The Young Leader

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Costa Rica: Spring Break Service Adventure (March 14 – March 20, 2026)

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things to know and expect:

  1. Blog posts are written by onsite program staff and/or students and sent to our Headquarters team who will post the blog on this page.
  2. We typically receive 2-3 blog updates per week from each program, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post every day – that’s totally normal.
  3. Blog updates received late in the evening or overnight will be posted the following day.
  4. Blog updates received on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
  5. Due to many factors such as internet accessibility, program staff aren’t always able to send photos, so some blog posts may contain text only.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

P.S. Are you interested in supporting the Global Leadership Adventures International Foundation? We invite you to learn more about GLAIF and consider donating here.

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 14

Hola from Costa Rica!

We’re so happy to have all these great students here on the program with us. All 10 students in the group have arrived safe and had a fun day of new experience.

Today we had arrivals, orientation, pool time, and delicious meals on our restaurant balcony overlooking the beach.

We shared some laughs and got to know each other throughout the day. Such joyful, funny, intellectual, sporty, and talented students in this group. What a great start to this journey!

Students will be busy during the days fostering in-person community. To keep you looped in, we’ll send regular blogs and be available as a staff support team for you and them 24/7.

Our blogs will start with myself Amanda, International Director, and Juanca, Local Director, as authors then transition into student written narrative.

Thanks for trusting us with your young ones, it’s really an honor to work with them.

Amanda and Juanca

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 15

Everyone in camp set an alarm for the morning the previous night. The birds outside everyone’s rooms had a different plan and decided that they could beat out loudspeakers and quite literally scream at 5:30 this morning.

When we all met up for breakfast at 8, we all discovered that everyone had woken up around 6 to 5:30 due to the birds.

We had all finished breakfast by about 8:30 when we had decided to start packing up for the beach. We brought boogie boards, cards, and goggles.

By the time we were all inside the bus. After a 20-minute bumpy ride to the beach, we were greeted by crashing waves and crystal-clear water.

We spent the three hours we had at the beach by playing volleyball, exploring the tide pools, and swimming around the cove. We saw several things, including little crabs, snails, and 2 to 3 sea turtles.

After we packed up and got into the bus once again, someone brought out a speaker, and we decided to play beach music for the ride home.

After we came back, everyone took their time washing off a little bit and resetting themselves for lunch of chicken fingers that were fried in a fish batter and fries at 12:00. It was absolutely delicious.

We were then taught in a presentation about Costa Rica. We learned about local dishes as well and about the wildlife in the area.

After getting about 30 minutes to reset and enjoy some (virgin) strawberry daiquiris, we walked over to the turtle egg hatchery. We learned all about the four different types of turtles in Costa Rica and we learned how to identify which tracks were which species as well as their threats and diets.

Then, we were able to simulate finding turtle nests. We all used tools to locate the nest then our hands to carefully dig out the “eggs”.

We then ran to clean off some sand, and we had two hours to spend cleaning up and jumped in the pool and played various camp games.

We then went to have sunset circle and discuss the next leaders of the day as well as achievements, and one fun story we had about an animal encounter.

As the sun finished setting, we ran to dinner and had salad, pork, and mashed potatoes. Once again, it was very protein-filled and nutritious as well as delicious.

After seven, we went to play a hypothetical game where we are crashed astronauts on the surface of the moon, and we have to figure out the importance of the 15 objects we were given in order. It was very well thought out.

We had free time for the rest of the night, so we played card games and more camp games (and wrote an incredible blog, if we do say so ourselves).

We’re all enjoying our time here in beautiful Costa Rica and we cannot wait for our next adventure!

Kaden and Sydney T

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 16

This morning, we went to go volunteer at a school in Guanacaste. One group made an area to contain trash, essentially like a platform. However, the other group walked around a forest and streets looking for trash to pick up. We collected a total of 81.17 pounds of trash. After that, we started a project to paint signs for the local community. This will be finished on Wednesday. Overall, volunteering at the school has been a very humbling experience and taught the true value of hard work.

Later, we had a relaxed afternoon by the pool. We played a series of different games as a group. It was a really nice way to recollect and have a fun time with the group.

We were supposed to have a dance class after this, but there was actually an opportunity to release turtles into the ocean. So, we headed over to a nearby beach to go watch them make their way. It was a really special treat. Yesterday we had a simulation of finding and identifying turtle eggs, it seeing them live in action elevated the whole experience.

To finish off the day, we did an activity that sparked the critical thinking of new technologies and their impact on the modern world. The prompts focused heavily on their impact in the school environment. After, we wrapped up with a few games.

We’re looking forward to ziplining and dance class tomorrow!

Charles and Emma

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 17

Our morning began at 8am with a a delicious breakfast before heading to the zip line course, where we had our fun adventure of the day.

The zip line course was about an hour and a half away and was filled with fun moments of music and fun conversations.

When we arrived, we were kindly greeted by the zip line pros who surprised us with a quick jump from about 40ft high before we began our journey.

We completed 10 zip lines in the trees and we saw some monkeys along the way!

Then we had a picnic lunch before heading off to a market a little further.

The market was right on the water and some of us purchased some souvenirs as well as some ice cream and refreshing drinks.

We then headed to the nice beach for some monkey in the middle and some swimming. On both our way to and from the beach, we saw several animals like horses and a puffer fish in the sand.

Immediately after arriving back to our home base, we went to dinner where we had taco night.

After dinner we went to dance class where we learned some salsa, reggaeton, and typical costa rican dance moves. This class was so much fun and we all worked hard!!

We then went to the home base parking lot to do our daily leadership activity and “sunset” circle in the night.

Our day was closed off by some card games and board presentation for tomorrow’s schedule.

We are having so much fun here in costa rica and we are flabbergasted that we are already half way through the trip!

Lilie and Sophia

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 18

On the fifth day of our spring break adventure started bright and early with a French toast breakfast at 7:00. Then we packed in the bus and painted signs to discourage local trash waste on the beach. Then we spent some time playing on the beach, dodging the sun and trying not to burn our feet. We tried to bodyboard the waves, and even succeeded sometimes. Then we returned to home base and relaxed in the poolside shade. At 3:00, we attended a cooking class where we took plain corn or mais into empanadas, which we enjoyed with el jugo de tamarindo. When we returned we checked out the goods at the market and had a wonderful wing dinner. Finally, we did some group activities made by Chase and Aiden, our group leaders, where we learned about the importance of communication. Ending the day with some karaoke and selecting tomorrow’s leaders, the day was eventful and fulfilling.

Aiden and Chase

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 19

We started off our day nice and early to head off to a catamaran. We had delicious empanadas on the bus way there to fill us up for all of the fun activities we did.

Once on the catamaran, we hung out and listened to music on the way to dock near a beach. We even spotted a turtle on the way!

While docked we snorkeled and spotted wildlife like puffer fish, sea stars and sea urchins; then we paddleboard explored the beach and swam around.

We had lunch on the boat, then swim around for a little bit longer before returning to the port.

On the way back from the port, we stopped in a little shopping area to check out a fruit stand, where a few of us bought mangoes, and a smoothie truck. We also stopped at a grocery store to pick up some snacks that we really enjoyed, to take home.

When back at homebase we enjoyed some nachos and swim in the pool. After a failed attempt to watch another turtle release, we ended the afternoon with a walk on the beach and watching the beautiful sunset.

Later, we had dinner and got some ice cream before concluding our trip with an appreciation circle, which helped us reflect on the friendships we made during this trip.

We ended the night with some reflection and games.

We are sad to this trip ended so quickly but we all had such an amazing time.

Sydney and Tim

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GLA Ambassador Getaway – Guatemala (February 13-February 16, 2026)

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures program!

Here are a few things you can expect:

  1. We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
  2. Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
  3. Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR FEBRUARY 13

Hola from Guatemala!

We are officially underway with the very first GLA Alumni Ambassador Antigua Getaway, and it has already been such a special start.

Our staff team arrived Thursday morning to prepare for this Alumni-only experience. While GLA has been running programs in Guatemala for over a decade, this is our first getaway just for Alumni Ambassadors, which makes it extra meaningful. 💛

Molly and Delilah got in on Friday a day early, and we kicked things off with dinner at a local favorite. The evening was filled with laughter and stories from past GLA programs. Our Local Director, Nayo, shared about his life growing up in Guatemala, grounding us in the culture and heart of this country. We ended the night with ice cream and a stroll through the cobblestone streets before getting some rest for official arrival day.

The next morning, Jagger, Ryan, Sophie, and Daniella joined us. We enjoyed breakfast with views of Volcán de Agua in the distance, then explored Antigua’s colorful streets. We stopped at artisan shops and visited the iconic yellow Arco de Santa Catalina for photos.

Lunch featured traditional Guatemalan dishes and lively marimba music. After a short siesta, we welcomed the rest of our group Jenna, Cayla, and Adam, completing our Ambassador crew. We gathered for a warm welcome dinner and reviewed plans for Day 2.

Next we head to Lake Atitlán, surrounded by volcanoes and lakeside villages. We are excited to visit a cacao shop and learn about chocolate making, visit a textile cooperative, deepen connections, build community, and continue creating unforgettable memories together.

More soon from Guatemala! 💙 The GLA Staff: Heather, Hayley, Ethan & Nayo

BLOG POST FOR FEBRUARY 14

We started our morning off bright and early leaving at 6:30 on a bus to Atitlan. Ending up at an adorable breakfast place where we took Valentine’s Day photos, we had a delicious breakfast with some students even having pancake tacos!

After breakfast, we headed up to “Pana” where we took a speed boat to San Juan. In San Juan, we walked through a beautiful marketplace with colorful hanging umbrellas to get to a textile cooperative. We all learned so much about Mayan culture and weaving techniques.

Afterwards we walked through more shops to a chocolate factory, and got to see the process of making chocolate. Everyone then tried 100% cacao bean and most bought more! For lunch we went to a traditional restaurant where we had the freshest guacamole we had ever tasted.

Following our meal, we split up in buddy groups to check out souvenirs. Taking the boat back to Panajachel was a journey, as the ride was beautiful, but bumpy and chaotic in a fun way! Of course, we had to go to the beach to test out the waters! The walk there was so pretty through the town, and we were able to go to a private beach to swim. Even though the water was quite chilly, everyone had a blast.

Our hosts made us dinner with everyone having seconds and thirds before jumping into a leadership activity lead by our GLA mentors. Naturally, we needed dessert and walked back through town to get ice cream.

The day started early, but we made the most of it and ended the day with a dance party on the rooftop terrace! ✨🇬🇹🛥️

From your leaders of the day: Sophie Heyman, Daniella Knapp, and Jagger Jordan

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Atmosphere Academy – Spain (February 23-March 5, 2026)

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures Custom Group program!

Here are a few things you can expect:

  1. We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
  2. Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
  3. Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

Click here to jump down to the most recent post!

BLOG POST FOR FEBRUARY 25

Feb 25 by Dwayne Deleon

Flying in and seeing the city from above already made it feel special, like I was about to step into somewhere full of history. After leaving customs, we were greeted by Global Leadership Adventures, who introduced themselves, and through an icebreaker we were able to break some of the awkward tension and start getting to know each other.

One of the highlights of the day was visiting the Sagrada Família. Seeing it in person was completely different from pictures the details, the scale, and the atmosphere were incredible. Our guide was experienced and explained everything in a way we could truly understand. We spent time learning about its history and how long it has taken to build, which made me appreciate it even more, and it felt meaningful to stand inside a place that has been worked on for generations.

After exploring, we went to a restaurant for lunch, where I ordered from a menu that honestly shocked me. Being in a new place, I wasn’t sure what I would like, but the experience pushed me out of my comfort zone. It allowed me to try new things, explore different flavors, and expand my palate, which made the day feel even more memorable.

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Feb 25 by Camila Cruz

Yesterday we had a really interesting and exciting day. We got the chance to visit the Sagrada Família and we learned a lot about the meaning behind its design. we found out that every part of the church tells a story. We learned about The Nativity side which represents Jesus’ birth full of detailed designs inspired by nature and The Passion side which was more serious, representing the suffering and sacrifice. we also walked through the inside and we learned about the tall columns that look like trees, making it feel like you’re standing in a forest foreshadowing how Antoni Gaudí was inspired by nature and believed it reflected God’s creation.

After that, we walked around Barcelona and saw beautiful buildings and palaces which helped me understand more about the city’s history and culture We also visited casa mila also known as La Pedrera. we learned that it was designed as an apartment building but how it has a lot of meaning behind it. The outside of the building is curved and looks like ocean waves, and the balconies look like twisted metal plants and we learned that Gaudí didn’t like using straight lines because he believed nature doesn’t have straight lines.

But overall our day wasn’t just about looking at buildings but also learning how architecture tells stories and have deep meanings.

**Note: February 26 – March 1 posts can be found below. Photos for all of these days are at the bottom of the March 1 post.**
BLOG POST FOR FEBRUARY 26

Feb 26 by Arianna Aquino

Yesterday we woke up pretty early to go from Barcelona to Madrid. After getting ready and eating breakfast we all got on the bus. Pretty much as soon as we got on the bus, personally I fell asleep. Jet lag really got me and I was only able to sleep about 2-3 the night before. Our first bathroom stop at a place over the highway with a cafe and some souvenirs. Since we were going to a new hotel.

I decided to buy snacks and the snacks were kinda different from the ones in America but it was pretty much the same brands but different flavors. After we got back on the bus, I fell asleep again. Around that time it was about 4 hours on the road. We then stopped again to eat lunch. We ate at this restaurant where we had pre ordered the food and it was good. I ordered something I knew I was going to like which was salmon. After we got back on the road I fell asleep again and then we arrived at the hotel. That day was pretty much a road trip day. By the time we got to the hotel it was around 8.

The next day was really busy- we visited a high school in Toledo and got to see what a Spanish high school is like, with lots of activities with the students there. Then after lunch we went zip lining across a river which was amazing. We will tell you about that on the next blog.

BLOG POSTS FOR FEBRUARY 27

Feb 27 by Emely Nina

On the fourth day of our trip we visited a school in Spain. It was honestly such a nice experience. It was fun learning about their history in a way that didn’t feel boring. We even made gazpacho together, which was actually really good. Watching the kids dance flamenco was so fun, and learning some flamenco moves ourselves made it even better. At lunchtime, I was surprised because the kids acted just like kids in the Dominican Republic. They listened to the same music as us and knew the same dances too. It made me feel at home and comfortable. It felt like a family gathering. It made me realize we’re not that different, even if we live in different countries.

In the afternoon, we went ziplining, and even though I knew I was going to do it the whole time, I started getting more and more nervous as we got closer. When I was standing at the very top, about to go, my heart was racing and I felt super anxious. Looking down made it even worse, and for a second I wasn’t sure if I actually wanted to do it. But the moment I finally went, everything changed. I didn’t feel scared any more; instead I felt free, relaxed, and honestly kind of refreshed. It was such a rush, and I’m so glad I didn’t back out.

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Feb 27 ⁠by Elian Garcia Rosario

On the way from Barcelona we went by the Mediterranean Sea which was a beautiful sight and much more than picture worthy. The students went through the central Spain desert. Ethan says the breakfast was “okay” but everyone disagrees and says it was really good.

On our way to Madrid we discovered some facts of our voyage such as a huge cemetery along the way, what are the most spoken languages by natives like Catalan where we were, traditions in Spain, its bordering countries, and the history of Spain while also enjoying the sunset. Along the voyage, we discovered various hills and plains showing Spain’s rural areas and a site worth remembering.

The next day we went to experience educational life in an international school called “Colegio Mayol”. We had many activities such as dancing (Flamenco), making Gazpacho, and learning more about Spain. After that, we went to eat lunch at a nearby location where the food was delicious. Shortly after, we went zip lining which proved to be more exciting than scary.

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Feb 27 by Michael Suero

Along the way to Madrid from Barcelona we went through a hilly plain of grass and across the barren parts of Spain with some little really old villages – it was very picturesque. After our drive across Spain we had dinner and got ready for the next day:

On arrival to Toledo we saw castles, cathedrals, synagogues, and mosques which were all very beautiful . The lighting was all beautiful like the famous El Greco painting of Toledo. On the arrival of Colegia Mayol we met the flamenco dancers who were high school students. There were guys who also played Spanish guitar and sang and got us to sing along to in Spanish.

Then we all got together with the Spanish students and danced and ate local foods. Elian and Brandon were really active in this activity. The students made many new friends and many more memories. We also made gazpacho, a cold tomato soup which was really a heavy tomato and cucumber soup. We also did Spanish history and introduction to Spanish culture. After the departure from Colegia Mayol we went to “fly Toledo” which was a local hotspot of an ancient castle filled with rich Spanish history. There was also a zip line where many students faced their fears. We zip lined over a river and then walked back over a historic stone bridge with a beautiful view.

Feb 27 by Na’layjah Esty

Yesterday went pretty smoothly. We took a quite long journey to Madrid from Barcelona. The bus ride was about 7 hours. We had a couple stops. We went to a restaurant for lunch that was surrounded by lots of open land. The food was good, we had a salad as the appetizer,chicken or salmon and potatoes for the main dish and for dessert we had cake . Overall , it was interesting and a pretty calm day. Then the next morning we visited a local school and it was really fun! That will be on tomorrow’s blog.

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Feb 27 by Elian Garcia Rosario

On the way from Barcelona we went through the Mediterranean Sea which was a beautiful sight and much more than picture worthy. The students went through the central Spain arid hills. Ethan says the breakfast was “pretty good” but everyone else said it’s great! Along the way to Toledo we went through a flat plain of grass of the barren parts of Spain. It was picturesque.

On arrival to Toledo we saw castles, cathedrals, synagogues, and mosques which were all very beautiful. The lighting was all beautiful. Like the famous El Greco painting. On the arrival of Colegia Mayol we met the flamenco dancers. High school students Elian and Brandon were really active in this activity. The students made many new friends and many more memories. We made gazpacho, a cold tomato soup which was really a heavy cucumber soup. We’ve also done Spanish history and introductions. After the departure of Colegia Mayol we went to Toledo which was a local hotspot of an ancient castle filled with rich Spanish history.

There was also a zip line where many students faced their fears. An activity for the sgla On our way to Real Madrid, we discovered some facts of our voyage such as a cemetery along the way, what are the most spoken languages by natives, traditions in Spain, its bordering countries, and the history of Spain while also enjoying the sunset. Along the voyage, we discovered various flat lands showing Spain’s rural areas and a site worth remembering. The survey dictates that the food displayed as options for breakfast was sufficient for consumption. We later went to experience educational life in an international school called “Colegio Mayol”.

We had many activities such as dancing (Flamenco), Making Gazpacho, and learning more about Spain. After that, we went to eat lunch at a nearby location where the food was delicious. Shortly after, we went zip lining which proved to be more exciting than scaring after trying.

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Feb 27 by Anaiya Taitt

On Friday February 27th the students had a very educational day. As we interacted with many different characters ,we learned about Spain through the eyes of other students our age. We learned we have many things in common and that the language barrier wasn’t something that stopped us from making new friends. They taught us traditional dances and how to make their traditional foods. They were very interactive and open with sharing their culture. Later on that day when we went zip lining many students have never done it before ,so it was a big moment for many people. The  ziplining was fun and most people didn’t even though it wasn’t in their comfort zone. As we were walking up to the zip lining we got to sightsee as the hill showed a beautiful layout of Toledo. We learned about the culture through architecture, as it looks like a beautiful fortress on a hill. We enjoyed our time in that beautiful city and learned so much from the students. 10 out of 10 would love to go back again.

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Feb 27 by Jonathon Figueroa

On February 27th, 2026, in Madrid, Spain, we went to visit an international school to explore more of their cultural norms on a day to day basis. We were able to learn about their geography, their different dances like flamenco, and much more. We proceeded to have a party where everyone was dancing and having fun celebrating with the Spain kids. We left as we went to this restaurant where they were to serve us, within our chaperone groups, chicken, fries, and some mashed potatoes ball which the food was amazing, 10/10. We went walking up to the destination of where we were then gonna zip line our way across the river to the other side. Multiple atmosphere kids ended up going across and had so much fun. As the day started to end, us scholars did some mini games to pass the time and reflected on each other. For dinner we ended up having some pasta and other foods like spaghetti and ice cream for dessert.

BLOG POSTS FOR FEBRUARY 28

Feb 28 ⁠by Rafan Yaseen and Evan Perez

Today was a splendid day as we witnessed the true old town and major tourist spots in Madrid. We were finally able to see the true history of Madrid and those areas were extremely walkable. We went to the Prado museum first which contained many magnificent and historical pieces of art that were truly splendid. These pieces of art held a major role in history as each one depicted a purpose. We saw paintings by Velazquez, Goya, El Greco, Tintoretto, and many other famous paintings, with the guide explaining lots of details and facts about them.

After we visited the museum we took an amazing tour of the city and old Madrid as we saw the hotspots of the city and the true tourist attractions. It was a perfect bright sunny day and we really saw how the people of Madrid live, learned the history of the oldest parts of Madrid, and saw a lot of interesting shops and restaurants with interesting Spanish food. We also saw a tiny statue of Ratoncito Pérez- the Spanish version of the tooth fairy.

As the night ended we bonded within our groups playing fun games and enjoying with each other, Lastly we ended off with a pleasant dinner.

Tomorrow we will have a cooking class and see the magnificent Royal Place with 3418 rooms.

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Feb 28 by Esther Nyarko

Today was a really busy day in Madrid. We started off at the Prado Museum looking at a ton of famous paintings, and then we grabbed lunch at a buffet. After eating, we went on a walking tour through the center of the city and explored all the cool historical buildings around the plaza. I even managed to get some souvenir shopping done. Once we got back to the hotel, we hung out in our groups to talk about how the trip is going so far. We played a game called “Hot Seat” where you have 30 seconds to answer random questions so everyone can get to know you better, which was actually really fun. We also played a legendary game of Mafia before finally heading to dinner.

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Feb 28 by Jerlyn Ramirez

Visiting Spain was actually so fun, especially when we went to the Museo del Prado in Madrid. It was kind of crazy seeing real paintings we’ve only heard about in school, and the whole place just felt huge and impressive. Even though it was quiet inside, it didn’t feel boring, it was more like you could really take everything in. We saw lots of world famous paintings. After that, we went shopping, and then a walking tour all around the best parts of Madrid, which was fun:

The streets were busy and full of energy, and it was fun going into different stores and looking at clothes and little souvenirs. It felt like the perfect mix of learning, something cool and just enjoying being there.

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Feb 28 by Cobbs & Washington Pod

Hola familia!!!Saying hello all the way from Spain, today we started our day bright and early at 9 am. On our way to the Cibeles museum we received a bus tour explaining the history of the beautiful city of Madrid which if you don’t know means an abundant place in water. After our tour we got to visit the beautiful Cibeles museum in which we saw many different forms of art. 🖼️ not long after we got a beautiful cooking class 🧑‍🍳 🥘where we prepared a Spanish torta, paella, and a delicious almond tart! We got to do a little souvenir shopping after that u guys will receive in a few days. After that we visited the historical and magical Spanish royal palace 👑. We learned its history and saw its beautiful art. To end off our day we debriefed and groups and had meaningful and important conversations. We hope u guys loved our recap and goodnight from us in 🇪🇸.

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Feb 28 by Jackeline Campos

We went to two main places and did a bit of shopping: Palacio de Cibeles and Palacio Real Madrid. During the shopping portion, I got a photo with my best friend and it’s a memory I’ll cherish after we leave Spain. Between the two main places, it’s hard to pick a favorite since both were incredible in their own way! Cibeles had a ton of pieces ranging from painted, sewn, written, and sculpted that completed the whole “before renaissance” vibe all throughout Spain. My personal favorite was of a sculpted woman that looked so similar to Greek mythology I was immediately captivated. Afterwards, we went to Madrid’s Palace and it was like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Everything was so opulent from the chandeliers, paintings, decorations, and even flooring! Our guide was so immersive and taught a ton of Spain’s rulers history and why the palace was even built. Every room looked more expensive than the last but had such deep history in who made it and how far back each artifact goes. All in all, the experience was amazing and worth the foot pain after!

BLOG POSTS FOR MARCH 1

March 1 by Eduardo Martinez

Today we first woke up today and went downstairs at 8 so we can eat breakfast then we went upstairs to grab our important belongings so we can go at 9:30 .Next we went on the bus to Prada museum to learn about art and its various styles and religion. Later at like 10 we went to walk around Madrid to go for lunch at a buffet.when we arrived at buffet they had various options of food to try such as rice, pizza,ice cream,etc. after the buffet we had 25 minutes to explore the local shops and buy souvenirs . And last we went around the whole city back to the palace that we explored the day prior to take the bus back to the hotel.

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March 1 by Brandon Javier

To start the day we went to the Prado Museum. The Prado Museum (in Madrid) is basically a massive treasure chest filled with some of the most famous paintings ever made. It’s not just a big building with art, it’s where the Spanish kings and queens kept their private artifacts, so the stuff there is very rare. You’ll find some really crazy things, like Goya’s dark, creepy paintings and Bosch’s super weird scenes of heaven and hell. It’s most famous for Las Meninas, which is a huge painting that feels like you’re looking into a mirror from hundreds of years ago. Afterwards, we went to make Paella. A Spanish tortilla is basically a thick, potato omelet that’s super filling and easy to eat. You just fry up some sliced potatoes and onions in a pan, mix them with a bunch of eggs, and cook it until it’s like a big, golden cake. People in Spain eat it at all times of the day, and it tastes just as good cold as a snack as it does hot for dinner.

Here are lots of photos from the last few days!!

**Note: More posts from March 1-March 3 can be found below. All photos are added at the bottom of the March 3 post.**

MORE BLOG POSTS FOR MARCH 1

March 1 by Omotayo Olaniwun

Yesterday we started the day off with going to an art exhibit going down the 5 different floors taking pictures. Me and my friends posed near some of the sculptures. One floor contained animals depicted in different colors and even a cat in a coat. After that we went to a cooking class where we made a tortilla Español, tarta de Santiago, and paella. The ingredients were chicken, bell peppers, peas in a pod, garlic, and saffron. It tasted amazing! I made it with Elian and Richard, we all cut different ingredients to add to the pan. The tortilla Español was made with eggs, potatoes, and onions. I made it by letting the mixture cook on one side then flip around to fully cook it. We then went to the Royal Palace and checked the different rooms. All the rooms were beautiful and we found many fun facts like all the silverware before 1812 were melted by Napoleon when he conquered Spain. There were many rooms made for very important dinners and for making deals. One of these rooms contained Chinese designs and pictures on the walls but these rooms were used as smoke rooms.

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March 1 by Justin Leonardo

First we went to a place called Cibeles and started off on the 5th floor. We went down one floor at a time and found interesting things like projections of Art and Art paintings. Also, we saw things about Architecture. The building was very beautiful with a colored glass ceiling and lots of ornate architecture. We spent 10-15 minutes on each floor on average. About an hour later, we went to a place in the city to make a famous dish from Spain named Paella. The ingredients are chicken, rice, bell pepper, cucumber, garlic, and red onions. We also made Spanish tortillas and for dessert a cake made with almond flour. It was all really good and we ate what we had all cooked for lunch.

After that we walked through the city some more to the huge Royal palace. We saw even more beautiful rooms and learned about the history of the Spanish royalty and Spain. Then we went to the Madrid Cathedral and saw it, and then went back to homebase for dinner. We also met up with our group and played some fun games.

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March 1 by Alan Tias

Throughout this day, March 1st, 2026, I probably did more than what I expected to do. Even though walking about in Madrid was long, and my feet got sore, I was able to visit and understand the culture of the city, ultimately understanding that of the whole entire country of Spain. With this, I also enjoyed the food in Spain, such as the paellas and exploring the Royal Palace in Madrid. Before, I went to Barcelona to view the beautiful Mediterranean Sea, where I took photos and sent it to my family back home.

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March 1 by Mariama Makanera

As this trip has been incredible and I have been consumed in happiness. I am incredibly grateful to have been allowed to experience and explore the atmosphere and gla. Yesterday was one for the most exemplary days of my life. As someone who has never been outside of my own city let alone my country it has truly been an experience so far. Cooking yesterday with people that I never thought I would speak to was overly fun. Making paella and Spanish tortillas and challenging my cooking skills. Then we went to the royal palace, seeing the beauty of ancient history. And surprisingly as someone who doesn’t really enjoy walking it was all amazing and incredibly aesthetic. I will continue to cherish this trip and I can’t wait to see all the new and exciting adventures they have planned for us.

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March 1 by Viance Gomez

First, we went to a museum at the Ayuntamiento de Madrid. It was really interesting learning more about the city and its history. Some parts were super impressive, and it honestly made me appreciate Madrid a lot more. After that, we headed to cooking class, which had such a vibe. I baked a cake (very proud of that ), and the rest of the group made rice and tortillas. Everything smelled amazing, and it was really fun cooking together. And after, we went through the day at the greatest royal place, the Royal Palace of Madrid. It was HUGE and absolutely beautiful. The rooms, the details, everything felt so grand — like stepping into another time.

We then ended the day heading to this beautiful church over there next to the royal castle. It was such a beautiful area ofc we had Jesus Christ looking out on top of us. Finally we headed to dinner where we had a salad and pork with potatoes and dessert. Then off to bed to get ready for a big day tomorrow- a walking tour of Toledo and then going to Granada in Andalucia! Overall, today was the perfect mix of learning, food, and exploring. Definitely a day I’ll remember.

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March 1 by Scheccid & Izabella

Yesterday our group went to El Museo Del Prado in Madrid. We got to explore different parts of Spanish history through beautiful images. We saw many of the amazing works of Diego Celasquez, who is the pioneer for Spanish art culture. We also got the privilege to see the works of Goya and get a glimpse of the dark ages during the Spanish Civil War. A journey that not many would’ve enjoyed was the most engaging and immersive experience, all thanks to the tour guides that we got the opportunity to be with.

Then our group was taken on a tour around the town. We were given the opportunity to see some amazing pieces of Spanish history. As well as indulge in a flea market which consisted of many different cultures and people. The tour allowed our group to see the history of their culture as well as others and created a large understanding of the art and background of the town. An amazing experience as well that we are incredibly grateful to have.

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March 1 by Arlette Garcia Uraga

Today was filled with many opportunities of both fun and entertainment. Today we traveled to the Prado Museum, but not before having a nutritious breakfast, but the museum was full of so many antiques and creative illustrations of religious aspects as well as historical ones. It filled people with a sense of calm and creativity seeing the differing perspectives that each artist put into their work. We traveled to the shops in Madrid, which were full of many items and had lively streets. Later on, we headed to the front of the palace, in which we met many characters that were dancing outside, including someone that was dancing to Michael Jackson. At the hotel, we gathered up in our circles and had a fun time going over what we have enjoyed about Spain and what is to come. We had been getting to know each other more well, also getting to know Spain as one with more fun. We can’t wait for what is to come.

BLOG POSTS FOR MARCH 2

March 2 by Kaylah Noisette

Today we traveled from Madrid to Toledo, a historic city known as the “City of Three Cultures” because Christians, Muslims, and Jews lived there together for centuries. When we arrived, we walked through the narrow, winding streets and saw how the city sits on a hill surrounded by the Tagus River, which helped protect it in the past. We visited important landmarks like the Toledo Cathedral, one of the most impressive Gothic cathedrals in Spain, and learned that Toledo was once the capital of Spain before Madrid. Even though it was a short visit, we experienced so much history, culture, and beautiful views in just a few hours.

BLOG POSTS FOR MARCH 3

March 3 by Lynette

So today was our second to last day in Spain. First, we went to Alhambra, a Muslim Palace that all the Caliphates used. Even though we’ve been tired we engaged in the tour and enjoyed the sunny weather and peaceful fountains. After that tour, we went to our rooms and got dressed for our farewell dinner aka Flamenco dance class, dinner, and performance. I had a lot of fun especially with the dance class since I like to dance and everyone’s dancing skills were so good. After that, we went back to the hotel to get a good nights rest to fill out energy up for our last day in Spain and many memories to keep.

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March 3 by Itzayana

We started our first full day of Granada with excitement as we woke up and got ready for the new day. After a short trip on the bus we arrived to our first destination, The Alhambra. The Alhambra is a big palace and fortress in Granada built a long time ago, known for its beautiful patterns, tiles, and gardens. We learnt about Spain’s history and how different cultures shared ideas in art and buildings. After a short break in our hotels we arrived to La Solea where we learnt how to do a flamingo dance and after a lot of practicing we were able to preform for our friends on the big stage. The day ended with a nice dinner at the same place and us arriving back to the rooms to rest for the next day.

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March 3 by Richard Alvarado

Yesterday we went first to the ancient Muslim fortress. It also had a christians and Jewish population sometimes. My favorite thing at the Alhambra was the Lions Court. I liked it because of the details and decorations and beautiful patterns. We learned they did such detailed designs because in Islam they do not put figures like people and animals. There were also beautiful views of Granada and we walked and saw a lot. After we had a nice lunch buffet. Then we went back to the hotel to get ready for our big Flamenco dance class and show. We learned some flamenco dance steps and had a dance off between bus groups (we won of course). Then we had a really nice dinner in the old bullring. And then we went down to the flamenco show. It was amazing. The way they use their feet is really cool. The way they move and are so serious was really interesting. Afterwards we walked back to our hotel. Tomorrow we are excited for our scavenger hunt.

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March 3 by Tasneem Larry

Today we went to Alhambra, an Islamic palace still preserved in Spain. The beautiful structures and the perfectly calculated architecture, really caught my eye. I loved it here and I took amazing pictures. My favorite thing to see were the walls, the walls all said various things in arabic. Which I thought were very eye catching. After we went back to the hotel and rested for a bit, we came to a flamenco class. It was so fun, we learned a cute little choreo with our bus groups and competed to see which one was better. After we had dinner at that same place and watched them perform, it was beautiful and perfectly done, a whole new experience!. I loved today so much.

Lots of pics below!

BLOG POSTS FOR MARCH 4

March 4 by Imani Woods

Today on our final day we woke up and got ready for the day by having breakfast that consisted of a buffet style. Afterwards, we all headed outside on a walk to participate in our final outdoors activities which consisted of a scavenger hunt and shopping. For the scavenger hunt, each of the groups had to find items and take pictures that were scattered around Granada within a time limit of 90 minutes. Then until lunch and even after lunch we went shopping in a nearby district.However, after lunch it began to rain which hindered our outdoor activities. But as soon as everyone was situated we were sectioned into groups based on our bus as we had a final seminar. The main objective was to tap a person that made you feel “___” based on the prompt given which was a very emotional time for many. We all gave each other shout outs and promised that this wouldn’t be the last that we would speak to each other outside of Spain.

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March 4 by Anabelle Rosario Taveras

Today Atmosphere students and GLA staff explored the depths of Granada through an engaging scavenger hunt. Students ventured along the streets taking photos to win a prize. With students split into 6 groups only one winner emerged… the Pink Team!! Winners won great cookies and after, the students and staff moved on to souvenir shopping. Finally, to end the trip Maria (Maps) led the “Appreciation Circle” where each student shared their appreciation for one another anonymously. Through the tears and laughs each student shares a final thought. And with that, the trip to Spain 2026, has been complete.

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 5

March 5 by Lauren

After an amazing week together the student group is heading home tomorrow with new memories, experiences, and knowledge of group and self. We had such a wonderful time in Spain with this Atmosphere group and look forward to learning about the impact you take home with you! Thanks for an amazing time of tapas, cooking classes, museums, laugher, dance, and amazing memories and learning!

Today the group begins their travels home and puts on an extra jacket as they arrive back to New York! No es adiós, es hasta pronto!!

by

Atmosphere Academy – Italy (March 9-March 19, 2026)

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures Custom Group program!

Here are a few things you can expect:

  1. We typically receive 2-3 blog posts per week here at GLA Headquarters from our program staff and students, so please don’t be alarmed if you don’t see a blog post daily – that’s totally normal.
  2. Blog updates sent on weekends may not be posted until Monday.
  3. Due to many factors, including but not limited to internet accessibility, photos may not always be available to post onto the blog. Sometimes onsite program staff are only able to send text back to Headquarters, where our team updates the blog.

Thank you for your patience and understanding, and we hope you enjoy following along on these unforgettable adventures.

For frequently asked questions about the blogs, please visit our Program Blog FAQ page.

-The Global Leadership Adventures HQ Team

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BLOG POST FOR MARCH 9

Dear Atmosphere Academy Italy 2026 families:

Ciao tutti!

We are so glad all students have arrived! We greeted them in Rome and settled in at the hotel in Capannelle near the Aqua Claudia, an ancient Roman aqueduct finished by Emperor Claudius in 52 AD. Our orientation covered the program rules and expectations and some Italian culture. We then had a nice dinner at the hotel – lots of pasta and meatballs and mashed potatoes and dessert- then headed upstairs to rest. Tomorrow, we start our journey exploring the ancient civilization of Rome starting at the Vatican and a walking & food tour in central Rome, and the next day in the Coliseum and the Roman Forum.

Our program starts here in the heart of Italy and over the next 9 days we will explore Florence, a Tuscan hill farm, Pisa, Lucca, Milan and Venice from the countryside to the vibrant modern cities juxtaposed by ancient ruins. We will immerse ourselves in Italian history, culture and language, visiting some of the world’s most iconic travel destinations here in one of the cradles of Western civilization’s culture. It will be a blast!…

A presto!

Clint, Antonella, Mireia and Sam

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 10

Pod 1

Today, we first took a bus to the center of Rome. So far we’ve been to two countries; Rome and the Vatican. In the Vatican, we went to the museum exploration where we saw the Sistine chapel and St.Peters basilica (The largest church in the world.) We saw the square in front of the Vatican and learned all about the statues and artwork inside it- the museum was huge!

After we did a Walking food tour with our guide named Alexandra. Thanks to her, we learned a lot of history about Italy, and tried new foods!! We tried supplì, panini, pizza, and gelato. She also introduced us to a shopping center where we got souvenirs. One of the pizzas had sheep’s cheese and black pepper, others the classic margarita and a vegetable one.

After we took the bus back to the hotel and went on a walk where we learned about Romes water systems (aqueduct) and also do a debrief about the day while enjoying the view of the beautiful town. We give it a 10/10!!

Kiara Gil & Kyle Muñoz

Pod 2

Today on March 10, my friends and I enjoyed our breakfast to start the day before going to Vatican City. As we took the bus there we saw ancient aqueducts and lots of beautiful grassland. When arriving at the country, we as a collective were taken to see the Sistine Chapel in the oldest Catholic Church in the world. The art, architecture, and paintings were such a sight to see. Who knew that Michelangelo and Leonardo da Vinci had such an important influence on Italy.

After the museum, we were taken to meet our food tours guides. Anna spoke about the history of the food we were going to eat that afternoon. First, we ate this fried ball of rice with tomato sauce and mozzarella called “supplì.” Then, we ate at this sandwich place with a unique addition of pistachio paste and tuna sauce. After that, we had 3 different street pizzas that included margarita, sheep cheese with black pepper, and vegetables.

To conclude our lunch , they took us out for gelato at the end of the day. Then we headed back across Rome to our hotel, and went straight out for a walk in the countryside and saw a 2000 year old Aquaduct, some trains, and a beautiful evening view of the countryside and city lights in the distance on a hill.

Jacob Tejada

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 11

Pod 1

We started off our day with a bus ride learning new Italian words. We arrived near the ancient Roman Forum and then to the Colosseum. We began with a walking tour of the Forum and first stopped at the Arch of Titus, where we learned about Jewish slavery, how the romans conquered Jerusalem, and how jewish slaves were forced to build the colosseum. We then walked to the colosseum, we were given facts about its structure and what it was used for. We had learned about how the colosseum had a backstage underneath the stage instead of behind because of its circular shape. At the end of the walking tour, we went to eat at a restaurant. We ate rigatoni pasta with red sauce and as the second course we had two slices of pork with potatoes on the side with tiramisu as desert. Afterwards, we then continued our walking tour by heading to the Trevi Fountain and taking pictures together. We then went to the famous Piazza Navona that has a nice statue and obelisk in the center, where we were had time explore and to shop. We bought souvenirs, pizza, and gelato!

Isabella Hernandez & Kairy Mendoza

Pod 2

For today’s schedule, we went to the Colosseum and took a tour to the fountain of Trevi. In the morning, we woke up at 6 o’clock and had breakfast at 7:30 we then took the bus to the Colosseum to have a tour based on their history. We walked through the Roman Forum with a guide and then a tour of the Coliseum which is amazingly big. The guide then took us to a local restaurant which was nice.

After the tour we then continued on to go see the fountain of Trevi and the history behind it. One legend we learned is that throwing one coin with your right hand over your left shoulder brings a return to Rome. throwing a second coin brings romance and throwing a third coin brings marriage. After learning about the legend, we then went to the fountain and threw one coin into the fountain. After proceeding with the legend we then separated and went to shop in a small area that we ended up in after the tour and came back together at 5:10. After all this the groups returned together we then returned to the bus and went back to the hotel.

-Yasmine Charleston

Today is March 11 and we are now going to the Roman Colosseum. In Italy, the Roman Colosseum was used for sports and other games and activities. Rome was built on seven Hills. Rome was founded on a hill called the Palatine. Two major emperors are called Constantine and Tigres. We are now in the actual Roman Colosseum before that we walked through the Roman forum. The Roman forum was where the Romans gathered for commerce, legal practices, and played various games.

After visiting and seeing the Roman Colosseum and the Roman forum, we went to a restaurant. Right now we’re walking about 30 minutes just to see Italy’s culture and go to a fountain nearby. We went and saw the Trevi fountain which was insanely huge and so gorgeous. It is a must in Italy to throw a coin in the Trevi fountain when you come we are still in Rome. After we went to the Trevi fountain, we walked around a little bit more and then we ended our tour. After we ended our tour we had free time to buy our souvenirs. It was amazing to see the different historical sites that Italy has. We are now walking back to our bus to head to the hotel to start packing and eat dinner to go to Florence tomorrow.

-Fallon Hugie

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 12

Pod 1

Today we traveled from Rome to Florence on a bus. It was raining bery heavy for a while and a few bolts of lighting and rumbles of thunder here and there. About an hour in, we took a small pit stop in a gas station where we bought a few things for the road. A little bit later, we arrived at a farm in the region of Tuscany. We learned a lot about the history of the farm and saw a castle. Then, we ate lunch inside the old farm building, and it was pretty decent. There were wood fires burning and some of the fireplaces had their own little rooms with benches in them.

After then touring the farm, we played a trivia game about Italy in general and the winning group will be announced later. After playing the trivia game, we headed back on to the bus and then went on our way to Florence, where we finally came to the hotel. Afterwards, we went to a nearby supermarket to buy snacks and drinks (and those prices were a huge steal). So far, today was good and after a long day of traveling, we made it and are happy to be here. And tomorrow we are off to see Milan!

Zahir Blackwood & Mia Vargas

Pod 2
 
Today we left our hotel in Rome in the morning and started driving through the Italian countryside of Tuscany. It was raining most of the day, but it still felt calm and peaceful. The countryside looked really nice with all the green fields and hills. We learned about sustainable farming and the history of the Spannocchia Estate. It was quiet and relaxing there. It felt like a nice break from the busy city.

At the farm we saw the huge old house with a castle tower. They told us its history and that it was from the 1200s. We ate lasagna, bread, salad and had brownies for dessert. The food was simple but tasted great. Even though it was raining, it was still a nice day. After we finished eating and spending some time taking a walk, we started heading to our new hotel. The drive was easy and not too long. We witnessed beautiful vistas of Florence. When we got there, we settled in, had dinner and got comfortable for the night.

Justin Gonzalez

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 13

Pod 1

Today was one of the most exciting days of our trip to Italy. In the morning, we took a train from Florence to Milan. The train ride was about two hours long, and it was a really cool experience. As the train moved through out we could see different towns, fields, and beautiful scenery outside the window. It was relaxing but also exciting because we went out of town to see new experiences.

As we arrived in Milan, we went to visit the Duomo. It was honestly one of the most beautiful buildings I have seen so far, the building had so many details, very modern and tall which had a lot of history behind it. When we looked up at it the view was amazing and it really made the moment feel special.

Victoria Abe

Today we visited Milan and got the opportunity to visit the Duomo in Milan, which was a great experience. We were able to visit the rooftop of the cathedral and explore the inside. Next we had time to explore the area and get lunch wherever we wanted. We decided to try an Italian Mcdonald’s which was a great experience to try it from other country. After that we did some shopping around the beautiful galleria, which I also enjoyed and so did everyone else.

Kezia Edem Dengbey

Pod 2

Today on Friday, March 13th, we headed to the city of Milan to see the Duomo, the city’s cathedral. We took a 30-minute walk to the first train station in order to go to Milan, and the ride was about 2 hours. After we got off the train, we got on the subway to get to the Duomo. We entered the Milan Cathedral, which is 356 feet high. This is the third largest church in the world and the largest in Italy, and it took nearly 600 years to finish from 1386 to 1965. Inside the Milan Cathedral, we can see many statues, spires, and gargoyles. Visitors can go to different parts and enjoy different points of view of the place, and take miraculous pictures. In the actual Church, we can see stained glass of biblical images and more statues.

After that, we had lunch and free time. There were many souvenir shops and other stores such as Prada, Louis, Fendi, Rizzoli, and many little shops with merchandise or bracelets that represent the place. For food there were plenty of restaurants and fast food places as well. 

What a great day! 

Adriel Garcia

Today was different from any other day because we were getting ready to go to Milan. We saw amazing, spectacular views or the exterior and interior of the Cathedral of Milan, known as the “Duomo.” We took an elevator and got to the roof we then took the stairs all the way to the top we took amazing, jaw-dropping pictures. Shoutout, Jacob Tejada and Leyah Om. We then went down the steps of the cathedral and got to a huge beautiful church. We left and got lunch with our chaperone groups. My chaperone group (the queens group), Ms A, Leyah, Jaylin, Isabella, Valerie and Fallon ate at McDonald’s. We then had free time, got gelato and went shopping. I had so much fun today with my group.

Jaydaliz Ciprian

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 14

Pod 1

Today we walked around Central Florence and then we went to learn how to make pizza from scratch. We also made cannoli for dessert with cocoa and pistachios.
Then we went to a gallery about Michaelango and how he created all these statues, especially the famous statue of David itself. The statue was large and in the center of the museum. That was definetely the highlight of the visit. The gallery has also a Museum of Musical Instruments, which had many Renaissance paintings and depictions of famous musical instruments.

Dorian Ramirez & Osahenrumw Arasomwan

Pod 2

Today we started off walking for about 15-20 minutes to the main part of Florence , and then we went to go see the Cathedral and went on tour for about and hour learning the history of the buildings. The Cathedral took around 600 years to be built and was being restored recently. 

Once we finished that we went to go take a pizza making class, learning how to make a pizza from scratch. We learned how to mix the dough together with ingredients and how to properly shape the dough to get ready for toppings , after we made our pizza dough and dressed them in toppings and sauce we got to enjoy them after being freshly baked. We had also made and ate cannoli.  

Lastly we had our own time to venture through Florence, some nice neighborhoods on the other side of the river, and see the vibrant and different shops. 

Florence is apparently home to lots of leather so there were many shops full of belts wallets and purses, after enjoying our wonder off time it was about time to start heading back on our way to the hotel again and then go out to a nearby restaurant for dinner, enjoying yet another exciting experience in Italy.

Christopher Campos

Today we walked around Firenze and saw a lot of famous places. We visited Santa Maria del Fiore, which has a big red dome and a fancy marble exterior. Then we went to the Baptistery of San Giovanni with its famous bronze doors and mosaic ceiling. After that we toured a museum with lots of statues, including works related to Michelangelo’s David we learned the David and Goliath story and why the statue is important.

The streets were narrow with old buildings and small shops. We stopped for gelato with my group and by the end of the day I was tired, but it was cool to see the art and buildings in real life.
Later we went out to dinner in a restaurant near our hotel. Tomorrow we are off to see Pisa.

Jayleen Martinez

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 15

Pod 1

Today we had a wonderful time. We started off getting a yummy nutritious breakfast to fill us up for the day, afterwards we headed out of the hotel to get us on the bus, the bus ride was a hour long but after the bus ride we arrived at our destination which was the Cathedral Square of Pisa! It was so beautiful seeing all the different places like the Leaning Tower of Pisa. Afterward we went to eat lunch in a local Mexican restaurant and it was a 10/10! It was very nostalgic after not eating our cultural identity food in a different country which was super delicious. Leaving Pisa to head over towards Lucca which we thought was 1 hour but which felt like only a couple of minutes. After we arrived to Lucca we had a guided tour of it. It is very rich in water and they have always made paper- including toilet paper, and met up with our tourist guide to learn about the many buildings that were churches in piazza! We saw the famous amphitheater plaza which has the same shape as an ancient Roman amphitheater, which was really interesting.

Cleyre Miralrio & Michele Sanchez

Pod 2

Each day is a new adventure for our small organization of Atmosphere. In our most recent adventure, we ventured into the town of Pisa located within the Tuscany region of Italy. First, we woke up and ate an extravagant breakfast, a wonderful breakfast prepared by the Meridiana staff. Then, we departed and were led by a lovely tour guide who thoroughly explained the history and significance behind the tower of Pisa. Our guide had informed us more about the dome created as a tribute to St. Peter, one of the Twelve Apostles of Jesus Christ and one of the leaders of the early Christian Church.

We will never forget the unforgettable monument that the town of Pisa upheld. Then, we ventured on to the compact town of Lucca. Lucca was a town that has never been conquered by Florence and was named after their swampy land. Amazingly, we learned that Lucca was home to 90,000 inhabitants and included 100 churches, each one reflecting the artistry of Roman architecture. 

Overall, our trip around Pisa and Lucca was immaculate. Learning the history of the monuments gave us insight into the enriching achievements of artists during the end of the 18th century.

– Crystal Anderson and Celine Guillou

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 16

Pod 1

Today in the morning we went to central Florence and climbed to the top of the duomo. It was a hard climb of over 400 steps but the view was beautiful. We could see the inside of the dome of the church from up close and then we went on the roof for a view of all of Florence.
Afterwards we went to the main market of Florence for lunch. There were lots of different places with all kinds of local food and we all got what we wanted from the market.

After that we went to load our buses and head to Venice. They’re saying it’s going to take about 4 hours to get there so I decide to take a nap. I’m the type of person that if I sleep in the car it’s because it’s moving and was awoken because we had came to a stop. To my surprise, we were stuck in traffic. I didn’t think anything of it because traffic is normal in New York until we were told that we’d be there, stuck, for about an hour. Since we knew we’d be there a while, Mireia, Marielys, Isabella h, Kairy, Sarah, and I began to play a repitition game. We played by using the phrase “on my vacation i’m bringing..” and then saying an item, and the next person would start by using the same thing, repeating the item the person before them said, and then saying their own item. This is how the game went and we went around playing for about 3 times. We eventually got kind of tired of it and decided to play “veo veo” or in other words, “i spy”. That didn’t last long either so we just waited out the traffic and got to our rest stop.

After using the bathroom and freshening up we got back on the bus, only to find out we still had 2 hours and 15 minutes remaining. At first everyone on the bus was quiet, me and Sarah passed time by talking and putting filters on eachother. Around when there was 45 minutes left me and Sarah shared headphones and listened to music. Clint, Mireia, and Mr. Donovan played a guess the song game with Kairy, Isabella h, and Marielys. We had some great songs.

When we finally arrived to the hotel, me and Sarah waited in line to use the elevator and arrived to our hotel room where we checked the room and left our belongings. Me and Sarah went downstairs and sat with the rest of our friends while we enjoyed the pizza that was left for us at the table. The pizza was really good, I only ate one slice however since I wanted to make sure everyone at the table was able to eat some. Then we were served pasta, which was also good, almost everyone at my table ate it all. After pasta came chicken, with a side of boiled baby carrots and fried potatoes. I’d say it was pretty good too.

Lastly, We were given a vanilla ice cream for desert which was delicious. Tomorrow we will be gong exploring Venice and the islands around it.

Dannirys Beras

Pod 2

The day started with breakfast, and all of us ate before we walked to the Duomo of Florence and we used our tickets to scan and get into it. When in the cathedral, we had to ascend all of the stairs on our way to the top (serious leg workout). There were over 400 steps to finally get to the top of it. Despite the long ascent up the Church to get to the top, the view above was absolutely beautiful, with you being able to see basically the entire city of Florence from it and being amazing for pictures that made the climbing worth it.

After the Church, we decided it was time to eat so we entered a market and me and my group ate smash burgers together at a table and then ran off to get gelato after(really really good) and were just able to explore the market for a hour or two before we finally walked back to the hotel, packed our stuff, and got on a bus to go to our next city, Venice where we settled into our hotel and ate dinner before finally heading to our rooms and going to sleep.

Jeremiah Bloome

Today we visited the Cupola, the dome of Florence’s cathedral, and climbed about 450 narrow stairs to reach the top. The climb was tiring, but the view of the city from above was worth it. After coming back down, we went to the nearby huge Florence Market where we ate lunch and looked around the stores for things we liked. It was a nice chance to rest before continuing our day. Afterwards, we walked back to the hotel to get ready to leave for our next city in Italy- Venice! We are currently on a bus heading to Venice, which is about a four-hour ride, although traffic may make it take longer. Tomorrow, we are looking forward to exploring!

Jair Roldán

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 17

Pod 1

We kicked off the day with a boat ride over to Venezia, and honestly, seeing the city from the water never gets old. We spent the morning wandering through the shops and getting lost in the narrow streets before hopping onto a smaller boat to do some island hopping. We visited three different islands, and it was cool because they each had their own unique vibe and history. We spent the afternoon basically living our best lives: eating a long lunch, doing a bit more shopping, and taking way too many photos while soaking up the sun. By the time we boated back to the main city, we were exhausted but happy. We managed to squeeze in one last group photo together in Venezia before finally trekking back to the hotel to crash. Such a perfect day!

Hazel Clemente

In the morning we had really good breakfast and it made me nice and full. Then we got on bus and we explored Venice by going to three different islands. In order to get to these islands we took 3 cruises. On the first cruise we got to see the Murano island then we took two different cruises to see the Burano island. On the Murano island we got to walk around and look at the island while in the burano island we had lunch and got a chance to buy souvenirs to take back home. Overall both islands were great and beautiful. I really enjoyed it and had a lot of time to chat with friends.

Gesabell Jerez

Pod 2

Today we took a bus ride from the hotel to a boat dock. We took a ferry to Venice and then took boat rides to three different islands called Burano, Murano, and Torcello. 

In the first island we saw the process of glass making with a furnace type of machine and metal rods called blowing sticks that are used to heat the white sand and turn it into glass. They heat it to a hot orange and spin it around and reshape the substance by blowing into the rod and making it a spherical shape and poking a hole into the top to make a flower vase. They decorated it with colorful pieces and infused it into the glass by putting it in the furnace machine. This glass production place showed us how they make glass products using white sand and other materials.

In the second island, Murano, used for plantation and agricultural purposes, we walked around an abandoned church and found a canal that was quite long and we skipped rocks across it and tried to reach the other side by throwing rocks. Murano is used by In the last island, Torcello, known for producing lace, we walked around and entered shops and got souvenirs and purchased food for us to eat. I got a margherita pizza and others got hotdogs and other food.

Alister Brown
 
We took a ferry to venice which lead to taking a boatride to several islands called Burano, Murano and Torcello. In Burano we saw glass blowing, which they  put glass in extremely hot fire with a blowing stick making it molten to give it into any shape for vases or other glassware.

In Murano we talked around the local area  which was used as a farm for produce, we later found an abandoned church and other fields with old architectural structures, and skipping stones with the massive lake there. While in Torcello we ate lunch which was pizza and suppli then walked around taking pictures of the local buildings and restaurants. We eventually returned to Venice and walked around exploring the local area and buying souvenirs, after we take the ferry back to our hotel.

Cayden Wright

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 18

Today we woke up around 7:00am, had breakfast, and made our way to the bus to board our ferry on our way to Venice island. First we walked through the pretty city and then to an old building where they make glass and crafts and we made traditional masks by painting them with shiny bright colors. After mask making, they then took us to a separate room to watch how glass objects are made in real time. The guide showed us how sturdy the glass was and how they made different colors, designs, and shapes with glass. They use different chemicals like copper and liquid gold to get greens and red, it’s really pretty.

From there we went on foot to a nice restaurant for lunch, where we had lasagna, pork with potato fries, and for dessert panacotta with strawberries, which was very delicious. Then we made our way out to ride a gondola around the canals of Venice. It was a very interesting experience.. We all experienced something new for the first time so as a group we were all nervous. But it was really pretty and calm and cool to see the city from its foundations and all the secret entrance to houses and cafes.

After we got off, we walked back through the beautiful city of Venice in the little narrow streets and them to our ferry to finally make our way back to the hotel. Once we arrive at the hotel we all gathered together to show our appreciation to each other as a group and talk about all the things we have done. Then we had our farewell dinner. With two birthday cakes! Overall, this experience was wonderful and very informative for all of us.

Marielys Payano & Lia Santos

BLOG POST FOR MARCH 19

We all had a great last day, and a great trip in Italy! A nice last dinner and then we all got ready for the airport, with time for a quick visit to the beach by our hotel. Addio Italia!

by

Atmosphere Academy – Costa Rica (January 26-February 3, 2026)

Thanks for the checking out the blog for this Global Leadership Adventures Custom Group program!

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DAY 1

Hello families and friends!

Our Atmosphere Academy group is in Costa Rica after a long day and night travel. Here is our first group photo at basecamp. We were able to enjoy the first sunset at the beach at la Isla. Stay tuned for more updates coming soon.

DAY 2

We had a late morning today, breakfast was at 9pm. For Breakfast we had Pinto and chicken sausages with Orange Juice. After breakfast we had an orientation and talking about then a tour around the hotel with a special appearance of 3 baby raccoons, our norms, and code of conduct. Then we had lunch, we ate beef, rice, platanos, beans, and salads. Then we finally got our swim test done and most people passed but shoutout to those who tried, then we played games at the beach.

After, we did the chow circle which was led by us. Then we had fun at the beach with our friends watching the sunset. After we had dinner which was chicken tenders and fries. After dinner we had a special guest who spoke about protecting the rivers and ocean from litter. We were met by a couple of insects but overall it was great. We have tech time to call our parents and talk, then go to sleep for day three.

Leaders of the day,
Adrian E. Melendez
Jeremy Menjivar
Chloe Abinader

DAY 3

Hola maes! Today is the 3rd day of our Costa Rica trip! Our first activity was at Playa Bandera to do some community service. We worked with Victor and Viviana to protect the environment of the beach. During the service, we had 3 tasks to complete and rotated to do each so some picked up small trash and leaves so that the habitat isn’t harmed and the beach looks nice and clean while others scraped off green moss off of many palm trees!

Some also painted it the palm trees from your chest to the bottom of the trees. This was done so that ants and other insects do not infect the palm trees and to make the trees look well taken care of. As a surprise, Victor and Viviana gave us sea turtles to hold and let them go into the water! All turtles made it safely! Tune in next time! La playa sin basura es mas bonita! (The beach without trash is more beautiful).

DAY 6

Personally I think today was overall one of the best times in Costa Rica since we went on a yacht which was my first time doing so, and I also overcame some fears of mine, something I don’t do very often. On the boat, I got to tan on the net that honestly felt so incredible good, I wish I could go back and lay again. The fears that I overcame were mainly swimming, deep waters, and heights.

After several moments of doubts in myself, I managed to jump off of the top floor on the boat, and although it was a very long fall and I wouldn’t do it again, it was nice to know that I allowed myself to fight my fears. Eventually when it got to lunch time, the food was incredible, I loved it so much, especially the pasta with the garlic butter sauce on top. Now for the time after going on the yacht, we had pool time and instead of being afraid to go underwater, I was actually perfectly fine with it and wasn’t scared at all. So therefore, today was definitely a memorable day that I will for sure talk about in the future.
Sophia Yin

Today was a very personal and new. We started off with breakfast which was absolutely amazing, which by the way was french toast. After that, we automaticaly went to the place to go on the boat. The boat was super high quality and the drinks were magical. After finding a decent spot, we went swimming and i over came the fear of high altitudes that lead to reaching water eventually. I had so much fun and definitely would rank it the best day and my favorite part of it was going on the slide and into the water! I was sad we had to come back but happy that i could go in the pool again.after that we had an intense game of Jeopardy and now, im writing this!

Alison Gaspar

DAY 7

Today on the last day we woke early as always and ate our breakfast as we prepared for the day ahead full of fun activities such as zip-lining and a special dinner. Zip-lining was fantastic, fun, and everything we could have imagined. Everyone went through with it, nobody fooled around and we went to the last one and it was like superman. We had some pool time and showered to get ready for dinner. It was so tasty and delicious for the last dinner here in Costa Rica. Overall we was a very great and fun trip with the GLA staff.

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