DAY 1: ARRIVAL AND HOST FAMILIES
Muy contentos de recibir al colegio Windham un año más! Se met on the newly open arrivals at the airport packed the bus and headed for yummy lunch in our home base in San Joaquín. The group has a vibrant energy, and right after lunch we walked around downtown. This was a very exciting afternoon, full of laughter and some tears of excitement and nervousness as we met our familias ricas for the first time. Cannot wait to see you all grow on your Spanish learning journey!
DAY 2: HEREDIA TOUR AND FIRST DAY OF CLASS
Under a searing sun we walked to the public bus station. What seemed to be a regular Monday morning for many became a really fun adventure for us in downtown Heredia. We visited a cople parks and looked around for colonial infraestructure including a small fortress within the one country with no army in the Americas. We had the pleasure to encounter cultural activity for elderly citizens who had contagious energy and had some of our students show their best moves; We also had the first spanish session, meet our wonderful teachers for the next few days and had the wonderfuk opportunity to celebrate Caleb in his birthday!
Day 3: San José Tour
Today we had the chance to explore the capital city. We had Amaral as our guide and he knew wonderful facts about the city, its history and many characters within it. We got to purchase a few beautiful souvenirs as well as to try the iconic ice cream from el Mercado central. We find ourselves walking along many within the city boulevard, we saw the national museum, the national theatre and finished our visit with a lovely Latin American cuisine lunch!
Day 4: Volunteering with Somos Picnic
Today we had the pleasure of spending our morning volunteering at a primary school in the suburbs of the capital. We moved some materials destined for the trash, did some landscaping and collected other residues. In between we got some beautiful fresh fruit and played a pick up with our newly made friends. We hope this experience was as transformational for you as it was for the space and the institution after we finished our tasks. Take the insights of the day with you and let them move you to help those in need back home! 
Day 5: Animal Reacue Center Volunteering
Today we had the wonderful opportunity to share some time with some majestic and cute animals. From a rare hybrid of macaw, to the closest encounter with three finger sloths, to some playful capuchin monkeys, to Sol the squirrel-monkey and her Iguana pet. This have all come into the center with their own stories some of parent loss, injuries, or harmful human interactions. Few have been confiscated as trafficking. We had a short tour and supported meal prep of fresh fruit, vegetables or meat bowls. We hope this is an important reflection on the importance of environmental and conservation policy as well as responsible tourism.
Day 6: Beach adventures
Today we had a day full of adventure from road traffic, to crocodiles, to surfing. Long day but beautiful views and unforgettable memories.