Our sixth day was pretty much travel. The goal was to make it to the beach by 3 PM. So, we woke up early, ate breakfast (more beans and rice....seriously, it never gets old) and were on the bus by 8 AM.
We drove around Lake Arenal along the way to Samara Beach. Eddy told us that when they created the lake, the government chose to flood three towns. He said that when the water is really low, you can see the cross above one of the chapels rise above the water. We told him about old Dillon and how we too flooded a city to build a reservoir.
Eddy took us to a huge souvenir shop. We spent probably an hour here between eating lunch and shopping. Then, it was back on the road to Samara Beach. Just as Eddy predicted, we arrived at Samara Beach by 3pm. We stayed at the Samara Beach Hotel, about three blocks from the sand. We gave the travelers the option to go to the beach, but these kids were dead set on a pool day. They literally spent the entire time until dinner, swimming in the pool.
Monday, May 6, 2019
Friday, April 26, 2019
Day 5- La Fortuna and the Hot Springs
Day five was packed full. We started the morning with this view:
And seriously, this photo does not do it any justice. My camera sizes things down. This volcano was towering over us....absolutely majestic.
After breakfast (of the standard- rice/beans, fruit, pancakes) we got on the bus and drove to the entrance to the hike to the La Fortuna waterfall.
We were in for a treat....but first, about 10 stories worth of steps down to the bottom. By the time my legs started to feel like jello, we made it to the waterfall. We allowed the kids to swim around and get their fill of the nice cold water for about an hour and a half. They loved it. But then, we had to go back up the steps. Some kids raced to the top....I took about five breather breaks (maybe I should exercise more hah!).
After our fantastic waterfall experience, we went to the town of La Fortuna for some lunch and free time.
Such a cool town! I miss it already. After lunch, we went to Baldi Hot Springs. We had no idea what to expect and whatever expectations we did have, were far exceeded with this experience. I don't think I have any photos of this place, but look it up....it was amazing. We spent a few hours here and then went to the same place for dinner as the night before. Great day!!!
After breakfast (of the standard- rice/beans, fruit, pancakes) we got on the bus and drove to the entrance to the hike to the La Fortuna waterfall.
 |
| View from the top of the stairs. |
 |
| The bottom of the stairs. |
We were in for a treat....but first, about 10 stories worth of steps down to the bottom. By the time my legs started to feel like jello, we made it to the waterfall. We allowed the kids to swim around and get their fill of the nice cold water for about an hour and a half. They loved it. But then, we had to go back up the steps. Some kids raced to the top....I took about five breather breaks (maybe I should exercise more hah!).
After our fantastic waterfall experience, we went to the town of La Fortuna for some lunch and free time.
Such a cool town! I miss it already. After lunch, we went to Baldi Hot Springs. We had no idea what to expect and whatever expectations we did have, were far exceeded with this experience. I don't think I have any photos of this place, but look it up....it was amazing. We spent a few hours here and then went to the same place for dinner as the night before. Great day!!!
Day 4- Tortuguero to Arenal
Sorry, the rest of the posts are going to be coming in late. The wifi was not strong enough at the rest of our hotels to update the blog so these may take me a week to update everyone on the rest of the days.
Tortuguero to Arenal
This was a pretty long travel day for us, but it still involved some pretty fun activities. We started off our tour by saying farewell to our beautiful hotel in Tortuguero. Then, we took the same boat ride back to the bus pick up (about 1.5 hours). Again, the sites were absolutely stunning. Some kids caught up on sleep, others read their books, others continued to be mesmerized by the beautiful canopy looming above. We even got to see another monkey.
When we got back to the bus, we were greeted by a happy Chiri (our driver) and went on our way. The previous day, Eddy told us that when we were to arrive in the San Carlos/Arenal are, that nothing was on the itinerary. He asked how we wanted to spend our time and I asked him about the possibility of a cooking class or something along those lines. No surprises, Eddy knew exactly who to call to get it done. So, after being picked up in Tortuguero, we drove straight through to Don Juan's Organic Farm.
Don Juan's Organic Farm
This place is awesome! The activity started by taking a tour around the farm where the travelers got to try freshly squeezed juice (from a fruit I can't remember the name of, but is basically more nutritious than any other fruit).
Then, we were got to paint each other's faces with an orange fruit or some sort. It was pretty hilarious. Later, we learned about how they juice sugar cane. It was pretty difficult to squeeze of the juice out, but it was delicious. After touring the farm, we went to the restaurant area where students got to make homemade tortillas, yucca chips, and papaya root vegetarian meat (SO GOOD).
After our farm visit, we stopped at a restaurant for our dinner of beans, rice, fish or chicken, and fried spaghetti. Lastly, we headed to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Campo Verde. Campo Verde had cabins on a large property overlooking the Arenal Volcano. Students had no clue what they were going to see until the next morning.
Tortuguero to Arenal
This was a pretty long travel day for us, but it still involved some pretty fun activities. We started off our tour by saying farewell to our beautiful hotel in Tortuguero. Then, we took the same boat ride back to the bus pick up (about 1.5 hours). Again, the sites were absolutely stunning. Some kids caught up on sleep, others read their books, others continued to be mesmerized by the beautiful canopy looming above. We even got to see another monkey.
When we got back to the bus, we were greeted by a happy Chiri (our driver) and went on our way. The previous day, Eddy told us that when we were to arrive in the San Carlos/Arenal are, that nothing was on the itinerary. He asked how we wanted to spend our time and I asked him about the possibility of a cooking class or something along those lines. No surprises, Eddy knew exactly who to call to get it done. So, after being picked up in Tortuguero, we drove straight through to Don Juan's Organic Farm.
Don Juan's Organic Farm
This place is awesome! The activity started by taking a tour around the farm where the travelers got to try freshly squeezed juice (from a fruit I can't remember the name of, but is basically more nutritious than any other fruit).
Then, we were got to paint each other's faces with an orange fruit or some sort. It was pretty hilarious. Later, we learned about how they juice sugar cane. It was pretty difficult to squeeze of the juice out, but it was delicious. After touring the farm, we went to the restaurant area where students got to make homemade tortillas, yucca chips, and papaya root vegetarian meat (SO GOOD).
After our farm visit, we stopped at a restaurant for our dinner of beans, rice, fish or chicken, and fried spaghetti. Lastly, we headed to our hotel for the next two nights, Hotel Campo Verde. Campo Verde had cabins on a large property overlooking the Arenal Volcano. Students had no clue what they were going to see until the next morning.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Day-3 Tortuguero
(Written by Kaelin)
Today was awesome! After a delicious breakfast, and a rather early morning, we began our journey on an awesome bus tour through the San Barillo national park, where we got to see an amazing cloud forest! Out guide, Eddy taught us all about the ecosystem in the cloud forest, as well as some interesting history of the area. Once we had left San Barillo we took a stop and had a second breakfast. Eddy spotted a three-toed sloth (Yay! Ms.Monroe, and everyone else, got to see one). After filling our stomachs, and finding a sloth we headed back on the road. As we drove we got to learn all about the plantations, what it takes to grow some of the produce, and the pros and cons of the job. After passing through many little farming towns, we arrived at the shores of Tortuga, where we drove up the river till we met up at our hotel! After a short stop to set our bags down, we headed back onto the river where we took a boat tour. We saw Monkeys, Black Hawks, Turtles, Iguanas, and more! To finish off our boat ride we stopped at a little village on the side of the river where we got to walk along the beach and shop at some of the local stores. Once we were done we headed back to our hotel where we swam in the turtle shaped pool to cool off from our amazing but also hot day. After a short swim, we ate dinner at the lodge, and then we returned to the pool again. Our day was so much fun and had plenty of exciting and educational adventures we will never forget!
Hilarious Highlights
-Kaelin Bellyflopped into the pool and knocked the air out of herself
-Lynn lost his shirt near the ceiling
-Mason Lost his underwear
-Haven, Kaden, Sean, Miabella, Kaelin, and several other travelers told horror stories to Ms.Monroe and together they are starting a podcast
-Cadan almost fell off the boat when putting his feet in the water
(Pictures from today will be posted soon)
Today was awesome! After a delicious breakfast, and a rather early morning, we began our journey on an awesome bus tour through the San Barillo national park, where we got to see an amazing cloud forest! Out guide, Eddy taught us all about the ecosystem in the cloud forest, as well as some interesting history of the area. Once we had left San Barillo we took a stop and had a second breakfast. Eddy spotted a three-toed sloth (Yay! Ms.Monroe, and everyone else, got to see one). After filling our stomachs, and finding a sloth we headed back on the road. As we drove we got to learn all about the plantations, what it takes to grow some of the produce, and the pros and cons of the job. After passing through many little farming towns, we arrived at the shores of Tortuga, where we drove up the river till we met up at our hotel! After a short stop to set our bags down, we headed back onto the river where we took a boat tour. We saw Monkeys, Black Hawks, Turtles, Iguanas, and more! To finish off our boat ride we stopped at a little village on the side of the river where we got to walk along the beach and shop at some of the local stores. Once we were done we headed back to our hotel where we swam in the turtle shaped pool to cool off from our amazing but also hot day. After a short swim, we ate dinner at the lodge, and then we returned to the pool again. Our day was so much fun and had plenty of exciting and educational adventures we will never forget!
Hilarious Highlights
-Kaelin Bellyflopped into the pool and knocked the air out of herself
-Lynn lost his shirt near the ceiling
-Mason Lost his underwear
-Haven, Kaden, Sean, Miabella, Kaelin, and several other travelers told horror stories to Ms.Monroe and together they are starting a podcast
-Cadan almost fell off the boat when putting his feet in the water
(Pictures from today will be posted soon)
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Day 2- Actually made it San Jose
Whew!!! Thankfully, American Airlines got us to San Jose today.
Here are our lovelies enjoying our extra legroom upgraded seats...."father" Erik across the aisle.
We met our super awesome Tour Manager Eddy at the airport. We already love him! He told us all about the "pura vida" life. Our kids have been 100!!! We love them! Sorry to keep this one short, but because we are packing in two days worth of activities into tomorrow's Tortuguero experience, I gotta keep it short. Thanks all! Till tomorrow!
Here are our lovelies enjoying our extra legroom upgraded seats...."father" Erik across the aisle.
We met our super awesome Tour Manager Eddy at the airport. We already love him! He told us all about the "pura vida" life. Our kids have been 100!!! We love them! Sorry to keep this one short, but because we are packing in two days worth of activities into tomorrow's Tortuguero experience, I gotta keep it short. Thanks all! Till tomorrow!
Day 1- Almost made it to San Jose
Wow! What a start to our trip! As most of you know, our flight on Saturday was canceled and rescheduled for the next day (Sunday 4/14). We the (chaperones) were completely blown away with how flexible and understanding all the travelers were. Every experience so far continues to prove that we could not have dreamed up a better group of kids!! ACIS did an amazing job booking a hotel quickly and with a pool!! Although the day was pretty uneventful, we were able to swim two different times and "have a layover in Italy"! We went to an Italian restaurant named DiCinno's and ate delicious food and bonded with everyone! At the end of the night, we had an EPIC non-diving competition at the pool.
Hilarious Highlights:
*Our flight was canceled
*Cadan B learned how to eat pasta after some struggles
*Quinn won best "yoga pose" pool entry with child's pose
*Downtime was filled with some creative uses of makeup (HINT- clowns)
Overall, the day was not what we expected, but all the travelers made the best of the worst situation and we could not be more proud! We are so thankful to be surrounded by individuals whose positivity just rubs off on everyone! Not only are we better for it, but they have also recieved multiple complements from strangers on how amazing they are!
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Departure Day!
Hey there! Just wanted to post a quick explanation of departure day (in case you spaced out at the meeting). We are so close! In just two days we will be leaving this frozen place and heading off to the complete opposite climate. I hope you're ready!
Flight Information
Outbound from the USA. Saturday, April 13:
- American Airlines Flight 1797; Departing DEN 10:55 AM > DFW 1:53 PM
- American Airlines Flight 986; Departing DFW 4:36 PM > SJO 7:37 PM
Where to Meet
Please plan to meet at the American Airlines check-in counter at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Yes, that is about three hours before our flight. However, the process of checking in 20 people can be time-consuming.
Checking In
You can check in using one of the AA kiosks. Please make sure you have your itinerary card and your passport readily available. You will need to enter either the flight number or confirmation number (both are on the itinerary card) and then scan your passport. Make sure you answer all of the questions asked. Most of you won't be checking a bag, but if you decide you need to, you will need a credit card to purchase the bag fee. Once you print your boarding pass(es), please find us and wait with the rest of the group until everyone has checked in. You will probably get both of your boarding passes. Put the second one away somewhere safe for the next flight. DO NOT go to security without the group. We travel together through security. Once we get everyone checked in, we will take a group photo, say bye to the 'rents and be on our way.
Going Through Security
Make sure you are keeping your boarding pass and passport in your hand until TSA has waved you through. You should already know this, but, all liquids in your carry-on need to be under 3.4 oz. They will stop you if you have any liquids over this size and make you either check your bag or throw them out. Some of you will have TSA pre-check (because mine transfers to people on the same itinerary). If that is the case, you will go through the pre-check line with me. You can keep your electronics in your bag and can to keep your shoes on. Once you have grabbed your bags on the other side of the X-ray machine, go down the escalator to the tram. DO NOT get on the tram until we have the whole group together. At the bottom of the escalator, go to the right (out of the way of everyone) and wait for the rest of the group. We will all get on the tram together. If the Security checkpoint for Terminal A is open Saturday, we will probably go through there. In that case, wait on the bridge off to the right for everyone.
And Then?
Once we have all found the gate, we will set up a mini-base and take turns watching bags. This would be a good time to get breakfast if you haven't already or a quick snack. Our flight to Dallas is only two hours and you will have time in Dallas to get a full meal.
The Flight
I cannot say this enough.... flight attendants are there for your safety, they are not your servant. Please do not make their job difficult. Your carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin. If you can't reach, ask someone to help you. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. If you are in a bulkhead seat (meaning there is no seat in front of you) then both bags go in the overhead compartment. Both of our flights are not very long, so please stay in your seats unless you need to use the bathroom. This is NOT a time for musical chairs. You can live without your friends for a couple of hours. You will have 9 days with them, you do not need to be with them at all times. Whoever you are seated next to, please be polite. If you are in the aisle or a window, remember that the middle seat person gets the armrests (this is common etiquette). Please do not speak louder than a conversational volume. Please do not play any music or videos out loud. You should always wear headphones..... the plane doesn't want to hear what only you can see. When we land, remember that planes unload row by row, this is not the time to run from the back of the plane to the front to be first off the plane (there is never a time for that....it's rude). Make sure you have everything....everything....EVERYTHING! Do NOT leave anything on the plane (cough cough...your passport...it's been done....it's not fun). If you are the first of the group to de-plane, find a place out of the way to start gathering up the group.
The Layover
We will go into all the details when we land in Dallas. Based on behavior, everything we said before is subject to change. Be at the gate 15 minutes before we board the next flight. You will need to have your passport and boarding pass in hand to get on the plane.
Landing in Costa Rica
On the plane, you will be given a customs form to fill out before landing in Costa Rica. Make sure your itinerary card and your passport are readily available. Also, please make sure you have a pen. The flight attendants rarely have extra pens. Read the directions and follow them exactly. Please do not skim over it and think you filled it all out. Make sure you filled it out correctly and completely. Everything you need to fill out will be information from your passport and the itinerary card. And as long as you aren't traveling with plants from the U.S. or over $10,000, you should clear customs just fine.
When getting off the plane, please make sure you have the itinerary card, your passport, and the customs entry form in your hand and ready to expedite the customs process. Same protocol as getting off the plane in Dallas, we need to group up before heading to the customs line. We will go through customs together. If they make you keep moving until you are out of the customs area, we will meet and group up on the other side. Once your passport has been stamped, put it away in a safe place. I will give you a copy of your passport once we get to the hotel and have our welcome meeting.
Outside of baggage claim, we will meet up with our Tour Manager, Eddy. He will give us a quick introduction and then take us to our bus. Please make sure you are quiet and respectful when he is speaking. The bus ride to the hotel is usually the TM's time to go over some rules of the road and give an introduction to the places you will be visiting.
Alrighty.....any questions?
I'm getting pretty excited! See you all Saturday!
Flight Information
Outbound from the USA. Saturday, April 13:
- American Airlines Flight 1797; Departing DEN 10:55 AM > DFW 1:53 PM
- American Airlines Flight 986; Departing DFW 4:36 PM > SJO 7:37 PM
Where to Meet
Please plan to meet at the American Airlines check-in counter at 8:00 AM on Saturday. Yes, that is about three hours before our flight. However, the process of checking in 20 people can be time-consuming.
Checking In
You can check in using one of the AA kiosks. Please make sure you have your itinerary card and your passport readily available. You will need to enter either the flight number or confirmation number (both are on the itinerary card) and then scan your passport. Make sure you answer all of the questions asked. Most of you won't be checking a bag, but if you decide you need to, you will need a credit card to purchase the bag fee. Once you print your boarding pass(es), please find us and wait with the rest of the group until everyone has checked in. You will probably get both of your boarding passes. Put the second one away somewhere safe for the next flight. DO NOT go to security without the group. We travel together through security. Once we get everyone checked in, we will take a group photo, say bye to the 'rents and be on our way.
Going Through Security
Make sure you are keeping your boarding pass and passport in your hand until TSA has waved you through. You should already know this, but, all liquids in your carry-on need to be under 3.4 oz. They will stop you if you have any liquids over this size and make you either check your bag or throw them out. Some of you will have TSA pre-check (because mine transfers to people on the same itinerary). If that is the case, you will go through the pre-check line with me. You can keep your electronics in your bag and can to keep your shoes on. Once you have grabbed your bags on the other side of the X-ray machine, go down the escalator to the tram. DO NOT get on the tram until we have the whole group together. At the bottom of the escalator, go to the right (out of the way of everyone) and wait for the rest of the group. We will all get on the tram together. If the Security checkpoint for Terminal A is open Saturday, we will probably go through there. In that case, wait on the bridge off to the right for everyone.
And Then?
Once we have all found the gate, we will set up a mini-base and take turns watching bags. This would be a good time to get breakfast if you haven't already or a quick snack. Our flight to Dallas is only two hours and you will have time in Dallas to get a full meal.
The Flight
I cannot say this enough.... flight attendants are there for your safety, they are not your servant. Please do not make their job difficult. Your carry-on bag goes in the overhead bin. If you can't reach, ask someone to help you. Your personal item goes under the seat in front of you. If you are in a bulkhead seat (meaning there is no seat in front of you) then both bags go in the overhead compartment. Both of our flights are not very long, so please stay in your seats unless you need to use the bathroom. This is NOT a time for musical chairs. You can live without your friends for a couple of hours. You will have 9 days with them, you do not need to be with them at all times. Whoever you are seated next to, please be polite. If you are in the aisle or a window, remember that the middle seat person gets the armrests (this is common etiquette). Please do not speak louder than a conversational volume. Please do not play any music or videos out loud. You should always wear headphones..... the plane doesn't want to hear what only you can see. When we land, remember that planes unload row by row, this is not the time to run from the back of the plane to the front to be first off the plane (there is never a time for that....it's rude). Make sure you have everything....everything....EVERYTHING! Do NOT leave anything on the plane (cough cough...your passport...it's been done....it's not fun). If you are the first of the group to de-plane, find a place out of the way to start gathering up the group.
The Layover
We will go into all the details when we land in Dallas. Based on behavior, everything we said before is subject to change. Be at the gate 15 minutes before we board the next flight. You will need to have your passport and boarding pass in hand to get on the plane.
Landing in Costa Rica
On the plane, you will be given a customs form to fill out before landing in Costa Rica. Make sure your itinerary card and your passport are readily available. Also, please make sure you have a pen. The flight attendants rarely have extra pens. Read the directions and follow them exactly. Please do not skim over it and think you filled it all out. Make sure you filled it out correctly and completely. Everything you need to fill out will be information from your passport and the itinerary card. And as long as you aren't traveling with plants from the U.S. or over $10,000, you should clear customs just fine.
When getting off the plane, please make sure you have the itinerary card, your passport, and the customs entry form in your hand and ready to expedite the customs process. Same protocol as getting off the plane in Dallas, we need to group up before heading to the customs line. We will go through customs together. If they make you keep moving until you are out of the customs area, we will meet and group up on the other side. Once your passport has been stamped, put it away in a safe place. I will give you a copy of your passport once we get to the hotel and have our welcome meeting.
Outside of baggage claim, we will meet up with our Tour Manager, Eddy. He will give us a quick introduction and then take us to our bus. Please make sure you are quiet and respectful when he is speaking. The bus ride to the hotel is usually the TM's time to go over some rules of the road and give an introduction to the places you will be visiting.
Alrighty.....any questions?
I'm getting pretty excited! See you all Saturday!
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