Back to San Jose...

Allison Peters


We´re finally back from the rainforest, which isn´t necessarily a good thing. I experienced a lot of new things that I never thought I would have seen in a million years. It was pretty hot and humid, but after a couple of days you get used to it. So I´m writing about Day 7, but I feel a need to start with the night of six.

Our eating area was outside, and there were always a lot of bugs since the lights were on and there was food on the tables; especially at night. Well, we had a few run-ins with some bugs earlier in the night so I was already kind of nervous and constantly looking around checking for bugs. Let it be known that I have a huge phobia of crickets, and grasshoppers. Well, I was talking to Megan when all of a sudden she pointed to the napkin sitting only an inch away from me, and there it was, a cricket. I was so scared I jumped up and without even noticing, started crying. I was laughing too, because I knew I looked silly, and the Ticos were all laughing at me, but I was really scared. The next morning however, when I was walking to my cabin to that same eating area and there it was, the largest cricket grasshopper thing I have ever seen just sitting on a tent. I was a little scared at first, but instead of crying and running away, I faced my fears and filmed it as part of my graduation project.

But anyways, besides facing my fears, a lot of experiences happened on day seven. Before it was even eight o´clock, we had already seen the grasshopper, iguanas in trees, and some monkeys. The monkeys were adorable and they were carrying babies on their backs. They were throwing things at us, but it was okay since they were so adorable. Victor told us that they ate guava, which was exciting because the day before I ate guava and bought some from a fruit stand. Then after the monkeys, we continued our work on the trails. There were monkeys there too, and I filmed some more. The work really wasn´t the bad, especially with everyone working together, it seemed to go by quickly, and if you were struggling or just needed a break, someone was always there to help. Plus the villagers walked by all the time saying muy bien, and perfecto which made me feel accomplished. We had a big impact on the trail, and it was a lot easier to walk on. At the end there was a waterfall, however it was small since it was the dry season. We finished the trails too. After a quick break and some lunch we began our hike in the rainforest to learn about all of the different plants. Although many of us were tired, and didn´t want to hike at first, it was really nice. We learned which plants produced chocolate, and the disease that is currently killing them, as well as this tree that produced sap the crystallized and capture insects that scientists then extracted to study the different types. Along the way we had to ride on like a zip line cart thing which was REALLY fun, and quick. At the top there was a beautiful view awaiting. You Could see the pacific ocean and Quebrada Arroyo, the town where we were staying.

After the hike, the night was pretty much ours. Everyone was really tired though because each day was really long and exausting although satisfying. I really loved the rainforest, it wasn´t how I imagined, but that´s not a bad thing. I fell in love with like every person I met. They were all incredibly kind, caring, and supportive, and made us feel right at home.

Only one more day before we leave. This whole trip has brought a lot of fun, excitement, fear, and happiness. I´m really sad to be leaving such a beautiful and friendly country, but I miss my home. I´m hoping I can take back a part of Costa Rica by incorporating what I have learned into my everyday life. There´s so much to experience and learn just by trying to talk to a Tico with your broken Spanish and bad body language. It´s impossible to take in everything in 12 short days, but I´m trying my best.