Today was a good day. We began building the sidewalk, which mainly consisted of mixing cement and leveling out the ground. In addition to this, we attended one of the Young Dreamer’s birthday parties. We participated in games that allowed us to practice our Spanish language skills. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to all of the Young Dreamers as they are going back to school tomorrow. Some of us also decided to attend mass with the Local Director in the nearby town of Santa Maria de Dota and we ultimately ended the night with a reflection in mentor groups.

Tuesday July 16, 2019

Today we had to work without the Young Dreamers, which was a challenge but we ultimately got a lot of work done. Some of us mixed cement and others leveled the ground. We also participated in Adopt A Grinto, where we went to the houses of the locals in pairs for a few hours. We got to improve our Spanish and received cookies and coffee. We had our last Spanish class where we all presented poems and received certificates for our hard work!

Tuesday June 18, 2019

Hola family and friends!

Today all 21 GLA students arrived safe and sound to San Jose, Costa Rica. After everyone arrived, we spent the afternoon getting to know each other by the pool at our hotel in San Jose while we did our swim tests. Good news – we all passed! Surfing next weekend is going to be so much fun.

We then ate dinner across the street – a typical tico (Costa Rican) dinner of rice, beans and meat, along with some delicious veggies, salad, and to top it all off – rice pudding! After dinner we hung out with our new friends for an hour, talking about which parts of the program we’re most excited about.

Sadly, we have to say goodnight now, as we have a busy day ahead of us, including a bus ride to Santa Maria de Dota, where the Ecolodge is located that will soon be our home away from home for the next two weeks. Can’t wait to tell you more about it once we get there!

Hugs from Costa Rica!

Wednesday June 19, 2019

We began our first full day in Costa Rica at a hotel in San Jose, waking up around 5:30 to meet for an authentic Costa Rican breakfast, consisting of rice, beans, fruit, bread & jam, and jugo de papaya (papaya juice). After loading ALL of our luggage into a giant tarp on top of the bus, we rode over to downtown San Jose where we partook in a short walking tour. Diego (our local program director) was our tour guide and passionately pointed out landmarks & sculptures of Costa Rica, which he is proud to call his home. Despite the commercial businesses, San Jose was noticeably different than many cities we are used to in the U.S.A.

After experiencing a bit of San Jose we boarded the bus again and began to drive into the mountains, away from the billboards and Starbucks that were around every corner. As we ascended the winding mountain roads we cruised past small, colorful houses perched on the lush, green mountain-sides, cows & horses grazing grassy fields, and a group of Ticas (costa rican girls) learning to dance in vibrant red skirts. We also saw many windmills spinning on top of the mountains, which I recognized as visual representations of Costa Rica’s passion and commitment to sustainability.

Our first stop before arriving at our ecolodge was a family-owned organic coffee farm called Pira De Dota. Here we got to taste 3 different types of coffee (including the coffee they grow at Pira De Dota) and we also got to go on a tour around the farm to see how the coffee beans are picked, prepared,and turned into a bag of ground coffee beans that are ready to be sold in stores.

Getting to see the entire process of where coffee initially comes from was an eye-opening experience that made me feel more appreciative of all the hard work that goes into making a single bag of ground coffee that can be bought in Starbucks. It was also very fun to get to know the locals who run the coffee farm (Gabriel, Ana, & Ariana). Without them, you wouldn’t even have a cup of coffee to energize you every morning!

After thanking the owners & workers and buying some bags of coffee (of course!) we boarded the bus again and drove to our ECOLODGE!! Before discovering which cabins we would call home for the next two weeks and who our roommates were, we ate un almuerzo delicioso (a delicious lunch) prepared specially by the staff on our program (Flori & Jairo).

For the rest of the day we took time to get orientated, explore the lodge, and get to know each other by playing some games and discovering who our mentor groups are. After eating a dinner of rice & beans (surprising, I know), we settled into our cabins for our first night nestled among the montanas verdes (green mountains). We had a few frightening encounters with some bugs (aye aye aye, those Costa Rican bugs are LOCO!!), but overall, our first day in Costa Rica was a BLAST and we can’t wait to experience more. 🙂

Pura Vida,

-Parker and the Paparazzi

Thursday June 20, 2019

As the second full day of what will become routine has come to a close, many of us have taken the time to reflect on the day’s activities. Our in-depth discussions and seeing the way Ticos (Costa Ricans) live/what they are compassionate about have provided us with different perspectives on our lives back home. The line that stuck out to me was said by the founder of Green Communities, Jonathan, who has partnered with GLA for the duration of this program. He said, “Why are we trying to go to another planet if we can just take care of our own?”

We wake up early and enjoy a Costa Rican breakfast cooked by the staff at our lodge. The bus ride was short; it was only a half our before we met with Jonathan, Albaro, and Lucia, who would be leading the morning’s discussions and service. Jonathan splits us into groups and challenges us with choosing 10 things to take on a space ship to a new planet. He explains that there’s no easy way to start life on another planet, which is why we are there taking care of our own.

We learn how to make cement, and we split into groups to work on paving a sidewalk. Sidewalks make the locals happy, which in turn, motivates them to transform their coffee farms to be eco friendly. Jonathan tells them the volunteers will not come back to help and bring in business if they do not cooperate. So we mixed concrete and cleared land.

After the delicious Costa Rican cuisine generously provided by local women, we played a somewhat competitive soccer game with a few young children (my team won!). We arrived back at the lodge around 2pm where we were given time to shower before the activity. The staff divided us into groups, and we were assigned a part of the coffee process. With given information, it was our part to debate how much money we deserve from a $12.50 bag of coffee.

After quite some yelling, we were ready to hear the reality. Turns out, Starbucks receives $12 from the transaction. This news left us in shock. The people who labor for hours in the heat get a measly $.02! We discussed, searching for ways to avoid the unfair distribution, but sadly, there’s no simple answer. We ate a dinner like the meals of before; rice, beans, meat, and veggies; met our Spanish teachers; and headed to bed.

I’m impressed with the bonds we students have already formed. I hope the group chat doesn’t die after the trip.

Pura Vida,

-Meredith and the Paparazzi

Friday June 21, 2019

Hola familia y amigos!

We hope this finds you well! Today, we all woke up at the crack of dawn and had breakfast in our dining area at 7:00. Our desayno consisted of rice & beans, huevos (eggs), and delicious bananas! We then trekked onward to San Pedro to fulfill our day of service. Service comprised of mixing concrete, packing sacks with dirt, and finally pouring our cement into the designated space that was carefully shoveled and pickaxed by our volunteers. After our first 2 hours of hard work, we took a much needed break and filled our bellies with the freshest fruit one has ever tasted- pineapple and papaya! While we sat relishing in the warm sun, to our surprise, Jonathon and Albaro sneakily sprayed us with the hose! It was refreshing and gave us a boost to continue our last 2 hours of morning service.

As we completed our service, we all piled into the back of the truck and drove down to the community center for our almuerzo (lunch)! We had pollo, rice, beans, and vegetables, as well as a delicious passion fruit juice freshly squeezed by the locals. Afterwards, we met up with some of the teenagers, also referred to as dreamers, from San Pedro and they joined in on our Spanish lessons with Juan Carlo and Diego. We all gathered around on the field and split into two groups. It suddenly began to lightly rain- which is very common in Costa Rica- so we did class outside on the bleachers that was nicely shaded. In our groups, we paired up and conducted interviews with one another in Spanish and shared them in front of everybody- while displaying our wide array of skills!

Following Spanish class, we went into the community center and made homemade tortillas with the local women of San Pedro. We each rolled them out in balls and helped cook them. Then we ate our creations with refried beans and sour cream, as well as a cup of coffee! Shortly after, we headed back to the Ecolodge and freshened up for dinner. For our activity of the night, we watched a compelling video on over consumption and the correlation to the idea of having a very materialistic economy in the U.S. it put a lot of things into perspective for all of us! Then, split into our mentor groups with Zina & Maggie and discussed ways to combat over consumption, found ways to relieve the waste we produce, and we brainstormed ideas on how we can be the change in the world.

Afterwards, we walked up to our cabins and looked into the night sky to find the largest, brightest stars we have ever seen. It was absolutely beautiful. Know that we too, are looking at the same sky as you.

¡Mucha amor de Costa Rica! Hasta mañana,
Audrey and the Paparazzi

Saturday June 22, 2019

Day 5 started with an early wake up and a delicious breakfast of toast, eggs, plantains, and papaya at 7am. We loaded the bus and danced through the thirty minute windy bus ride through beautiful scenery to the community center of San Pedro where we put on our muddy rubber boots and packed into the truck that took us to the work site. This being the last day we were to work on the side walk, we had to split into groups and preform different tasks in order achieve maximum efficiency.

One group shoveled rocks into bags to be used to make concrete, another group mixed cement, and the third group leveled the ground for the sidewalk and laid cement. The cement was laid in a perfectly smooth manor that was later disrupted by the hand prints of every GLA student and local that worked on the side walk. It was the perfect way to make our mark on the work we had done. We were lead and assisted by an extremely able bodied 56 year old Costa Rican man who works 7 days a week with no breaks and somehow still had the energy to joke around with all of us. Once we finished our 4 hours of service, we returned to the community center to enjoy the filling lunch prepared for us by the generous women of San Pedro.

After digesting pasta, it was time for Spanish class. The group integrated with the local young people of the town to play games and learn about each other’s lives. Pairs of locals and GLA students stood in front of the group and presented what they had learned about the lives of their partner. This included things such as information about their family, interests, and favorite recipes. We also played a game were one person was blind folded and the rest of the group had to direct them in Spanish towards a hidden object.

As the restlessness of sitting kicked in, we commenced in a large game of soccer. The age of the players ranged from 4 to late 60s and the game was a lot of fun. Once we rode back to the lodge, it was time for showers and then dinner. After dinner we all participated in group karaoke to end the night. Everyone is well and a difference is being made.

Signed: Emily and the paparazzi

Monday June 24, 2019

At 4:00am we were all awoken by our iphone alarm clocks and proceeded to groggily get ready for the exciting day ahead. After a sleepy cereal breakfast everyone boarded the bus with our backpacks stuffed with items like swimsuits, water bottles, & beach towels – A LA PLAYA !!

From the bus we all split up and hopped into three 4x4s to ride the rest of the way to the pacific coast!! Although it was only 6:30am, the fresh air, bumpy roads, & majestic mountain views energized and woke us all up. The ride to the beach was about 3 hours, starting in the mountains, winding through jungly roads with vibrant birds & butterflies fluttering overhead, splashing through flowing creeks, & cruising past rows of tall palms and cow pastures until finally we arrived at the small, coastal town of Dominical.

We spent the next hour browsing all of the colorful, handmade Costa Rican souvenirs that lined the quaint street and buying gifts for friends and family members (so get excited!!). Then we all changed into our swimsuits and walked down to the beach for our SURF LESSON! After being on the coast for only an hour we could already tell that it was very different from the cloud forest and Santa Maria – everyone was hot & tired from the tropical, humid air so we were very excited to jump in the refreshing ocean.

Our local surf instructors taught us the basics of paddling & standing up on the board while we were on the sand before we carried our surf boards out to the warm, salty water to catch some waves. For most of us it was our first time surfing ever, but surprisingly everyone got the hang of it pretty quickly and everyone was able to catch at least one or two waves. To me, the phrase “Pura Vida” correlates really well with Costa Rica’s surf culture since surfing is all about being calm, present, and taking the waves as they come.

After eating some fresh cut pineapple on the beach we all walked back to the marketplace surfshop to rinse off and then walk over to a nearby restaurant for lunch. At last we took the bus to our hotel where we would be staying for the next two nights. Our hotel was another eco-hotel, which I think many of us appreciated after learning how important it is to travel responsibly and environmentally-friendly.

Once we were all settled in some of us swam in the pool while others walked back to the marketplace to browse more souvenirs and sit on the beach for a while. In the evening everyone ate dinner at the hotel and by the time Zina came around to check if we were all in our hotel rooms everyone was passed out from the long, hot, pero muy divertida (but very fun) day 🙂

Encantamos la playa!!

~Parker and the Paparazzi

Tuesday June 25, 2019

Today we woke up for breakfast at 7:00 am. After breakfast we left for the Manuel Antonio National Park. Once at the park we met our tour guide who led us through the many trails of the park showing us various exotic animals such as colorful frogs, monkeys, and two and three toed sloths. After our hike through the National Park, we relaxed on the beach for two hours. On the beach we body surfed and enjoyed cooling off in the water. After relaxing on the beach we ate lunch at a restaurant a short walk away. Then we drove to the market where half of the group left the bus to shop while the other half returned to the hotel to rest. Next we had dinner at 7:00 pm and then had downtime where the group bonded by the poolside.

~Zach and the Paparazzi

Friday June 28, 2019

To start out this day, most people woke up around 6:30 to make breakfast at 7:00. For breakfast, Flory and Jairo whipped us up some scrambled eggs and pancake toast with jelly. We were promptly on the bus at 7:30, ready for another day’s work. On the bus some listened to music, while others talked about how their morning was so far.

We eventually arrived at San Pedro and changed into our stylish rubber boots and rode a rollercoaster-like ride to the finca )de cafe (coffee plantation). We worked for a solid two hours with the Young Dreamers (teenage ticos), before taking a fruit break, munching on pineapple, papaya, and orange. After the break, we fertilized more coffee plants, working as a team to form an assembly line. After another wild ride in the authentic Costa Rican rollercoaster, us GLA students ate a lovely meal prepared by the women of San Pedro, consisting of rice, beans, and a meat patty similar to meatloaf.

After changing out of our work dirty work clothes, the GLA staff divided us into groups for our adopt-a-Gringo activity, where we visited a home of a local Tico for an hour and conversed with them about their daily lives and interests in Costa Rica. Some of our conversation topics consisted of familias (families), deportes (sports), mascotas (pets), y bailes (dances). It was also a custom for each group to bring a regalo (gift) to our host familias, who also provided us with coffee and snacks like tortillas.

After, we boarded the bus and headed back to the Cedrela Ecolodge where we had a short break before learning, from Chef Leo, to make empanadas and quesadillas using homemade tortillas. We then ate our beautiful creations, even though Sous Chef Hayden did majority of the work. Next, we chilled in our cabins until dinner, where we ate spaghetti and chicken. Then, we brainstormed about problems we’ve noticed in San Pedro, and what steps we could take to better the situation in this small town. Some ideas we generated were the construction of a clinic, as well as the increase of eco-friendly farms in the area. This was a loco (crazy) day, filled with service and increased relations with the ticos.

BESOS Y PURA VIDA

P.S. Abrazos para mama – Chris and Jacob

Saturday June 29, 2019

We started off the day with a good breakfast of toast, eggs, and bananas. Today was the last day at our service site in San Pedro. We met up with the Young Dreamers in San Pedro and started our service at eight. Gringos and Young Dreamers were paired together to shovel compost. The compost we shoveled to be stored for later projects is what we have been spreading across ecological coffee farms, our service activity for the past three days.

In total we were able to shovel 470 sacks of compost, a Green Communities record!! Since we were so efficient we had some free time after service and some people decided to visit the pulperia for the last time to stock up on snacks for our extreme forest adventure tomorrow. Others played soccer or frisbee with Ticos. We enjoyed our last (yummy!) lunch with the San Pedro ladies who have so kindly cooked for us the past two weeks. After lunch dance class was hosted by Jonathan, the Green Communities founder, where we were paired with the Young Dreamers and learned dance styles such as salsa.

We all enjoyed ourselves and no matter how rhythmically challenged everyone learned some too! We all took photos and got the contact information of our new friends the Young Dreamers and said a sad goodbye as we left San Pedro for the last time. While everyone is a mixture of sad and excited to go home we our all looking forward to our adventure tomorrow!

– Grace and the paparazzi

Hey GLAers of Soccer Beyond Borders! Can you believe so much time has passed already? For some of us it felt like we were in Costa Rica yesterday. For others, it may seem like light years away. Whichever way you feel, I hope that the memories you carry are positive because I know they are for me and the team!

CEPIA is going strong due to the dedication of locals who give their time and energy year-round. Our ability to supplement their dedication with a bit of extra support to give teachers a free hour to lesson plan, teaching English to excited young students, and providing some structured exercise time in a PE class setting or on the synthetic field was very much appreciated and added to the larger picture of what a community can accomplish together.

But we certainly cannot forget our time supporting CEPIA with their camp! The high high energy of a summer camp for a hundred or so students that ended in a major water balloon fight! Our work with the Santa Rosa team, a more structured soccer team yearning for play time with older kids who are great at soccer.

Have you done any work in your local community since we last saw one another? Have you focused your energy on being more eco-friendly and sustainable? Have you Uncovered Solutions to problems you faced? If so, amazing! If not, I encourage you to remember your O.M.G. Change does not always come in big sweeping waves.

Sometimes it is small steps in a different direction that allow us to achieve our goals and make our dreams a reality. What is stopping you? Better yet, what resources do you have that will support you? Who in your life can you reach out to? Perhaps a friend from GLA. Perhaps a teacher or friend from school. Dig deep and look for support.

Never stop reaching for the stars. Always live your best life. Bring others up with you as you grow, the company will be nice to have.

All the best and Pura Vida,

Rafa, Nina, Lauren, and Jess

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!

Tuesday July 9, 2019

Bienvenidos a Costa Rica! Today we welcomed 25 very excited students, most of which are visiting Costa Rica for the first time and some of them leaving the country without their parents for the first time. While we ran into some flight troubles, all of them did arrive safely to Home Base. We gave them some classic Subway sandwiches on the bus ride to satiate a bit of hunger before we had a delicious pasta dinner made by our head chef Veronica.

Upon arrival, we got to know other students and staff around the room and prepared for our first day of service tomorrow. During our free time, some started a pick up game of basketball, while others played Knockout on the court or peppered a volleyball outside. In our gym, a few students did some lifting and core workouts while others took part in a wind down yoga session led by one of our mentors, Nina.

All in all, tons of laughter, new friendships, and good food. Check out a couple highlights below and then this link for more photos!

All of the photos we take will be uploaded here: Photo Folder

Pura Vida!

GLA Staff

Wednesday July 10, 2019

Today, we jumped right in and began taking steps to being more active leaders. With a morning wake up call at 7am to begin service in the local community at 8am. This week, classes are not in session, so GLA is partnering with CEPIA, a local organization that provides after/before school programming for students from low socio-economic backgrounds, but this week we are supporting their educational outreach by taking part in a camp. We split up unto groups to play soccer on the synthetic field, playground games in the town plaza, and organized activities in the local basketball gym. As a team, we worked together to create organization in the chaos of working with over 40 students from the ages of 5 to 14! Then the CEPIA team invited us to share in some Tamarindo jugo while the kids sang karaoke in Spanish.

After a delicious lunch, we made our way to practice on the field with FIFA certified Coach Warren. It was a scorcher today, so thankfully we finished practice with our swim tests and went over water safety. Wrapping up orientation, we put together the GLA puzzle and went over the Code of Conduct, so everyone is very well aware of what type of behavior is acceptable while serving on a GLA trip.

Starting and ending the day with smiles, I think we can all agree a full nights rest will benefit us in preparation for another very full day. Check out the link in the first blog for photos and below for few highlights.

Pura Vida!

Saturday July 13, 2019

After Wednesday through Friday of jam-packed service and training, it was time for these students to take a break and go on some excursions! First we left the beach and heading towards the mountains. Volcano Arenal was calling our names and beckoning us to the Baldi Hot Springs. After a four hour drive with a large chunk of windy roads involved, we arrived to our destination with new knowledge of how Lake Arenal was formed, by the community deciding to find new energy efficient ways to provide for the local community by tapping into the water and wind resources readily available.

While the rain was cold that night, the hot springs powered by the volcano were great to soak in. And the slides were tons of fun as well! The next day after a big breakfast, everyone was all smiles when we zipped through the canopy around the volcano on seven different zip lines. We saw wildlife, waterfalls, and amazing views. Then at the bottom before we ate a big lunch, we met with a local tribe that has existed in the area for hundreds of years that shared a local juice with us and showed us some of their amazing art.

After a long bus ride back to home base, students enjoyed the Moonlight Market in Play Flamingo and took part in some local foods, music, and more art. Check the first blog post for the photo folder but also peek at some highlights below!

Pura Vida!

Friday July 19, 2019

GOOOOOLLLL!!! Today we played inside the Liberia Stadium where the team trains and plays at and we brought some of the local kids from Potrero along with us for a friendly 11 v 11 game with a certified referee. Our ref had to make some tough calls, but all in all a 8-6 game was well played by all of our players.

We finished up our work with CEPIA today as well, saying goodbye to the “orange shirts” and the local kids who we have been working with for the past two weeks. Tomorrow is our last service opportunity and we will be working with the young Santa Rosa futbol team.

This week we after ziplining and hot springs, we surfed, trained, and worked in the local community of Huacas with CEPIA. Plus, we did a very short hike to the top of the hill that we are living on to watch a beautiful sunset and had an amazing cooking lesson with our chef, Veronica! Many of these photos have been updated in the folder provided in the first blog! Check out a few highlights below.

Pura Vida!

Sunday July 21, 2019

Our last day was a fun-filled adventure rafting the Tenorio River. Fast rapids and major waterfalls, we overcame fears, got soaked, and had many laughs. After a two hour bus ride back to Home Base, they FINALLY got the Wi-Fi and immediately jumped on their phones to start Snap Chatting and Instagramming their experience. Along with reintroduction to the internet, they spent time having a dance party on porch of the dorms blasting music and singing at the top of their lungs.

Our appreciation circle was a chance for people to reflect on their experiences and share with others how we have impacted one another over the past two weeks. sharing laughter and shedding tears of joy, we said what was on our hearts. Then making a One Meaningful Goal and sharing that OMG, we ended our night saying our goodbyes.

Checkout the link in the first blog post of the session for photos and a couple of highlights below.

Pura Vida!

Hey GLAers of Soccer Beyond Borders! Can you believe so much time has passed already? For some of us it felt like we were in Costa Rica yesterday. For others, it may seem like light years away. Whichever way you feel, I hope that the memories you carry are positive because I know they are for me and the team!

CEPIA is going strong due to the dedication of locals who give their time and energy year-round. Our ability to supplement their dedication with a bit of extra support to give teachers a free hour to lesson plan, teaching English to excited young students, and providing some structured exercise time in a PE class setting or on the synthetic field was very much appreciated and added to the larger picture of what a community can accomplish together. Then a more immediately tangible efforts of picking up trash on the beach with local kids and learning about how our eco-friendly efforts can help restore mangroves, an essential piece to Costa Rican wildlife and biodiversity.

Have you done any work in your local community since we last saw one another? Have you focused your energy on being more eco-friendly and sustainable? Have you Uncovered Solutions to problems you faced? If so, amazing! If not, I encourage you to remember your O.M.G. Change does not always come in big sweeping waves.

Sometimes it is small steps in a different direction that allow us to achieve our goals and make our dreams a reality. What is stopping you? Better yet, what resources do you have that will support you? Who in your life can you reach out to? Perhaps a friend from GLA. Perhaps a teacher or friend from school. Dig deep and look for support.

Never stop reaching for the stars. Always live your best life. Bring others up with you as you grow, the company will be nice to have.

All the best and Pura Vida,

Rafa, Nina, Lauren, and Blake

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!

Sunday June 23, 2019

A very full day of successful travel and calling parents followed by name games, icebreakers, and good food. Sure, we covered the Code of Conduct and then some Home Base specific rules, such as drinking water, showers, and keeping the communal spaces clean and safe. A quick play-by-play for our parents and family, students trickled in and then ate Subway sandwiches on the bus while our driver, Michael, got us to Home Base safely. After arriving and meeting the team, we went over the basics and a great overview of the 14 day program.

In case you did not know already, our schedule is jam packed with service-learning projects, pick up soccer games in the community, sunsets on the beach, surfing lessons, rafting, zip-lining through the jungle and, because this is Soccer Beyond Borders, training with a FIFA certified coach! We reminded students that due to being such a full 14 days, phone usage will be kept to a minimum, if at all. So, if you do not hear from them, no worries! We are filling their days with service work and adventure so we can help them develop their leadership style. As always, please give Head Quarters a call if you have any questions.

Pura Vida!

Monday June 24, 2019

The first full day and… *phew* we covered a TON of stuff! First off with a 630 AM wake up call, the student partook in the swim tests. We have a lot of water activities planned and in true GLA fashion, safety first! Then a traditional Tico breakfast of gallo pinto, ham, eggs, maduro, and fresh fruit followed by some free time and more orientation. Some used their free time to do yoga and exercise, while others used it to make new friends. Today for orientation, we uncovered more of our identities, collectively created Community Agreements focused on mutual respect and trust, and wrapped up with thoughts on service-learning.

We had a big lunch before heading over to the soccer field with Coach Warren, a former team member of the Costa Rica national team, for some diagnostic training to level our skills and prepare for future trainings. It looks like we may have our own national fútbol team in the making!

Wrapping up our day, we stopped at Brasilito Beach to watch the sunset, just before the rain started! But, before the rain arrived, we were able to get a great photo and some time in the water. Check out photos from the day at the link provided and a few highlights below.

Click here for photo folder.

Thursday June 27, 2019

Talk about ADVENTURE and LEADERSHIP. We have been deep in the trenches of service in the community, adventure, and training. Yesterday, we woke up early and linked up with Tenorio Adventures for an amazing time white water rafting. Many of us have been rafting once or twice, some of us multiple times, and a few of us have never been. Overcoming fear of the unknown, we jumped into our 5 person rafts and went on an adventure. While some looked for a easier ride, some of us intentionally capsized… multiple times!

Today we returned to the same organization, CEPIA, to provide exercise and games with local children ages 8-11. Many of us learned that “caballito” means “horsie” or more accurately, “I want to ride on your back while you run around!” With caballito and a few soccer and basketballs, we were able to provide some physical exercise to many local young students. Wrapping up today, we made it to the beach for some sunset beach time.

Check out a few photos below that highlight the days but then also take a look at the photo folder provided in the last blog update, where I added many more photos and some of the students “headbutting” the soccer ball in a drill that Coach Warren had us do.

Pura Vida!

Sunday June 30, 2019

Since out last blog post, we have surfed on the shores of Playa Grande, zip-lined through the forest around Volcan Arenal and bathed in it’s natural hot springs, played an intense match of pick up futbol at the neighboring barrio Potrero, and worked with young kids who have a zeal for the game who welcomed us into their practice. On Friday, we spent our late morning and early afternoon catching some waves. We had eight instructors who had many years of expertise on “tablas” or “surfboards” who showed us how stand up and ride the waves. I was not able to get too many photos because, once they hit the water, I wanted to make sure I have my life guard rescue can at the ready.

That evening we made out way to Potrero to work with some middle school students from the neighborhood until the high school kids were let out from class. Then we split into two groups and played a fast paced games with students their own age. Teenagers who not only had speed and talent, but clearly had played many years together on that field and knew the game very well.

Saturday, one of our fantastic Mentors, Nina, led a yoga class on campus that a few students were able to attend and attempt to find some zen. Then we made our way to the practice field in Santa Rosa where we led organized soccer activities for students ages 8-11. With almost a 1-to-1 ratio of GLA students and local soccer kids, we were able to split into small groups and really work with one another. With a delicious lunch and handmade donuts, we then celebrated Lily’s birthday!

That afternoon we made our way up to Volcan Arenal to bath in the Baldi hot springs! A large family oriented water park with slides, waterfalls, and hot tubs all powered by the support of the hot springs made possible by the local volcano. Then on Sunday, we made our way to the national park to fly on seven fast-paced zip lines! Even Coach Warren joined us!

Check out the link to the photo folder in the second blog and then a few fan favorites below!

Friday July 5, 2019

As we wrap up our last evening and reflect on the past few days, a lot occurred. Cleaning beaches and playing sand soccer with local kids. Saying goodbye to the students we connected with and the friends we made on the trip. Playing a game with an official ref on the Liberia Soccer Field. Taking part in a SECOND ice cream tournament for Fút Cinco, where the winners get a classic Tico ice cream, Trit! Our cooking lessons with Veronica where we made tostones, empanadas, guacamole, and pico de gallo. Followed by some bachata and salsa dance lessons by a local dance instructor, Greddy.

Our last night, some play basket ball, some hangout and chat, some take part in an impromptu jam session at the yoga studio. Making memories. Saying goodbye.

A summer filled with early mornings, busy days of service and training, intermittent excursions, and becoming leaders.

Below are a few highlights, but the same folder mentioned in the second blog has all of the photos, plus a few more from the surfing photographer!

Can you even believe that so much time has passed since our Parismina sea turtle trip ended? I still think about the amazing starry skies we got to see together on the last two night patrols.

I remember cheering you on during surfing, and admiring and respecting your openness with the community on our town days (Miriam the Smoothie Queen who had so much gratitude for your business, who could forget her?!). I think back often to the piggyback rides you gave to the school kids, and my own ridiculous and cringe-worthy attempt at singing my way through Musical Chairs when we didn’t have a speaker available for music.

When we first started to get to know each other at zip lining, I could tell you would become a tight-knit group, but you surprised me by the depth of the friendships that were formed in 10 short days. You were so inclusive of each other, so kind, and provided such a safe space that allowed everyone to be themselves.

I was, and am, so proud of all of you for the beautiful community you formed. By the end we were all braiding each other’s hair (and remember the professional braids from the local ladies at the artist market?), sharing bug spray in a unified front against mosquitoes, laughing out way through dance class, and hugging our way through Story of Self.

Our time spent together in Costa Rica truly did make an impact. The beaches are cleaner because of you. Over 200 eggs and two mama turtles are safe because of our group. Beach erosion will be lessened and monkeys are ensured a habitat because of your reforestation efforts.

I really hope that you have taken some of what you learned in Costa Rica and applied it to life back home. Perhaps you are decreasing your plastic usage, or are supporting small, local, ethical businesses, or maybe have reached out warmly to someone who is not native to your culture.

Following up on our One Meaningful Goal, perhaps you now think twice about buying Dole, Del Monte, or Chiquita bananas, remembering the atrocious plastic usage and questionable human and environmental rights practices involved in their production.

We did a lot of hard service work, often under the full sun, but you all made it really enjoyable when we worked as a team. Even when we had to try to quiet you down (because you just got along so well and had so much enthusiasm when talking, or wanted to continue hanging out after lights out because you enjoyed each other’s company so much), I still wouldn’t have traded your group for anything. You gifted me and all of the GLA team so much joy. It was genuinely a privilege to spend time with you all on each and every adventure we had.

I’d love to hear from you – how are you BEING the CHANGE back home? How have you been inspired from our time in Costa Rica?

Wishing you the very best and sending you all a big hug.

Cheers,
Brittany and the Sea Turtle Initiative team!

Click here to jump down to the most recent posts!

Wednesday July 24, 2019

Students trickled in slowly on Arrival day, leaving equal time for getting to know each other and resting up from a day of travel.

For those who arrived through the afternoon, lunch was on offer from a family owned restaurant across the street from the hotel. where they enjoyed typical Costa Rican fare (rice,beans,choice of meat, veggies,salad and fried plantains!)

After naps, games and more arrivals, students stretched their legs with a walk to dinner at Tortillería, a local fusion restaurant.

With full bellies and new friends, students got a quick orientation from Mentors Jacob, Angelina and Cathy. The last arrivals enjoyed their meals in the hotel, while discussing the following day’s journey to home base and big ziplining adventure!

-GLA Staff

Thursday July 25, 2019

The next morning brought the whole group together for the first time. Over breakfast, students acquainted themselves and prepared their day packs for the first big adventure.

Ziplining didn’t disappoint, as students spent their midday soaring over the rainforest canopy. Complete with tapir sighting and hearty lunch of rice, beans, pasta, salad and fruit juice, everyone had plenty to chat about as the van departed for the Green Gold Eco lodge, where the students will call home for the next week!

After a stop at the local market Maxi Palí for some snacks and any last minute provisions the final leg of the journey took them past expansive banana plantations owned by Chiquita, Dole & Del Monte. Director Brie prompted students to consider working conditions, pesticide and herbicide runoff and deforestation as discussion of the term ‘banana republic’ became something more tangible than just a fast fashion outlet.
A 15 minute boat ride and short walk brought students into home base, where dinner of pasta, garlic bread and salad waited.

After orientation and safety guidelines, students finally settled into their off-grid jungle home.

Friday July 26, 2019

This morning the group woke up to a fresh breakfast. Our first activity was the farm tour in which we saw a sloth iguanas cayman a giant wasp nest and some beautiful butterflies. We were all excited to try variety of coconuts and pass them around to drink the juice. After the farm tour we had lunch and then a lecture about the different types of turtles in the area and how they can be helped.

Then we all walked out to the beach to learn about the tracks of the turtles and how to find their nest. We then all came in and did a debate about building Shoreside hotels. We all learned a lot about listening to different perspectives. After that we all had some free time before dinner. We are now on preparing for a first night patrol. Fingers crossed we see a turtle!

-by Lola, Claudia, Sara, Veronika

Sunday July 28, 2018

Today we went into Parismina for the first time and it was beautiful. We got to see baby turtles be released into the ocean. We learned how to measure sea turtles and how to relocate turtle eggs so they hatch safely and are camouflaged from poachers. We saw some cute dogs on our way to grab chocolate cover bananas and ice cream from a local shop. All of us split into two groups and went off to make empaladas which were so tasty. On our way back we were followed by some community dogs all the way back to base camp. Then we had free time for the majority of the rest of the day, which including coconut hunting and hanging at the beach. Then we ended the day with a delicious dinner and games.

-by Liv, Kai, Leah, Leila

Tuesday July 30, 2019

Today we went to Parismina and went to the elementary school where we got to play with little kids and teach them some games. Next thing we did was get smoothies from a small shop. We met a very sweet, local boy from town. After this we played sports with the towns’ people. Following this, we went to a market filled with beautiful, handmade crafts and bracelets. It was amazing to be able to support local artisans in Parismina.
We then went to a soccer game, which started with local children, but then evolved to include the local teens as well.

It was incredible to be able to feel fully immersed in Parismina’s beautiful and colorful culture.
We went out for night patrol after dinner and were lucky enough to see the beautiful nights sky. Just a few minutes into our night patrol our group came across a green turtle!!! We watched the turtle dig her nest and lay her eggs. After the turtle laid her eggs, we reburied them to hide them from poachers. In total there were 110 eggs! It was an astounding experience. We watched the turtle return to sea and reflected about our journey and the people we met and experiences we’ve been fortunate enough to have.

Brian, Jackson, Bryn, Kennan