrival in Sydney
Well, Kerry and I have survived a very, very long flight to Sydney. I stopped over in San Francisco, and had dinner there, and saw a bunch of the old hotels before meeting up with Kerry for our flight to Sydney. It's beautiful here. We arrived at 6 in the morning and it was still dark (a telltale sign that it's winter), but the weather is in the 60's! There are even palm trees here, so it can't possibly get that cold! I'm not sure I'll have enough warm clothes, but I should be okay. We're staying with Kerry's friend, Amy, who is being very kind and opening her home to us. We're going into Sydney later...I want to see the Opera House, and perhaps get tickets to an opera there! Amy has also told me that we can get tickets to either a rugby or soccer match! I definitely hope that happens.
I'm here for a week, until next Thursday, and then it's off to Alice Springs for a tour of Ayers Rock, and then it's up to Cairns for three days for a tour of the Great Barrier Reef! If anyone has any suggestions for places to visit in Sydney, let me know! Pass on the blog to anyone you think would be interested!
I'm here for a week, until next Thursday, and then it's off to Alice Springs for a tour of Ayers Rock, and then it's up to Cairns for three days for a tour of the Great Barrier Reef! If anyone has any suggestions for places to visit in Sydney, let me know! Pass on the blog to anyone you think would be interested!
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