By Joe Shea, Grade 10
Greetings from Costa Rica! Today, along with the rest of the Ballena Group, I visited a small K–5 school about 35 minutes away from Villas Rio Mar (our hotel). I was able to practice my Spanish skills while playing with the children. We also improved their facade by painting a bridge that connects the two sides of their campus. As our time with the Costa Rican children ended, we handed out the toys and school supplies we brought with us. Not only did this make me realize how gifted we are to attend such an amazing school, but the joyous nature of the children showed me how positive you can make a situation that is not exactly ideal.
By Alia Mogannam, Grade 10
So far, the Costa Rica trip has been amazing! Yesterday my group went horseback riding through the rainforest to a hidden waterfall. The horse riding was super fun even though I was nervous at first because I do not have a lot of experience with horses, but I was very comfortable by the end. Once we made it to the waterfall we got to swim, climb up the side of the waterfall and jump off from 25 feet up. I am personally not very afraid of heights but a few of my group members were, and it was really nice to see everyone encouraging them and being supportive. The food has been amazing too, and we have done a lot of salsa dancing. There were apparently two earthquakes in the middle of the night and I was a little disappointed that I didn’t feel them. However, it was nice to have a little touch of San Francisco down here. Today I did service at a school in the town. The kids were so sweet and were very kind about my lack of Spanish skills, so we had a really good time and broke down the language barrier pretty well. Tomorrow I go zip lining and snorkeling which I am excited for! I have heard friends that went before me raving about it all. Even though I am homesick and miss my friends and family, I know I am going to miss Costa Rica and all of these experiences the second we leave.
Convent & Stuart Hall Travel 