2023 Bedford High School Costa Rica Program
Program Blog
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Last Adventure day
Written by Kathryn F.
Hola! Today we went zip lining. There were so many fun animals like monkeys, and even iguanas that we saw while we were going across the tree canopies. After that we went to Manuel Antonio National Park and hiked down to the beach. We saw more monkeys there and even some three toed sloths! The beach was so fun and the water was so clear and beautiful. We went to lunch which had a beautiful view of the ocean. We are now on our 4 hour bus ride back to San Jose and will be stopping to go shopping for some souvenirs soon! We will grab dinner and then head to the hotel for an early nights sleep for our early departure tomorrow morning!
Surfing Day
Written by Josh C.
The second to last day of the trip, today is a day of relaxation. Waking up a little early for a bus ride to the beach was tough but the reward for getting there was worth it. Surfing lessons were a blast, although not everyone could make it through the full 2 hour lessons including me. Still a majority of us were able to get up on the board and start surfing. After that we were able to hang out at the hotel. We all went to the pools and talked and some of us took naps. This was a definite need of the trip as everyone was exhausted. From there we got to see a beautiful sunset at the beach, eat diner, and sleep. This was a great way to end off the trip with everyone happy and very fulfilled. It feels like coming away from this trip I have changed in some way, and my personal value of happiness went up, I realized what made me happy and what is important to me in my life.
Last day at Canaan
Written by Janet S.
We woke up early as usual, right before sunrise, but this morning we were very sad knowing it’s our last day to make memories with the host family in Canaan. After breakfast, we went to work. We had to finish the fence and clean up the yard near the church. After finishing, we went down to the soccer field to practice for the big game! The game itself was very tense, with a lot of jumping and awesome kicks. We were cheering for both teams as we love supporting our new friends. In the end we lost to 1-8 but it was an exciting game to watch. Then we headed back to our home stays and got ready for the party! They party started with food, drinks, and ice cream. We ended up dancing with everyone to songs of Bachata and Merengue. It was truly beautiful and is hard to explain the amount of emotions that were expressed that night. Each pair of students gave speeches to thank our host families in Spanish! After that we had a couple talented singers from town share some songs. Soon again, we started to sing some more of music with the girls. After cake was given out, we also had a mini piñata to tear down. Then again we started to dance even more and we were very sad when the party had to end… but we got in one last song where were were all in a circle. It was a memorable night and now we continue to create more memories for these last few days.
Say Cheese!!
Written by Cameron M.
The day started with half of the group finishing the fence. While the other half started gardening and clearing out dead plants. The group that was gardening found a tarantula and from what I heard they freaked out. After that all of us went down to the soccer field and had a little scrimmage. Then we were dragged away for some more gardening and later a farm tour. We saw cows and how they made cheese. Some of us even milked one of the cows and tried the fresh milk and fresh mozzarella. Everyone was excited for the tasting. After we went back to the soccer field and played a match against some of the town and our tour guide. We won 3-2! Our amazing goalkeeper (Cam!) saved multiple shots on goal and our goals were scored by Josh and Micah. Overall we all had a very fun day and are ready for the proper match against the town tomorrow.
First day of Service Project
Written by Layla C.
Hi families,
It’s Layla! Today was our first day on the job. We got another early start and headed to work at 8. Our first task was to begin digging holes for the fence posts to go in. Once we finished that, we were split into groups. One group picked up trash around the church while everyone else made cement and filled the holes. We were given lunch from our host families and enjoyed eating together.
Then we headed to the soccer field to prepare for our match against the town in a few days. We had a scrimmage and my team came out with a win 8-2. Then we headed back to our host houses to chill out. I went to the bakery with Cara and Daphne and got an exclusive tour of the kitchen. We ended the night with dinner at our host houses and relaxing while watching some tv. That’s all for day 5!
Stay tuned
From the jungle to the homestays
Written by Micah B.
¡Hola! After a tropical and mesmerizing night in the boys’ jungalow, my day began waking up 2 hours after sunrise to watch the sunrise (thanks Jeremy). We packed up and had another classic Costa Rican breakfast, then went on a short walk and got back on the bus to drive to the Nauyaca waterfall (all without Mrs. Wardwell :( who hurt her ankle last night). The path down to the waterfall involved steep climbing mixed with serene tractor rides, ending on the edge of a series of pools which the falls overlook. It was a little scramble up to the base of the waterfall where we swam and explored around the powerful cascade, and Mrs. D’amours found a tiny frog named Squishy in one of the many coves. We ate lunch then I got rock skipping lessons from Joey (and from Connor, who taught me how not to throw it.) After this we started about a 1.5 hour drive to our host families. Upon arrival we all introduced ourselves in Spanish then were divided up and sent to our rooms. My host speaks only in Spanish, so we managed to communicate through Alex’s Spanish III translating. This was followed by dinner and a game of chess with Alex. Now I write this having just got back from a frigid shower, ready to pass out for the service that awaits me tomorrow. Cheers! and ¡Adios!
Another great day!!
Written by Ella M.
¡Hola! Ella here with an update about our busy Saturday in Costa Rica. Today, we started off bright and early to drive to a coffee farm in La Florida. There, we were able to meet with a couple and their son who ran a farm and taught us about the local flora & fauna, as well as how their farm runs. We had the chance to milk a cow, feed chickens, and even play with guinea pigs. After, we enjoyed an empanada-cooking lesson and got to try the farm’s fresh coffee and hot chocolate. Later that night, we headed to our jungalows and enjoyed a delicious dinner of tacos, chips, and guac. It was another great day in Costa Rica!
A day of Adventure!
Written by Cara B.
Our first full day in the country was an incredible exposure to the natural beauty of Costa Rica. Starting out with an early wake-up and breakfast we all piled into the van for the long ride to our white water rafting adventure. There was a really amazing group sing-a-long while we traveled through the mountains during the 2.5 hour drive. After finally reaching our destination we chose our groups, got our safety gear, and headed out into the river. To say that we got wet was an understatement; these rapids were no joke. Although I can’t speak for all of the rafts, ours was definitely filled with screams and laughter, and I think everyone had a great time! We rowed for about 1.5 hours until we were instructed onto a river bed where the guides pulled out some of the juiciest, most delicious fruit I’ve ever had. And then we got back into the river for the rest of our adventure. On the way home we stopped for a filling lunch and had a relatively quiet ride back since we were all pretty tired from the rafting. Then once back we finished out the night with card games and pizza. The first day was a huge success and I’m super excited to see all of the other aspects of life in the country over the next week!
Arriving to Costa Rica
Written by Raquel :)
Hola todos!
Raquel here and I wanted to tell you about all the fun we’re having in Costa Rica! Our group had a long day traveling but it was worth it! Our guides picked us up at the airport and we stopped at a literal hole in the wall restaurant- but don’t let that fool you! A lot of us ordered a Piña Colada and it came in a humongous pineapple! ¡Qué bonita! After our fabulous authentic Costa Rican dinner we arrived to our lovely hotel. Then, relaxed in the pool for a little bit, currently getting some rest and plan to continue to live the pura vida way!
¡Adiós!