Spanish Journal

December 23nd, 2012

Estoy en mi camino a casa, pero eso está bien. Me encantaba ir a Costa Rica y tener esos recuerdos. Voy a tener esas memorias con mí por siempre, y estoy contento de haber tenido la oportunidad de ir en este viaje. Me gustó el hecho de que yo era un turista estadounidense, la gente me trató con mucho respeto. No les importaba que yo no era de allí y que se debía a que los estadounidenses están siempre venir a Costa Rica y nos estamos a estas alturas. Creo que se lo enseñó a ser amable con aquellos que están de visita desde un país extranjero, porque sé lo que se siente al ser un extranjero ahora. Yo realmente espero poder volver a Costa Rica algún día, tal vez cuando sea mayor y tenga más experiencia de vida

December 22nd, 2012

The 4-in-1 Combo Tour is an all day, all-inclusive experience. It started early in the morning, and  began with a choice of either a guided walk at the Arenal Hanging Bridges or a safari float along the Peñas Blancas River. We chose the safari float because we  haven’t gotten to do that yet. although both options presented us with great opportunities to learn about the environment and spot wildlife.

Next, we took a walking tour to the La Fortuna Waterfall. The waterfall emerged from a thick forest before falling some 200-ft (70-m) into the pool below. We swam in it first because it was really hot. Those who didn’t swim still got enjoy fantastic views and photographic opportunities. Following this stop, we were taken to a local restaurant in La Fortuna for lunch.After enjoying a “typical” Costa Rican lunch (which generally includes black beans, rice, vegetables, and a meat/fish option), they drove us to the Arenal Volcano National Park for some hiking and volcano viewing.

A knowledgeable local guide  lead us along trails that us opportunities to search for wildlife, inspect plants, or take photos of the Arenal Volcano. Once the hike was finished we were treated to a few hours in one of the area’s hot springs. The choices were between the Baldi Hot Springs, Eco Termales Hot Springs, Tabacón Hot Springs, Tikotu Hot Springs, and Los Perdidos Hot Springs.  We chose the Los Perdidos Hot Springs because it was less crowded. After a full day of activity and adventure, these springs  provided us with much needed relaxation. The evening ended with a  sumptuous dinner

It was the best way to end this trip. I’m really sad that we have to be on a plane leaving to go back to Alaska in a couple hours. I’m going to miss the rainforest and animals. I’m going to miss the food and the locals that were so kind to us. I honestly never want to leave, but we have to go home. So I better go to bed right now, so that the plane ride isn’t awful. I’ll write some more tomorrow , so good night.

December 21st, 2012

Okay, so since we didn’t do anything to day, I’ll tell you some fun fact about Costa Rica.

•  Costa Ricans refer to themselves as Ticos (males) or Ticas (females).
• There are 800 miles of coastline in Costa Rica between the Pacific and Caribbean coasts.
• More than 25% of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national parks, reserves and wildlife refuges. There are more than 100 different protected areas to visit.
• For most of Costa Rica, the dry season runs from December through April. During these months, the Pacific coast and most of the Central Valley receive little rain, or the odd afternoon shower. May through mid-November is considered the rainy season, when days are marked by sunny mornings and late afternoon thunderstorms. The Caribbean coast, Monteverde and Arenal areas are exceptions to this rule, and have no distinct dry season.
• Costa Rica’s official language is Spanish, though a large number of its citizens are bilingual. English, due to its status as the international language of tourists, is the most common second language in Costa Rica.

I already knew most of the things Carlos was telling us. I only put down a couple of things, I hoped you’d find interesting. We need a day of rest because tomorrows going to be our last day.  We are going to do a 4 in 1 tour. We packed all day today so we’re free to do what ever we want. I’m going to go to bed now, so I’m not cranky tomorrow.

December 20th,2012

Today we went on the canopy tour near the arenal volcano. We went on  a piece of property that was close to the arenal volcano but not too close! the tour was equipped with 11 cables and platforms that stretch between trees and canyons and extend over 2 kilometers in length. We got the chance to immerse ourselves in nature while having an exhilarating, one-of-a-kind experience. Professional guides  fit you with high quality gear and explain the mechanics of riding the cables.

Once comfortable with this process,you will begin a high-flying ride. In total, the tour lasts around 2 hours and is capable of being enjoyed by anyone ages 8 to 70, as long as they’re in decent shape.There was no  steep hiking required. A mini bus brought us to the starting point and a farm tractor brought us back. There is no weight limit, as the harnesses and equipment are certified to carry up to 2,000 lbs (900 kilos). We found out canopy tour is certified by the I.C.T. and is fully insured, which is a good thing. We had a real good time except I was a little nervous. It turned out alright though and I really enjoyed it.  Were back at the hotel right now, we just made dinner, and we’re about to eat. I’ll write later on, but I got to go right now.

December 19th,2012

So we woke up really late, like later than I thought we would. It was a bummer because I really wanted to do something. It wasn’t all that bad though because Carlos brought over some soup and hung out with us. It was comforting knowing someone can come and keep us company. I haven’t called my auntie and uncle in forever and I had a nice chat with them.

We spent the night telling ghost stories, and watching scary movies. This promoted my friend  to insist on sleeping in my room. I’m going to try to sleep because I actually want to do something tomorrow. Maybe we can go on one of the canopy tours.

December 19th,2012

We just got back from a club a couple hours ago. My feet are still sore from all the dancing. The place was called Volcan Look Discotheque. It was so fun, there were so many people, it was complete packed. They had an amazing DJ and everyone was so nice. They T.V’s so you could watch one of the Costa Rican futbol games. I really wasn’t paying attention to that though. I was more focused on the lights and the atmosphere. It was really intimidating watching everyone else dance because they were so good at it. I’m super tired though and I’m not really up to writing much. All I can tell you is that it was super fun and I would have loved to stay longer.

December 18th, 2012

So here is what I Learned today.

The politics of Costa Rica take place in a framework of a presidential representative democratic republic, with a multi-party system. Executive power is exercised by the president and his cabinet, and the President of Costa Rica is both the head of state and head of government. Legislative power is vested in the Legislative Assembly. The president and 57 Legislative Assembly deputies are elected for 4-year terms. The Judiciary operates independent of the executive and the legislature. Costa Rica is a republic with a strong system of constitutional checks and balances. Voting is compulsory in Costa Rica but it is not enforced.

Executive responsibilities are vested in a president, who is elected directly by the voters, not by the National Assembly as it would be in a parliamentary system. There also are two vice presidents and the president’s cabinet composed of his ministers . A constitutional amendment approved in 1969 limits presidents and deputies to one term, although a deputy may run again for an Assembly seat after sitting out a term. The prohibition was officially recognized as unconstitutional in April 2003, allowing Óscar Arias to run for President a second time in the 2006 Costa Rican presidential elections.

The President of Costa Rica has limited powers, particularly in comparison to other Latin American Presidents. For example, he or she cannot veto the legislative budget, and thus Congress is sovereign over the year’s single most important piece of legislation. On the other hand, they can appoint anyone to their cabinet without any approval from Congress. This provides the single most important power versus Congress that any Costa Rican President has.

(picture of the first female President of Costa Rica.)

I feel as though I am boring you. I really didn’t do much but listen to Carlos speak. I feel as though he’s overstayed his welcome, but I really can’t do anything about it because of my friend. You see, I think she might have a crush on him. It’s cute though so I don’t really mind it. Well, I gotta go, I’ll write some more tomorrow.

December 17,2012

We hiked through both primary and secondary rainforest in the Tenorio Volcano National Park. We came along the banks of the Río Celeste, the trail winds along the banks of the river, taking us up stream hike. The trip was only a one-hour hike, but we took our time, went there late, and ended up taking up most of the day. After that we went to one of the hot springs to relax and eat!

The day was full of beauty and I hope we go on another hike tomorrow. Although Carlos wants to tell us about the Political parties in Costa Rica. For my friends sake we might just stay in the hotel. She’s fun at all but she can’t keep up. Oh well, I’ll write some more later, but I think I’m going to go to bed now.

December 16th, 2012

Today Carlos told us all about Costa Rica’s economy. He said The economy of Costa Rica is very stable, and depends essentially on tourism, agriculture, and electronics exports.Costa Rica major economic resources are its fertile land and frequent rainfall, its well-educated population, and its location in the Central American isthmus, which provides easy access to North and South American markets and direct ocean access to the European and Asian Continents.

Costa Rica has two seasons, both of which have their own agricultural resources: the tropical wet and dry seasons. One-fourth of Costa Rica’s land is dedicated to national forests, often adjoining beaches, which has made the country a popular destination for affluent retirees and tourists.It has one of the best economies in Latin America. In terms of the Environmental Performance Index ranking, Costa Rica is 5th in the world, up from the 15th place in 2006.

Costa Rica used to be known principally as a producer of bananas and coffee. Even though coffee, bananas, pineapple, sugar, lumber, wood products and beef are still important exports, in recent times electronics, pharmaceuticals, financial outsourcing, software development, and ecotourism have become the prime industries in Costa Rica’s economy. High levels of education among its residents make the country an attractive investing location.

Costa Rica’s infrastructure has suffered from a lack of maintenance and new investment. The country has an extensive road system of more than 30,000 kilometers, although much of it is in disrepair. Most parts of the country are accessible by road. The main highland cities in the country’s Central Valley are connected by paved all-weather roads with the Atlantic and Pacific coasts and by the Pan American Highway with Nicaragua and Panama, the neighboring countries to the North and the South. Costa Rica’s ports are struggling to keep pace with growing trade. They have insufficient capacity, and their equipment is in poor condition. The railroad didn’t function for several years, until recent government effort to reactivate it for city transportation.

Carlos told us so much, I felt like I was in school. It was all good though because I learned a lot. We might go on one of the tours up to the volcano and then to the hot springs. I think I’m going to really enjoy La Fortuna.

December 15, 2012

So I’m going to write about the Costa Rican food. Costa Rican cuisine is known for being flavorful, yet fairly mild, with high reliance on fresh fruit and vegetables. Rice and black beans are a staple of most traditional Costa Rican meals, often served three times a day; gallo pinto, a breakfast dish of rice and beans mixed together with onions and bell peppers, is often considered the Costa Rican national dish.

For lunch, the traditional meal is called a casado. It again consists of rice and beans served side by side instead of mixed. There will usually be some type of meat (carne asada, fish, pork chop, or chicken) and a salad to round out the dish. There may also be some extras like fried plantain (patacones or maduro), a slice of white cheese, and/or corn tortillas in accompaniment.In many family gatherings or for special occasions is very common to prepare Arroz con Pollo (rice with chicken) accompanied with a Russian salad, a salad made with beets, potatoes, hard boiled eggs and mayo.

Their food is considerd rather healthy, though some don’t think this. The drinks are mostly milk based. Knowing that made me the happiest person on the planet. We have fruits and vegtitables on every single corner, it’s perfection. I think that’s enough about food, because it kind of made me hungry. I’ll post some more tomorrow.